29th May 2002
Meanwhile in the High Street, a playpen was being constructed, to hold back the plain folk of Guildford and contain every living member of the academic staff, going back to the 1960's and various other big wigs (literally).
It was surprisingly easy to recognise some members of staff, that I'd last seen 27 years ago.
On the one hand, it is dramatic and will no doubt draw visitors attention to the fact that there is a university in Guildford. Something that is easily overlooked.
On the other, he doesn't look anything like any Surrey graduate, that I've seen. He's wearing a tie!
Though maybe a statue of a nerd, with a pocket full of pens and screwdrivers, wouldn't really work.
I sat with Barry Stone and discussed some of the stories that will never make it on to this web site. If you see him, ask him about 'urban potholing'.
I only
discovered after the event, that the little coloured dots on your pass,
bestowed certain privileges on the holder. For example mine had green and blue
dots. Apparently this entitled me to a hug from Penelope Keith and a kiss from the Vice-Chancellor.
Overall the whole event was rather enjoyable and much less formal than expected.
If you can tell me more about
anything on this page, 
