Limavady woman organises reunion for university friends she made over five decades ago

In 1967, 179 young women travelled to Beaumont Old Windsor to embark on their teaching careers. 

It was during that year that long lasting friendships were formed and have stood the test of time.

Many of those friendships are strong today as they were over five decades ago.

The ladies- who have named themselves the ‘Beaumonteers’- organise reunions every few years to catch up with each other, despite now living all over the globe from the Philippines to Tasmania.

Some of the women even met their future husbands during their time studying and their husbands often attend the reunions, too.

Lorna Kearney, a Limavady native who studied teaching during the college's opening year, organised the latest reunion for everyone which was held at the Roe Park Hotel in Limavady at the end of August.

Lorna said it was so wonderful to host everyone in her hometown and the trip was a great success.

Lorna explained: "There have been a number of reunions over the past 56 years, all of which were celebrated in Beaumont which is now a hotel.

"This is the first reunion to be held in Northern Ireland. The previous reunions were arranged by Colette and Carol and Mona- Mona has since sadly passed away. 

"The three ladies played a huge part in keeping in contact with as many of the ‘Beaumonteers’ as possible."

When it was suggested that the next gathering should be in Northern Ireland, Lorna regarded it as an honour and a privilege to be asked.

"In total, 30 Beaumonteers and five husbands arrived at Roe Park Hotel on the 30th of August to celebrate 56 years since we all first met. 

"Some travelled from Tasmania, Capetown, El Salvador, Philippines, Granada and various parts of England as well as across the island of Ireland.

"It was wonderful to see those threads of friendship being rekindled. The bonds formed in 1967 were as strong now in our twilight years- when the journey first started."

The group held a Remembrance Ceremony orchestrated by Mary and Joan for those they had lost throughout the years. Those who could not travel for personal or medical reasons were also included.

Lorna continued: "The same camaraderie that got us through Beaumont and on to Keyworth was as strong as ever it was- in particular Una who is and continues to be an inspiration to us all.

"It must be acknowledged that the Roe Park venue was exceptional as indeed were the staff. 

"Some of the Beaumonteers who had never been to Northern Ireland before had already been in contact to say that they intend to return."

Lorna, who taught for seven years prior to working for the Education Board for almost forty years, said that she has been so blessed with all those that she has worked alongside both in her teaching career and as an Education Welfare Officer. 

She retired two years ago and has just returned from a holiday in Italy with her friend Mary- a Beaumont friend of 56 years- who will now return to Tasmania.

Lorna added: "I will always cherish those two amazing days in Roe Park and my time in Italy.

"These ladies are already planning another reunion in 2027- for our 60 year anniversary. This time it will be held in Beaumont where all our wonderful friendships began."

The women formed such a strong bond as they were the pioneer students for the college. There were no years above or below, they only had each other.

In 1966 final arrangements were in fruition by the Loreto Sisters to open Mary Ward College of Education in Keyworth, Nottingham. 

When it became clear that the buildings would not be ready on time, one solution to the problem was to find temporary accommodation and it was suggested that Beaumont in Old Windsor might be available. 

Following negotiations, Mary Ward College was set up for one academic year 1967-8 and then moved to its new building in Keyworth in September 1968.

That single year in Beaumont in 1967, led to Lorna and so many others forming bonds that would last a lifetime.