ChCh Matters a/w 7 24/5/04 12:55 PM Page 1 Chri Church Matters TRINITY TERM 2004 ISSUE 13 Editorial This issue of Christ Church Matters is full of history and anecdote, some undergraduates. The aspirant actors of a previous period, more subservient of it no doubt ben trovato. It shows amongst many other things a certain to the control of OUDS and the ETC, will be able to compare their English (and more correctly but more anxiously perhaps, a British, fortunes in the period of the ritual OUDS Summer Majors in College European and Rhodes Scholarish) affection for eccentricity, particularly gardens with the free market described by Harry Lloyd. The success of when it is manifested within Oxford by dons in the period when they often Christ Church graduates in a rather different market can also be tracked in seemed to be a rather harmless protected species; though the war time the articles on the automotive industry. All very various; all at least in experiences of some of them, particularly Robert Blake, and the Cherwell- memory deriving from a single community, and it is in the attempt to Einstein connection noted below, rather belie that. Our articles will also extend that memory and to sustain a highly individual sense of community convey I hope a strong sense, not just of nostalgia, but of the interestingly that Christ Church Matters can derive a great deal of pleasure. changing assumptions of the many different generations of House CHRISTOPHER BUTLER, Tutor in English & Co-Editor

Building Bridges

HE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED the (subsequently Archdeacon of Oxford and Canon of Second World War were challenging to the Christ Church) devoted notable time and effort. Tutmost for the UK in many respects. Apart S. Wood (father of Oscar Wood, another from restoring the physical devastation, throughout Philosophy Tutor at Christ Church) made an Europe countless displaced people sought outstanding contribution in providing support for resettlement, seeking to build a new life, demobilised German schools. service personnel urgently needed to return to civilian ways and overall there was the reordering of Michael Foster was so concerned that he resigned the political and cultural structures. Britain was his Studentship in 1946 to become Professor of almost bankrupt: it reached exhaustion as its Political Science at Cologne University to assist in resources were stretched to their the reconstruction of its academic limits especially in fulfilling a Britain was almost life. Having graduated at St Johns, peacetime presence in war torn bankrupt: it Oxford, Foster studied at Güttingen Germany. and Dresden, finally being awarded reached exhaustion his PhD at Kiel. He had many Early in the long adjustment to as its resources were friends in Germany and despite all, peace, minds began to turn to re- retained a high respect for the establishing links between academic stretched to their underlying culture of that country. institutions severed by the War and limits especially in to engage once again in free cultural Foster was a very retiring individual exchange. In Germany, it was fulfilling a even though he served in the war realised that the whole educational peacetime presence having enlisted as a Private and system had a vital role in the in war torn ending it as a Colonel (in military reconstruction following the Nazi intelligence). His strongly Christian era. In the British zone in 1945, the Germany. moral sense would arouse him as an Military Commander was fortunate outspoken advocate in a cause In 1959, Foster died in tragic circumstances and it in having Robert Birley as the ‘educational advisor’ which he felt to be just. He retained his position at was members of the JCR, many of whom had (remembered as Head Master of Eton and as Cologne for two years but was dismayed that in received much kindness from him, who approached Professor of Philosophy at the City University) who that then ravaged city he was provided with a the Dean (C A Simpson) to create some lasting played a crucial part in the renewal of schools and comfortable house in the suburbs (it is reputed that memorial. What they had in mind was a possible universities. Hugh Carlton-Greene (Director of the he let out the rooms to students and other homeless bursary to bring a German student (or two) to BBC) played a correspondingly important part in people retaining only the bathroom for himself). Oxford for the long vacation. A much more recreating an independent media policy for the ambitious scheme emerged to found and endow a press and radio. In the educational sphere, Foster returned to Christ Church in 1948 and was scholarship (The Michael Foster Scholarship) to bring spontaneous help also came from individuals and reinstated in his Studentship and was able to resume young German male scholars at roughly the BA level institutions willing to give a lead in such ways as publication of his philosophical book, the to Oxford for two years, then the minimal time in organising Youth Camps and providing new texts importance of which is even now being recognised. which an Oxford degree could be obtained. A group for schools. In the former, Michael Foster At the time it was considered by many to be outside of Oxford colleges agreed to accept Foster scholars in (Philosophy Tutor at the House) and Revd K Riches the mainstream of philosophical thought. turn. The House led a public appeal in the USA and

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UK which produced just sufficient endowment to scheme to allow two scholars to be elected each The Foster-Wills-Heuss awards were recognised as allow the scheme to proceed. The first scholar was year. The awards now known as the Foster-Wills amongst the first instituted post-war from sources Thomas Geer who came to the House in 1961. Scholarships were again matched on the German outside Germany. With the growth of the EC and side. A committee was set up in Oxford and Bonn then the EU, more opportunities such as the The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to oversee the making of awards and still continues Erasmus scheme came into being. In Cambridge, which had re-established itself in London (1952) to do so. It was able to encompass also the making the Kurt-Hahn Scholarships (in memory of the responded warmly and created a complementary of post doctoral awards for Oxford graduates made Duke of Edinburgh’s old Headmaster and a former award to take Oxford BAs to (West) German possible by the generosity of President Heuss. member of the House) were founded to enable Universities. In 1962 R Hollinrake (Merton) was German scholars to study at that University. elected to go to Heidelberg to further his For some time these Scholarships took on the role postgraduate work in Music. of the Rhodes Scholarships which the Trustees In the array of bridges which now have been built discontinued for German candidates in 1914 and in one can reflect on their small beginnings at Christ A generous benefaction from the Dulverton Trust in 1939. These were restored however in 1970 and all Church. memory of Michael Wills ( a member of the W. D. eventually thrown open to women candidates as and H. O. Wills tobacco family) enlarged the well as those who were married. PAUL KENT, Emeritus Student

Early 17th-century plan of the Oxford castle site, probably drawn as evidence Cardinal Sins in the law suite between Christ Church NOTES FROM THE ARCHIVES and the City of Oxford.

N THE COVER of the Michaelmas Chapter relied on the evidence 2003 edition of Oxford Today was the of two venerable Oxford Ostriking image, from the Christ Church residents: John Woodson, 82 archive, of the early 17th century map of the years old, recalled the tenancies Oxford castle site and the houses surrounding it. of the various properties on The map is not only visually appealing, but it was Warham Bank; all, he said, drawn in great detail and at some expense to serve belonged to the Dean and as evidence in a legal dispute between Christ Chapter but he recounted, Church and the City of Oxford which, in January probably not very helpfully to 1617, was submitted to arbitration by an order of Christ Church, that it was a Chancery. Contemporary records of the case, and a mayor and an alderman who later summary survive in the archive. had rebuilt and repaired the properties when they had fallen Warham Bank, or Fisher’s Row, on the west side of down. Margaret Moore, who the castle mound, was granted by Henry VIII to was allegedly 109, said that she Christ Church as part of its endowment. Sometime thought the properties once in the late sixteenth century the City council built belonged to Oseney Abbey houses on part of the land, created gardens, erected (and thus to Christ Church) a new mill, and diverted the mill stream. The Dean but she again told of the and Chapter, concerned at the loss of revenue, Mayor’s rebuilding. Although appealed to the Lord Chancellor but the City the Dean and Chapter argued that Warham Bank was not as long as Christ produced younger and more Church claimed, and that the new houses were on active witnesses, much of Christ Church’s case settlement was finally reached. The Chapter Clerk, City land. depended on the words of two soldiers from out of John Willis, who wrote a most impartial summary town, and two very elderly tenants who were trying account of the proceedings in 1667, allowed his The enquiry began on 8 April 1617 at the Star Inn to remember events from decades before. bitterness to overcome his even-handedness only at on Cornmarket (where Woolworth’s used to be and the end. He states, in the Book of Evidences (a where the entrance to the Clarendon Centre now is). It was not until July that the City’s case was put to volume recording Christ Church’s title to its The Chancery commissioners, John Dormer and the Chancery Commissioners. Benjamin Gamon property), that: George Carleton, called forward numerous witnesses (labourer), William Farr and John Cook beginning with those who gave evidence for the (fishermen), Roger Moore (painter), William All the advantage the College had by this tedious and Dean and Chapter. Christ Church’s problem was to Cakebread (tailor), and William Inglesby (glover) all Chargeable Suite was onely that of 20s per annum produce witnesses who could testify to gave very precise information about the properties paid for the New Cut .. The whole Castle Mills with encroachments on its property which had taken place in question. The Attorney General’s summing-up the tithes are by the City now enjoyed, the three houses as much as 40 years earlier. The first witnesses to seemed to confirm the saying that possession is on Wareham Bank, and all the houses on the Castle appear for the Dean and Chapter had no local nine-tenths of the law; Sir Henry Yelverton ruled, ditch... knowledge at all: two retired soldiers who had served on 26 October, that the new mill stream had been on the continent, Timothy Chamberlaine and John cut through Christ Church land but required that It was important though, he continues, that the suit Swayne. Both men described the castles they had the Dean and Chapter grant a lease to the City, be recorded in such detail. Who knew, after all, seen on their travels; if Oxford castle was the same as with no further argument, and that the ownership when the archive might be needed in the future? these, there was no question that the land in dispute of the land on which the houses had been built belonged to Christ Church. Next the Dean and must be tried at law. It was not until 1622 that a JUDITH CURTHOYS, Archivist

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‘Sebastian Flyte, meet Albert Einstein?’

