A Note from the Principal

Issue 9 | Spring 2009 A Note 500 Not Out from the The College’s Quincentenary celebrations men’s hockey team in the 1984 LA Olympics rolled on with a champagne reception on which beat pre-Olympic favourites Australia 19 March at the ‘Home of Cricket’, Lord’s. to win bronze. The famous ground is an iconic and beautiful The speakers provided lively and informative international cricket venue and also home Principal accounts of BNC’s history as a leading to both Middlesex County Cricket Club sporting college, coupled with personal and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Welcome to the new issue of the Brazen refl ections on their experiences of sporting The historic Long Room provided a Notes. As you will see we are well life in Oxford. Alan recalled the dominance picturesque setting for the well-attended into the celebrations associated with of BNC and Oxford cricket teams during his reception which brought together current the Quincentenary and have had an time, with players of fi rst-class and sometimes and former members of the College for excellent book launch; Tanner lectures test standard fi elded at college and university a celebration of BNC’s long history of which were first-rate, dealing with the level. Such was the quality of cricket that even excellence in sporting achievement. global issues of the 21st Century; and a players of international standard sometimes celebration of sport at Lords’. By now you Attendees at the reception were treated to struggled to gain selection to the Blues squads , will all know the programme and we are a guided tour of Lord’s by members of the of the late 50s. David remembered fondly looking forward to seeing many of you at ground’s knowledgeable staff. Highlights of his enjoyment of playing hockey on BNC’s future events, particularly in September. the tour included the spectacular views from well-maintained sports ground, an experience These events have been very popular and the award-winning Investec Media Centre; a unsurpassed in his subsequent playing days. we are very grateful to alumni who have visit to the England team dressing rooms; and Both speeches were warmly received. been so kind as to accept alternatives a seat at the table in the MCC committee Lord’s provided an excellent setting to allowing us to accommodate as many room, scene of much intrigue and controversy appreciate the role that sport has played in people as possible. over cricket’s long history. developing the community and character of These good and exciting events are all The tour was followed by entertaining the College. The event also provided ample set against the background of the current speeches by distinguished BNC alumni Alan inspiration to the current students present, economic climate and the diffi culties C Smith (1957) and David Westcott (1976). in particular members of the College’s which we are all going to experience in this Alan has had an esteemed career in cricket. cricket team which is set to play the MCC country and around the world. In the UK A three-time Blue while at BNC, he went on during Trinity on 14 June 2009 in an event the support for education may well be more to represent England at test level in 1962 and for the Quincentenary. muted in future years as the government ’63. He was also a long-serving all-rounder for struggles to balance its fi nances. However, Warwickshire and then, upon retirement as Klem Ryan (BNC 2007) we clearly intend to carry on providing the a player, occupied roles as Chief Executive of very best education and opportunities for the English Cricket Board and an ICC match all our undergraduates and graduates, in referee. David was captain of Great Britain’s an environment in which they can really enjoy their college and university careers. Your enthusiasm for Brasenose, the successes of our undergraduates, graduates and fellows, the efforts of our faithful staff, the substantial annual fund that you, the alumni, are generating to support our activities, and the major gifts that we are receiving, all give me confi dence that we will achieve our aims of providing the very best education and experience for all, whatever their backgrounds, and in so doing set a fi rm foundation for the next 500 years. This will all be a challenge, but it is one to which I believe Brasenose and its alumni will respond with enthusiasm. I wish everyone a very happy summer and I do look forward to seeing many of you at our future events. Photographed by David Klein Goldsmiths’ Hall Book-Launch On Tuesday 2 December 2008, the the Trappes family came from Lancashire - quincentenary history of BNC - Brasenose, prime Brasenose territory - and the executor The Biography of an Oxford College - was well of her will was a very Brasenose Lancastrian, and truly launched with a grand luncheon, Alexander Nowell. At Nowell’s suggestion and still grander reception, in Goldsmiths’ she resolved ‘in lieu of her most loving son Hall, London. The Hall itself dates from the to rayse and begett unto her selfe in virtue New Development 1830s, but its origins go back to the Middle and learnyng manye Children’ (ie the future Ages; and the dining hall where the reception students of Brasenose). So how much did Director was held - columned in marble, glittering she leave us? Her capital endowment of the Jennifer Lewis joins the College to with gold leaf - is one of the fi nest rooms in College totalled £1,840. That would be many continue to strengthen alumni relations London. The luncheon, an annual event, was millions today. For example, it included the and fundraising programmes. greatly enjoyed by the invited members (with freeholds of Nos. 39-53 Kensington High their guests) of the Alexander Nowell circle: Street. Would that we owned them still! Jennifer comes to Brasenose after seven alumni who had decided to remember BNC years as Director of Alumni Relations and All this, and much more, is explained in the in their wills. Development at the Dragon School in new offi cial history of the College by Joe Oxford. Her previous experience includes But why Goldsmiths’ Hall? Well, every year at Mordaunt Crook. Appropriately its author six years each at Merton College and BNC we drink to the health of one of our greatest is a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Princeton University. benefactors, Joyce Frankland (1531-87). as well as a Supernumerary Fellow of BNC, and a Fellow of the British Academy. The The funding of higher education has Mrs Frankland was the daughter and heiress book - published by OUP - has been hailed undergone signifi cant changes in recent of Robert Trappes, who was twice in the 1520s by Sir Keith Thomas as ‘an astonishing years and it is clear that private giving will Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company. compendium ... frequently hilarious ... which remain important to colleges and universities Most Brasenose people will be familiar with anyone with the faintest interest in Oxford in the future. Historically, of course, bene- two portraits of ‘our Joyce’ proudly carrying her ought to possess’. Copies can be ordered at faction has played a major role in the favourite pocket watch: one in Hall and one www.bnc.ox.ac.uk. Should you experience founding and resourcing of many colleges, in the Senior Common Room. But few will any diffi culties please contact 01865 277 835 and Brasenose is no exception. Individual know the painting of her father, a rare panel- or email [email protected]. philanthropy, Jennifer acknowledges, re- portrait, hanging today in Goldsmiths’ Hall. mains a key factor, albeit in a somewhat When she died in 1587, Mrs Frankland had If you would like more information on the different guise from that which resulted in been twice widowed. She was also childless; Alexander Nowell Circle please contact the the foundation of the College in 1509. her only son died young. So her life was not Development Offi ce on 01865 287275 or happy; her motto was ‘suffer and serve’. But email development.offi ce @bnc.ox.ac.uk There are, however, many ways of giving. In an obvious and necessary way, alumni can contribute fi nancially to the funds and projects that interest them. But Jennifer believes there is a host of opportunities for alumni involvement in the life of the College today. Those able to provide careers mentoring or work experience for current members of BNC, or to introduce others who may be interested in supporting Brasenose, will all be providing valuable contributions to the College’s future. She looks forward to working with all members of the Brasenose community in the coming years. Annual Fund We are enormously grateful to report that the Annual Fund, launched in 2007, has received nearly £400,000 to date with an additional £54,000 pledged. These generous donations are already having an impact on life at the College and have been used to enable:

● Travel grants for Undergraduate Research ● A number of Graduate Scholarships ● Student Support Grants ● Refurbishment of undergraduate accommodation ● Improved Library facilities, including better lighting ● Funding a new subscription to a music library ● Contributions to our Clubs and Societies Brasenose College is committed to ensuring that its students beneﬁ t from an outstanding education, supported by excellent teaching, facilities and services. The Annual Fund makes a real and tangible impact upon the students of today and tomorrow and with your continued support we hope to provide the best educational experience available.

2 BNC 500 Tanner Lectures Professor Jane Cardosa photographed by Keiko Ikeuchi

As many will know, the Tanner Lectures on Challenge of Emerging Infection, with Prof the context of terrorism and security. In the Human Values are a distinguished annual event William James (Fellow, BNC) in the chair. second, introduced by Sir Nicholas Bratza at Brasenose. In this, our quincentennial year, They were joined for discussion by a panel of (European Court of Human Rights, BNC the 2009 Tanner Lectures formed the intellectual local experts including Prof Paul Klenerman old member), the topic turned to bioethics centrepiece of our BNC500 celebrations. (Fellow BNC), Prof Tim Peto (BNC old and human rights, with Professors Sir Ian member) and Prof Harold Jaffe. Kennedy (Healthcare Commission) and With the generous support of the Tanner Julian Savulescu (Uehiro Centre). Foundation we had the pleasure of welcoming We then moved to the question of Terrorism an especially distinguished, and a singularly and International Security: What have we learned In the fi nal session we faced Environmental numerous and diverse, programme of Tanner from Afghanistan and Iraq? led by Dr Llewelyn Challenges in a Warming World, chaired by Lecturers. The theme which united them was Morgan (Fellow, BNC). This session was David Shukman of the BBC and organised simple, but not easy: Meeting the Challenges of characterised by a compelling and instructive by Dr Giles Wiggs (Fellow, BNC). Professors the 21st Century. plurality of viewpoints. Lt-Col John Nagl Robert Watson and Sir David King provided and Leo Docherty gave us their refl ections as, comprehensive reviews from the perspective In its 500th year, BNC has much history to respectively, US and British former serving of present and past Chief Scientifi c Advisers celebrate; but the Tanner Lectures afforded offi cers (chair: Paddy Docherty). They were to the Government; Prof Deiter Helm and us an opportunity to look forward too; and followed by a panel discussion involving Ana George Monbiot (both BNC alumni) talked a chance to remind ourselves of the central Rodriguez Garcia (protection of Afghan cultural respectively on the economic aspects and the value of Brasenose as an academic institution heritage), Alan Macdonald (mine clearance), necessity of leaving fossil fuels in the ground. which can, through the efforts of its men and John Bingham (journalist), Joanna Buckley All four joined forces for a stimulating panel women, help make the world a better place, (UN in Afghanistan), Susanne Varga Nagl (on discussion to close the event. intellectually, morally and practically. problems for US service families) and George The drinks after the lectures each day provided The lectures, which divided into four sessions, Noel-Clarke (political offi cer in Afghanistan); further opportunities for lively interchanges. took place over Friday and Saturday of Fifth the last four again BNC old members. The lectures and discussions were recorded; week of Hilary. We were delighted by the The Saturday morning session was concerned and transcripts and edited audio should soon number of alumni who were able to attend with Human Rights in the 21st Century, be available from the BNC website. The and to take part in the discussions. Overall organised by Prof Stefan Vogenauer (Fellow, lectures will also be published in the series of we had somewhere in the region of 800-900 BNC). In the fi rst part, introduced by Lord volumes, Tanner Lectures on Human Values, people attending the various sessions. Justice Scott Baker (Hon Fellow, BNC), Prof produced by the University of Utah Press. In In the fi rst session, Professors Robin Weiss Vernon Bogdanor (Fellow, BNC) and Kate future years’ Tanner Lectures we hope to revisit (UCL), Jane Cardosa (U Malaysia Sarawak) Allen (Amnesty UK, Hon Fellow, BNC) some of the themes discussed this year, and to and Eddie Holmes (Penn State) took up the talked on democracy and human rights in see how matters have indeed progressed. The Feldberg Prize Peter Somogyi, FRS, Senior Kurti basal ganglia, the cerebellum, the neocortex Research Fellow at Brasenose College and and the hippocampus. Director of the Medical Research Council The prizes are awarded to German scientists Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit resident in Germany and to British scientists at the University of Oxford received the resident in the United Kingdom. Peter Feldberg Prize for 2009 from the Feldberg Somogyi will deliver the Feldberg Prize Lecture Foundation of London for his contribution at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research to neuroscience. Somogyi recognised that in Frankfurt/Main in June 2009, and will also explanations of normal and pathological lecture at other German universities. events in the brain can only come from the rigorous defi nition of the neuronal circuits, For further information see: which led him to the discovery of novel http://mrcanu.pharm.ox.ac.uk principles of neuronal organisation in the http://www.feldbergfoundation.org

