Sunday 29 June, 2025. The River Cam was awash with the sound of splashing punt poles and chattering tour guides. At the same time, Trinity Street was teeming with tourists from every country imaginable enjoying their own experience of what Cambridge has to offer, eating their ice creams while cyclists slalom this way and that, through the footfall.

But on the other side of Great Gate, things were quieter, more sedate - the calming scene of Trinity oft-remembered by every generation of student who took in a deep breath upon experiencing the tranquillity provided by the fountain in the middle of Great Court.

While many of the current students had returned home for the summer, there was still the sound of 'oh hello there' and 'so good to see you' as members of the matriculation class of 1965 met walking though College, on their way to the Old Combination Room (OCR).

This special 60th anniversary of matriculation event was organised by Trin65, a social group of alumni formed within the year group. Alumni and their guests had a full day of activities to look forward to, beginning with a talk from former Master of Trinity, Lord Rees of Ludlow (bio below).

Following a brief welcome from Trin65 Chair, Tony Seddon, and an introduction from Mark Menhinick, Lord Rees regaled the room for almost an hour, covering his own time at Trinity, both as a student and as Master, and how things have changed, or not, over that time. He has particularly enjoyed the music of the College Choir, and in later years, getting to know alumni from across the generations. He also took time to share his thoughts on his life's work and what may be the next big discoveries in space. The Q&A expanded further on some of the key themes.

Following the conclusion of the talk, attendees made their way down to the Old Kitchen for a relaxed two-course lunch where guests mingled and caught up with each other over a glass of wine.

The group then split for the afternoon. Just over half made their way down to the Fellows' Gardens, where Head Gardener Karen Wells provided a marvellous guided tour of the latest addition to the gardens - the woodland walk. The walk passes a number of nature-enhancing features (including a bug hotel, here called a 'wyramid') and items made from fallen trees (benches, and a bear carving). Some attendees paused for a game of pooh sticks at the bridge over Bin Brook. The tour concluded at the newly planted orchard - somewhere we the College hopes students will enjoy spending time for generations to come.

The remainder of the group braved the narrow steep spiral staircase leading up to the Trinity Clock Tour, where Professor Hugh Hunt, keeper of the clock, demonstrated the effort that goes into the upkeep of Trinity's historic clock, even allowing guests to have a go at winding it , as has to happen as regularly as, well, clockwork...

The group then came back together in the Wren Cloisters for tea, coffee and cake to conclude (although some did later take to the river on punts) a wonderfully inspiring and nostalgic day.

It is heartening to know that, after all these years, it remains so easy to slip back into life at Trinity and how that the College can continue to feel like a home-away-from-home - and we can all bask a little in the glow of knowing that Trinity still has a place for us, whenever we return. Here's to the next reunion as soon as possible!

We are grateful to Lord Rees, Karen Wells, and Professor Hugh Hunt for giving up their time on a Sunday, and to the College Catering team for a wonderful array of food throughout the day.