HE POPULAR IMAGE of Christ especially as the university was receiving a Church in the interwar years is of large grant from public funds. The Dean TSebastian Flyte holding court in retorted that the academic benefit to the Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited, or of House far outweighed narrow nationalism: the Bollinger Club dinner at the start of ‘I think that in electing Einstein we are Decline and Fall. But there was more to the securing for our Society perhaps the greatest House in the 1930s than effete and dim- authority in the world on physical science; witted aristocrats, for it was also keen to his attainments and reputation are so high add to its scholarly lustre by taking on that they transcend national boundaries, and German-Jewish professors who had been any university in the world ought to be removed from their posts by the Nazis. proud of having him.’

The first German-Jewish academic to take Einstein, unaware that he had incurred the up a post at Christ Church, already before wrath of Little Englanders reluctant to 1933, was Albert Einstein – a remarkably burden the British taxpayer with foreign little known connection. Einstein first came scientists, accepted the appointment on 29 The corres- 1935. He emigrated to Britain in 1939, to Oxford in 1931, through the initiative of October. But on 2 November Anderson where he continued to work on his pondence in Frederick Lindemann, Professor of Physics fired off a further letter, covering over three Fragmente der griechischen Historiker, at Oxford, later Lord Cherwell, Churchill’s tightly packed sides. The Dean circulated Einstein’s file at publishing fifteen volumes of texts and wartime scientific adviser. Einstein stayed in this missive to his colleagues, asking for Christ Church commentary over the 35 years during which Oxford for three short periods between comments. Only one response appears on he pursued this magnum opus. One can May 1931 and June 1933. He was file, evidently from the one ‘outsider’, a shows that imagine what it meant to Jacoby, stripped accommodated at Christ Church, ‘the calm lecturer in chemistry, mentioned by relations between of his position and at the mercy of the cloisters of which he relished as much as Professor Anderson as having been Nazis, to receive a letter from Dean Oxford relished him’, according to a appointed to a studentship. This simply the scientist and Williams in December 1938 inviting him historian of science at Oxford. reads ‘Is the Professor quite accurate in the House were in the warmest terms ‘to continue your describing me as an English-speaking important work on the fragments of the cordially warm. The correspondence in Einstein’s file at member?’, signed ‘A.S.R’. Alexander Stuart Greek historians as soon as possible here at Christ Church shows that relations between Russell had been appointed Dr. Lee’s In June 1931 the Oxford’. the scientist and the House were cordially Reader in Chemistry in 1919 and a Student Dean wrote to warm. In June 1931 the Dean wrote to of Christ Church in 1920. He had studied Paul Jacobsthal, who had been Professor of Einstein, offering him a research at Glasgow, and presumably spoke with a Einstein, offering Archaeology at Marburg University from studentship at an annual salary of £400, ‘for Scots accent to match. This ended the him a research 1912 until his dismissal in 1935, was something like a month during term time objections to Einstein; indeed, after such a appointed to a post at Christ Church in in the course of the year’. Einstein replied withering put-down, it is hard to imagine studentship at an 1937. An expert on Greek vase painting, his in July, expressing his unconcealed delight what further xenophobic tirades from annual salary of studies of the influence of Mediterranean at the prospect of spending time in Anderson could have achieved. civilisations on early North Alpine cultures £400, ‘for unfamiliar but highly congenial led to his also becoming University Reader surroundings. On 23 October the Dean was After 1933 Einstein could not return to something like a in Celtic Archaeology. On Jacobsthal’s death able to inform Einstein that the Governing Christ Church, so he proposed that his month during in 1957, Christopher Hawkes, Professor of Body had elected him to a studentship and stipend be used to fund posts for Jewish European Archaeology, wrote to Dean to express ‘our earnest hope that we may academics dismissed from German term time in the Lowe: ‘Everyone at all connected with these often have the pleasure and honour of universities by the Nazis. In May 1934, course of the studies must always owe a very great debt of seeing you in our Society’. Dean Williams was able to inform him that gratitude to the House? All that great the House proposed to give a sorely needed year’. generosity has of course not only assured However, on 24 October the Dean received £200 to the distinguished classical [Jacobsthal’s] residing and working here, a letter from Professor J.G.C. Anderson, philologist Eduard Fraenkel, formerly of but in so doing has also guaranteed that the protesting vehemently against Einstein’s Freiburg University and now in Oxford. prime opportunity for holding the central Albert Einstein, 1879- appointment; those who had framed the Two distinguished German-Jewish 1955. Research Student, position in these studies shall lie with relevant statutes never intended emoluments professors found refuge at Christ Church. Christ Church, 1931-2. Oxford.’ A fitting tribute. to go to people of non-British nationality, Felix Jacoby, a specialist in Greek From a copy, in the Anderson argued, adding that it was wrong historiography and poetry, had been Christ Church archive, of ANTHONY GRENVILLE (1962) the David Low caricature to ‘send money out of the country’ in the Professor of Classical Philology at Kiel drawn for the New With thanks for the expert assistance of dire economic situation of the Depression, University from 1907 until his dismissal in Statesman. archivist Judith Curthoys

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Other People’s Houses

LTHOUGH WE MAY THINK 12,000 students (including part-timers) Founded in in September 1962 occupied St Martin’s take between them a range of Priory, a Grade II listed building dating we have first claim on ‘Christ 1962 to A Church’ and ‘the House’, the undergraduate and post-graduate courses in from 1550, but adjoining St Martin’s institution in St Aldate’s is far from the only four major faculties: Arts and Humanities; counter a church – a world heritage site and the one entitled to those names. Within Business and Sciences; Education; and shortage of oldest parish church in England still in Oxford, I’m told (by the Ripon College Health. An associate campus near constant use. Before Frideswide was a gleam Lecturer in Liturgy and Worship, so you’d Tunbridge Wells includes Centres for teachers in in a Mercian prince’s eye, St Augustine was better believe it) that St Stephen’s House, Applied Social and Psychological church schools, dropping into St Martin’s, no doubt praying now Oxford’s seventh Permanent Private Development, and for Leadership and that the builders get a move on with his CCCUC was Hall, but occupying premises associated by Management Development. A third new abbey, just down the road. my generation with the ‘Cowley Dads’, is campus, at Broadstairs, focuses on nursing, the first teacher policing, business studies and popular The 16th century Priory soon outgrown, known to its staff as ‘the house’ (its training college students, however, call it ‘Staggers’). music technology and a fourth, on Medway, purpose-built premises now forming the ‘Christ Churches’ abound all over the is due to open in 2004-2005. Recent built by the college’s main campus were opened (by world. The aptly named John Robert external assessments awarded ‘Excellent’ Church of Michael Ramsey) in 1964, to be followed Godley (‘a king of men’, said Gladstone), ratings on both teaching and research. by other new and refurbished buildings. with fellow Housemen and others, planned England in the The Priory was also recently refurbished a Church of England colony in New Founded in 1962 to counter a shortage of 20th century. and now houses the college’s Computing Zealand - ‘An English county with its teachers in church schools, CCCUC was Services. As the main site is only a stone’s Cathedral city, its famous University, its the first teacher training college built by the throw from the city walls, on land once Bishop ... its sturdy and loyal labourers.’ Church of England in the 20th century. covered by orchards and domestic buildings Just over 150 years ago their dream was The Archbishop of Canterbury is the of St Augustine’s abbey, the college’s realised as the Province of Canterbury. City visitor; college and cathedral share a name buildings are most often seen forming a and college quickly became Christchurch, and jointly sponsor St Augustine’s Library; foreground to views of the cathedral. Some, perhaps by the same Antipodean elision through the Council of Church Colleges however, are notable on their own account: that gives us ‘G’day.’ and Universities, the college enjoys links the early 19th century Sessions House, now with those of many other denominations. home to the Faculty of Education, has won I was keen to spend time down under, architectural awards for the sensitivity of its researching further linguistic links, but the Junior to Wolsey’s foundation by more than conversion; the old courtroom is now a editor was unenthusiastic, muttering about 400 years it is no surprise that most of the lecture theatre (students comfort themselves college’s buildings are new. At least one, with the fact that the prison cells have budgets. I therefore picked an example Views of Canterbury closer to home, in Kent – England, that is – however, can compete with Tom, Peckwater Christ Church University disappeared). Canterbury Christ Church University and the rest. The 67 students who enrolled College. College, an establishment about which I am ashamed to say I previously knew very little. Size is, as they say, not everything, but CCCUC’s statistics impress. More than