3 BNC 500 Celebrations It is a momentous occasion to celebrate a A Sixtieth quincentenary, an experience in which one cannot help but feel proud to share. How do you honour fi ve hundred years of College history? For it is a time that should be marked Anniversary Reunion with all the splendour it holds. This is a time to not only celebrate what has been built but also those who dedicated themselves to its survival and the lives that were moulded here. We In a year of Brasenose celebrations, eighteen prepared a programme that we hoped would be well received and attended, we had no idea survivors of the College’s 1949 intake held of just how great that support would be. a reunion dinner on 19 March at the Oxford Included in this newsletter you will fi nd articles about the events that have already taken place. and Cambridge Club in London to celebrate The next event will be the BNC 500 VIIIs Week Family Day. Lunch will be followed by a series their golden anniversary. of activities and a variety of entertainment. If you did not manage to book a ticket to the This event, the result of some patient lunch please join us in the afternoon as you will emailing by Michael Rountree, had one be able to participate in the programme. remarkable feature. Everybody present knew more or less exactly what everyone In September alumni will gather from around else round the table had been doing for the world for a weekend of celebrations, a the last sixty years, even before they had time to revive memories, share experiences exchanged a word of greeting. This was and partake in those familiar traditions. We thanks to a suggestion by Clyde Sanger that have had an overwhelming response with all prospective diners should write a short events selling out within days. Tickets may essay on their lives and careers beforehand still be booked on line for the Sheldonian ‘so that all secrets would be out and lots of Presentation and Sunday Lunch. jokes prepared in advance’. All contributions We are in the fi nal planning stages of the were professionally crafted into a booklet Brasenose High Table at Sotheby’s New by ex-journalist Clyde, who added his own York, scheduled for 12 September 2009. For account even though he sadly decided he one night we will transform Sotheby’s into couldn’t make the journey from Canada for Brasenose College and offer you an evening the dinner itself. Names of all who attended. Bill Clennell John Twining in Hall. An auction will also take place with | One other absent 49er was particularly Ross McHardy | Bruce Kent the opportunity to bid for exclusive items remembered. George Bull, who died in 2001, David Stoneham | Alan O’Hea and experiences. More information will be featured in the booklet of memoirs in the form Pat Rooney | David Kemp posted on the website shortly. of his obituary in the Independent, written by Peter Smith | John Hearth We would like to thank all our alumni for Jeremy Mitchell. John Grey | Tony Davidson their support and especially for understanding Jeremy Mitchell | Derrick Blay The general consensus was that all present when we were unable to confi rm attendance John Mountford | Peter Crawford seemed to have led happy and successful lives, at the event of preference. The possibility of Michael Rountree | Pearson Phillips. thanks, not least, to the sturdy foundations hosting further events is being discussed and laid down by Brasenose. Such was the warm Names of 49ers updates will be posted on the website. We in the small group pic, reading from right to glow of satisfaction felt by all that it was ( look forward to seeing you at the celebrations left, away from the camera.) optimistically decided to repeat the dinner in and should you require any additional John Twining Derrick Blay the not too distant future. | information please contact the BNC500 David Stoneham | Peter Crawford Events Offi ce on 01865 277 835. Pearson Phillips (BNC 1949) John Mountford.

