The Queen's College Record 2020

Celebrate
40 years of women at Queen’s, in a College whose history dates back to 1341, felt
like a milestone to be celebrated with a party – what better way to mark the start of a
legacy for future generations!
On 16 March 2019, we held our ‘40 Years of Co-Education Celebration Dinner’,
arranged by our team of Elizabeth Pilkington (Mathematics, 2000), Lauriane Anderson
Mair (Modern Languages, 2007) and Wendy Burt (née Hayes; Modern History, 1979),
in partnership with the Old Members’ Office. Former students from all four decades
– including mother and daughter, Jane (née Chapman; PPE, 1979) and Katy Welsh
(Physics, 2015) – current students, Fellows and College staff came together for this
historic, first all-female (with a few welcome exceptions!) gathering in Hall.
Old Members’ Activities
The event began with a chance for friends and new acquaintances to catch up over
afternoon tea in the Shulman Auditorium. A charm bracelet exclusively designed
by designer Sibylle de Baynast, whose son studied at Queen’s, was available to
attendees to mark the occasion and, following informal presentations, a group photo
was taken to capture the moment. Highlights of our Archive were on display in the
Magrath Room, with thanks to Michael Riordan for curating this.
The group photo in the Shulman Auditorium
One touching highlight of the day was the Chapel Service conducted by Revd
Katherine Price, with an all-women choir made up of current and former choristers,
led by Professor Owen Rees and featuring a specially composed piece by Eleanor
Graff-Baker (Music, 1980). Drinks in the Upper Library provided a further opportunity
to speak with peers and connect with Queen’s women from across the generations,
sharing our common experiences and memories. We convened for dinner with a
College Record 2020 | The Queen’s College 91