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‘89–‘95 Cohort 30-Year Reunion

Collage of alumni celebrating and smiling at a reunion© Jeremy Collyer

The initial idea

The Oxford University Medical School 1989–95 cohort celebrated a remarkable milestone with their 30-year reunion, an event that radiated nostalgia and camaraderie. The idea was sparked by Kate Owers and the other Exeter College medics when they attended their 30 year College Gaudy in September 2024 and when the Oxford Medics Alumni Association confirmed they weren’t able to organise a formal celebration, Kate and Anna Forrest-Hay (who both cite ‘party planner’ as their alternative careers) decided this was too significant an opportunity to let pass and quickly roped in Jo Morrison and Kate Jones to help them start organising!

Formal group photograph of the clinical school intake of 1992

In Jan 2025 they started a WhatsApp group, inviting everyone they had contact details for, and it spiralled from there. Within a few days, there were 110 members and it very quickly became apparent that the enthusiasm for a 30-year re-union was widespread and global. There followed polls for possible dates, discussions about a ‘sit down do’ versus mingling with bowl food and a disco for the die hard 80s dancers whose knees still work. Memories and photos, most not previously seen in digital format (we are that old), were shared, and momentum gathered.

reconnecting and gathering of momentum

The most popular date was set and the Oxford University Rugby Club booked as the venue, with its university vibes and ability to host during term time. Wonderful outside catering and a DJ were secured and the collection of material for a Re-Union Yearbook of ‘then-and now’ photos and answers to newspaper magazine-style question/answer interviews began. Getting feedback for the yearbook was funny, sad and heart-warming in equal measure. It has been really interesting to see where everyone has ‘settled’ and it gives a sense that, although no-one had changed very much from qualification (apart from the occasional extra few lbs, fewer follicles and more natural ‘blonde’ highlights), most are more comfortable now, compared to their younger selves. As expected at this point in life, many have been through tough times, both personally and professionally, and many have achieved greatly, making a huge difference to peoples’ lives, both on a personal and often at a population scale. It has been very humbling to read and an incredible feat of organisation by Jo and Kate J to put it together so beautifully.

Within a few weeks of the date being set, 90 alumni from the 1989 pre-clinical and 1992 clinical OUMS starters from all corners of the globe had signed up, and the event was officially ‘on’. Enthusiasm over the following 8 months was maintained by regular sharing of events and thoughts via the WhatsApp group, with friendships re-kindled. It rapidly became clear that one evening alone wasn’t going to be enough! So, Charlie Bailey generously arranged for an afternoon tea at Vincent’s Club before the main event on Saturday, giving people a chance to arrive in Oxford early and also to bring along partners if they wanted to introduce to old friends in the afternoon.

Collage of pictures of alumni celebrating and smiling at a reunion© Jeremy Collyer

a great success

On the day, the excitement was intense and the buzz at Vinnie’s (despite the absence of cocktails on this occasion…) was incredible. It was interesting how many said they had been a bit nervous about coming, but within seconds it felt as if we’d never left, with squeals of recognition and familiarity. The evening itself went by way too quickly, in a blur of reconnection, laughter, and reminiscing - with many long-lost friendships rekindled. The OURFC was decorated by the team in Oxford blue and silver, with a big Osler red ‘Class of ‘95’ banner (thank you Jackie) to welcome the alumni, along with a glass of fizz or two. Delicious canapes were served after Kate’s welcome and the wonderfully reminiscent and hilarious speeches from our old ‘SDM firm’ boss Professor Neil Mortensen (aka Toady from Tingewick’s ‘Warfain’d in the Willows’, who hadn’t aged a bit), and alumnus Calum Semple (who had herded everyone into the main hall with the aid of bagpipes).

Two alumni hugging at reunion event.© Jeremy Collyer

It was all over far too quickly to catch up properly with everyone. The bar talk, delicious food and disco dancing all rounded off by (un-authorised impromptu) firework display (requiring a lot of apologies afterwards) accompanied again by the bagpipes to round off an unforgettable evening. Next time some have suggested we’ll need a full week away, perhaps with walking, log fires and mugs of tea over kitchen tables or maybe we’ll just have to go and visit those based in Antigua or Australia? The WhatsApp group continues to chat, connections have been re-established, and  small gatherings are already planned for the New Year.

An enormous thank you to the organising team for all their inspiration, friendship and hard work, and, most importantly, the 89-95 starters and finishers for their enthusiasm, and for making such a massive effort to get together for a truly memorable event.

 

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