On Thursday 25 September 2025, a group of Edge Hill alumni returned to campus to celebrate a very special milestone: 50 years since their first arrival as freshers in 1975.

The visit was spearheaded by Phil Logan, who marked half a century since enrolling at what was then Edge Hill College of Higher Education. Alongside his wife Linda, Phil was joined by old friends and fellow alumni Chris Maybury and Paul Restall all of whom shared fond memories of their student days in Ormskirk.

Chris and Phil specialised in Drama (with English and History as second subjects) while Paul was among Edge Hill’s very first BA Geography intake. Linda later joined Edge Hill in 1989.

Back in September 1975, their first week on campus unfolded as follows:

• Wednesday 24 September – Arrival as freshers, with luggage already delivered

• Thursday 25 September – Registration at the College Office and in subject areas

• Friday 26 September – Freshers’ Fair, introducing student-led clubs and societies

• Weekend 27–28 September – First explorations of Ormskirk (with a little nightlife thrown in)

• Monday 29 September – The start of lectures and “Operation Get a Degree”

During the tour, the alumni group asked to visit John Dalton halls in the main building, as this is where Phil stayed in his first year at Edge Hill. They met with Helen O’Keefe – Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education, Andy Smith – Professor of Sport, Education and Mental Health, and Carol Derbyshire – Secondary, Further Education & Training lecturer, who provided a whistle-stop overview of Edge Hill’s education courses and facilities today and looked at one the teaching spaces in the Clinical Skills and Simulation building.

Phil and Chris were delighted to revisit the Rose Theatre, where they reminisced about their time spent performing and studying in the space. The tour also sparked memories of campus social life: Phil, Chris, and Paul recalled gigs in the refectory, including a Freshers’ Week performance by Mungo Jerry. They also remembered seeing bands such as Eddie and the Hot Rods, The Stranglers, The Regulators, and Lindisfarne.

Reflecting on the day, Phil said:

“It was wonderful to see how the campus has changed over the years.

“When three of us started at Edge Hill, back in 1975, we knew that we were coming to a college with an excellent reputation and that the education we were about to receive would be high in quality. It was the same for my wife who joined as a mature student in 1989, and it was reassuring to see that this is still the case for today’s Edgehillians.

“Given that a college or university campus is going to be a workplace (and maybe home) for the next three or four years of a young person’s life, first impressions count, and this is an area were Edge Hill scores very highly.”

Some had not seen one another in many years, making the day not just a return to Edge Hill, but a joyful moment of reconnection and remembrance.

If you’re thinking about meeting up at Edge Hill for a reunion we’d love to hear from you, email [email protected].

September 25, 2025