We heard much during the 175th celebratory year of the founding of Bedford College about the archives and in December 2024, a small group of Bedfordians plus current students were given the opportunity to understand their significance first hand.

The event was very well organised and began with an introductory talk about the history of Bedford College and the archives. Those present then split into intergenerational pairs and, amongst other things, discussed life at College then and now – some similarities and some differences. After lunch, and paired again with a current student, we turned to the transcription training and then the actual transcription of some of letters in the archive. To handle correspondence from Mrs Reid’s friends and colleagues (albeit through plastic protection) was awe-inspiring although the letters dealt with mundane but essential matters such as the purchase of a new bookcase! My pairing managed to transcribe two letters during the afternoon and by the end of the day felt an enormous sense of achievement and pride. 

Those present were energised by the day and if repeated, I would strongly recommend attending. There was also some discussion about continuing this online. It really was a wonderful opportunity to do something practical to help the College, spread the word about the importance of Bedford College in the history of women’s education and understand the importance of the archivist post. Thanks are due to all those involved in organising the day, particularly Dr Katie McGettigan, Dr Helen Kingstone and Anne Marie Purcell.   

Alison Cramer (English, 1981)