Last week, two members of the archive team graduated, amidst the splendour and joy that is the Bath Spa University Graduation Ceremonies. In a change from the usual venue of Newton Park, this year's event took place in the heart of the city, at Bath Abbey.
Over the years, a variety of settings have been used, each one being ideal for a time, before expediencies of organisation dictated a change. In the early days, there was no formal 'graduation' as such, but a summer event marking the culmination of studies took place in the grounds and buildings at Newton Park. This 'Commemoration Day' saw large scale drama productions (including a full medieval pageant on one or two occasions) as well as family picnics and displays of work.
 |
| Historic pageant for Commemoration Day, June 1963 |
 |
| Commemoration Day dance display by students, c.1950. |
In the 1980s, the Assembly Rooms in Bath were used for the event, but the growing number of students soon meant that the space was too small. The solution then was the huge marquee, on the lawn in front of Main House, which is where I first graduated (with the BA in History) in the Summer of 2011.
The marquee itself is vast, and accommodates a large stage, with steps at either side. Nerves, high heels or a combination of the two can make these steps seem like a mountain. The fashion for ever-higher heels has presented an even greater challenge in recent years, too.
 |
| Graduation at Newton Park, July 2011 |
 |
| Students take their places at one end of the marquee, July 2011 |
The backdrop of Newton Park makes these graduation ceremonies very memorable. Registration takes place in the Library, gowns are donned in the University Theatre, and family and friends can congregate around the refectory at Moreton (formerly the assembly hall)
Last Saturday, Bath Spa students, staff and families seemed to be everywhere in the centre of Bath. The Guildhall was a hive of activity for registration, gowning and official photographs. Downstairs, the Alumni Association were busy taking photographs to use in the alumni magazine. Students posed with a huge 'golden scroll', which was great fun. These pictures can be viewed through the Alumni Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/BathSpaUniversityAlumni?fref=ts
 |
| The Academic Procession, ready to enter Bath Abbey for the second (of eight) ceremonies on 19th and 20th July 2013 |
 |
| Jubilation from some of this year's graduating Master's students and their tutor. |
Walking over to the Abbey, capped and gowned certainly caused a stir. It was a lovely atmosphere, amongst the crowds in the Abbey Churchyard, and we raised the profile of the university as all sorts of people took photographs and watched everyone in their ceremonial glory. Some tourists asked to pose with groups of graduates! It was a joyous occasion all round.