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Canterbury is, of course, also the seat of the timers) are local, suggesting that many live worked in publishing, before producing Thanks are due to University of Kent, founded three years in parental homes: whatever the outcome of more than 120 books for adults and Judith Curthoys, after CCCUC, which occupies a windswept the present debate about ‘top up’ fees, this children, winning the Carnegie Medal, two House Archivist, campus a taxi ride from either of the city’s is a pattern likely to become more common Whitbread prizes, the Guardian Fiction and Isobelle Leggett, railway stations. Before Christ Church throughout higher education. Award and other trophies. of CCCUC’s obtained University College status in 1995, Exernal Relations Kent validated its degrees and still does so Recent alumni include Jonathan Holmes, So, if, like me, you can’t make it to New unit. in the case of Research degrees, although writer and editor for radio and the presenter Zealand this year, take a stroll round the this is due to change in 2004-2005, when of ‘Dead Ringers’, a graduate of the city walls of Canterbury and spare a glance CCCUC aims for university status. Department of Media, as is Charlotte or two for the buildings of Christ Church Westgate, who now produces the breakfast University College – or start by consulting Nearly half Canterbury’s first year students show at Oxford’s BBC radio station. The www.canterbury.ac.uk. are accommodated in halls of residence, and author Geraldine McCaughrean took a about a third of all students (including part- degree in Education at CCCUC and CHRIS SLADEN (1953)

Before Christ Church obtained University College status in 1995, Kent validated its degrees and still does so in the case of Research degrees

The Silent Traveller in Oxford REVIVAL OF A LITTLE-KNOWN GEM

THIS IDIOSYNCRATIC MEMOIR of the corner of Meadow Building, wartime Oxford by the expatriate Chinese a spot he visited repeatedly. author and artist Chiang Yee, first published in 1944, has long been out of print. Indeed, the real interest of this Happily, the small but enterprising Oxford book, whose text may now strike firm, Signal Books, recently put out a new readers as a trifle bland, is the edition (£9.99 paperback) in its ‘Lost and way the author enthuses over Found’ series of classic travel writing. bits of Oxford flora unremarked by less sensitive (Western) Characteristically, the author confessed visitors – tree lupins in St John’s himself underwhelmed by Christ Church’s garden, azaleas on Boar’s Hill, architectural glories – ‘What can there be buttercups in the Parks. left for me, a humble Chinese... to add on them?’ – but was enthusiastic about Wolsey’s Sadly, present day economics kitchen, partly because ‘the kitchen front’ have resulted the author’s own was such a hot topic at the time. He also decorative colour illustrations enjoyed lunch at Canon and Mrs Hodgson’s being reduced to dull ‘quarters in Tom Quad’, where he thought monochrome (apart from (surely mistakenly?) that the delicious food one on the front cover). had come from the great Tudor kitchen. Chiang Yee’s thumb-nail black and white drawings, however, continue Similarly, his throwaway reference to the to enliven the text, as do his gently The Silent Traveller in Oxford and its centrepiece of Tom Quad (‘A statuette of philosophical poems, in both English text predecessor, Silent Traveller in London are Mercury, I believe’) is counterbalanced by and Chinese characters. available in bookshops, or try his admiration for three small cherry trees at CHRIS SLADEN (1953) [email protected].

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‘Thought we’d lost a few there...’

WENT UP TO THE HOUSE in 1953 Christ Church had its originals among the ‘I saw the Weymouth, heir to Longleat, creator of undergraduates too. The medical student deep-space whorl-type paintings, and in later to read English with J. I. M. Stewart, Canon, Iliterary historian, critic, novelist (and son of a distinguished surgeon concealed his life, famous for beard, exotic women and detective story writer ‘Michael Innes’) as my corned beef sandwiches in the hollow watching family controversy. In the other direction, tutor in literature. A small precise man, stomach of the corpse he was dissecting, cricket, dive opposite a Fellows’ Garden resonant in kindly but remote, JIM was invisible reaching inside every so often for a summer with the click of bowls, resided Lord behind a desk piled high with the books he mouthful. A fellow-student fainted. beneath the Lindemann, Churchill’s scientific adviser was researching for a tome in the Oxford deckchairs for during the War. His large American History of English Literature. Once I had I like to believe that Lateral Thinking was limousine, driven by a Passpartout-like cigarette ends read out my feeble weekly essay, silence invented in my rooms, our group’s base- batman, was parked in the Meadow would fall, broken only by the scratching of camp for our final Commem Ball. which he rolled driveway, alongside the much-envied Austin- Debonair Edward De Bono had landed Healeys of our Rhodes Scholars. JIM’s pen. Then the top of a head would into a fag and appear over the barricade. ‘That was a..ah, himself with two girls for the event; his idea most judicious survey. Do you for next was for the rest of us to take turns giving lit with a Meadow was perfect for the river: in early week, consider the poet Donne.’ At school them a whirl so that neither realised she was magnifying morning, walks, feeding chocolate to the we were thrashed for reading detective not the sole partner. A high-risk stratagem squirrels and, in the afternoon, rowing. In stories under the desk in class... which worked - at least until the early hours glass.’ 1955, so many Housemen were sequestered when chips, and not only chips, are down. for Blue Boat training that lesser, lighter Stewart immortalised one of our great folk were admitted to the 1st Torpid. Our eccentrics, Canon Jenkins, whose house was A couple of stairs along from me in Meadow JIM Stewart, Emeritus champagne party was in Tom Quad, and a jungle of unopened parcels of books, dust Buildings brooded the eccentric Alex Student 1973. the crew were already merry as we moved to and confusion. I saw the Canon, watching Hall for the supper the House offered to cricket, dive beneath the deckchairs for any first crew making five bumps. cigarette ends which he rolled into a fag and lit with a magnifying glass. Scrabbling for Our table was immediately below the top butts beneath a Senior Common Room table where sat Dean, Dons and Canons, table, he was once exhorted by an some very doddery. Luckily I was not chosen exasperated Dean Lowe, ‘Come out Jenkins, to say Grace that night. By the end of dinner, I perceive you!’ we were so stupefied that no one reacted when some fool passed along a lighted Anglo-Saxon, Middle English and Philology thunderflash. The last man stared at the were only a third of the English syllabus fizzing, sparkling baton with abstract curiosity but, rebarbative as I found them, took at till, fearing explosion in our faces, we yelled least half my effort, making me poor ‘throw it!’ and he did, but straight at the material for a fine tutor, Robert Burchfield, Dons’ table. It failed to go off, but as my New Zealander, rugby man and later, editor scout observed next day, ‘Thought we’d lost a of the Oxford English Dictionary. few there. Turned right green, they did.’

The then Senior Censor was the late Lord After dinner, while firkins of ale spouted in Blake, historian of the Tory Party, rooms all over college, the crew staggered quintessence of Great and Good. Over out to the Meadow for a Viking ritual of getting-to-know-you sherry in his rooms he boat-burning (not our racing boat, but a said, ‘I quite take your point,’ (my bleat leaky discard kept for such purposes). As about Anglo-Saxon preventing my thinking the flames leapt up, one of our number great thoughts about literature), ‘but believe hurled himself on the bonfire, shouting ‘I’m me, it is far easier for you to learn Anglo- an Indian widow, I’m committing suttee!’ Saxon than it is for us to get rid of the This seemed reasonable in a grieving Anglo-Saxon dons. Some have been here widow, until, as she began to char slightly at since Anglo-Saxon times.’ the edges, it dawned that old Bloggs was

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not even married. So we pulled him off and flown in of its own volition. ‘In a bow-tie?’, the other way round). In his latter capacity, Michael Perceval, back threw him in the river (he can’t have asked the swan-uppers. ‘Do you suppose,’ I used to escort him in 1973 from the row left, with the 1955 Christ Church First Eight. drowned, for he ate in Hall next day). The asked Mitch witheringly, ‘that a bird would European Council of Ministers’ meetings crew then flaked out and cannot be held fly into the House improperly dressed?’ on the 14th floor of the Charlemagne responsible for the 2,000 broken windows Building in Brussels to brief the press in in the ‘orgy of privileged vandalism’ known Worse trouble loomed with the police, their snake-pit on the ground-floor. His as the ‘Christ Church Kristallnacht’. bombarded with complaints from the grim gallantry was beyond praise, yet I Women’s Institute pleasure cruise which cannot believe that my face evoked happy We made up for this passivity after Eights had come upon the Balliol barge grounded memories. Or that he grieved when after Week a year later, seeking explosive relief on a sandbank downstream, daubed with dinner I was hurled to the ground by a from study for Finals. The large hog in his words not then common currency. To this high-velocity Bishop of Exeter in colourful house was taken in good part by Dean day, Balliol believe the culprits to have been cassock, to the cry ‘Never stand between a Lowe, who had it restored to the college their traditional rivals Trinity, just as Trinity Bishop and his port!’ farm. Our Head Porter, the redoubtable blame Balliol for the rudery writ even- Mitch, had seen off the swan-uppers who handedly on their boathouse. Returning only twice may seem ungrateful, rescued the bird paddling frantically round but then, I’ve only spent six of the last fifty Mercury. This was a serious offence, they I’ve been back to the House only a couple years in the UK, and three of those were pointed out, the swan being a protected of times. Once to take my MA and once for 1953-6. Long enough ago for me to deny species and the property of Her Majesty; a Gaudy, when I bumped into Sir Alec any and all of the above, if challenged. the young gentlemen would answer for it. Douglas-Home, former Prime and Mitch begged to doubt. The swan had subsequently Foreign Minister (usually it’s MICHAEL PERCEVAL, Barcelona (1953)

