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Fifty years on: Wolverhampton alumni travels length of the UK to reunite where lifelong friendship

19/11/2025
Fifty years on: Wolverhampton alumni travels length of the UK to reunite where lifelong friendship

A group of University alumni marked a remarkable milestone, returning to the city to celebrate 50 years since they first arrived as students, then at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, and forged friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Travelling from across the UK, including Cornwall, and Newcastle, the group of five spent a weekend revisiting the places that shaped their early adult lives. Organised by alumna Anne Connolly (née Simpson), who made the journey from South Shields, Newcastle, the reunion brought together friends who first met in the mid-1970s while living in university accommodation.

The group initially lived at Brinsford Lodge, near Featherstone, before moving to Lomas Street Halls of Residence at the City Campus. Their reunion weekend included an afternoon tour of the City Campus, complete with a nostalgic visit to the halls where they once stayed, followed by a relaxed wander through the city centre to rediscover its pubs, eateries and familiar landmarks. A particular highlight was the Great Western Pub by the train station, where they enjoyed reminiscing over one or two drinks.

Anne, who studied BA Humanities from 1975–1978, said returning to Wolverhampton stirred vivid memories of her student days, even as the city around her had transformed dramatically: “It was great taking the journey back to Wolverhampton although the area around the railway station was unrecognisable, with so many changes since 1975! It was great to be back at the University, although it will always be the Poly to me!”

The group were especially impressed by the modern facilities and striking architecture across City Campus.

“The Marble entrance (Wulfruna Building) was even more impressive than I remember it, every building is really impressive, the facilities are superb and a great learning environment,” Anne said. “I loved the library although my memories of the old library are vague. Also, we had happy memories of the bar and Students’ Union areas. I loved the compact nature of the campus, I thought every building was well designed. It was great to go back to H2 at Lomas Street, after Brinsford they were luxurious rooms! Having said that, the time spent at Brinsford remains one of my happiest memories, a unique environment in the middle of nowhere.”

For Anne and her fellow alumni, the weekend was not just about buildings, but about reconnecting with the people who shaped their university experience.

“It was fab to meet up with the others,” Anne reflected. “We had a great afternoon and evening, sharing photos and memories and a lot of laughs.”

Their reunion beautifully highlights the deep sense of belonging shared by Wolverhampton’s alumni community, one that lasts long after graduation. Their story is a reminder of the lifelong friendships, transformative experiences and cherished memories formed on campus.

The University encourages alumni groups to consider returning to campus, whether to mark a milestone, reconnect with old friends or explore how the University has evolved in recent decades. The Alumni team is always happy to support reunions and visits, helping former students rediscover the place that brought them together.

For Anne and her friends, the message is clear: fifty years may have passed, but Wolverhampton will always feel like home.
 

To contact the Alumni Team please email alumni@wlv.ac.uk.

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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