Michaelmas Day celebrates reunion and reconnection amongst Old Ardinians who left the College more than 40 years ago. With leaving classes ranging from 1947 to 1978, it was wonderful to see plenty of familiar faces at this year’s event. It was equally special to be joined by OAs returning to the College for the first time in many years and, in some cases, several decades.
There might have been a chill wind in the Archway, but a warm welcome was waiting in the Dining Hall. As always, this much-loved event began with coffee, pastries and a chance to peruse the carefully curated archive displays. Next came Chapel, with a service led by College Chaplain, Reverend Andy Nicholson, and Reverend Andrew Wadsworth (1974). The hymns were supported by organist, Helen Birch, and those hours of coaching from successive Music Directors were put to good use as OA voices were raised together.
Lunch was served in the Dining Hall, and although the location was the same as those school meals of yesteryear, the quality of food was a vast improvement, judging by the comments from our OA guests. John Band (1961) spoke for many when he declared, “The food could be terrible in those days!” Although he added that it was probably “much worse when my father was here in the 1880s!”
Over coffee, Development Director, Elinor Wood, addressed the room and shared some words from the Annals, written more than sixty years ago. They were taken from the Warren House report, but the sentiment resonated with OAs from all houses. The writer described, “that intangible something … definable perhaps as a friendliness which is the sum of many friendships. Go up to any part of Warren in the evening and you will feel it: leave Ardingly and this is what it hurts most to leave.” The strength of friendships forged at school – the friendliness that is the sum of many friendships – was firmly in mind, particularly for the friends of Andy Forrest (1965), as a toast was made to shared memories and absent friends.
Michaelmas Day celebrates reunion and reconnection amongst Old Ardinians who left the College more than 40 years ago. With leaving classes ranging from 1947 to 1978, it was wonderful to see plenty of familiar faces at this year’s event. It was equally special to be joined by OAs returning to the College for the first time in many years and, in some cases, several decades.
After lunch, tour groups explored the campus, remarking on the many changes but also recognising the elements that remain unchanged down the decades. The clouds cleared and the sun came out, giving everyone the chance to linger on the Terrace and enjoy that timeless view.
Michaelmas Day is about looking back, about reminisce and nostalgia, but it is also a day for making fresh connections and creating new memories. For Piers Pendred (1961), “The day was rewarding way beyond expectation. The memory of this visit will last a long time – as long as I do.” Old Ardinians always have a place at the College and whether you return each year, or leave it several years between visits, a warm welcome awaits on Michaelmas Day.