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Six Years at Christ Church

FTER 29 EXTREMELY HAPPY constraints of charity and propriety – like the ‘When I left whom I would encounter here. Before years as a Fellow of St Peters’, I had nineteenth-century Archbishop Magee of many years I was plunged into being Editor St Peters’ I had Ato adjust myself rather suddenly to York, who when a waiter spilled soup down of the Christ Church Report and did some the idea of coming to Christ Church. It was his best suit, said, ‘is there a layman present to a very high research into what my colleagues were up not easy to answer all the letters which I express my feelings?’ standard of to. It was a fascinating eye-opener. I rest my received when my appointment was case on what I wrote in Christ Church 2000 announced. Many asked me how a Roman I have mentioned the cathedral first because what was at pp 18-19, and what I wrote in the Catholic layman could possibly be a canon in I had viewed my unfamiliar duties there meant by good subsequent two Reports about newcomers. an Anglican cathedral, the very question I had with nervous anticipation. Of course the In addition, to have been Senior Treasurer been asking myself; and a few, from Catholics, cathedral is much more than the Chapter. company. of the Music Society for 5 years, and to told me that it was now my duty to wrest As I have discovered, it is a huge and I was not have occasionally acted as adviser to back this Protestant establishment for the exciting community of Friends, historians for their extended essays, has disappointed Catholic Church to which it rightly belonged, congregation, musicians and singers, and given me dealings with some of the liveliest as if they saw in me a Trojan Horse! volunteer helpers, all held together by a here, either by undergraduates in college. top-class team of vergers. More than that, the company or Not for a moment was I regarded as an oddity however, I have always seen the college as I have found the whole undergraduate (and in the cathedral; if anything it was sometimes notably supportive of the cathedral, by the welcome graduate) atmosphere extremely friendly. embarrassing how seriously I was taken. The whatever the individual views of religion. In I received.’ When I came to live in Tom Quad, I had Dean understood perfectly the distinction I other words, however much the structure had 37 years of feeling responsible for, and wanted to make between being a canon and has to be kept under surveillance for quelling, undergraduate noise, and that being (or even looking like) a minister of problems which could appear, the dual seemed to me enough. I decided that religion. The Sub-Dean took me in hand foundation still in practice works. undergraduates could make what noise they without my realising at the time that he was liked unless I was personally incommoded doing so, as if he were a sacred anaesthetist! As When I left St Peters’ I had a very high by it. And such is the impregnation of the to these and all the other canons, they and standard of what was meant by good English conscience, even of Catholics, with their families form a wonderful community, company. I was not disappointed here, the Protestant ethic, that never having felt to which it has been a delight and privilege for either by the company or by the welcome I responsible, I have never been incommoded! Caroline and me to belong. Occasionally, I received. The SCR are great sports suspect they have found it useful to have conversationally. I already knew, or knew HENRY MAYR-HARTING, Regius Professor of around a lay person, not bounded by their of, some of the fine scholars and scientists Ecclesiastical History (1997-2003)

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Drama at Oxford

FEW WEEKS INTO MY FIRST naturally you will always have certain people TERM, an older friend invited me in mind as a director. Many find this A to a double bill of plays at the BT: frustrating. It leads to resentment and OUDS The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute, and gets a bad name for itself. I can only say that Time at the Bar by an undergraduate. I knew no-one and still got into a Playhouse Halfway through I was terrified. I was in a production and believe that the whole system room of less than forty people and had just is a meritocracy rather than an arena for pats seen a small, yet brilliantly acted on the back and self-congratulation. These production. Flawless accents, timing just people all know each other because they work beautifully well-judged, and I was together often and because they are the best convinced that I would remain a small people for the job. anonymous fish in this apparently oceanic pond for the next three years. When the By this time, after five large parts under my second show began I was again horrified to belt, I knew most people working regularly in find two freshers I recognised already acting the theatres and had an idea who I admired. in 2nd week. What was I doing? After an It would be nice to say I still logged on the hour, however, I left the theatre confused. It website and looked at unknown, first-time had been pretty awful, a sloppy school play directors doing obscure plays, but by this with mimed pumps and real pints, Channel time if I was going to do a play I really wasn’t 5 dialogue, with posh kids playing 40 year- ready to take risks just yet, especially since the old miners from Huddersfield. I then rather than for public consumption. Ed ...student next Playhouse show had really caught my realised what I have believed ever since: Wethered’s production, however, surely broke theatre here can eye. There was a bid for Prasanna there is no such thing as ‘Oxford Drama’. these barriers and established Christ Church Puwanarajah to direct All My Sons by Arthur as one of the most talented colleges for drama turn into the Miller in Hilary ‘04. I had never really met There are daily rants about the way it is in the university. It is strange coming from clique-y, bitchy, the man properly but his Copenhagen had organised and how difficult it can be to ‘get school, to be directed by contemporaries been one of the best things I’d seen and I in’. But really there is nothing in which to rather than teachers, but here was an example two-faced desperately wanted to work with him. His get. Students put on plays and anyone of where it was advantageous – someone who industry it is in auditions alone were inspiring and he had a auditions. There is no central clubhouse, no could control a room of students on a calm discipline that was so astute and later life. subscription fee, no membership. You just Sunday morning, but at the same time appear personal that soon every actor was desperate turn up at auditions till you get a part, do it, approachable, who wants to hear ideas. People complain for a part. Ultimately, three of the nine parts start again. It isn’t organised. about the incest were taken by Christ Church actors, and I But after a term off, I predictably made the landed the part I had prayed for, which was A few weeks later my first role: Dicky mistake again of being too eager; a Playhouse involved in Chris Keller, Joe’s son. The production, Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley at the show (for some the main ambition whilst Oxford theatre unsurprisingly I thought, due to the team BT. I found the play on the OUDS website acting at Oxford) and then a two-man play behind it, was a vast financial and critical and recognised the name from the film, and back at the OFS (The Kiss of the Spider ...there isn’t a success, one of the most popular shows of that of the director as a guy a couple years Woman, by Manuel Puig). Europe by David simple solution. recent memory. Some shows are brilliantly ahead of me at prep school, so thought a Grieg was first and was my first experience of intimate in the studio, but this ensemble friendly face would do me good. It was my working with the famous faces of Oxford piece still managed to affect its audience first stab in the dark, but I got lucky. The Drama. I was introduced to the mainstream which amounted to almost 2,500 over four show was a great success, filling the studio actors, the nearest thing we have to the days. I still feel that if I do nothing else, I will each night with a 5-star review to match. I Hollywood stars, rather than the independent have something I am hugely proud of that I assumed I would have to work my way up players. Here were people who had all don’t feel I need to beat just yet. the ladder until I was getting parts in ‘big’ worked with each other, been on tour to productions, but the reality was, that even Japan together, lived together, worked on the After that I decided one a term was more though this was a small company made up of OUDS committee. Knowing these people than ample and next term I shied away from first-time actors, we all did tremendously well does help your recognition, but treating two lead parts in larger productions I was as a result of it. Oxford fame, as it were, like the real thing, offered in favour of a small role in Mamet’s means that student theatre here can turn into American Buffalo, a three-hander, again in the This led to two lead roles the following term. the clique-y, bitchy, two-faced industry it is in OFS, directed by Spider Woman’s Ben White, One of which was Bent, at the Old Fire later life. People complain about the incest another Christ Church student. After Station, (the theatre seen to be next on the involved in Oxford theatre, in that friends establishing yourself as a ‘serious’ actor you ambition-list after the BT) and the other was cast friends, and the same people get all the can perhaps choose the parts you want to do, Christ Church’s own Dr Faustus in the big roles. It would be a lie to say this doesn’t not in an effort to prove yourself, but to work cathedral. This was perhaps the most exciting happen, and there isn’t a simple solution. with the people you enjoy, and to find new Harry Lloyd and Caroline project I’ve done here. College drama often Everyone officially does have an equal chance, challenging roles with which to test yourself. Dyott in Arthur gets a bad name and is looked down upon but the longer you’re here the more you begin Miller’s ‘All My Sons’ at rather snootily as plays for friends and family to admire certain people over others and the Oxford Playhouse. HARRY LLOYD (2002)

