Celebrating friendship: The Sloman Loungers Class of 1967 Physics reunion

Posted on: 10 May 2024 in 2024

The annual reunion of the Sloman Loungers, a group of Physics graduates from the University of Liverpool’s Class of 1967, took place on Wednesday 20 March.

Led by reunion organiser Dr Bob Allen (BSc Hons Physics 1967, PhD Philosophy 1970), the event brought together alumni for a memorable gathering.

Returning to campus was a nostalgic experience for the Sloman Loungers. They took a tour of the School of Medicine and were amazed by the advancements since their time as students. The highlight of their visit was the free lunchtime concert at The Tung Auditorium, which showcased the cutting-edge acoustics that left them impressed.

Reconnecting with fellow graduates from their cohort was a heartwarming experience. Despite being well-connected through a dedicated WhatsApp group, seeing each other in person reaffirmed the enduring bonds forged over decades. Bob shared some fun facts about the origin of the name Sloman Loungers:

“The name Sloman Loungers originated from the Sloman Lounge, situated in the then-new students' union building (around 1965), approximately where the Guild Shop is located now. In those days, it was a comfortable lounge containing a then-rare large colour TV. Albert Sloman, after whom the lounge was apparently named, held the Gilmour Chair of Spanish and later served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts from 1953 to 1962."

The reunion wasn’t just about reliving past memories; it also involved new experiences and activities. From enjoying meals at local restaurants to exploring the town hall and attending the lunchtime concert, every moment was cherished by the attendees.

As they reflect on their time together, they express gratitude for the support provided by the University's Development and Alumni Relations Team and hope to contribute to the student fund as a token of appreciation.

Bob said: “I would like to say that the help increasingly being provided by the University alumni department is really good. I hope that the student fund receives donations reflecting this appreciation.”

Looking ahead, the Sloman Loungers plan to continue these annual reunions, with the next one scheduled for March/April next year.

If you would be interested in organising a reunion with your University friends – whether that be old hall mates, course mates, or sports teammates – contact the Alumni Relations team via alumni@liverpool.ac.uk to discuss how we can support your event.