4 Reunion Dinner for those who matriculated in October 1958 This may be the 500th anniversary year of “One unique feature [of our year group] was Given this sporting prowess, the uninitiated, and BNC itself, but it is also the 50th of those that 1958 was the year when National Service that includes many dons, might presume a lack who matriculated in 1958. This event was was stopped. Thus the year combined a mixture of mental prowess, but the subsequent record celebrated on 3 April at an excellent reunion of those who came out of the forces together with disproves that and again displays an extraordinary dinner in the College Hall attended by 33 of those straight from school, but the leavening of successful set of careers. those original 107 Brasenose men, together experienced ex-military had a profound infl uence. The class has produced a High Court Judge; with three who, having matriculated either a Our year, together with the following one, was the Senior Partner of a City law fi rm; two Hollywood year earlier or a year later and graduated with last year of undergraduates who wore sports coats, moguls; a University Chancellor; two Generals; us in 1961, seemed really to be part of our ties and cavalry twills, before undergraduates a Trades Union General Secretary; a senior press year. Many of those present had not met since became students and had long hair and listened and a senior TV journalist; numerous senior graduation. Professor Graham Richards, who to the Beatles. We still climbed in at night without businessmen; several university professors; two has been at BNC for virtually all of those 50 complaint and had no keys for our rooms. headmasters; a Fellow of All Souls and a Fellow years presided at the dinner. The other unique aspect was that we represented of the College. Just one ended up in a police cell. To accompany the reunion a ‘year book’ is being the Indian summer of the great and long-lasting Now viewed with the hindsight of 50 years, it compiled with short autobiographies of those Brasenose sporting tradition. No group in truly was a unique group, and not just because in the year, beneath photographs of themselves subsequent years has come close to matching we were covered in fl our for our Freshmen’s as they were in 1958 and as they are now. An our athletic achievements. The class produced a photograph.” interim edition for those attending the reunion rowing blue; a rugby blue; two athletics blues, contained 58 such entries of ’58 men together including the president of OUAC; two football with 6 of those invited from ’57 and ’61 and it blues, including the captain; two hockey blues; James Flecker (BNC 1958) is hoped that a more complete version will be four lacrosse blues, including the captain; three PS (For those of other years who might think fi nished and circulated shortly. cricket blues two of whom played county cricket, of doing this) In retrospect we should have and the captain who played Test cricket. Members tried to arrive at lunch time before the dinner Graham Richards wrote and spoke about our of this vintage year took part in teams which won or stay until lunch next day. Dinner itself is year as follows: cuppers at rugby, athletics and hockey. just not long enough, not after 50 years!

5 Boat Race 2009 The 2009 Boat Race was exceptional in every We decided to be as united and committed But there was something more for me aspect, for me personally as well as for the as an Oxford Blue Boat can be and to surpass personally. Our stroke, Ante Kusurin, and whole Oxford University Boat Club squad. any normal expectations of great crews. Our I lost the 2007 Boat Race. Losing the Boat Our crew was composed of fi ve different mantra was to extinguish Cambridge’s hope Race leaves a scar on you forever, as such, nationalities: American, British, Croatian, at every opportunity and become their worst Ante and I trained everyday in order to erase Dutch and Polish. Five members of the Blue nightmare. And so we did. It is the greatest that scar from our minds and bodies. We Boat competed in the Beijing Olympics and experience of my life to see nine guys so pushed ourselves everyday for the memory of two came back with medals. It was a huge committed and dedicated to the same goal. the 2007 crew as well as for each individual challenge for our Coach, Sean Bowden, We were an undefeated crew that won all the in the 2009 Blue Boat. This year’s victory to bring this mix of guys with different fi xture races, the heaviest crew in the history fi nally removed the scar Ante and I incurred backgrounds together and build an eight in of the race (99.7kg on average) and the speeds two years ago. We fi nally have our revenge. such a short time. Ultimately, it was down we were achieving in training were some of the to us to come together to beat Cambridge. fastest in the history of Oxford Blue Boats. Michal Plotkowiak (BNC 2006) The victorious Boat Race crew with Michal Plotkowiak in the bow position, By courtesy of Getty Images

Oxford University Inter-Collegiate Golf Tournament 2009 Frilford Heath, 17 April For some years now there has been an informal Jeremy Penn ...... (1960) intercollegiate golfi ng tournament for former Barry May ...... (1969) members of the University held at a golf course Roger Murray ...... (1956) near Oxford and fi nishing up with a dinner at Stephen Lee ...... (1964) one of the colleges. Last year there were 16 Michael Day ...... (1959) colleges taking part, but BNC has apparently Nigel Wightman ...... (1971) never been involved. From its totally informal Nicholas Warrington ...... (2003) beginnings the tournament is now on a more Anyone who plays golf and would like to be structured footing and the central organization contacted in the future, should send their is done by the Development Offi ce of one contact details to me at james@fl ecker.com of the participating colleges. Bill Morris In fact it would probably be really useful if we (Corpus), one of the tournament committee, had a full list of all our golfers, in case people asked James Flecker (BNC 58-62) to try to might like to arrange meetings in the future. raise a BNC team for this year’s tournament So please send your details to me and I will and the following answered the call and pass them on to the College. represented the College:

Left Roger Murray, centre Jeremy Penn (Captain) and right Stephen Lee Left Roger Murray, James Flecker (BNC 1958)