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News from the Steward

Staff Success in College Awards Edward Album, London solicitor, military vehicle enthusiast and former soldier, tells Members of the college staff were again us that his Matador was one of over eight successful in the second year of the Oxford thousand such vehicles in military use ACEs Awards (Awards for College between 1939 and the early sixties. This Excellence). This is a recognition scheme example was completed during the D-Day for support staff in all of Oxford’s colleges, year of 1944, and served with 287 1st West culminating in an Oscars-style awards Lancs Field Regiment. The Lancashire rose dinner at which the winners are announced and wartime registration number can be and acknowledged. seen. A comprehensive and prestigious residential programme at Oxford’s premier college conference venue. A member of the House’s kitchen team was Bookings may still be made for the again selected: Claire Smith, now in the September D-Day conference, and there is This five-day event, in collaboration with the Imperial War third year of her apprenticeship, triumphed already encouraging support from members Museum, commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Operation as Junior Chef of the Year. Stephen Bartlett, of the House from home and overseas. OVERLORD – the Allied landings in Normandy on D-Day, who has been Resident Manager at the Further information is to be found on the June 6th 1944. House’s Liddell Building complex on the House’s website (www.chch.ox.ac.uk) or Iffley Road since it opened in 1991, was from Alex Webb, Conference and Events Hear the most distinguished international speakers and recognised for his commitment and Administrator on 01865 276174 or e-mail join a diverse cultural and hospitality programme. professionalism and was chosen as Support at: [email protected] Services Employee of the Year. Stephen’s For a brochure with detailed information please contact; prize includes a holiday; Claire is about to Investors in People award D-DAY be rewarded with an escorted visit to the THE STEWARD'S OFFICE, National Restaurant Show in Chicago. It has just been announced that Christ CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD OX1 1DP Church has been successful in applying for Tel: +44 (0) 1865 276174 accreditation for the Investor in People Email: [email protected] award. This national benchmark, awarded for performance standards in staff development, training and recognition, was Day School Lecture for Old received by the 150-strong staff team that Members on 25 September comprises the college’s Steward’s Department. The House will shortly be announcing the The Sunday Times Oxford Literary full programme for a new Day School on Stephen Bartlett, Resident Manager at the Liddell the nautical and imperial themes of Building was Hospitality Employee of the Year Festival (Support Services). Maritime Exploration and Discovery. The This expanding event, now in its second programme will be run in collaboration year of sponsorship by the Sunday Times, with the Christ Church Association and was held in the city between 23 and 28 will include lectures on the eighteenth March. The House was again pleased to be century maritime achievements of Captain associated with key elements of the Cook, and the development of the Marine programme. Many Sunday Times readers Chronometer. booked accommodation at the House and the Literary Festival Dinner, with guest Edward Album with his The first Day School will be held at the speakers Andrew Davies and Sir Richard artillery tractor in Tom House on Saturday 25 September 2004. Claire Smith, Apprentice Chef was Junior Chef Eyre, was held in Hall. Quad. The full programme will include lunch in of the Year. Hall and refreshments. Details will be published shortly on the college’s website Wartime Vehicle at D-Day and further information will be available Conference from Alex Webb on 01865 276174 or Old member Edward Album (1956) has e-mail at: [email protected] generously agreed to bring his World War Two AEC Matador medium artillery tractor The Exploration and Discovery Day School to decorate the Quad during this year’s has been designed to give old members a Conflict Series conference at the House: D- further opportunity to return to Oxford. It Day: the 60th Anniversary, 5-10 September will also complement next year’s Conflict 2004. This was confirmed after a recent programme on the theme of War at Sea in trial run to Oxford and safe access through the Age of Sail. This, the fourth event in Canterbury Gate. There will also be a the Conflict Series, will be held in period armoured car for conference guests September next year, within days of the to admire. 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

page 13 ChCh Matters a/w 7 24/5/04 12:55 PM Page 14 Chri Church Association News TRINITY TERM 2004 ISSUE 13

Editorial

HIS EDITION of Association News includes The Extraordinary Life of George Steer, War committee roles the members may hold. Please feel Tnews of old members from very different walks Correspondent has just come out in paperback. free to contact any of the committee if you have of life. Following last edition’s feature on the comments or questions. voluntary/charity sector, Nicholas Mellor (1979) Tony Burden (1950) fills us in on the excellent alerted us to the Merlin organisation. This careers programme and vacation job scheme which The Association AGM this year will be held on organisation carries out emergency vaccination he runs with Jonathan Heller (1972) and others. 26th June, followed by a boat trip along the programmes, runs clinics and works to rebuild the They would not mention it, of course, but the Christ Thames, with a band on board and picnics healthcare infrastructure of countries broken by Church scheme is widely regarded as one of the best available. Later, there will be Evensong in the conflict, earthquake or other disasters. Throughout, available in Oxford and is the envy of many of the Cathedral and a 1980s Reunion dinner in Hall. We it has benefited from the support, inspiration and colleges. This is due both to the hard work they have very much hope you will come to support the encouragement of a number of people from the done and the generosity of many old members, who Association Committee at the AGM and join the House. As such, we have included an article on have contributed their time and energy to helping afternoon and/or evening activities. Merlin and its links with Christ Church. House undergraduates embark on their careers. May I take this opportunity to thank all the This edition brings news of four old members who Simon Offen (1986) brings us up to date with the contributors both for taking the time to write articles are involved in the automotive industry. This was exciting new Year Representatives initiative and and for scouring their homes for suitable photographs. inspired by reading a newspaper article which details the first event, which will be a 1920s themed highlighted one of the House’s engineering students, evening with cocktails and dinner in Hall on June This newsletter relies on receiving news of old Jonathan Edolls (1999), who received the Science, 26th, for anyone matriculating in the 1980s. members. I am very keen to hear of anything you do Engineering and Technology Student of the Year Writing as an old member from that era, I am which might be of interest to others. So why not Award for 2003 and who landed his dream job in certainly looking forward to the evening. We all drop me a line with your thoughts or comments and Formula One with WilliamsF1. Trawling through hope that there will be a strong response to the I will try to include as many of them as I can in the our databases, we found three other old members initiative, so it can lead the way to other events for next edition. After all, everyone is entitled to at least who are involved in the automotive industry and old members matriculating in different decades. 15 minutes of fame. However, please bear with me if who agreed to share their experiences with us. These I do not respond to you immediately. Between are: Jim Cooper (1969), Finance Director for Along the theme of keeping in touch, we bring you writing this editorial and publishing the Association Nationwide Autocentres; Rajan Parmasivum (1994), information about a new online networking service newsletter, I am expecting an editorial assistant to be Engineer for BMW; and John Moore (1983), Head for anyone who has ever studied at the universities born. And rather than being the help one would of Sales for Lotus Engineering. of Oxford and Cambridge. This initiative has been expect from someone in this prestigious role, I developed by Oxbridgelife, who were sponsors of suspect the baby may slow me down a little for a few Nick Rankin (1969), summarises some of his the House 2003 Summer Ball. weeks and limit my on-line e-mailing activities. research into George Steer (1929), a Houseman he rediscovered while making a BBC World Service I have also included contact details for the FIONA HOLDSWORTH (1981) radio feature. His book, Telegram from Guernica: Association Committee and identifying any specific [email protected]

CHRIST CHURCH ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE

NICK ALEXANDER [email protected] Hon. Vice President Tel. 01844 237756 PETER BEBB [email protected] Tel. 011 8966 7292 ROBERT BOYLE [email protected] Treasurer Tel. 020 7471 8925 STEPHEN BRIEN [email protected] Tel. 020 7915 9351 SUE CUNNINGHAM [email protected] Development Director Tel: 01865 286582 POLLYANNA DEANE [email protected] Secretary Tel. 020 7643 7515 JOHN ELLISON [email protected] Careers Tel. 01993 830158 JONATHAN HELLER [email protected] Vacation Job Scheme Tel. 020 7289 1791 DAVID HINE [email protected] Development Advisor Tel. 01865 876206 FIONA HOLDSWORTH [email protected] Editor Ch Ch Assoc. News Tel: 07802 751184 NICK NOPS [email protected] Tel. 020 7863 6543 SIMON OFFEN [email protected] Chairman Tel. 01296 653238 TONY PASTOR [email protected] Tel. 020 7228 7717 HAYDN RAWSTRON [email protected] Tel. 020 8659 2659 JAMES ROSS [email protected] Ch Ch Festival Orchestra Tel. 01865 251510 JOHN HARRIS [email protected] The Steward Tel. 01865 286580

Non Committee Member TONY BURDEN [email protected] Career/vacation job scheme Tel: 020 7834 7057

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The Careers Book Review Programme & GEORGE STEER (1929) Vacation Job Scheme AT CHRIST CHURCH

