THREE retired teachers who found out just six months ago they had all attended the same teacher training college in London, have received honorary degrees at a special ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall.

Angela Cooper and Rona Troman, both of Williton, and Barbara Oats, of Shurton, near Stogursey, met over six years ago through the Methodist church in Williton.

They knew they had all been teachers but only found out recently they had all attended Southlands Teacher Training College in Wimbledon, which later became part of Roehampton University, London.

Then Angela, 75, of Brook Road, Williton, received a letter from the university in January out of the blue, inviting her to attend an Honorary Degree Ceremony for students from four colleges which later became part of Roehampton University.

“I was very surprised, I left college in 1963 so I had forgotten all about it – but I was very pleased,” said Angela.

The letter explained the honorary degree ceremony was for former students from before 1980 who had received a Certificate in Education rather than the later Bachelor of Education degree – and it asked people to spread the word to other alumni, as the university did not have contact details for all former students.

Angela told Rona, 62, who graduated in 1975 and Barbara, 73, who graduated in 1964. They had not received letters, so got in touch and were also invited – and the three women caught the 7am train to London on May 15.