6 A Family Tradition At the recent 1958 reunion, I was asked “Given expected at the fi nish, he could not see the other to anyone that the offi cial verdict was of much that four generations of Oxford Kents have acted side of the river for snow. Oxford came round interest outside Oxbridge. However, in 1976 the as Finishing Judge at the Boat Race for the last the outside of the bend to win by a canvas. time-keepers’ launch broke down, the offi cial 82 years, why have Oxford not won the last 82 verdict was not passed up the chain of command Over the years my grandfather, my father and Boat Races?” Perhaps we have not been trying. and the betting shops would not pay out. I stood on a boat motoring idly against the My grandfather (C W Kent) was fi rst invited incoming tide to hold its place on the fi nishing I was particularly glad that I had handed over in 1928. He had been the fi nest stroke of line. We lined up the waymarks and waited. to my nephew, Ben (New College), before the his generation, taking BNC Head of the Once the race started, the only news that we one-foot verdict in 2003. Now Ben is stuck River in 1889 and keeping them there in 1890. wanted to hear on the radio was that clear water on the bank with TV screens and technical He went on to stroke Oxford to victory in 1891 was opening up between the crews. As each one support. Someone else drops the fl ag but he and to win the Grand for Leander in 1891-2-3-4. crossed the line, we dropped the fl ag. Then we gives the verdict. I feel that he does not have The BNC boathouse is (or was) full of his oars. gave the offi cial result - up to 3 lengths judged the fun that we did. I never heard that he had to judge any diffi cult by eye and over 3 lengths calculated by taking races. On the other hand, my father’s fi rst race the time difference between the crews and John Kent (BNC 1958)

Brasenose VIII ﬁ nishing Head of the River, 1889 from‘The Demon Spurter’ by Richard Kent. nishing Head of the River, Brasenose VIII ﬁ was his worst. A minute before the crews were assuming 3 seconds per length. It never occurred

MCC CRICKET MATCH Sunday 14 June BNC Grounds It is nostalgic legend at Brasenose that, in days day’s cricket begins at 11.30 am and will ﬁ nish of yore, when the world-famous Marylebone between 6 pm and 7 pm. For the spectators, Cricket Club toured Oxford each season there will be a bar selling soft and alcoholic they played only two teams, the Blues and drinks, some light food and snacks, and the Brasenose 1st XI: such was the strength commentary on the game. In short, a perfect of the cricket club where MC Cowdrey, AC opportunity to enjoy a summer’s day with a Smith and several other cricketing greats picnic, to catch up with friends over a beer, cut their teeth. and to celebrate the College’s 500th year. In this the quincentenary of Brasenose, the For any queries about the game, please contact MCC returns to play the 1st XI in a special the Captain of Cricket, Arvind Singhal ﬁ xture to crown the sporting summer. A full [email protected].

7 By kind permission of Sara Fugami The Wingfi eld Organ As part of the Quintcentenery celebrations, Brasenose is most fortunate to have on loan the Wingfi eld Organ, a reconstruction of a Tudor organ. The organ was reconstructed by organ builders Goetze & Gywnn and is part of the Early English Organ Project now co-ordinated by the Royal College of Organists. Unlike the continent, where many examples array of grooves and holes which led to The organ has been used to provide voluntaries of sixteenth-century organs can be seen (and its eventual identifi cation as an organ for College Prayers on a Sunday. During the heard), virtually nothing survives from this soundboard. Tests later led to a dating of 1520. fi nal service of term it was used for an alternatim time in Britain. Apart from a few fragments, The reconstructed Wetheringsett Organ can setting of the Magnifi cat, an old practice of which provided the source material for the now be found in Holy Trinity Church, Prince alternating verses of canticles and hymns Early English Organ Project, much was lost Consort Road, London. between human voices and the organ’s ‘voices’. during the Reformation and the Civil War. Although the perceived ‘absence’ of some of The reconstruction of the Wingfi eld Organ, Brasenose, the last college to be founded the Magnifi cat’s words was provocative, the now in Brasenose, was based on a soundboard before the era of religious unrest, would have experience was a delight and a most interesting discovered in a coffi n-house of a churchyard had a small organ in the chapel (the location experience to many who attended the service. (Wingfi eld Church). It was discovered in of the present SCR dining room). According With thanks to several College members 1995 by organ builder Dominic Gywnn. to the Bursar’s scrolls the organ was repaired for their interest in providing the Wingfi eld The fragment was previously noted in 1937 sometime in 1523-4. The organ disappeared Organ with energy through their pumping of when the author states that two visitors soon after 1549 when it was sold; there is the organ’s bellows! ‘saw the fragments of such a pair of organs a reference to ‘a pair of orgaynes bought at in Wingfi eld Church fi fty years ago but they Brasenose will welcome pupils from New London of the facion of a countying borde or disappeared a few years later’. According to College School next term and it is hoped lowe table’. Dominic Gwynn an earlier reference in the to organise visits from other local schools. Archaeological discoveries from 1977 and Wiltshire Magazine stated that ‘The remains Students from the Royal College of Music 1995 provided suffi cient material to arouse of a pair of ancient organs are, or were until will also visit next term. Michaelmas Term interest in recreating a Tudor organ. The lately, preserved in the church of Wingfi eld, 2009 will witness the creation of a series of fi rst discovery was made in Meadow Farm, Suffolk’. The organ was reconstructed in 2000 services in which organ scholars from around Blacksmith’s Green, Wetheringsett, near and has been in various churches around the University will direct service music using Stowmarket, where renovation uncovered England. It was in All Souls’ College, a few the Wingfi eld Organ. For further information an old soundboard (the part of an organ on years ago (the fi rst organ to be heard in the or to arrange a visit please contact nicholas. which the pipes rest and from which the chapel since the destruction of the original [email protected]. Please see www. pipes receive their wind). The fragment organ during the Reformation) and came to goetzegwynn.co.uk/tudor.shtml for further had been used as a door (possibly for over Brasenose last December after a brief stay in information about the project. three hundred years) and it was the curious St Paul’s Cathedral. Nick Prozzillo (BNC 2001)

