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Church Matters TRINITY TERM 2005 ISSUE 15

Editorial

cannot resist, in introducing this Trinity 2005 edition only possible due to the generous support from a number of Christ Church Matters, congratulating the Oxford of generous benefactors. The acquisition is described by IVIII who rowed magnificently to victory on the the Assistant Curator of the Picture Gallery. Thames last weekend. As you will read in ‘Cardinal Sins’ they were captained by Robin Bourne-Taylor, a member of Enclosed with this Christ Church Matters you will discover Christ Church, who also rowed in the mens’ eight at the information about the new publication, 'Christ Church, Olympics in Athens in 2004. On the subject of rowing, Oxford: A Portrait of the House'. We are very excited that, ‘Three Housemen in A Boat’ splendidly describes a at last, Christ Church will have an illustrated hardback canoeing feat of rowing from Folly Bridge to Westminster book about our unique institution. The book will only be Pier (some 112 miles) in June 1956. published, however, if many of our old members and friends subscribe and send in interesting reminiscences and The Trinity edition of Christ Church Matters each year memorabilia of the House. I hope you decide to do so. gratefully lists those who have chosen to make a gift to Christ Church. We are enormously fortunate to have such I would like to thanks all contributors who have provided generous support from old members and friends - it makes the interesting range and breadth of material for this a significant difference to the House. Earlier this year, an edition. Read on and enjoy! 18th century drawing by Neapolitan artist Corrado Giaquinto was purchased by the Picture Gallery. This was SUE CUNNINGHAM, Development Director and Co-Editor Three Housemen in a Boat

HEN I PRESENTED myself at Peckwater. Together with my congenial the porter’s lodge at Tom Gate in neighbour from Manchester Grammar School, W October 1955, I received Michael Eaton, we hatched a plan to travel by directions to my rooms in Meadow Building. canoe down the river to London without any After wending my unfamiliar way across Tom break. Although none of us had ever come Quad, through the grand entryway to the Hall, close to white-water canoeing, we were keen to around the cloisters, and then down some steps, improve on Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in I discovered the huge and ungainly pile of a Boat by paddling the 112 miles to Ruskinian Gothic known as Meadow Building, Westminster. So far as we knew, this would be where I would be spending the next two years. a first. Several friends at LMH allowed us to Blissfully ignorant of the social geography of “borrow” their college’s prized canoe called the House, I did not realize that I had been Pocahontas snugly berthed on the Cherwell. relegated to the furthest outpost of the college Several friends at LMH allowed With scientific acumen Edward calculated our demesne. One step more and I would have us to “borrow” their college’s speed and the tides on the lower Thames so been pitching a tent in the Master’s garden or that we would not have to fight the strong the meadows. From the lofty vantage point of prized canoe called Pocahontas currents after Richmond. Michael and I laid in the Old Etonians and Old Harrovians who a supply of hard-boiled eggs, bread, coffee, lived in Peckwater and Canterbury I might just snugly berthed on the Cherwell and brandy to nourish us during the trip, as well have been relegated to Siberia. My while Edward tipped off a Fleet Street sitting room lay on the top floor of the last plovers eggs and Cointreau to any lunch journalist about our expedition. We also entry in Meadow Building. Facing east, the guests. From the balcony of the sitting-room arranged a reception party at Westminster Pier window overlooked part of the Master’s garden Anthony Blanche, that splendid post-Wildean complete with several lovely ladies, balloons, and Merton. At least the room was large rogue, had recited through a megaphone and bottles of bubbly. enough to accommodate merry guests attired in Tiresias’s lament from The Wasteland with all sheets for a pseudo-Roman toga party and then its homoerotic implications as a group of virile In order to catch the ebb tide at the end of our a pajama party co-hosted by my Rhodes rowers strolled below on their way to the trip we left just after daybreak on Sunday, June Scholar friend from Malta, Edward de Bono. boathouse. 3, 1956. Because all the gates were still locked, Despite the social stigma and damp cold that this early departure forced us to climb over a In my second year I moved next door into the permeated Meadow Building, I owe the most wall on the Meadow side of college with room made famous by Evelyn Waugh in memorable event of my time there to that paddles and gear in hand. Unfortunately a Brideshead Revisited. This was the suite domicile. The inspiration for an extramural groundskeeper spotted our scrambling and occupied by Lord Sebastian Flyte “high in adventure on the Thames came from the ever reported this transgression to higher authority Meadow Buildings.” However, I never offered inventive Edward de Bono, who lived in unbeknownst to us. With mounting excitement ...continued over the page page 1 ChCh Matters (small) #15f 13/5/05 10:15 am Page 2

