250 former students at Bedford’s Training College, later known as the Bedford College of Physical Education, were awarded honorary degrees and reunited by the University of Bedfordshire on 10 September.
The graduates, who are now in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, studied at the College between 1940 and 1978.
They were invited to two special ceremonies hosted at the Bedford campus on Polhill Avenue to celebrate their achievements, including their global contributions to Physical Education (PE), sport and life-long learning through physical activity.
A traditional piper welcomed the graduates into the venue, followed by a two-minute silence at the start of each ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor, opened the ceremonies and Juliet Fern, Executive Dean of Bedfordshire’s Faculty of Education, English & Sport, announced the recipients.
Juliet Fern said: “It was a privilege to be part of this event, which has recognised the collective and individual achievements of those awarded.
“It has given pleasure to so many people, with many commenting that the experience has been a dream come true.”
The College
Founded in 1903, when women were not encouraged to take up a physical education profession, the College was set up as a specialist PE college for female students.
Those who completed the three-year course at the college received a Certificate of Education (or equivalent) as PE was not considered at degree level at the time in the UK.
Most of the former students have taught Physical Education in schools, universities, and local communities over the decades.
Many have taught in diverse fields, achieved civic recognition, and contributed to national and international government policy.
A great deal of the students have also represented their country in a variety of sports.
The decision to award the former students honorary degrees at the University was made after a proposal made by Margaret Peggie OBE, the Honorary Vice President of the Sport & Recreation Alliance, and Jackie Gregory.
Both are former students and members of the Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association (BPEOSA) (1961-1964).
Jan Schofield, President of BPEOSA said: “There are no words to describe the joy of so many former students being acknowledged for the quality of their training and teaching.
“Several posthumous awards were also presented, including to Pat Bowen-West, our former College Principal and Association President.
“It was a momentous day in the calendar of the 120 years of Bedford’s Physical Education history.”
Hilda Moore, aged 100, played hockey for England in 1947 and trained under the College’s founder, Margaret Stansfeld – is believed to be the oldest living recipient of an honorary degree.
Professor Margaret Whitehead was among the honorary degree recipients and achieved renown for the origins of ‘Physical Literacy.’
Speeches were delivered by several guests during the ceremonies, including BPEOSA-friend, Professor Helen Pankhurst CBE – the granddaughter of Sylvia and great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement.
The graduates and their guests were able to catch up with their College peers following each ceremony while enjoying a lunch reception held on campus.
Filmed footage of the College kit, photographs and documents from the Bedford Physical Education Archive was displayed during the ceremonies and can be found in the University’s library at the Bedford campus.
History of the College and information about the Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association can be found online.