OVER THE PAST DECADE we have been holding HOW OFTEN did I see his name, I wonder? Going Careers Evenings twice a year, usually May and from my first year room in Blue Boar, and my November, to offer advice to undergraduates looking second year rooms in Peckwater, to English tutorials for a job or trying to decide what career to pursue. with J.I.M. Stewart in Meadow Buildings, and to We bring in a number of Christ Church Association meals in Hall, how many times between 1969 and members who are now in a variety of jobs/professions 1972 must I have walked past that Cathedral-door so they can talk informally about their work and memorial, dedicated to the members of the House undergraduates can discuss their ideas and ambitions. who died in the Second World War? I don't suppose These sessions initiate a networking procedure that I ever noticed his name then, but when I come back George Steer with Emperor Haile Selassie. enables students to subsequently meet old members now, I touch the incisions of George Lowther Steer. on a one-to-one basis to discuss their interests. Such “He supported all libertarian causes, particularly networking has proved highly popular. I rediscovered Steer while making a BBC World minorities seeking freedom or independence, the Service radio feature for the 60th anniversary of more unpopular the better”. I wondered if Steer's In conjunction with this, there has been a valuable Pablo Picasso's Guernica. The artist painted his huge support for Ethiopians, Basques, Finns and Burmese Vacation Jobs Scheme run by Christ Church black and white anti-war canvas in response to the owed something to such influence. Association member, Jonathan Heller, of Heller & Nazi bombing of the Basque town Guernica, which Associates Ltd., and our aim is to promote this Picasso had read all about in the French newspaper With Judith Curthoys’ help I also discovered that more extensively. Our plan is to select a number of translation of George Steer's remarkable report of the Steer helped found the Oxford University Africa Sector Coordinators who would be able to surface atrocity in The Times of 28 April 1937. But before Society early in 1931, dedicated to “subjects relating vacation jobs within the alumnus community in Steer was a dashing reporter he had been a Classical to the native peoples of Africa, their present their particular business sector i.e. finance, law, Scholar at Christ Church, from January 1929 to July condition and future development.” (Steer was media, consultancy, marketing/advertising, public 1932, gaining a Double First in Mods and Greats. himself South African born, and his father managed services, IT, education, etc. Any old member who the East London Daily Dispatch, the liberal would be keen to volunteer as a Sector Coordinator Researching Steer at the House gave me invaluable newspaper that Donald Woods would later make will be most welcome. insights into his mind and character, even though famous). Five of the seven books George Steer wrote his first 24 years were stripped from the final draft before his death as a soldier in West Bengal aged 35 We wish to express our warmest thanks to all those of my book. Everyone was helpful. Doreen Belcher, were about Africa. He was old members who have attended Careers Sessions in the Manciple, looked up all Steer’s old rooms and indeed “a South African the past. We have just held a Careers Evening on made a sign for a Gaudy asking for his cohorts to Englishman” as well as a Thursday March 4th where we had 9 old members contact me. My former Anglo-Saxon tutor, Richard member of the House. who came as “Advisers”. Fifty-five undergraduates Hamer, then Librarian, put me in touch with Judith attended. Annabel Charnock, JCR Careers and Curthoys, the Archivist, who showed me the Telegram from Guernica: Development Representative, commented: “The Muniment Room in Blue Boar. The Extraordinary Life of Christ Church Association is an amazingly valuable George Steer, War resource for undergraduates. The careers events The Collections reports stored there revealed a future Correspondent by provide us with an opportunity to ask those vital journalist: “A first rate mind and an admirable power Nicholas Rankin questions that you can't ask at company of selecting relevant facts” wrote TBL Webster. I was (1969) is published by presentations when you are trying to impress. In intrigued to learn that Steer did philosophy with Faber. Paperback addition, countless numbers of students have been Gilbert Ryle, and had tutorials with Maurice Bowra, version came out in helped immeasurably by the work experience they of whom Isaiah Berlin was to say in eulogy: March. have arranged through the vacation placement scheme – both in deciding what exactly they want to do and in gaining the all-important CV points.” A new online networking service for anyone who has ever studied at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge Our previous Careers Evening, held in November, was specified as a Media Event and Tony Pastor OXBRIDGELIFE WERE SPONSORS OF THE HOUSE 2003 SUMMER BALL from ITV arranged an impressive group of visiting speakers from Radio, Television and Newspapers. Oxbridgelife is a new online from one another’s knowledge and Membership numbers are growing Tony commented: "All four speakers left Christ networking service for anyone connections. The Oxbridge rapidly and success stories from Church between 1993 and 1995, so hopefully the who has ever studied at the community subdivides into many the site abound: formal hall swaps, students were able to imagine where they might be universities of Oxford and compartments: Oxford and common language speakers in the media within ten years. The response since Cambridge. It connects both Cambridge; the colleges; students contacting each other and the evening has been very encouraging. A number current students and experienced and alumni; academic faculties; meeting, growing the numbers for of students have sought further advice and two have professionals within the Oxbridge student societies and alumni a particular event – even finding a used their new contacts to gain work experience." community to further their organisations. Oxbridgelife charming dinner date has become academic, social and business provides a powerful easier! Life just got that little bit In the same month, Michael Davie, a Managing interests. communications tool that more interesting… Director with Bankers, J.P. Morgan, hosted a facilitates networking across and successful dinner at Gee’s Restaurant in Oxford, We launched the site because we between these distinct groups, View the website and register at well attended by a number of undergraduates. wanted to create a service that providing a one stop shop that has www.oxbridgelife.com, or if you would bring together students and hitherto been lacking. have any questions please call Julia TONY BURDEN (1950) alumni and allow them to benefit Barber on 0845 230 3306.

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In this issue we hear from four old members involved in the automotive industry as they reflect on their time at the House and their subsequent careers.

John Moore (1983)

IX SHINY NEW CHRIST CHURCH but when I mentioned this to my in the technical aspects of Lotus work Sengineers assembled for coffee after tutor, Peter Lund, he replied without when my colleagues indulge me. matriculation on a wet October day in hesitation, “That’s all right, John. I am 1983. Ahead of us were three years of very good at writing letters to explain So what use was my mixed frenetic activity and indolence that you must just have had a bad day time at Christ Church? building towards a crescendo of when you took your finals.” Despite Although the maths cramming for Finals. Apart from a this encouragement and to my great books have remained couple of papers on our third year surprise, I managed a 2:1 and was duly unopened, in fact I have engineering special topics, Finals installed as a heavy-duty diesel engine used much of what I learnt ...Now seemed to be mostly maths. I can development engineer. many times over. This has honestly say that in the subsequent 18 had little to do with the issues. Secondly, years working in some of the highest From here I progressed through a range detailed proof for some through the method of technology areas of the automotive of disciplines to end up running the complex piece of control providing opportunity industry I have never used any of this sales group for Ricardo’s vehicle and theory though. Then... for learning rather than again. transmission engineering business. I teaching, I had to learn how to acquire tried a spell in manufacturing and as a My degree course has stood me in the essence of a topic rapidly and with During my third year I did the milk self employed consultant before joining good stead, firstly through the broad limited support. This skill has been round and received a job offer from Lotus to provide the commercial lead content. In my work I need to be able used by me and, I am sure, by all six of Ricardo – one of the top automotive to their research and technology group. to grasp the important issues in a wide us who set out together in 1983. I am engineering consultancies. This was I am now Head of Sales for Lotus range of technical areas from now the only one of us working in an conditional on my getting at least a 2:2 Engineering but continue to interfere manufacturing processes to product engineering environment though. Jim Cooper (1969)

CAME TO CHRIST CHURCH in We didn’t work particularly hard Playing hockey on sunny afternoons, described as an art rather than a science I October 1969, just a few weeks (although we were sure we worked table tennis, badminton, squash, darts, – now I understand! after Neil Armstrong’s landing on the harder than the non-scientists). We had dinner in Hall, hours playing bridge, Moon. It was a time of optimism. We interesting Chemistry tutors – Drs. JCR meetings, Monty Python, Bob Three years ago I joined the MBI team believed we were at the best college at Paul Kent, Richard Wayne and Dylan, walking to the science labs, at Nationwide Autocentres – a move to the best University. At registration in Raymond Dwek (from wise advice “a lunch at the Lamb and Flag…… the “retail” end. The company repairs, the laboratories, the tutor remarked book only to be read in the bath on a MOT’s and services cars through 190 there were two Harris’s from Christ wet Saturday I became an accountant because I centres across the UK. I have Church – “Christ Church has two of afternoon”, to thought it would allow me to see exchanged Istanbul for Widnes and everything, sir”. youthful enthusiasm). all aspects of a business – Princeton for Solihull. fortunately I was right. The ...Now automotive component As a Finance Director I need “an industry has provided constant enquiring mind” - talking and change – buying and selling questioning, collecting and analysing companies, reorganising to information, and contributing to meet the downward pressure on decisions. Four years of Chemistry at Then... prices, adapting to business Christ Church was an ideal preparation conditions in emerging – but it would probably be a good economies. Car manufacturers preparation for almost anything. demand the same components of the same quality anywhere in the world, How do I summarise the last thirty and suppliers must follow them into years? I haven’t holidayed on the local markets. I have travelled Moon, I didn’t become an MP extensively whilst helping establish new (although I only lost after a recount!) operations in, for example, Poland, but I have a good family and an Turkey, Brazil and China. The interesting job. As for failing to achieve negatives – as accountants we receive all of my ambitions, my advice is to too much criticism for poor financial remember how the Italians described results and too much praise for good the turmoil of their rotating ones. As a new accountant I didn’t Governments – “the situation is know why accountancy was often hopeless, but it’s not serious”.