we made our way down to Folly Bridge where we wandered about and took in a film. Then just this blaze of publicity featured the name of the we had moored the canoe overnight. before the appointed hour we returned to the college, which did not go down at all well canoe and made our way across the river to with the hierarchs back at the House. Shortly To make a long story short we paddled steadily Westminster pier where we were greeted by a after our triumphal return we received a downstream for over thirty hours including dozen reporters and our companions from the sobering summons from the Senior Censor, portages around thirty-three locks. Our shifts at Ruskin School of Art and LMH. The warmth of the formidable English historian, J. Steven the bow and stern lasted four hours and the man our reception and the effects of champagne Watson. Wearing our gowns, we stood in the middle doled out modest amounts of food rapidly wiped away any residual fatigue. The apprehensively outside his rooms at the and drink and kept our tea or coffee warm on a somewhat bemused pier-master at Westminster designated time wondering what heinous mountain stove. Distance of time has blurred my took this event in such good stride that he joined crime we had committed. Seated behind his memory of the arduous haul. But I well recall a in the champagne toasts. One tabloid reporter large desk, the Censor displayed great concern mid-river interview by an enterprising journalist ran true to form by showing more interest in about the good name of the college and asked who had hired a small boat near Henley and where and with whom we were spending the us bluntly how much money we had made followed us downstream for half a mile pestering night than in our riverine feat. To his queries I from selling our story to the press. This us with questions. Portaging the heavy canoe ventured the somewhat fatuous reply that ours question took us completely by surprise but around all those locks at night and in was an “experiment in international living” and we had no trouble in assuring him that ours intermittent rain resulted in some nasty bruises a “protest against professionalism in pranks.” had been a non-profit venture. Once he and scrapes. We passed by Eton College on the realized that Fleet Street had paid us nothing, morning of the glorious fourth before the The warmth of our reception his tone lightened. Nevertheless, with all the festivities had begun. As the river gradually gravitas of an 18th century magistrate he broadened below Putney, we felt small and and the effects of champagne levied a fine of £15 apiece for having climbed vulnerable whenever tugs and steamboats made rapidly wiped away any out of college. As we rose to leave, he looked large waves that rocked our frail vessel. at us with a sly wink of the eye and said with a residual fatigue. hearty chortle: “I could have beaten your time.” Moving more rapidly than expected, we passed under Westminster Bridge almost four hours Evidently word had spread fast along Fleet Come to think of it, life in Meadow Building ahead of our forty-hour schedule. Since we had Street because the press coverage ranged from was not so bad after all. arranged our reception party for 10 pm, we had the Oxford Mail to the Daily Mail, Daily to kill time. Disembarking near Waterloo station, Herald, and Illustrated London News. Of course L. PERRY CURTIS, JR. (1955) Cardinal Sins NOTES FROM THE ARCHIVES

