Sunday 21 July 2013

Tom’s graduation…

Some of you guessed correctly; Tim and I were the proud parents at Tom’s graduation.

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Sir Chris Bonnington, the Chancellor, gave an excellent speech to send the graduates on their way.

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A number of friends and colleagues have asked to see the photographs – probably to prove that it wasn’t a ploy for me to get put of the Alton Towers queuing experience!!

Getting ready…

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An international group from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Bulgaria.

Tom’s experiences at Lancaster, and the University of Colorado (Boulder) where he spent his second year, have changed him from a boy into a man – although his penchant for wine gums and ice cream has remained unchanged!!

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For comparison I dug out Rhiannon’s graduation photographs. Unfortunately my outfit from 2007 was a bit tight so I needed something new….. honestly, Tim!! We are standing on a slope, giving the impression that I am much shorter than I am- I’m actually 5’7”.

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In 2009 Tim was awarded an honorary degree from Loughborough University where he studied in the 1970’s. Notice my outfit again…

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Gerald Davies the Welsh international wing from the 1970’s was honoured at the same time.

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14 comments:

  1. Felicitations to everyone's success! It's such a fine and proud moment if and when one's offspring graduate, be it with an educational degree or just the University of Life. Of course it allows one to purchase new garments and why not? After all the rôle of woman has provided much for those who succeed! It also gives the father a chance to wear a summer bonnet! Good Luck to Tom in his next journeys. Good Luck to Rhiannon in hers. Good Luck to Mum and Dad who might feel that the little birds have flown the nest at last!

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    1. Thank you!

      It was a wonderful day, made all the nicer by the besutiful weather. We took a picnic, which we shared with some of Tom's friends, in the sunshine.

      In January Rhiannon will be embarking on a post grad social work course. I just hope that there will be a job for her at the end - although Staffordshire are giving her a bursary and paying her tuition, there aren't any guarantees.

      The nest... will be very roomy, very soon!

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  2. Great photos and wonderful occasions. Super congratulations to Tom for his 1st. Brilliant. Wasn't it great to have good weather for the day ? The kids ( oops, beautiful young men and women graduates) will have had a fabulous day to remember. Jx

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    1. It's an occasion that one can't fail to enjoy, although I did shed a tear or two! I could tell how much it meant to you to see Jess graduate.

      I hope you are managing to keep cool. x

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  3. Congratulations all round! Well done Tom on getting a 1st :-)

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    1. Thank you! Of course he takes after his Mum.... ;o))

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  4. Well done to your son ,, brilliant:-)

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    1. Thank you! I'm now one step closer to retirement... ;o))

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  5. well done Tom! I love the picture of him throwing his mortar board in the air. Congratulations Gaynor and Tim for producing such a fine pair of youngsters. Pauline

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    1. Thanks, Pauline.

      We are very happy with how both of them have turned out.

      Do you think my my Tim could pass for Chris Bonnington?

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  6. Well done to Tom! He looks like a fine young man and I'm sure that you are very proud of him.

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  7. A great set of photos, I like the hat swopping! Well done Tom. Diane

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  8. Congratulations to Tom. Lovely pics. I presume your previous outfit shrunk in the wardrobe. Don't you just hate it when that happens!

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