This year marks 50 years since Sir Alister Hardy founded the Religious Experience Research Unit at Manchester College, Oxford in 1969.

The celebrations of this key moment started with a lecture by Rupert Sheldrake who gave the very first lecture at Members’ Day many years ago.

Hardy family members, including his grandson Dr Tom Farley and his great niece Jane Winship, spoke about the personal side of Hardy’s life and showed rare family photos from their own collections. In addition, Dr Mark Fox spoke about using the archive in his research, whilst former RERC Director Peggy Morgan and current Director Prof Bettina Schmidt spoke about their own involvement with the archive, AH Society and Trust.

Prof Ursula King spoke about Hardy’s influence on her own research and work and finally the current Chair of Trustees, Prof Leslie Francis looked to the future and the next fifty years.

A reception rounded off the day which was very well attended and supported with the help of Oxford Group members and others who willingly assisted with the book stall, admission and teas and coffees.

With thanks to all those who attended and helped make this day a success.