Student life in the 1960s: Memories from an Engineering graduate

Posted on: 21 July 2025 by Edwin Bernard (BEng Electrical Engineering & Electronics 1969) in Community

Student's Union Card from the 1960s

Alumnus Edwin Bernard, now based in the US, looks back on his time at the University with warmth and gratitude. From making friends in Roscoe Hall to experiencing The Who live at the Students’ Union, Edwin’s memories provide a snapshot of life as a student in the late 1960s, and how those formative years shaped his global career in electronics.

“The rain poured incessantly outside during our initial freshers meeting at Mountford Hall. Pat Tyzack, Lady President of the Student Guild, reassured us that the sun does shine, even in Liverpool. That elicited a roar of laughter in the hall! This began my three years as an undergraduate at the University of Liverpool in 1966. These were some of the best years in my life.

I made a lot of wonderful friends in all areas of my life at the University. Especially at Roscoe Hall, now replaced by a new building, where I resided. It was fairly new way back then and the meals served were excellent. My favourite item was the baked Alaska. We had two formal meals each week when we wore our black robes, Wednesday dinner and Sunday lunch. Professor Hughes, the warden, invited a small group of students to his residence before the Sunday lunch to socialise over a glass of sherry.

One of my friends, Barry Holland, used to walk the three miles to the University campus instead of taking the bus. I occasionally joined him and enjoyed spending this time on the streets of Liverpool. I particularly enjoyed the time living in Princes Street, and the Toxteth area. Seeing the tops of the two cathedrals was inspiring.

One of my most cherished memories was attending the consecration of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on May 14, 1967. Of note, the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, was in attendance. The design of the interior echoed the direction of Vatican II, which encouraged active participation between the clergy and the congregation.

It was fitting that this modern Cathedral contrasted so poignantly with the massive gothic structure of the Church of England, Liverpool Cathedral. The opening Review of the University used to be held at the Cotter. Once the Catholic Cathedral, on the campus doorstep was completed, these services alternated from year to year.

The chaplaincy of the catholic society of the University was on the grounds of the cathedral. I attended events there often. On one of these occasions, I made a new friend, Andrew Bickford, who introduced me to hiking and camping. He also introduced me to the Lake District through a camping and hiking trip.

Many of the friends I made at the University, including Barry and Andrew, invited me to their homes for events, such as when they got married, or just to show me the sights of their hometowns. These created lasting memories.

image of gardens behind gates

There were many things I liked about the Students’ Union. The Saturday dances were incredible. I especially remember an appearance by The Who, and their guitar smashing episode at the end. I loved the contrast between dining in the student’s cafeteria and the refined Abercrombie Restaurant. I was amazed to see a microwave oven being used in the basement cafeteria of the old Students’ Union. It was manufactured by Litton, as the label inferred on the front. When I emigrated to Canada in the mid 1970s, my first job was with Litton Canada. Serendipity, would you say?

The University of Liverpool, and notably my engineering mentor, Professor Carter, helped me immeasurably in my career development. I wrote an article called, A short Note on the Beginning of a Career, that was published in the 1970 Journal #41, of the University of Liverpool Engineering Societies. Sadly, I only earned an ordinary degree. Professor Carter informed me there were great careers I was qualified for in electronics packaging. My experience in this field was simply amazing! I went onwards to design and package displays using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) for aircraft cockpits. My job function included traveling all over the world meeting customers and suppliers in a career that spanned forty years.

Group of people at a parade

Engineers can be labelled as narrowly focused. However, in my case, the University exposed me to a world far broader and more diverse. It included the arts in a big way through the numerous plays, classical and other musical concerts, plus creative activities such as building floats for Panto Week.

My mind is overflowing with memories of Liverpool University, enough to write a book. Perhaps I will one day. I have a great deal to be grateful for through being a student at Liverpool. To today’s students: take advantage of all the range of activities University has to offer and be active in a whole world of discovery within Liverpool and beyond.”

A huge thank you to Edwin for sharing his memories with us. Feeling inspired to share your own story or get involved? There are plenty of ways to stay connected:

Keywords: Alumni community.