5 The reunions
The 2010 reunion
Students of the 1976 course hold annual reunions. Eight of the original 13 students attended the reunion on October 15, 2010. They gathered for drinks at the Islington flat of Tom Welsh, the university’s first Director of Journalism, then ate at nearby Le Mercury restaurant before adjourning to the Florence public house. There was a special welcome for Steve Howell, who was attending his first reunion. From City he went in 1977 to the Redbridge Guardian. The university later lost touch with him, but after a plea for information in this website in 2009 the alumni department tracked him down. He is now working as a psychotherapist in London.
At the 2009 reunion, there was a record turnout of students, ten. All were still working as journalists or in related jobs. The original 13 were selected from 120 applicants. One former student, Sue Landau, lives and works in Paris and finds it difficult to attend reunions.
The course has still failed to contact one member, Steve Williams, who went to the Hastings Observer. Tom Welsh would be glad to receive any information on him. Tom’s number is 01229 716622, e-mail tom@tomwelsh.co.uk.
From left, around table: Patrick Smith, Jon Slattery, Fran Robinson, Steve Howell, Jacky Law, Sarah Bayliss, Robin Wills, Tom Welsh. Peter Kendall took the photograph.
