Second Honorary Degree Award Update (February 2024) We were hoping that the Honorary Degree celebration would take place in March 2024. Unfortunately, the University of Bedfordshire (UoB) has just let us know they need more time to plan the event. This involves many teams across the University and time is needed for everything to be put in place.  The UoB and BPEOSA are continuing to work in partnership to organise the celebration event and will set a date as soon as we are able to. We wanted to provide you with this update now, so you can go ahead with your plans in the next few months.  We will provide notification in advance of the event, as we recognise many members wish to attend in person.  All those registered should have received this update via email. Please do contact Jackie Gregory if you think you have not received the email sent on 7th February 2024.  Jan Schofield (1978/82) & Jackie Gregory (1961/64)    First Ceremony The awarding of the B.A. Honorary Degree by the University of Bedfordshire (our current home) took place at a joyful ceremony on Saturday 10th September 2022. Over 450 former Bedford students plus guests, attended the day, and over 240 who were unable to attend in-person, received certificates in the post. Click here to open the University web report from the day.  If you have photos of the day that you are happy to share in the Members section, please email them to us by clicking here.  

 

Pat Bowen West Fund 

Following the sad news of Pat Bowen-West, Members of the Association celebrated her long and distinguished life and career on Old Students’ Day 14th May 2022. Pat was a student at Bedford (1943-1946), Principal of Bedford College of Physical Education (1971 - 1976), and Deputy Director of Bedford College of Higher Education (1976 - 1986), remaining until her retirement. 

 

In parallel to her work at College, Pat succeeded Eileen Alexander (former Principal) as President of the Old Students’ Association in 1971. A role she held for 34 years. During her tenure as President she led the Association Centenary celebrations in 2003, before handing over the tenure to Professor Margaret Whitehead in 2005. 

 

Education, Physical Education and significantly Physical Education at Bedford, owe a great deal to Pat Bowen-West. As a group of Old Students, we remember her with the greatest respect, affection and gratitude. 

 

Pat’s family most generously suggested a Fund in Pat’s memory to be held by the Association. 'One of the BPEOSA Working Groups entitled 'Pat Bowen-West Fund' (which includes Felicity, Pat's daughter who is a Honorary Member of the Association, and accompanied her Mother to Old Students' Day for many years) are working on the foci for the Fund. 

 

Members who knew Pat, either as a student or as Principal, are encouraged, if they wish, to donate to the Fund. For details on how to make a donations in Pat's memory please click here.