8 Cardinall’s Musick Dmitri Gutjahr

On 1 February Brasenose had the pleasure times that refl ected Elizabeth’s last years. One of the strengths of the group lies in the of welcoming the Cardinall’s Musick. The The Spanish Armada was presented through combination of solid academic research with programme was entitled ‘Elizabeth’ and several compositions, beginning with Deliver the ability of its singers to perform as soloists comprised music composed during the life of me from mine enemies, by Robert Parsons and who are also part of a vocal team, ‘preserving the fascinating monarch, Elizabeth I. The music- ending with the sublime Haec Dies (This is their vocal personalities rather than striving making began in the Ante Chapel and the the day that the Lord hath made) by one of for a mellifl uous blend … resulting in a vibrant choir processed into the chapel singing Pastime the greatest British composers, William Byrd. texture of timbres’ (The Daily Telegraph). with good company by Henry VIII. Directed by Coupled with this goes a sincere love of the No programme featuring Elizabethan music Andrew Carwood, now Director of Music at music and the desire to give deeply committed could ignore Byrd. Elizabeth liked a ‘good St Paul’s Cathedral, Brasenose witnessed yet live performances: ‘The voices of Andrew tune’; she appreciated a good song writer another excellent Platnauer Concert. Carwood and his eight cohorts could probably and this is perhaps the main reason why she start a blaze in the Antarctic!’ (The Times). The wonderful singing was given another allowed Byrd, a fervent Roman Catholic, to element of interest through Andrew Carwood’s compose and publish music. In return Byrd A wonderful and truly inspiring evening. excellent introductions. The programme gave showed great fondness for the queen, greeting Members of College are most welcome to a wonderful insight into the reign of Elizabeth her in This sweet and merry month of May: ‘greet attend the Platnauer Concerts. The Sunday I and the introduction to each section placed Elyza with a Ryme. O Beauteous Queene of concerts are held in the third week of the music that was about to be sung in its second Troy’. The concert ended with one of each term and begin at 21:00. For further proper context. Following the introductory Byrd’s most sensitive word settings, O Lord information please see the College website section presenting music composed just make Elizabeth our Queen. – ‘music’ – or email the Graduate Director of before and after the beginning of the English Music: [email protected]. The Cardinall’s Musick has attracted great Reformations, the concert examined the attention for its superb sound and inspiring Spanish Armada, the Elizabethan golden Nick Prozzillo (BNC 2001) progammes. I can do no better than quote the age and the way composers referred to their programme notes: queen, and lastly the unstable and uncertain Brasenose Panto Not so long ago, in a college with a very silly panache such lines as ‘Show me the Wonga!’ name, the Christmas pantomime had sadly His girlfriend Juliet, who is in charge of Arts dwindled. (Ahh!) No, it was worse than that. Week this year, memorably played Nigella. And, (Ahhhh!!) There were those who would stand of course, Richard O’Brien was wicked (in both by and see it disappear altogether. (Boo! Hiss!) senses) as the villainous spiv, whether he was But then along came two third-years (They’re trying to sell a pair of quincentenary knockers or behind you!), Mr David Lewis-Hall and myself. the fateful tin of Heinz Baked Beans. We independently came to the same conclusion: Charlotte Hutchinson took charge of singing the pantomime should go on! (Thigh slap!) and Rebecca Dyar made costumes like the rip-off Brasenose pantomime isn’t exactly an ancient Velcro legs for the French Daddy-Long-Legs. institution. In fact, the recent alumnus Cat The day before the big performance, Margaret Totty (1999) assures me she penned the fi rst Brooks and Lucy Taylor came to me with a last- ever one. However, it is a necessary outlet for minute question. ‘How are we going to do the some of the more odd and untoward side-effects bean stack?’ of college life. This was a slight problem. But Margaret and

Script-writing was a walk in the park. David as Dame Titania Chris Tudor Lucy, ever resourceful, had soon printed some would seize me by the lapels. ‘Damn it, Harry!’ Heinz labels off the internet, wrapped them castle. When Jack fi nally chopped down the he would cry. ‘How are we going to resolve round some tins borrowed from the College Bean Stack and destroyed the Big Cheese, he this plotline?’ recycle bin and threaded them onto a string to inadvertently discovered the recipe for Cheese ‘I just don’t know, David, dash it all!’ I would be held diagonally across the stage. and Beans on Toast. As the narrator concluded, tear at my hair in agitation. ‘That is why Jack is the patron saint of students. The Christmas pantomime was at once satirical He merits a place in this Hall between the But just as we were giving up hope, he’d say, and surreal. It included a tramp who liked founders of this College, Good Bishop William ‘Games! We could write a whole damn scene gardening, a man walking a lobster on a lead and and Sir Richard in his zigzag tabard…’ about games!’ For a walk in the park like this, we a meeting of three Brasenose Alumni who could were clearly a few sandwiches short of a picnic. never have met in real life. The Covered Market …these two (but not Jack) will appear in the surfaced as the Undercover Market (a vortex of historical pageant I’m writing for the Anniversary Nevertheless we soon had an eager cast vice where no one has any principles, not even Weekend. With fi nals over, David will (fi ngers- together. Sarah Lyall played Jack with wide-eyed vice-principals!) and the world up the beanstalk crossed) play the benefactress, Joyce Frankland! bewilderment, ruffl ing the petals of Mat Owen became a topsy-turvy sort of Brasenose (called who took the role of Daisy. Chris Tudor kept the Beanznose) where the Big Cheese lived in his Harry Ford (BNC 2006) audience busy as Dame Titania, reeling off with

9 Brasenose Charity Calendar 09 A Gift to Celebrate There are a number of gifts that members can purchase in celebration of the 500th Anniversary of Brasenose College. The pudding basin featured below has proved to be one of our most popular items.