ACK IN 1896, a young Catholic man Christ Church has not produced large numbers from Dublin, one of seven children of of Olympic sportsmen, but one probably less Bthe biggest baker in Ireland, who had just known is Hugh Edwards who came up to the graduated with a 4th class BA in Jurisprudence House from Westminster in 1925. Just after from Christ Church, travelled to Athens with his he graduated in 1931, Edwards rowed in the friend Constantine Mano (Balliol 1894). Mano Los Angeles Olympics in 1932. Although he was heavily involved with the organisation of the was chosen to represent Britain in the coxless first modern Olympiad, but it is unlikely that he pairs, with his Christ Church partner, Lewis foresaw the consequences of taking John Pius Clive, he found himself also taking the place of Portal was a good shot, and an excellent fly- Boland with him. a sick oarsman in the coxless four, and assisting fisherman. He also maintained a stud, and Jack Beresford to the second of his five medals yachted. In 1935, he accepted the chairmanship On April 6, over breakfast, a Greek gentleman in five Olympics, a feat not matched until of the British Olympic Association. It was by the name of Kasdagli, asked whether Steve Redgrave rowed Britain to victory in through his generosity that Britain sent a large Boland, who was known to be quite a 2000. Like Boland, Edwards took two gold team to the troubled Games of 1936 in Berlin. sportsman, would be competing in the tennis medals in the same day. competition. Apparently the number of In 2004, we came full-circle when Robin Bourne- entrants was low. As one does, Boland agreed Edwards continued his association with the Taylor, captain of this year’s Oxford VIII and to enter both the doubles and the singles, and Olympics when he coached the British eight for President of the University Boat Club, competed found himself paired with a German called the 1960 Games in Rome. And it is more in in Athens. John Boland’s participation in the first Fritz Traun. Boland had come unprepared, but administration rather than as a sportsman that modern Games in Athens was one of played in his ordinary shoes and with a tennis another Houseman was connected with the gentlemanly amateurism, perhaps the most prized racket he had found in the Panhellenic Bazaar. Games. Viscount Portal was a paper aspect of those early Olympiads. Times have In true Boys’ Own style, Boland came out on manufacturer whose company produced changed, and the Games are now a show-case for top, winning both the singles title - against banknote paper and developed the security the greatest of sporting prowess achieved by years Kasdagli, the very man who had invited Boland thread which runs through banknotes. He was of dedication. Long may the House continue to to play - and the doubles by two sets to love, cousin to another Viscount Portal who would wave the Olympic flag! on 11 April. Boland became both Ireland’s and become Air Chief of Staff during the 2nd World Britain’s first Olympic champion. War, and whose papers are held in the Library. JUDITH CURTHOYS, Archivist

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Birth of the Virgin

MONG THE PRECIOUS budget, it is quite exceptional for it to possessions of Christ Church make acquisitions of new items for the A Picture Gallery is a vibrant collection; but this opportunity seemed painting of the Birth of the Virgin (fig too good to miss. This ‘first’ was only 1) by the Neapolitan artist Corrado made possible through outside support, Giaquinto (1703 – 1765). It is a and we are grateful to The National Art comparatively small work, related to a Collections Fund, the V&A Purchase monumental version which was Grant Fund, the Senior Common executed for the Cathedral of Pisa in Room, and not least, Nick Nops 1751 - 52, where it still hangs. Both (1968) an old member of the House. Preparatory drawing paving the way for a formal approach versions show the moment when the recently purchased in the New Year, Mr Nops, suggested newly-born Mary is washed and cradled Last autumn Hugo Chapman, curator by Christ Church he may be able to help. The Christmas by the midwives and praised by the of prints and drawings in the British (fig 2). spirit, it seemed, had worked some neighbours. This was a major subject in Museum, phoned to alert me to the unexpected magic! Seizing the the art of the Counter-Reformation. In fact that the drawing was on the opportunity, I took him to the gallery the background, in dark brown colours, market and that the British Museum to see the painting in question. are the happy parents Joachim and would step back, if we considered Anne, who, after a long-barren buying it. It was swiftly decided that The silence of my guest in front of the marriage, are celebrating the mystical we would try to pursue the purchase painting in the darkened gallery filled birth of their daughter. However with as little impact (financially) for me with anxiety, and I almost felt unassuming these background figures, the House as possible, and so I apologetic for wasting his time – they play theologically an important approached several art funds for help. I perhaps it was not what he expected at part in the beginning of the Salvation found overwhelming support and all. When we parted that evening it as Mary had to be conceived sine encouragement from all sides to was with the prospect of getting in macula and ‘without concupiscence’. complete the purchase. touch early in the New Year. The widely-debated mystery of the Immaculate Conception, the latest However, while encouragement was To my great delight, Mr Nops’ cheque Dogma of the Catholic Church (in plentiful, money remained scarce, so two arrived after the Christmas break. The 1854), manifests itself in this newborn courses were open. We could abandon final stages of securing match-funding girl (it is commonly but wrongly the bid and lose the money we had so took a little longer, but finally, the assumed that the term relates to the far raised, or we could ask the House to drawing now belongs to the House and conception of Jesus). help through the Development and will be displayed in the gallery very Alumni Office, even though this was not soon. We are absolutely delighted with A preparatory drawing of this in the original plan. Crucial at this stage the acquisition. This allows us the background detail, in red chalk and in was Mr Nops’ spontaneous reaction after incredibly rare opportunity to unite a pristine condition, has survived and last year’s Christmas Carol service. preparatory drawing with the finished has now been bought by Christ Birth of the Virgin painting and thus offers a fascinating Church Picture Gallery (fig 2). Because While I was talking with the by Corrado insight into an artist’s creative process *. the Gallery works on a very limited Development Director after the service, Giaquinto (fig 1). JACQUELINE THALMANN, Assistant Curator, Christ Church Picture Gallery