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Jonathan Eddolls (1999) ...Now

CAME UP TO CHRIST CHURCH Formula One between my 2nd and I straight from school in 1999. 3rd years confirmed my love for the Having come from a farming automotive industry, especially background, which naturally exposed motorsport, and since then I haven’t me to a wide range of agricultural looked back. I was planning to read machinery gave me an interest in for a PhD at The House but I was engineering from an early age, and lucky enough to land my dream job in there was never much doubt that it Formula One with WilliamsF1 would be my preferred choice to read without any further study. I started at university. work last summer, so I am still relatively new to the career, and I was accepted to read Mechanical possibly not yet fully conversant with Engineering at Imperial College, the business. To the armchair fanatic London, but selected Oxford in who watches Formula One every other preference because of the offer of a Sunday, it must seem like an industry General Engineering course with the built on glamour, but in truth there is option of specialisation in the final plenty of honest commitment and years. At the age of 18, although I was hard work behind the scenes. Time fairly sure that I wanted to work in the swanning around in Monaco is left to automotive industry, I didn’t want to the celebrity guests and in reality, as an commit to studying any particular engineer, I spend most of my time genre of engineering so early on. The working well beyond the gaze of the university course was fairly flexible, as cameras. I was able to choose from many options and with a fair degree of focus In my first two years at WilliamsF1, Then... on my future career I effectively tailor- I am rotating throughout departments made my degree course to support my within the design office, spending time what is in effect, my dream job in must be produced quickly. My only future career interests. in the Stress Office, Electronics Formula One and without the criticism of my academic experience Research and Development, Vehicle experience I feel I wouldn’t be working however would be the relative lack of While studying, I did flirt with the Dynamics, Aerodynamics and the where I am now. Oxford graduates connection between theory and its idea of working in the aviation Drawing Office. Some of these have the advantage of having been application to real vocational industry and I was also tempted by the placements will involve attendance at taught to think logically, break problems. As a consequence, it is not idea of designing passenger cars, but races and tests, but I have been assured complex problems down into smaller always easy to connect the principles ultimately I was turned off by the slow that it is not as glamourous as it may more manageable elements and to being taught and its application in the pace of development that was involved appear on the television. analyse information quickly, all of real world. Having said that, my time and the long lead times between ideas which is a perfect grounding for the at the House was something I will and reality, that are typical of both My time studying Engineering at pressurised engineering demands of never forget, and I wouldn’t have industries. A summer placement in Oxford helped immensely in securing Formula One – answers and solutions missed it for the world.

...Now Rajan Paramasivum (1994)

STARTED AT CHRIST CHURCH in with some great characters and work been working for an established car I 1994 studying the somewhat almost seemed to take a back seat. plant. It is only now, with the success general Engineering, Economics and of the MINI, that I feel Oxford is Management Course. It was clear to When I graduated from Christ Church being accepted as a BMW plant. me that I had always wanted to join the following year the easiest option the automotive industry – a fact was to return to Rover as a graduate As to whether Christ Church helped or driven home by the numerous trainee based in Oxford. I believe the hindered my career – I don’t think it rejections from management change to BMW ownership in March has had any effect. It helped that I was consultancies! 2000 happened at a good time for me. based in Oxford and therefore applied I guess I was starting to question the to Rover in the first place. However, To date, my limited career experience ambition within Rover as well as the once through the door, I haven’t of 6 years has been very much a case of professionalism despite the friendly advertised the fact that I was at Christ meandering through the easiest options atmosphere. The Oxford site has gone Church and nor do I think it would but somehow landing on my feet – I through an amazing amount of change, have opened any more doors, had I guess, in this sense it much resembles both physically and culturally. The done so. I feel the biggest help that my time at Christ Church! I started at learning curve that I have been on over Christ Church provided was the social Rover in 1997 as part of a six month the last 4 years has been incredible. element – getting a 2:2 but having a placement in my third year. Rover was Learning from the mistakes made over great time has not done my career any a good company to join as a student – the last four years will be the biggest harm…obviously getting a first and Then... they had a good emphasis on training, advantage – an opportunity that I having a great time wouldn’t have done the office atmosphere was very friendly probably would not have had, if I had my career any harm either!

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A CHANCE MEETING AT A GAUDY AND ENCOUNTERS IN AFGHANISTAN: THE START OF MERLIN

TODAY FROM AFGHANISTAN TO LIBERIA, Iraq to the Despite the great suffering these people have gone another Central Asian invasion. Afghanistan was to Congo, there are Merlin teams working carrying out through during five years of war, their first thought prove to be a great influence. emergency vaccination programmes, running clinics is not what they can get out of us, but what they and working to rebuild the healthcare infrastructure can give...... ’ Toby Porter is now Director of Four years after that summer spent in Asia, I of countries broken by conflict, earthquake or other Emergencies with Save the Children. returned to Afghanistan this time with a French disasters. It started ten years ago in a spare bedroom team working on a vaccination programme in the in London. From its very beginnings Merlin has The origins of Merlin go back to my time at Christ parts of the country controlled by the Mujedhedin. benefited from the support, inspiration and Church. With encouragement from Tony Rees, Our base was in Peshawar, in Pakistan where I came encouragement of a number of people from Christ Tutor of Biochemistry and support from the across a variety of friends from Christ Church Church. Exploration Club, I had gone off to India to working as relief workers or journalists – James document how traditional medicine was being used Reed 1981 and James Blount 1977. Charles Ewald – 1979 helped write the mission alongside western medicine. I started in statement and remembers the team that had Dharamsala, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Here The Mujedhedin and villagers helped run secret recently returned from a mission to take emergency many Tibetan refugees continued to eke out a living supply routes into the country and provided food supplies into besieged Sarajevo as “a mix of having fled into India, the face of the Chinese protection for the doctors, nurses and others who medics, mercenaries and minstrels.” The following invasion of Tibet 30 years earlier. Less than a week set off to work for months at a stretch from caves mission involved an emergency vaccination in war before, as a result of buying an extremely cheap and huts hidden in the mountains. Strangers torn Nagorno Karabakh, an Armenian enclave in a ticket to India on Afghan Airways, I had stood in wherever we worked came to offer us whatever food hostile Azerbaijan. the airport of Kabul, witnessing the build up of they had, or the safety of a corner of their mosque Russian forces in Afghanistan, and the start of yet to sleep in. It was striking how their concern was Toby Porter – 1987 was responsible for logistics in Nagorno Karabakh and later wrote. ‘When I was first asked to join the mission I wasn’t sure where Karabakh was. Before I knew it I was curled up in the hold of a Russian transport plane bound for Erevan with 50 tonnes of equipment and medical supplies......

....I shall never forget the people of Karabakh. For them, our work (a vaccination programme for children) is important but just as important is the fact that we are here at all. Operating in a war zone, Above: Liza Coghill was the first nurse to embark on a we have seen some terrible things. ….. Merlin mission.

Left: Ailsa Denny takes a child in hand in the aftermath of the crisis in Rwanda.

Right: Cim Mellor at the helm.

Dr Clement and his staff bring a patient into the field hospital on a make shift stretcher during the war in Liberia last year.

Above: Nicholas Mellor returns from his first mission in Afghanistan. He is on the far left. Bernard Kouchner who was the founder of Medecins sans Frontieres isin the centre.

Right: Toby Porter drinks a mug of tea whilst sheltering in a cellar during an Azeri bombardment.

Left: Nicholas Mellor investigating an outbreak of Lassa Fever in Sierra Leone.

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Year Representatives

IN THE LAST EDITION OF CHRIST CHURCH Association News, Nick Alexander reported on an exciting new initiative launched by the Association, to create year representatives. Schemes like this have been developed most successfully by a number of other colleges. Year representatives are intended to disseminate information to and collate information from a group of their immediate contemporaries. Vaccination of children in Afghanistan in 1987. Cim Mellor and the First VIII in 1946.

