On 13 September 2025, approximately 250 alumni who matriculated in the years 1981, 1982 and 1983 returned to Trinity College for their Annual Gathering, marking a memorable and joyful reunion.

It was a heart-warming sight to see so many familiar faces reconnecting and walking through the historic College grounds while conversations flowed easily.

The day began with check-in, followed by a delightful welcome tea and cake under the iconic Wren, where alumni gathered to enjoy one another’s company while receiving an update on the latest happenings at the College. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, excitement, and heartfelt conversations, as long-awaited catch-ups and personal stories unfolded.

For those who wished to partake, Evensong provided a peaceful and reflective moment, with the Alumni Choir’s beautiful performance adding a special touch to the service.

As the afternoon transitioned into evening, alumni gathered in Nevile’s Cloisters for pre-dinner drinks. Conversations continued to flow, and new connections were made before the evening festivities began in earnest. A group photo in Nevile’s Court captured the spirit of the day, followed by the sound of the gong, signalling the call to dinner in Hall.

The dinner itself was a memorable occasion, with the Alumni Choir once again setting the tone with a beautiful grace. We were honoured to have Professor Dame Sally Davies, who gave the Toast to the King, and three Alumni speakers, The Revd Dana English (1981), Stephen Johns (1982), and Francis Burkitt DL (1983), who delivered the Toasts to the College, reflecting on their personal experience at Trinity, sharing poignant reflections on world events since their time at College, and offering life lessons learned during their time here.

“At any rate, I survived the gentle disabusing of Romantic notions that Trinity accomplished for me, both historical and practical… [sic] Not to be forgotten—the genuine, warm, eccentricity of the Dean and the unending patience and kindness of the chaplains. I look back on my English education here with ruefulness, affection, and profound gratitude: thank you, Trinity!” – The Revd Dana English, 1981

“…[sic] It made me think of the memories of Trinity that were perhaps more deep-rooted than we had imagined.  The memory of the shallow tread to the OCR staircase, and the regular stumble on the penultimate step; the always empty JCR; the blue and yellow meal tickets from the Buttery; potato croquettes with every meal (I’m somewhat disappointed they weren’t on the menu today); summer term in hall with the remarkably soggy salads. The memories of the chill of the pool room in Bishop’s Hostel, and the icy cold of the squash courts.  The feeling that Adrian and Butler houses receded ever further away from Trinity each year.  The iron ring in the small Great Gate door with which we pulled it open – Trinity – how could you have removed this? The Dickensian rotundness of the Head Porter.  That smell of polish unique to Angel Court.” – Stephen Johns, 1982

“But actually, even if you leave Trinity, I’m not sure that Trinity ever quite leaves you.  After all, it educated us, it formed us, it matured us, it gave us values and ambition, it gave us friendships, it gave us memories…. without us realising it, it moulded us, and in tangible or intangible ways, to a greater or lesser extent, it moulded our lives. I know that Trinity churns out an ever-lasting list of Nobel Prize Winners, Presidents and Politicians, Captains of Industry, Senior Judges and Lawyers, amazing charity leaders…. and even the occasional King.   But I’m not one of them, and many of us in this Hall today didn’t manage to reach those dizzy heights, but just did whatever was our thing and did it well, to the best of our ability.” – Francis Burkitt DL, 1983

The evening concluded with post-dinner drinks under the Wren, which was illuminated in a stunning array of colours, providing a perfect backdrop for the final moments of the event.