BCoT Alumnus Michael Reynolds Reflects on a 70-Year Legacy
For most, a building is just bricks and mortar. For Michael Reynolds, a BCoT alumnus from the class of 1954–1959, those bricks represent a lifetime of dedication, a 60-year marriage, and a legacy that his own children and grandchildren have walked through.
Long before the days of modern transport, Michael’s journey to becoming a master craftsman began in the dark hours of the morning. To reach his 7:30 am classes at Basingstoke College of Technology, Michael would wake up at 5:00 am, cycle from his home in East Stratton to Micheldever Station and catch the steam train into town.
This discipline fueled a rigorous four-year bricklaying apprenticeship. At BCoT, Michael didn’t just learn to lay a straight line; he mastered the complex geometry of arch-building and gained a holistic understanding of the trade, including carpentry and joinery, glazing and plastering.
Michael’s career is etched into the very skyline of Basingstoke. He has been responsible for building over 52 schools across the region. However, for Michael, these weren't just projects - they were personal. In a heart-warming twist, his own children and grandchildren have attended the very schools he helped build. There are few greater symbols of a "job well done" than knowing your own family is being educated within walls you raised with your own hands.
"We were taught to do things once and do them right," Michael says. "Seeing my children walk through those doors made all those early mornings worth it."
Looking at the construction industry today, Michael notes how much the pace of learning has changed. While modern intensive courses can get someone started with the basics in just five days, Michael reflects on the depth that a multi-year journey provided in the 1950s.
"While you can certainly pick up the fundamentals of the trade quickly today, back then, we spent four years immersing ourselves in every facet of the craft," Michael explains. "We weren't just learning to lay bricks; we were learning the 'why' behind every structure. From the precision of a brick arch to the nuances of plastering and carpentry, that time allowed us to develop a deep, instinctive feel for the materials. It was a long road, but it gave us a foundation to do things once, do them right and build things that would last for generations."
While Michael's professional life was built on solid foundations, his personal life is equally sturdy. He and his wife recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a "Diamond" milestone marked by a congratulatory telegram from the King.
Beyond the construction site, Michael’s life has been defined by the rhythm of music. Having honed his skills on the bugles and drums during his time in the Army, Michael has never lost his touch. For decades, Michael has been a pillar of the Boys’ Brigade, dedicated to teaching generations of young men how to play the drums and bugle, passing on the same discipline and dedication he learned as a young apprentice.
Today, at 86, Michael Reynolds looks back on what he calls a "good life." From the 5:00 am bicycle rides of the 1950s to receiving royal recognition in the 2020s for a marriage well-lived, his story is one of craftsmanship in its purest form. He didn't just build schools; he built a community, a family, and a legacy that continues to resonate through the beat of a drum and the enduring strength of a hand-laid brick arch.
