The University of Reading centenary year provided the perfect excuse for a group of alumni to reconnect nearly four decades after graduation.
On Thursday 31 March 2026, a party of Reading graduates hired a canal boat from Aldermaston Wharf on the Kennet and Avon Canal for a day of memories, friendship and celebration.
Friendship at Reading
The reunion was organised by 1987 Electrical Engineering graduate, Paul Mott, who brought together seven friends he studied with at Reading between 1984 and 1987. Most of the group had lived in St George’s Hall and studied physics or engineering, building bonds through shared academic interests and student life.
Joining Paul were his friends: David, a master’s graduate in construction management; Allan and Brian, who completed PhDs in physics; and Martin and Jonathan, who also studied physics at Reading
Speaking on behalf of the group, Paul shared: “We loved all our lecturers at Reading, and our lives together there, and have thrived since”
Also on the trip was Shelagh Mott, Paul’s wife. Shelagh was a committed University of Reading student, studying not only her undergraduate but also her master’s in English Literature and Visual Arts, and her PhD in English, at Reading. While both Shelagh and Paul studied at Reading, they met years after graduation.
It was only later they discovered their shared history, realising that not only were they both graduates of Reading but that they had also both been born in Norwich. Paul said:
“It seems we were fated to be married!”
Paul, who had previously organised canal boat trips for other groups of friends, came up with the idea for a reunion when he realised the year would mark two special occasions. He said:
“When I realised it was the University’s centenary and that several of us would be turning 60 this year – milestones that shouldn’t go unmarked- I thought it was the ideal opportunity to gather us all together and reflect on our time at Reading!”
The group enjoyed a leisurely cruise through the Berkshire countryside and made an obligatory stop at The Spring Inn for refreshments.
Paul shared: “It was lovely to see everyone again. A highlight for me was reminiscing and getting to remember people we had all known or memories we had shared.” While much time had passed the group enjoyed catching up on 40 years’ worth of professional and personal life achievements and sharing what had changed for them since their time at Reading.
Reflecting on the quick passing of time, Paul said: “I couldn’t believe that for some of the group, the last time they saw each other was when we graduated in 1987, just as our lives were starting and careers beginning –
How funny it is for 40 years to transpire in the blink of an eye and for us to now be catching up with many of our careers almost over or having finished!”
The reunion also gave Paul and the group time and space to think of friends who couldn’t attend and remember those who were no longer with them. He shared: “During the trip, we took a moment to remember two of our friends who have sadly passed away. We also remembered those from our circle who couldn’t make it and pledged to do it again in a year, inviting more of our fellow university friends.”
The day was so successful that plans were quickly made to repeat the event the following year and to reach out to several more former hallmates. Professor Mike Naldrett hopes to fly in from his new home in the USA for the next reunion. Looking back, the group agreed that their time at Reading had been hugely influential.
They spoke warmly of their lecturers, the friendships they formed and the experiences they shared.
A generational connection
Alongside the reunion, Paul and fellow engineering graduate, Matt Hudson, attended one of the many wonderful alumni-hosted centenary celebration events. These were run for fellow alumni to attend, reconnect and celebrate their time at Reading together.
The London event they attended in March was particularly special for them, as they were joined by Matt’s daughter and University of Reading Law graduate, Bethany. Matt said: “Paul has been the glue that meant we kept in touch. He’s been really good at that and visits us when he can too.”
Looking ahead
Since the boat trip, a WhatsApp group continued the celebrations, with members sharing stories and photographs from their 1980s student-day photo albums.
The group had a vital piece of advice for current students:
“Work hard and play hard; these are the best days of your life. Make the most of every opportunity. The friendships, experiences and memories made at university can last a lifetime. As this canal boat reunion demonstrated, nearly forty years may pass but the connections formed at Reading remain just as strong.”
Stay connected
If you are thinking about organising your own alumni event and would like some advice and support, please email alumni@reading.ac.uk. You can also find out more information about organising your own reunion here.
