Well-known folk singer is returning to Bradford for college reunion

Miriam will be among students gathering at the Jury's Inn in the city for a reunion of students of the Margaret McMillan College of Education on Saturday July 13.

Former students from the 1960s and 70s from all over the country, and globe - including Australia and South Africa - are attending the reunion meal with music from both decades which celebrates 'their contribution to education and the community.'

Miriam, whose maiden name was Thorpe - Backhouse is her stage name - was a student at Margaret McMillan College from 1967 to 1969.

Born and raised in Lewes, Sussex, Miriam went to Hertfordshire and on to Bradford to study music and drama.

From there she went on to teach music at Raistrick Secondary Modern.

She says her time at Margaret McMillan College of Education shaped her into the person she is today.

"My years at MACs informed my teaching years as Margaret McMillan was a pioneer of education," writes Miriam.

She later took a 'leap of faith' into the Folk Revival and is still touring and visiting Europe every summer under the name Miriam Backhouse.

Now living in South Africa, Miriam is returning to Bradford for the reunion and says she hopes to 'sing a few songs at the reunion to take people back to the folk songs of the day.'

"I absolutely loved my days at college and I'm looking forward to meeting other students from the 1960s and 1970s," she adds.

"We may have all changed 'outside' but I reckon inside we are still all carefree students at heart."

Any teachers who trained at MACs and would like to attend the reunion can visit MACs Margaret McMillan Bradford on Facebook to find out more.