Looking back now, it’s quite hard to imagine The two cancers were chosen for their that the Brasenose Charity Calendar 2009 prevalence and association to those within the blossomed from a casual suggestion made student body age bracket. Breast cancer is now during a JCR Charities meeting. Nonetheless, the most common cancer in the UK according after 6 weeks of frantic emailing and gentle to Cancer Research UK, and was widely BNC 500 PUDDING BASIN persuasion, entertaining photo-shoots with accepted as a cause to support. Furthermore, Capacity 1 Litre £19 strategically placed props and extremely early detection of breast cancer helps to fi ght (see opposite page for ordering procedure) effi cient printing, the fi rst-ever College semi- the disease and we hope that raising awareness naked charity calendar hit the shelves before among students will help with this. Testicular the end of Michaelmas term! cancer was chosen as males aged between 18 and 32 are at highest risk of contracting the The calendar involved a wide spectrum of disease. Whilst testicular cancer has a very low Herodotus College members from various sports teams mortality rate, the biggest problem associated to JCR and HCR committees, musicians with it is awareness, where most men do to student bar staff and anyone else who not check for signs and often do not know Pudding, wanted to get involved. The photographs what to look for. We hope that the calendar were mainly set in familiar College sites like will help to raise awareness among students the library, Shackleton Room and Old Quad and again help with early detection. Both 1846 and a surprising number taken in broad of the charities supported focus on raising daylight! We truly appreciated the help of The recipe for Herodotus Pudding was awareness which resonates with our desire of College staff and senior members in giving sent to us in 1944 by Joan Evans of informing students. us permission to use College rooms and for Wotton-under-Edge. It was among papers their support in general. The calendar proved to be an extremely fun of her grandmother Anne Evans (1791- project for the JCR Charities Committee 1883). Anne Evans was married to Arthur The inspiration for a semi-naked calendar organising it and was defi nitely a memorable Benoni Evans (1781-1854), priest, writer came from St Anne’s College which had College experience for all involved. We would and headmaster of Market Bosworth successfully raised a great deal of money from like to extend a massive thank you to BNC Grammar School. Their son Arthur Evans this unique endeavour. To date, we have students for their support and participation (not the archaeologist) was at Brasenose raised over £750 having sold 160 calendars to and for embracing the idea with open arms. We 1840-44, and brought the recipe home students. The money raised will be donated to hope that the calendar becomes a Brasenose from the College. Arthur Evans went on breast and testicular cancer charities, Cancer tradition in the years to come! to be Curate of one of his father’s livings Research UK and Orchid Cancer Appeal at Carlton in Leicestershire, but he died respectively. The element of semi-nudity JCR Charities Committee 2008 young, in April 1850. serves as a motif to help convey our message Faeza Afzal Emma Blake of raising awareness among Brasenose students | Rachel James Felicity Johnston about these cancers. | Recipe 250g/2 cups suet 250g/2 cups raisins Brasenose 125g/2 cups fi ne breadcrumbs 125g/1 cup sugar Quincentenary 4 fi gs, chopped Grated rind of one lemon Exhibition 2 teaspoons ground allspice 4 tablespoons of brandy In honour of its Quincentenary, Brasenose Autograph material of John Buchan, Lord 2 eggs College will exhibit a collection of artefacts, Sidmouth (Prime Minister 1801-04), Edward paintings and ancient documents. It is a VIII and Alice Liddell will be put on show. rare opportunity to take a close look at the Method The exhibition will run from 21 May 2009 collection of noses. Take this occasion to view Mix the ingredients together, put them in until 26 June 2009 in the Cloisters, College silver, rare books from the Library and the pudding basin, tie a greaseproof paper Brasenose College. Open 2-5 pm on archives from the twelfth century onwards. On circle over the top of the basin and steam weekdays. Admission free (subject to special loan from the Ashmolean Museum, for fi ve hours. usual £1 admission charge to the College J M W Turner’s painting of Brasenose College for non-members). will be on display along with other paintings.

10 BNC Merchandise To view the full product range with detailed descriptions and to place an order please visit www.bnc.ox.ac.uk and click on the BNC 500 memorabilia link.

