Groundhog Day

Hello Everyone,

Yes! So happy. It is September 17th and my personal groundhog day. Traditionally, it is in February but if I could relive just one day for the rest of my life it would be September 17th, 1969.

Groundhog Day is February 2nd and the day when if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow it will be an early spring. If it does not see the shadow another six weeks of winter are in store for all. The film Groundhog Day features this day as the day which is repeated every twenty-four hours. The unfortunate weather man sees this whole thing as doom and gloom but eventually accepts that he will have to go through this miserable day for all eternity.

Why that day? Although, I didn't realise it at the time it was the happiest day of my life. Wedding day? Graduation? The day I gave birth? First job? None of those. It was the day I left home for College.

That morning was the beginning of a beautiful sunny, crisp, early autumn day. I remember the dew on the grass in the orchard next to our cottage. My father did the usual morning feed on the farm. My mother and I had packed the car ready. I had two cases in the boot, a weekend bag, train case and box on the back seat of our little red mini. Four years later, my father had to make four journeys to collect all of my possessions. We waited for father to come in for his breakfast before we left. I clearly remember saying goodbye to him but then while walking to the car I turned back, looked at him, and said, "Are you proud of me?" That is one of my most memorable moments with him. He nodded, smiled and said, "Yes". His glowing face spoke volumes.

We arrived at the College about 10.45 and went straight to my Hall of Residence. The Hall President, a second year student, met us and showed us to my room. By today's standards it was quite primitive but for 1969 it was one of the best. Many colleges had dormitories or students sharing rooms and all facilities were communal. This Hall was only two or three years old and built to accommodate the increasing number of students required to cope with the population increase as a result of the sixties baby boom. It was a single room with private wash-basin plus the best furniture and spacious. Kitchen and laundry facilities were communal. After unpacking we went down to the famous Crewe Station to use the photo booth. I needed pretty pics of me for such items as NSU card and meal card. Yes, all meals and accommodation were paid for by the Government unless you had really wealthy parents and then you would be expected to make a huge contribution. Everything was 'means' tested and parents made a contribution if they earned over a certain amount.

Next, we went up to the main town of Crewe, had a look round and lunch. My mother left about 2.30 and I watched others arrive. Early that evening we had a meeting and were told all about freshers week, college procedure and events before being taken over to the dining room for our first meal. That evening we were getting to know each other and our way around the place. It was so exciting. I could go through it all again and get the same pleasure from it. That College was flourishing then with 900+ students. I've heard that it closed in July 2019 due to falling numbers. Changing times!

So, that was my groundhog day. Which day is yours?

Love to you all on my fav day! Lady M xxxxxx