Bowland College celebrates in style

Lancaster University’s oldest college has celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a party to remember.

On Saturday, November 20, more than two hundred former college members, including alumni and staff, returned to mark Bowland College’s 40th birthday.

Bowland College - the first of Lancaster University’s colleges to open back in 1964 - was named after the Forest of Bowland which was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the year that the college opened.

The event included a football match between old boys and current students – won 3-1 by the old boys - a drinks reception in Bowland Senior Common Room and a formal dinner-dance in the old Cartmel College Dining Room.

The birthday celebration was co-ordinated by a small team of Bowland College Officers and hosted on behalf of the College by Dr Louise Banton, Bowland College Principal.

Dr Banton said: “It’s great to see so many people here. Some of whom have travelled here from as far afield as Nigeria, America and Hong Kong. It’s a privilege to be the Principal of a College that people have such a strong sense of affection for. Each and every one of the students who have been members of Bowland College over the last 40 years have contributed to making the College what it is today, a College with a sense of history and a College to be proud of.”

Dr Marcus Merrimen, a founding Bowland College senior member and longest serving employed member of academic staff at Lancaster University, was Master of Ceremonies at the dinner.

Meanwhile Tim Hamlett (JCR President 1970) - who had flown in that morning from Hong Kong to attend the celebrations - toasted the health of the College and Dr Ian Saunders (College Principal 1989-1999) who had himself been a postgraduate member of Bowland College in 1967 responded with a toast to the health of the students.