THE BRAZEN NOSE PENDANT CHARM BRACELET HALCYON DAYS ENAMEL BOX Nose 3cm high, Chain 35cm long £60 Nose 2cm high, Bracelet 20cm long £140 Diameter 5.7cm £110

4 BRAZEN NOSE COASTERS BRAZEN NOSE BRASS KNOCKER 10cm x 10cm each mat £22 per set 10cm wide x 20.2cm high £500

NAPKIN RINGS DARTINGTON SQUARE COMPACT UMBRELLA 5cm wide x 4cm high £35 (box set of two) DECANTER £90 £20

SILK SCARF CUFFLINKS - THE BRAZEN NOSE SILK TIE 86cm x 86cm £48 Nose 2cm high £135 Produced especially for BNC £27

11 Douglas Oxford Alumni Weekend Vernimmen Meeting Minds: An Equal Citizenship 25–27 September 2009 Exhibition In 2009, the Oxford Alumni Weekend will celebrate the fi ftieth anniversary of the former Douglas Vernimmen works as a scientist women’s colleges being granted the status of full affi liated with Brasenose College, and colleges of the University. To the prominent also occasionally as a photographer at feminist and author, Vera Brittain (Somerville College events. Doug had an early interest 1914), the admission of women to the ancient in photography and joined the Oxford universities ‘represented the quintessence of the Photographic Society fi ve years ago, when he whole movement for women’s emancipation, came to Oxford. Quickly Doug established the contest for the equal citizenship of the his fi rst success in photography at the London mind’. Our programme will feature a breadth of Salon in 2006 and has also subsequently been talks and panel discussions by leading alumni recognised by the Photographic Alliance and academics in a range of fi elds, focusing of Great Britain (CPAGB) and the Royal Invitation particularly on the contributions of Oxford Photographic Society (LRPS). Today Doug women. Former Secretary of State and now life is an active exhibitor in International Salons peer, Gillian Shephard (St Hilda’s), and former and has so far exhibited his photographs in to alumni chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, more than 20 countries. Pauline Neville-Jones (LMH), will be joining His photographic interests are portraiture, to deposit us for a panel discussing issues of security and Oxford buildings and its people. The exhibition liberty. Writer Val McDermid (St Hilda’s) will held at the Royal Photographic Society in June their Oxford be leading a crime-writing session and business 2009 will be a selection of 30 of his portraits. woman Nicola Horlick (Balliol) will be part of Two years ago Doug began photographing a panel focusing on women and work. people to build up his successful LRPS panel. research thesis We will also be paying tribute in 2009 to the His models are usually friends, colleagues or International Year of Astronomy, using this their children, people he met in the street, but in ORA global initiative to give visibility to some of also some celebrities including Jimmy Carter, Oxford’s most important scientifi c success Colin Dexter and the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University Research Archive (ORA, stories such as the Galaxy Zoo project, a website Oxford University. see http://ora.ouls.ox.ac.uk) is the new which has encouraged the general public to help online library for research materials produced The Exhibition is open Monday-Friday and you classify millions of galaxies, to help identify how by Oxford academics and provides a means can fi nd more information at www.rps.org different kinds of galaxies are distributed. to store, access and maximise visibility for Oxford research output/materials. The For something different again, why not join the collection includes digital copies of Oxford sing-in of part two of Handel’s Messiah, enjoy a research theses. Former students who have session on libraries in the twenty-fi rst century with successfully graduated with an Oxford Bodley’s Librarian, or book for a tour to see some of research degree are invited to deposit a copy Oxford’s hidden, and not so hidden gems, from the of their thesis in ORA. Any student who OUP to the city’s gargoyles and grotesques! followed an eligible programme (see http:// If you are interested in attending the Weekend, www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/ora/oxford_etheses/ we recommend that you sign up to the 2009 eligible_ethesis_depositors), no matter mailing list to receive updates when information when they graduated, can deposit their becomes available, obtain a brochure and get thesis. The list is currently under review booking reminders. Fill in the online form at as the governance of ORA transfers to the www.alumniweekend.ox.ac.uk or email new University Research Committee. [email protected]. See the ORA Help & Information website http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/ora/oxford_ etheses for a list of eligible programmes and for further information and help, or contact Mentioned in [email protected] if you have any queries or diffi culties. Dispatches Sally Rumsey Fellows ORA Service & Development Manager Professor Vernon Bogdanor Tutor in Politics at BNC since 1966 and Professor of Politics and Government at Oxford University was presented with the Sir Isaiah Berlin Prize for Lifetime Contribution to Sadly Departed Political Studies in November 2008. Professor Peter Somogyi Senior Kurti It is with great sadness that we report the loss of four eminent members of Fellow at BNC since 2004 and Director of the Brasenose community. the Medical Research Council Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit at Oxford Mr John Foster (Emeritus Fellow) University received the Feldberg Prize for Fellow in Philosophy 1966-2005. Emeritus Fellow from 2005. He had been a scholar of Lincoln 2009 for his contribution to neuroscience. College. He was described when he retired as a much respected Tutor and a very prolifi c writer. Alumni Sir John Mortimer (Honorary Fellow) Professor John Blair (BNC 1973) was Read Jurisprudence at BNC 1940-42. Honorary Fellow from 2006. Barrister, writer appointed a Fellow of the British Academy. and dramatist. Dr Diane Coyle (BNC 1978) was awarded Mr Mohammad Aslam Khan Khattak (Honorary Fellow) an OBE in the New Year Honours List 2009. Read Modern History at BNC 1929-32. Honorary Fellow from 2006. Former Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq and Government Minister. Mr Richard Handyside (BNC 1991) appointed QC February 2009. Sir John Young (Honorary Fellow) Read Jurisprudence at BNC 1938-41. Honorary Fellow from 1991. Former Lieutenant- Mr Anthony Peto (BNC 1979) appointed Governor of Victoria and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia, 1974-91 QC February 2009.

Contacts Alumni Relations and Development Ofﬁ ce, Brasenose College, Oxford OX1 4AJ. Tel: 01865 287275 Email: development.ofﬁ [email protected]