* Earlier in 2004 a panel showing the Coronation of the Virgin that formed the upper part of a larger panel of which Christ Church has the lower part, Four Musical Angels, was sold at Sotheby’s. It would have been a wonderful addition to the collection, but absolutely beyond the Gallery’s means. It was bought by the National Gallery in London: the two parts will be reunited in a small exhibition in the National Gallery later this year and we hope to be able to show both panels in Christ Church early in 2006.

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Remembering Leslie Youngblood

AM SAD TO REPORT THE DEATH ways, the defining moment of his life. He contained 100 worthless Lebanese pounds, with of Leslie Youngblood on August 22, 2004, cared deeply about Christ Church which was an enclosed note that read, “And you, my friend, Iat his home in Williamsburg, Virginia, reflected in a very generous bequest in his will, didn’t specify which pounds”. USA, after a long struggle with congestive a reminder to all of us who received heart failure. He was 84. nourishment from that very special place. I miss the rascal who brought so much good cheer into my life. I can see him now, fetched up After completing his undergraduate degree in When I think of my friend Les Youngblood, I on Fiddler’s Green, the place where old sailors go Classics at Emory University in 1941, Les think of outrageously funny stories. One of the for drink and merriment when they die. became a commissioned officer in the U.S. most memorable of these stories was with his Navy where he saw combat in both the Atlantic friend, and fellow Rhodes Scholar, Reece Smith. DON MCLUCAS (1962) and Pacific theatres, and subsequently in the They were both back at the House in the late Korean conflict where he commanded the USS 70s for the 75th anniversary of the Rhodes Trust, When asked to comment W Reece Smith Jr Cushing. He studied Russian for a year at the the centerpiece of which was to be a garden party (1949) said “I hesitate to respond. Getting in University of Colorado before being assigned to at Rhodes House with HM The Queen in the last word with my friend Les Youngblood work for Admiral Schurimann in Moscow, and attendance. The night before, the two friends would be impossible; he would find a way to subsequently as his chief of staff when Admiral had repaired to The Bear, where they found a reply even now.” Schurimann was appointed Director of Naval small stuffed animal on the bar wearing a white Intelligence. Les completed his naval career as T-shirt with a replica of the furry fellow in red Naval Aide to President Eisenhower from 1954- along with the name of the pub. Les quickly 1958. He then joined the international division wagered his friend (who, the story goes, was of Mobil Oil Corporation where he held a president of the American Bar Association at the number of senior executive positions until his time) 100 pounds that he would not wear the T- retirement in 1984. shirt to the garden party the next afternoon. He did, under his white starched shirt, and said to In the midst of his naval career, Les received a Les, “You, my friend, didn’t specify where I had leave of absence to accept a Rhodes scholarship to wear it”. After much moaning and groaning at Christ Church from 1947-1949. His time and cries of foul, months passed until one day a and friendships at the House were, in many fat envelope arrived at Reece’s law office that Leslie Youngblood Christ Church in the Inner City N THE 1930s, forward-thinking access to education to develop the tools of their Then, undergraduates took young people philanthropic radicals in Oxford and own educational and economic development – camping and organised poetry recital ICambridge, with a passion for social ideas, decision-making, leadership and self-esteem. competitions. Now, leading artists challenge reform and education, founded a series of young people to express themselves and ‘missions’ in inner-city London. One such Debating societies and gymnastics were explore the potential of our world. mission was Christ Church Clubs (now Oval amongst the activities organised by Christ House), which was developed from a soup Church undergraduates, who went on to Then, Christ Church men and women raised kitchen operating out of St Mark’s church. maintain their commitment as they moved money for the clubs through amateur dramatics into business, keeping the ‘clubs’ going in the performances and charity balls. Now, Christ The original aims of visionary Christ Church men, wake of the Second World War. Church members support us through such as John Arkell, were both to alleviate the governance (the Dean is our President) and by effects of poverty and to increase the confidence of Today, our programme of drama and offering corporate networking, sponsorship and young people. This marked a sea change from the participatory arts may seem a world away from access to their companies’ volunteering and former somewhat paternalistic approach to that vision. We work with up to 200 young community action teams. ministering to the poor. Minds and imaginations people each week: drama helps them prepare would now be fed, as well as hungry mouths. This for the workplace and to understand the We are proud of the way our work reflects the new philosophy enabled those with little or no frustrations which get them excluded from original vision of our Christ Church founders school, while other classes develop their and we are always looking for new ways to talents, ideas and artistic potential. make the relationship to Christ Church relevant and mutually beneficial. In fact, our philosophy demonstrates a clear continuum from those early days. Now, as then, All members of Christ Church are welcome to we work with those who have the potential to receive our regular newsletter to find out achieve, but who are faced with the obstacles of exactly what we are doing – for your copy, social and economic disadvantage. telephone Valerie Boulet on 020 7735 2869 or e-mail: [email protected].

