Val Rumbol (née Bishop) and Pat Field (née Millar), 1976
From 1974 to 2024 – a trip back in time
When Pat reached out to organise a 50th reunion for a group of UWE Bristol alumni, I knew we were about to witness something special. This group of friends has stayed connected since their student days, studying HND Business Studies (International Marketing and Languages) from 1974-1976 at Bristol Polytechnic.
Their gathering was a celebration of enduring friendship, personal growth, and shared memories.
Walking through the bustling Frenchay Campus on an autumnal Friday morning, they marvelled not only at the expanded facilities but at the vibrant energy that seemed to mirror their own student days. This was the first time they had stepped foot on site since graduating in 1976. Finding what may have been their old lecture theatre was a true highlight—bringing back flashes of memories of long-ago classes and youthful ambition.
“We knew there would be lots of changes and developments to the buildings and the educational opportunities, but we were really blown away by what we saw, especially the Business and Law School. It was so impressive! The quality of materials used, and the thoughtful design have resulted in a fantastic place to study. Lucky students of today!”
Patricia Field, UWE Bristol alumni and reunion organiser.
Lifelong friendships
We reminisced about their student years, looking through some old photos at bars and various meet ups spanning the past 50 years.
They recalled their first year at Unity Street – now a block of flats in the centre of Bristol – and how much has changed. Pat and her husband, Ian, recalled those days fondly. As a lifelong friend of the group, Ian proudly claims an unofficial ‘honorary alum’ status.
Despite their busy schedule, the group even fitted in a group zoom call with a course member in America, Martyn Holland.
Successful careers
The course led them all to careers in global companies using both the international marketing and the modern language elements of the course. They all went on to work with major brands in marketing, advertising, marketing research, computing, retailing, the travel industry and publishing.
It was great to hear how their time at UWE Bristol prepared them for their working lives, with real-life experience incorporated into their learning– reflecting the university’s long-standing commitment to applied learning and career readiness.
As we said our goodbyes, it was clear that while the buildings and times may change, the bond these friends share remains as strong as ever. It’s a reminder of how formative those university years can be and how friendships forged in lecture halls and student bars often last a lifetime.
“Thank you so much for making our 50th reunion visit to UWE Bristol such a wonderful occasion. We all thoroughly enjoyed our opportunity to reminisce about our lives at the Poly so many years ago.” – Patricia
Reunion attendees:
- Patricia Field (neé Millar)
- Gail Davies
- Jennie Emmerson (neé Lane)
- Valerie Rumbol (neé Bishop)
- Jane Wood
The group would welcome contact from other members of their 1974 cohort. Please get in touch via alumni@uwe.ac.uk
Blog written by Rose Adderley – Alumni Engagement Manager