The Nineties Onwards Reunion - 11/12 October 2003

The final alumni reunion to mark the 50th Anniversary of the College was for those who were here between 1990 and 2003, plus the current second year IB students. Around 100 people had booked to attend the event but we were surprised to see that twice that number actually came on the day, many of whom had travelled from all over Europe to join the celebrations.

As with the 1980s Reunion, the day started with Tea and Alumni Talks. These were held at New Place. We were delighted that so many alumni wished to attend, but we were extremely lucky that the weather was lovely so people could mingle in the gardens outside. Several alumni talked about their time at St. Clare's. The common theme which emerged - as at all the Reunions - was how much all their time here had influenced their thinking since. We were very grateful particularly to Sebastian Knoop-Troullier, Victoria France, Bryony Lee and Sascha Klengel for their contributions.

The evening continued with a reception held in the library where many of those present remembered revising for exams as students. Amongst the staff who attended were Dan Denno, David Gomm, Carolyn Halliday, Brendan McLaughlin, Caroline Crook and David Staton. All of them enjoyed the chance to catch up with older alumni as well as recent graduates.

Dinner was held in the hall for 60 of those who had booked in advance as requested. It was informal and gave everyone a chance to catch up with friends. Margaret Skarland, former Principal, welcomed the guests to the Dinner by recounting some of her memories of the alumni present. After dinner Boyd Roberts, Principal, spoke briefly about St. Clare's plans for the future before asking Therese Untersander, who left St. Clare's in 1993, to speak. Therese talked of her time at St. Clare's as well as how the confidence that she had gained in an international environment is helping her to succeed in the competitive world of sports journalism. As it was Therese's birthday the next day, we surprised her with a cake complete with candles.

Those alumni who did not come to the dinner went to favourite haunts in Summertown and central Oxford, where the dinner guests later joined them. A good time was had by all.

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