The way we were
THIS ISN’T THE FIRST SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO CELEBRATE THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER – WE DIP INTO THE LEICESTER MERCURY ARCHIVE TO EXPLORE THE GOLDEN JUBILEE SPECIAL FROM 1971
The University of Leicester has long held a special connection with the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. In this 1971 edition of the Mercury, preserved in the University archives for 50 years, we can see some of the stories from the University’s first Century.
Rhoda Bennett, one of the first nine students at the University College, is quoted in 1971: “The University has changed since we were students.
“We don’t recognise anything. When we were here there were only nine students in all, now there are over 3,000.” We wonder what Miss Bennett would make of the 21st Century campus…
What a University can and should do for Leicester
A ‘J.H.Plumb’ – Leicester alumnus and later an expert in British History at Cambridge – writes in 1971 of the value of the University to the City of Leicester.
“…the University must take the active role,” he says. “The University should give help in all cultural activities, and indeed add positively to the culture of the city.”
And, in a warning to future generations, continues: “…University resources… should, and doubtless are, be at the disposal of the city and county authorities that are concerned with problems of land usage and pollution.”
Not only students, but also citizens
The impact of students is recognised, too, with a letter penned by Wilf Dillon – the then 50-year-old President of Leicester Students’ Union – exploring the changemaking power of those who come to Leicester to study.
“The students must recognise that they should listen and take account of the views of the city but the leaders of opinion in the city must realise that the students have a part to play, even if they are essentially in the city for only a short period,” he writes.
“One of the largest societies in the Union is the Social Services Society, and a great deal of local social work is done through it. The Highfields Adventure Playground on Spinney Hill Park was the brainchild of [these] students.”