Welcome Back to Mulligan’s Crew!
It was such a joy this week to meet Pete Mulligan and his five colleagues, alumni from 1960-62! They came from near and far – South London, Cornwall, Lancashire and Yorkshire, but distance often strengthen ties as this group showed. Not only were they nostalgic about the good old days, but their enthusiasm and pride at how the college has grown into a thriving university with excellent facilities was very noticeable.
Before strolling around the campus, the group spent some time in the Heritage Room looking at photographs and various artifacts, and how the stories flowed! Most of the group were members of either the rugby or football teams, and the clarity with which they recalled names of players, matches, and incidents that happened 56 years ago was amazing.
A favourite story was told by a certain gentleman who shall be nameless, and when scaffolding was erected on the Minster, he just couldn’t resist climbing it. When the police brought the young man to Principal Lamb, the Reverend asked the young chap if he could give him one reason why he shouldn’t send him home for an early Christmas holiday. Thinking quickly the student said, “We’re playing Carnegie tomorrow!” To which the principal agreed that it was a very good reason, and the matter was dropped!
The group stayed on campus for two days in a building that didn’t exist when they were students – E block. Indeed when they were at St. John’s, Holgates was still Archbishop Holgates Grammar School, the new chapel was on the drawing board, and the first 7 girls were only just being added to the student body in their final year.
It would be great to see this group and others like it in the future. The members so clearly loved each others’ company and being in such a valued and formative place in their lives. Pete, Mike, John, Bob, Eddie, and Val – it was great to meet you and listen to your St. John’s memories.
Please contact Billy Jones at 01904 876741 in Alumni Development if you and your group would like to do an alumni visit.
Great to see the Mulligan Crew. I was in the 1960-63 group.Recognised Pete and Val Sellers,I’d love to put names to the other faces.I’m Dave Wright,could you pass my regards on to Pete telling him that Dave Stockdale is still around in Whitehorse,Canada and sadly Phil Curran died in Oldham,December 2020.
Great to see!
Would it be possible to have the individuals named?
After so long we have all changed!
Hi Roger, glad you enjoyed the article! As a department we can help to reconnect old college friends, please email us to find out more information.