Friday night was the Hertford College Gaudy (college reunion dinner) as previously mentioned (Weird in a deja vue kind of way). Off to Oxford straight from work with my Moss Bros DJ in tow, Arrived just in time for the pre-dinner sherry followed by a very nice meal and a couple of pints down the college bar. Like Cinderella, I fled at midnight as I had a house-warming to attend on Saturday (my own).
The real pleasure was catching up with Alan who left at the end of the first year to go to Manchester University (not UMIST as I incorrectly wrote earlier). He came back to visit once every term for the next three years. He reminded me of what I had forgotten, that I went to visit him after college on a trip to the lake district. Mike was in good form but Pete was as sneering and cynical as ever and Vince was a no show as expected.
Back Row: Pete Miller, Mike ?, Vince Russett.
Front row: Mike Gover, Alan Bunker.
For me it was a chance to discuss with the others whether the college years were as miserable as I remember them. [Spoiler alert - It was, see Oxford Life - 02 Social] Mary says I paint too negative picture and should balance it with the plus points but for me there are not enough of those to tip the scales. The reasons why I did not enjoy college are many and varied but the margin is too narrow... Certainly looking round a roomful of strangers in black tie I felt zero affinity with those hallowed halls and maybe a little jealous of those with fond memories, a sense of camaraderie and rose-tinted nostalgia.
Edit: Saturday 17-October-2026.
When I originally wrote this post, I forgot to mention the weirdest thing that happened there. While we were in the Principal’s lodgings having pre-dinner sherry I met up with Ian Tolley (geography) and Mike Gover (chemistry). I said Hi to Ian then turned to Mike and said “Hello Mike”. In return I got the startled look of someone who is clearly thinking “Who the hell is that?” Given that I spent four years studying with this man, living in each other’s pockets, eating and drinking together, even sharing a house for two years, it was surreal watching that flicker of non-recognition in his eyes. “It’s Mark!” I said. Panic over.
To be fair my appearance had changed dramatically from the previous time we met. Instead of long hair, moustache and glasses, I had contact lenses and a much more trimmed hair do.
Before, 1974, mandatory academic wear when sitting exams:
After, 1999, professional head shot on going freelance:
And yes, those are both me!
No comments:
Post a Comment