The Charlotte Mason College class of 1995 reunited back in Ambleside on Friday 29 August. Event organiser Frazer Westmorland provided this account of the event.
“A number of us gathered in Ambleside last Friday (29 August) to celebrate 30 years since graduating. I arrived on the Thursday, after a lovely lunch with two of our former lecturers, Kath and Kevin Langley-Hamel. That evening I caught up with fellow alumni over refreshments — first at The Golden Rule, a favourite old haunt, and then at The White Lion, where half a dozen of our group were testing their wits in a pub quiz.
On Friday morning we met at Low Nook, taking the traditional photo in front of the famed maple tree, just beginning to turn red for autumn. From there we walked up to the former Kelsick buildings (now home to The Force Café and Terrace) where we enjoyed generous slices of cake; much needed after that walk, stunning views, and even a nostalgic low-level fly-past from a fighter jet — just like the old days!
By late afternoon, almost twenty alumni had arrived. After hot drinks and biscuits, we enjoyed a tour led by Alumni Relations Officer Joanne Lusher. Many of us learned new things about the college buildings, including the origins of the Millet building’s name. We took photos on the Wordsworth Steps and in the Percival Lecture Theatre, admired the new library, and even snuck a peek past the office where our fellow alumnus, Rich Ensoll, now works.
The evening gathering was fuelled by sandwiches, quiche and cake, with a ’95 playlist in the background. We welcomed another dozen alumni via Zoom and each took a minute to share what we had been doing since graduation. It was uplifting to hear how many were still in education — some in the very schools they began their careers in thirty years ago. We also paused to remember college friends who are no longer with us, which was moving and beautifully received.
With formalities complete, conversation flowed into the night. The last few danced until closing, finishing with a harmonised rendition of Hey Jude.
Although we had held a virtual gathering in 2020, it was wonderful to meet again in person. The warmth, laughter, and reconnection of this weekend left us all looking forward to doing it again in 2030; watch this space!”
If you are interested in reuniting with your classmates, get in touch, email alumni@cumbria.ac.uk