not what they could receive from us, but what they Richard Wilson had recently returned from Moscow We contacted a small group of people who could give. With little food, and epidemics normally where he had co-chaired the first Andrei Sakharov matriculated in the 1980s. We initially wanted to prevented by vaccination, it was disease that was conference on Human Rights. He had also been on assess enthusiasm for the experiment and to ask if taking a much greater toll than the trauma of war. a human rights mission to the Armenian Azerbaijan they felt it would be a good idea to organise an The most lasting impression was of the courage, Border where he had faced down Azeri militia with event for those who matriculated in that decade. dignity and hospitality of the people we lived his co-chair, Baroness Cox. Richard Wilson’s amongst, and whose life we shared for a few enthusiastic support for the embryonic idea of a I am delighted to report that we had a reputable months, before returning to the peace and stability new emergency relief organisation that would work response and the first eight year reps are now in of the world outside Afghanistan’s borders. in such places, and his introduction to Baroness place. At the first meeting on 24th January in Cox made all the difference. Baroness Cox was to Christ Church it was agreed that we would organise The experience raised the question of whether more become a founding trustee when the three of us left a 1980s specific, 1920s themed evening with could be done to help such people in such places. I our jobs to start Merlin in 1993. cocktails and dinner in Hall on June 26th. There soon found other people who were keen to do will be a jazz band and, weather permitting, croquet more. Christopher Besse, with whom I set out for Today 700,000 people benefit directly from Merlin’s in the Master’s Garden. Please find enclosed Bucharest during the revolution in Christmas of work around the world. The Merlin team spans 30 booking form and further details. 1989 taking a vanload of surgical supplies, was one members of staff in our London HQ, around 100 of them. It was a project that relied on support of expatriate workers and close to 1,200 local people Christ Church has never hosted a decade specific another Christ Church member, Cim Mellor 1941 who live and work in the 12 different countries event like this before and we hope it will enable all who provided the logistics back up in the UK. The where we operate. Since the beginning we have had those who matriculated during the 1980s to meet mission was arranged on the spur of the moment, programmes in more than 30 countries including again, re-establish friendships and bring back lasted just two weeks, but it changed our lives. Afghanistan, Chechnya, DR Congo, Kenya, East memories of those wonderful undergraduate days in Timor, Honduras, Russia, Sierra Leone and Sudan. the House. Please support it. Three years later we both found ourselves working in the Azerbaijan Province of Iran during the Kurdish We continue to try to provide a lifeline to the most It would be great to hear from you if you Crisis that followed the first Gulf war. It was here we vulnerable whose life may be endangered by matriculated in the 1980s and would like to join met Mark Dalton – a logistics expert who had spent conflict, disease or natural disasters; and to reach the growing circle of year representatives. The more much of his life working on relief operations, who ‘always a little further’. representatives we have, the better the scheme will also recognised the need. All three of us were humbled be and the more we can do for you. and inspired by the courage and resourcefulness of the Thank you to all those who have helped us already people we were working with in Kurdistan. and anyone else who would like to provide support If you matriculated in the 1980s and have not of any kind is welcome to contact me at already received a letter from one of the year A few years later, at a Gaudy in 1991, Cim Mellor [email protected] representatives giving you more information about met Prof. Richard Wilson 1943 at midnight in the the event on the 26th June, please contact the SCR. They had not seen each other since 1947. NICHOLAS MELLOR (1979) Development Office.

A vaccination programme in An operation carried out in the cave in Afghanistan during the We hope that the year representatives’ initiative for Northern Afghanistan. first mission in 1987. the 1980s will be successful. In which case, it will be our intention to extend it to cover all years over time. Should you be interested in becoming a year representative, please let me know.

SIMON OFFEN (1986) [email protected] Tel: 01296 653238

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Forthcoming Events Notices

MAY/JUNE Albrecht Dürer SISTER BRONWEN HUNTLEY TRINITY TERM 25 April – 6 July 2004 St Jerome in his study There is a splendid new bench in the Masters’ Garden (detail) which is in memory of Sister Bronwen Huntley who 23 April-29 July SAINTS AND HERMITS died in 1999. She was the first nurse to be appointed Complementing the exhibition of Clive Hicks-Jenkins The to an Oxford college and served as the nursing sister in Temptations of Solitude the Picture Gallery will show a the House from about 1937 to 1956. Sister Huntley’s thematically arranged group of drawings which explore artists’ nephew, John Temple (1955), who arranged the fascination with saints and hermits as well as the public collection for her memorial, would like to thank all who demand for such themes. contributed. 5 May-13 June CLIVE HICKS-JENKINS – THE TEMPTATIONS OF SOLITUDE The Welsh artist Clive Hicks-Jenkins was inspired in his new works by the fragments of Scenes from the Lives of Hermits (Tuscan School) – some of them housed in Christ Church Picture Gallery. After being exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art, Wales (Machynlleth) they will be shown in Christ Church Picture Gallery.

19 May 4.00 pm – BBC Choral Evensong

21 May 8.00 pm – The Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir Tickets available 0870 750 0659

22 May Degree Day

26-29 May Summer Eights Clive Hicks-Jenkins ‘LOST OLD MEMBER WIN A BOTTLE OF JUNE The Temptations of PORT’ COMPETITION Solitude 31 May, 7.30 pm – Christ Church Dramatic Society perform Daisy Pulls It Off Many thanks to all those who helped us with our 1, 3, 4 & 5 June by Denise Deegan in the Master’s Garden. Tickets available on the door. search for lost old members in the last edition of Christ Church Matters. The five winners of a bottle of port 12 June Degree Day are: Mary Orr, Fiona Rice, David Leadley, Harriet 15 June 6.00 pm – Evensong and 40th Anniversary of Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust Spence, David Ricks

18 June Boat Club Dinner.

20 June-8 August JEFF CLARKE – PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, ETCHINGS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL Christ Church Picture Gallery again welcomes an exhibition of works by Jeff Clarke which MEETING focuses predominantly on his recent still-life subjects, drawn from around the artist’s Saturday 26 June 2004 at 12 noon Oxford studio. The next AGM of the Association will take place at Christ Church at 12 noon on 26 June as part of this 24 June Gaudy (for all who matriculated up to and including 1946) year’s Christ Church Association Summer Event 26 June Christ Church Association AGM and Summer Event [see attached information and booking form]. Christ Church Association – 1980s Reunion – Dinner in Hall (1920s style) It is hoped that as many members as possible will JULY attend in order to give us your views on what the 12 July 6.00 pm – Visiting Choir – St Hilda’s School Andrea del Verrocchio Association is and should be doing. In particular we 16 July 7.30 pm – Concert – English Chamber Orchestra – Mozart Requiem Head of a young welcome your thoughts on the Year Representatives (Tickets may be purchased on the door) woman Scheme and whether you believe that it should be extended to cover all years, and not just those who 19-20 July 6.00 pm – Visiting Choir – St Petri, Hamburg matriculated at Christ Church in the 1980s. 25 July 6.00 pm – Visiting Choir – St Bartholomew CONTACTS AND We will also be electing members to the Committee. 31 July-7 November FACES OPENING HOURS: John Ellison is standing for re-election having already served an initial 3 year term, working closely with Tony The history of Christ Church can be followed through the accumulation of portraits of its Picture Gallery: Burden on the careers advice front. We are delighted great and mighty. However, the permanent collection of drawings is also rich in portraits 1 April – 30 September and faces. The summer show in the Picture Gallery will concentrate on some outstanding Mon–Sat 10.30am–5.00pm that he is happy to continue his membership of the drawings of anonymous and idealised, real and fictional faces. Sun 2.00pm–5.00pm Committee.

AUGUST 1 Oct – 31 March Sadly, this year we say goodbye to James Ross, Mon–Sat 10.30am–1.00pm Jonathan Heller and Peter Bebb, who have provided 7 August 8.00 pm – Concert – Cathedral Singers (Tickets may be 2.00pm–4.30 pm much support to the Association during their years on purchased on the door) For further information the Committee. Jonathan has agreed to continue co- 26-29 August 6.00 pm – Visiting Choir – Collegium Vocale please contact: ordinating the summer placement scheme on an ex Christ Church Picture officio basis. SEPTEMBER Gallery As a result, there are a number of places available on 12 September 6.00 pm – Evensong and Diocesan Pilgrimage Christ Church Oxford the Committee and please do let us know if you are 13 September Historic Churches Cycle Ride OX1 1DP interested in joining.

15 Sept-31 October JAPANESE ZEN CALLIGRAPHY Tel: 01865 276172 The Agenda for the meeting will be: The Zen Master Professor Tanchu Terayama presents his Fax: 01865 202 429 1 Approval of the Minutes of AGM held on private collection of Zen calligraphy at Christ Church Picture Email: 20 September 2003 Gallery. In the first week of the exhibition Professor [email protected] 2 Report on Activity 2003-2004 Terayama will give workshops in Christ Church as well as in Chaplain: 3 Financial Report the Ashmolean Museum. The Zen drawings will be counter- Revd Ralph Williamson 4 Election of Chairman and Re-election and election posed with drawings from the Picture Gallery’s collection, to Tel: 01865 276236 of Committee Members compare the eastern and western art of drawing. Steward’s Office: 5 Open discussion on Year Representatives Scheme 6 Development Director’s Report 16 September 7.30 pm – Alpha Service Tel: 01865 276174 7AOB OCTOBER Cathedral Office: Japanese Zen calligraphy Tel: 01865 276154 We look forward to seeing you there. 1 October Gaudy (1976-1979)

page 20 Christ Church Matters is jointly edited by Christopher Butler, Tutor in English and Sue Cunningham, Development Director. It is produced by the Development and Alumni Office, Christ Church, Oxford OX1 1DP. Tel: 44 (0)1865 286325, Fax: 44 (0)1865 286587, e-mail: [email protected]. The views expressed in Christ Church Matters may on occasion be those of the author and are not necessarily held by the Governing Body. Christ Church Association News is edited by Fiona Holdsworth, Christ Church Association Committee.