On a very warm day in late June, Bert Kennedy (Geology, 1968-71) brought together, at Royal Holloway, alumni, friends and family from across the UK and Ireland to celebrate his gift of significant funding towards the post of Bedford Project Archivist, in memory of his wife Christine.
In a typical act of generosity Bert also invited members of the Bedford Society Committee and their spouses. We all had a very good evening.
We started with drinks and canapés in the Picture Gallery and moved on to a well-chosen supper in the Crosslands Room, with doors opened out so we could start to enjoy the cooler evening air. The excellent musical accompaniment was provided by harpist, Charlotte Farrugia, who is studying Music at RHBNC.
The smooth running of the event was due to the hard work and care that Gemma Marenghi,Associate Director, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at RHBNC, had taken. Gemma’s was not an easy task, particularly as the heat had taken its toll on parts of the building. Thank you, Gemma.
Rooms were full and there was no shortage of talk and laughter. Committee members spoke to several who had been students at Bedford with Bert and Christine. It was very good to hear more about Christine who sadly passed away in 2017.
Amongst the Bedfordians was Dr Jean Langhorne who had just been elected Fellow of the Royal Society so we were able to celebrate this prestigious award. Jean’s outstanding work is described thus: ‘her work on the human pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum, inspired her to become involved in mentoring and training African scientists. This resulted in her directing the Crick Africa Network, which supports African scientists to establish their independent research laboratories and technology platforms in Africa’.
Betty Hales, chair of the Bedford Society, spoke enthusiastically, thanking Bert and his family for the gift of funds and for bringing everyone together. Betty also spoke about the riches of the Bedford archive and the importance of supporting the work into the future.
We later had the very good news that several of those present at the event had made donations, amounting to close on £5,000, towards the continuation of the archivist post. This is something we very much hope will be possible, funding permitting.
Betty noted that whenever Bedfordians get together they fall easily into good and inclusive conversation and want to keep in touch. Not all of those present from Bert’s time at college were receiving the newsletter so we hope now to have enlarged the circulation list and have further opportunities for keeping in touch.
Thank you, Bert!
Claire Daunton
History, 1971- 1974
