Welcome to Bedford Physical Education Old Students' Association
Janet Schofield
The Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association regrets to announce the sad news of the death of our President Janet Schofield, on August 12th 2025, following a short illness.
Jan assumed the role of President in 2021 and worked tirelessly in her first three years of Presidency to secure the honorary degree award for members and to organise the two degree award ceremonies.
The Association will look to mark Jan’s remarkable contribution and achievements at a later date.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
Angie Newton (Secretary) On behalf of the Trustees
Date for your diary ....Old Students Day 2026
Will take place at the University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Campus on Saturday May 16th.
We will celebrate the life of our late president Jan Schofield during the day
More news from the committee The committee have been busy supporting a number of community projects. On Sunday 29th June members went along to Bedford Modern School to watch the East Womens cricket show case game, read about the day here Earlier in the month we visited an All Saints Basketball game and presented a cheque to the club from the Educational Projects Fund. See the report here Thursday July 24th the committee sponsored the annual university awards night. Students from the class of 2025 received the association pin badge and 4 special awards were presented. See pictures here Members of the committee joined the students for a celebratory meal at the university. BPEOSA Educational Projects Fund contributed to Bedford Tigers Rugby League Football Club. Read more here The Planatation community project is thriving, the association have funded an impressive interpretative board explaining the history of the plantation and its importance as part of college life. See an update by clicking here Antiques Roadshow. Steph Daniels, Anita Tedder and Angie Newton recently took some artefacts from our archive to the antiques roadshow at Shuttleworth. See them deep in discussion here. Watch this space to see if they will appear on the TV programme.
Our Second Honorary Degree Ceremony
took place at The University of Bedfordshire on Saturday September 7th. Over 150 old students received their honorary awards witnessed by almost 300 guests, the online live stream attracted a further 140 visitors. A memorable day was had by all.
Pictured here are some old students enjoying the moment
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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.
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