The Eighties Reunion - 20/21 September 2003

St. Clare's continued the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of the College, this time with alumni who were here during the 1980's. Members of staff who taught at St. Clare's during the 1980's, some of whom are still here, also came to the reunion. Amongst those present were; Bill and Eileen Enoch, Ted May, Andree MacCallum, Sylvia Corrie and Anne Dreydel, Co-Founder and Former Principal.

The reunion started with tea in the Hall during which alumni who were present talked of their memories of St. Clare's and of their paths and careers since leaving the College.

We were very grateful to Joanne Gray who started the ball rolling by telling us about her whirlwind career with some of the biggest IT companies - mainly before they had become household names. Everyone who attended was able to contribute, and one of the most striking memories of all turned out to be the initial St. Clare's interview with Miss Dreydel. It was wonderful that Miss Dreydel was present, and joined in with her reflections from the early 80's.

The evening continued with a reception at New Place, 131 Banbury Road. The weather was mild enough for people to enjoy the lovely gardens whilst chatting to friends and drinking champagne. Everyone then gathered for dinner in the conservatory of the Dining Room. Boyd Roberts, Principal, welcomed guests before the Dinner and presented a copy of the Story of St. Clare's to Margaret Skarland, Bill and Eileen Enoch and Anne Dreydel.

After dinner, Margaret Skarland, (Principal 1985-1998) spoke of her memories of St. Clare's and its students during the 1980s. Nathalie Lethbridge (1978-1980) concluded the evening by speaking of her fond memories of her time here and also how well the College had prepared her for life. Nathalie was recently Executive Director of Business and Legal Affairs at Walt Disney Television International. She finished by toasting the achievements of St. Clare's in the last fifty years.

After dinner coffee and wine was served in the staff room whilst alumni took the opportunity to talk to Anne Dreydel, Margaret Skarland and current students. Although small, the 1980s Reunion was a lovely event where people had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and teachers.

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