Tony Lemon's Retirement Dinner

Geographers from as far and wide as South Africa and Russia came back to Mansfield on Saturday to toast Tony Lemon’s 40 years of service to the college and the subject. Pre-dinner drinks in the Garden building were followed by a sumptuous meal in the Chapel. Diana Walford welcomed guests, and then presented Tony with a book of messages, photos and memories from the alumni. Mike Burton, who had travelled from South Africa, then read out messages from others who could not be there. Finally, Tony himself took to the stage and talked about his experiences as a tutor, geographer, and friend. The standing ovation he received, along with the fact that the list of attendees stretched to 140, are testament to the long-standing impact Tony has had on the lives of so many Geography students. A fitting send-off which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  

Guest's comments

David Allen

'I was sorry to depart in a hurry to catch the last Park & Ride bus. Otherwise I thought the evening was most memorable. The food was excellent, the company was fascinating and the whole thing totally fitting.
Well done!'

Melinda Cripps

'Just to say many congratulations on the success of Saturday - I think the dinner was a splendid and fitting event to mark Tony's retirement and I know all my "year" on our table enjoyed it very much indeed. Hope you were not too bored by all our reminiscing!'

Peter Lerner

'I just wanted to say - what a fabulous event. So good to meet people I haven’t seen for 40 years (goodness me, how we change!); so good to see the Chapel looking so wonderful; and above all, so brilliant to see the high regard in which Mansfield and Tony are held by so many. Thanks so much for organising this so well.'

Photos