Memory Lane: 50 years of friendship

The tradition begins

50 years ago Lynnie Porter née Beer (Chemistry, 1975), Dave Porter (Physics, 1974), Trish Parker née Stuart (Social Sciences, 1974) and Len Steed (Law, 1975) celebrated the end of their second-year exams with a picnic.

Along with eight other university friends they drove out to Sherwood Forest and spent the afternoon eating, drinking and singing the Robin Hood theme tune at bemused passersby.

Every year since, the tradition has continued and built - even through a Covid-19 lockdown - with celebrations being held everywhere from Wollaton to Colwick, criss-crossing the county. The gatherings attract attendees locations as far flung as Canada and Australia, allowing them to reconnect with friends they had temporarily misplaced. 

Derby Hall devotion

While many Nottingham venues have played host to their reunions over the years, there seems to be one that holds a particularly special place in their hearts. Len recalled first meeting Dave in Derby Hall during freshers’ week in 1972 as they bonded over 14p pints and a mutual love of basketball. He’d go on to meet his future wife Gail here, too.

The group has fond memories of watching Live Aid 1985 with their children in Derby Hall during one of their reunions, and even returning for the hall’s 50th anniversary in 2013.

Back to the 70s...

What was life like at the University of Nottingham in the ‘70s? The group painted a colourful picture of Wednesday night discos, experimental mixed sex halls, wining and dining with Swedish tennis superstar Björn Borg, and waiting in line for their weekly phone calls with parents using the communal telephones.

Not to mention, of course, the traditional UoN pastime of standing in a carpark in the freezing cold at 3am during a fire drill!

Dave fondly recalled the now legendary inaugural concert of Paul McCartney’s Wings. “They charged 50p a ticket and all proceeds went to the SU. They knew six songs and they played them each three times!” he recounted the excitement that spread around campus like wildfire when the band’s van first pulled up outside of the Portland Building.    

As for this year's picnic, according to Len: "It’s fair to say that everyone was in their usual good form, the conversations flowed and the odd toast was made!

"And, given the variability of the weather in 2023, the sun shone down on us. Another good do was had by all!"

It won't surprise you to know that thoughts are already looking ahead to the 51st edition in 2024 too!