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Fortune Favours the Bold

N NOVEMBER 2004, I was accepted into With just five weekly modules investors; the combined result of the inaugural Executive MBA (EMBA) remaining, the EMBA experience to the ever increasing world rankings Iclass at the Said Business School. Although date has been quite extraordinary. of Said Business School and the delighted with my acceptance, I was surprised People often ask me if it has distinction of being a member of to discover that Christ Church was absent from provided me with the answers I was the House. These factors, coupled the list of colleges admitting EMBA students. seeking. I always give the same with the innovation of our patented response: I wasn't looking for the product make for a powerful Not put off, I proceeded to the Christ Church answers. Einstein once said that “Any introduction to would be porter's lodge where I was advised that the fool can offer you answers. It takes financiers. Secretary to the Tutor for Graduates was the genius to ask the right questions” – Mark Carmichael most suitable person to speak to. With time and it has been my experience that The Executive MBA (EMBA) at running out (the EMBA office needed to know most of us do not ask the right questions. The the Said Business School is a modular which college I was to apply to) and the firm right questions, asked of the right people at the programme designed for those engaged in belief that fortune favours the bold, I left the right time are keys to success. In this regard, the professional careers seeking to increase their administrative office and walked across the Quad EMBA has had a profound impact. spectrum of business skills. It is based on the to Staircase 8. I presented my case directly to same syllabus as the full-time MBA but is spread Mrs Davidson - that I believed the House to be Associates are forever intrigued by the array of out over 14 weekly modules over a 21-month the best (and a few other persuasive arguments). students in my class. Although significantly period. This enables students to maintain their smaller than the full-time MBA course (just full-time employment while earning their A few days later, I received the response I had 30 in EMBA class vs. 180 in the full-time Oxford MBA degree. hoped for - my application for membership of class), classmates commute from as far as the House was successful. Christ Church saw Tokyo, Moscow, San Francisco and Reykjavik Mark Carmichael, (2004) the opportunity of being associated with the for each 5-day module. The diversity is high profile EMBA course, as part of its invigorating: venture capitalists, management HOUSEMAN IN OXFORD TRIUMPH growing commitment to pursue management consultants, marketing directors, medical The Boat Race this year saw what is becoming a education. After consultation with the tutor physicians and of course, entrepreneurs. They regularly strong Christ Church representation, with in Management Studies, the House’s policy on come from companies such as Radisson David Livingstone sitting at six in the Isis boat and me in the bow seat of the Blue boat. It was a EMBA students was reconsidered, and Hotels, Sanyo, Philips, Aston Martin, Rio pleasure to be President of the OUBC this year and I applications were accepted for the course. Tinto and Credit Suisse First Boston. We have no doubt that the brilliant characters and spend our days in the lecture theatres and our determination of everyone in the team gave us the We're now 15 months into the 21-month EMBA evenings brainstorming each others’ ideas in a winning edge on the day. With a considerable weight advantage going into the race it was clear Programme and Christ Church has fulfilled every casual forum (usually over a bottle or two of that the challenge would be for our boat to focus expectation I had of this extraordinary institution. red wine). The in class discussions and debates on its’ own rowing and perform on the day. The Today, there are five members of the House from are challenging and thought provoking and crew did that in a relaxed and confident manner and the EMBA Programme. Given the growing the standard of teaching is truly world class. although pushed fiercely by Cambridge the Oxford strength of rhythm came through to win by a good global recognition and rankings of the Oxford two lengths. After five years I couldn't have asked MBA Programme, I hope that the affiliation My company will soon be expanding operations for a better way to finish my Boat Race rowing. between Christ Church and the EMBA throughout Europe. To date, we have been Robin Bourne-Taylor (2000) Programme will flourish long into the future. quite fortunate in attracting suitable potential Donor Listing When I joined Christ Church in April 2001, mix. It is wonderful to have elicited such members and friends. Many, many thanks to in the previous year 26 old members provided, generous support over the past few years, both you all. The gifts are listed by year of unsolicited, their support for the House. In for our Campaign and for the Annual Fund. matriculation and name of donor. The name in 2004, 992 old members and friends made a The Campaign for Christ Church is very much italics indicates a former name, and an asterisk gift to Christ Church. One thing this about securing our future, whilst the Annual (*) indicates that the donor has sadly passed enormous increase illustrates is what a Fund aims to provide funding for immediate away. We have tried to ensure that gifts have difference it makes if you ask for contributions. use. We hope that increasing numbers of old been recorded accurately. If we have made any Another clear message is the great warmth and members will choose to join their peers in mistakes please accept our apologies and do let support that exists for the House. contributing to whatever aspect of Christ us know so that they can be corrected. Church you hold most dear. Christ Church is committed to retaining SUE CUNNINGHAM, Development Director excellence. In an era of diminishing The listing of donors to Christ Church in government funding external support has, once 2004 on the following pages illustrates the more, become an essential part of our funding immense support and generosity of our old

