I think my first recollection of anyone discussing Cambridge University with me, was at an interview with the Headmaster of my new school, who on learning that my long-held ambition was to become a professional sportsman, retorted somewhat indignantly, “Wouldn’t you rather be a Cambridge Blue boy?”

That conversation had a profound effect on my thinking, even at that tender age: I often recalled it and occasionally discussed it with my parents, whenever I went home during the holidays. My mother always made it clear to me that I could have anything I wanted in life, I just had to decide what it was I really wanted, and then be prepared to work hard for it.

The reality is that going “up” to Cambridge doesn’t just require outstanding academic or sporting prowess – I was pretty OK in both departments – more than anything, it demands total application; dedication even, and I wasn’t prepared to make the necessary sacrifices.

It is the most significant of only three regrets that I have in my life.

Bearing all of that in mind, should enable you to appreciate my considerable pride when my son went “up” four years ago. During that time, I have “lived” the Cambridge experience through his eyes – not quite the real thing, but as close as I was ever going to get. What a marvellous experience it has been.

Last Thursday, it all came to an end – Joe Farrington “got graduated”

Cambridge is the second oldest university in Britain, and the fourth oldest in the world. It is also recognised as the most prestigious in Europe, and amongst the top five anywhere on the planet.

It is steeped in history, and Cambridge’s alumni, reads like a “Who’s Who”  – sixty one Nobel Prizes amongst them, just for starters!

So, back to last week: It was, unfortunately, the hottest day of the year so far here in the UK. I say unfortunately, because inevitably at ceremonies such as these, there is always considerable queuing and waiting to endure, but it was all organised with the precision you might expect – after all, they have had 802 years to get it right! We should also not forget that each of the thirty one colleges have their own ceremonies, so it is more like “Graduation Week”

Before the actual event, the “graduands” meet up at their own college for a comprehensive briefing - which I understand lasted a full sixty minutes - before lining up to march to the Senate House, much to the delight of the hundreds of tourists.

They then wait in line outside the Senate House …..

Before finally being led in …..

Followed by the parents etc. – just a slight look of impatience on father’s face?

The Senate House is a marvellously atmospheric place to be: History swamps the visitor, and it is impossible not be moved by the occasion. The entire ceremony is of course conducted in Latin, but I was able to guess most of it!

And then it is all over: It’s time for endless photographs within a sea of happy, smiling, but most of all, proud graduates and their families.

It is the “Cambridge Experience” and I have relished every minute of it. No doubt, even more proud days to come – my daughter, Alice, will see to that, and of course, Joe will continue his studies. A “First” from Cambridge is an excellent start!

Tomorrow: It’s business as usual.

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