Hundreds of alumnae and their families returned to Newnham this weekend, to celebrate the strength, determination and zest for life of our alumnae, and the 100th anniversary of the Newnham Roll.
Before women were finally given membership of the University and could have degrees conferred upon them, an entry on the Roll was the only evidence that a woman had attended College. A woman’s future could hang on the fact that her details were recorded on the Roll. And while today our graduates take their University degrees in Senate House, the Roll has taken on a new incarnation as our alumnae association.
In celebration, the College gardens filled with alumnae of all ages, from Brenda who came specially from Singapore aged 94 to join 4 ladies who came up in the 1940s, to recent graduates. They were welcomed by current students, staff and Fellows – and the unofficial College cat attended too.
A scratch choir gave a wonderful performance, “shoulder to shoulder and friend to friend”, of pieces from the suffrage movement, conducted by Monica Buckland. The highlight was the conclusion, Janet Wheeler’s newly commissioned piece, described by one singer as a “wonderful celebratory and moving song for Newnham”. ‘Better is Wisdom than Weapons of War’ is inspired by the famous words from our suffrage banner, and Deborah Chancellor’s lyrics allowed Janet’s talent for vivid choral writing full play. At the piano was composer and alumna Sarah Cattley – who also happens to be Janet’s daughter.
“Newnham talks to Newnham” and the “Living Library” offered the opportunity for alumnae and today’s College members to share their stories of Newnham and of life. Some of our older alumnae shared reminiscences from the war – a student who was 17 when she arrived received a much-envied child’s full milk ration while the over-18s scrimped by. More recent stories included memories of breakfast with friends in the Hall in the 70s, and how Strachey Building ‘seemed to pop up and then be gone again’. Memories were shared in photographic form in a fascinating display in the Library, created by our knowledgeable Library and Archives team. Three of the TEDxNewnham films were shown in the presence of the speakers and followed by a lively debate as to what Embracing Challenge can entail.
Everywhere people wandered, there was a new aspect of Newnham life. The graffiti timeline was a place for commemorating the more and less official moments of College history. Families gathered for selfies before the suffrage banner. Dr Una Monaghan’s shimmering harp music welcomed visitors at the Pfeiffer Arch. Prof Jenny Morton led the iris tent, selling the stunning Newnham Iris Collection. The winning England team were cheered on via a Livestream – and word has it that the children’s mega slide was MEGA.
“An amazing day celebrating incredible women. Thanks to Una Monaghan for the beautiful music. Also great to hear about ongoing access work to widen participation. Three years of fab memories, pushing boundaries and lifelong friendships – an inspiring place to grow” wrote alumna Lynne Woolley.
A day like this can’t be pulled together without a huge amount of hard work before, during and after the event. A huge thank you to all those who were involved for their commitment and dedication – including Peter and the catering team (“I’ve got no time for a photo – I’ve got cakes to get out”), our Garden team for the stunning location, Porters and Housekeeping for their crucial work behind the scenes, the student volunteers, still smiling after 8 hours, and most of all the Roll Office themselves, who designed and planned this celebration.
As one envious person, following the day’s events on Twitter, concluded, “Newnham seriously rocks. I wish I’d gone there.”
A few photographs from the day are below, with more to follow during the week.
