The Class of 1965 met at the Verena Holmes Building for tea and cake, the planting of a tree to mark the Jubilee, followed by an evening dinner hosted by the Vice-Chancellor.

The former group of students started their teacher training journey in response to a national shortage of teachers when the University opened its doors as a primary teacher training college on one location, with nine members of staff and 70 students.

Alumnae Sue Billett said her fondest memory is the groups’ friendship. “We’ve formed lasting friendships and have always kept in touch,” she said.

“It was wonderful being in Canterbury and it’s ended where it all started. Although we may not see each other every year we have made the effort to keep in touch and get together.”

The majority of the first cohort continued their careers in teaching, flourishing in primary, secondary and special education needs.

Two members of the class also met Her Majesty The Queen when she visited the campus in the same year of 1965 on Maundy Thursday.

Lorna Daymond, who has recently written an autobiography, was given the task of showing The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh around the city campus. Lorna recalled feeling worried about initiating a conversation with Her Majesty.

Lorna also recalled a moment when The Queen visited the library.

“When she went into the library she was interested in the children’s picture books and she suddenly came alive over that – she was a mother. It all became personal and I think that was really lovely.”

“Another funny memory was the Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey who sat beside my at a service in the Chapel. He steadied himself before sitting down by putting his hands on the chair in front with his Archbishop’s ring. The Duke of Edinburgh was about to sit on it and he said to the Duke ‘you’re supposed to kiss it not sit on it!”

Alumnus Stan Forster reminisced on his time when The Queen visited campus. “It was a celebration that was out of term time too – there were a chosen few who were on the executive of the Students’ Union who were allowed access.

“It was a joyous day – everyone really enjoyed it. We don’t see that we’re particularly royalists until something happens, but then we are there because it’s important. We don’t really know why but it’s a bonding thing. We were the first students who also got to meet The Queen and since then we’ve all kept together – we’ve kept the bond. I think as the University was a smaller institution it was easier to keep in touch and the fact that we’re sixty years on and that out of 60,18 are still here – it shows there is a real strong bond between us. It’s great to have. I feel really grateful the University gave me a start.”

Stan’s career spans 42 years in Special Education and he has worked with children with major behavioural difficulties. “I’ve had a great career and thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said.

The event was one of many that the University is hosting throughout 2022 to reflect on its history, celebrate the achievements of its students, alumni and staff and look ahead to an exciting future.

Today, over 20,000 students study a range of subjects across the arts, humanities, education, science and engineering, social sciences, medicine, health and social care, at three campuses in Canterbury, Medway and Tunbridge Wells, and through partnerships in the UK and around the world. They are supported by 1,800 dedicated members of staff.