“Just like family” – class of 1998 reunite
12 October 2016
After forming a special bond on their Theatre Design course, almost 20 years ago, 14 classmates returned to campus recently for a special reunion.
The friends met up in The Arboretum where they used to spend their lunchtimes and started with a tour of the Waverley Building and their former studios and workshops – bumping into an “old” lecturer on the way. Before they left they recreated their graduation image on the front steps (pictured right).
Organiser, Lisa Farnsworth, said: “It was incredible to see that so little had changed and that the standard of work was still so high, particularly in the new costume design course.”
They enjoyed lunch at their old haunt – the Gooseberry Bush – and wandered around the halls and new buildings.
Lisa said: “We also popped into Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and got quite nostalgic when the Seafood Man came in selling his cockles and mussels! We ended with an Indian, drinks and a good old catch up!
“Some of our class have gone on to have successful careers in theatre or television. Many are teachers or involved in working with children or the arts. Some, like me, are doing something completely different but one thing hadn’t changed - our bond.
“On our course you had to rely on your fellow students so much, and we worked long hours, so we became like a family. It feels just the same 20 years on. One of our group, who only spent a term with us, is now a successful theatre designer and she came all the way from Hungary to join us.”
The group plan to meet again in 2018 to celebrate 20 years since graduation.
Let us know if you are planning a reunion and send us your news and photographs. If you need help contacting classmates you are no longer in touch with then please let us know. We are happy to help if we can.