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Biographies at Christ Church

ELINDA JACK, Tutor in French and emerged from Stresemann was the integration connections which author of George Sand: A Woman's Life of foreign and domestic politics which studies may be no more BWrit Large in discussion with Jonathan of each tend to overlook. One reason he than coincidental Wright, Peter Pulzer Official Student and became committed to peace was his belief in pattern. Did you Tutor in Politics and author of Gustav parliamentary democracy and his conviction find this? Stresemann: Weimar's Greatest Statesman. that another war would destroy German democracy. JW: Yes. One BJ: Jonathan, your biography Gustav example would Stresemann: Weimar’s Greatest Statesman, has BJ: Throughout your biography you keep a be the shift in the international recently appeared as an affordable paperback close eye on Stresemann’s possible motives. situation after 1923 when Britain and the with OUP. Reviewers describe it as ‘magisterial Why? United States were anxious to bring stability to and authoritative’ and praise its ‘subtlety and the continent. Stresemann profited by this nuance’. Thank you for agreeing to talk. JW: Because the central question about change but would any German Foreign Minister Stresemann is whether his views developed at the time have followed the same policy? I JW: You don’t have to thank me for talking from German nationalist to European believe his previous experience did make a about Stresemann! But it may come as a statesman. They matter too in another way. As difference. In domestic politics it’s even clearer shock to some of my old pupils to hear that I my writing progressed I became increasingly that he followed his own course and that almost have finished it at last. interested in what made him a politician and no other conceivable leader of his party would why he stuck to it to the end. He had lots of have led it firmly towards the Republic and into BJ: Were you drawn to Stresemann because you other interests - history, literature, theatre and coalition with the Social Democrats. After all in considered him representative of a particular music. Ambition drives a politician but what conditions of uncertainty politicians are almost kind of Weimar politician at a crucial historical made Stresemann ambitious? He did not suffer bound to interpret the future in terms of their moment or, quite the reverse, as exceptional? parental neglect like Churchill or as Robert past experience so though there are dangers of Blake in his wonderful biography of Disraeli teleology the biographer should not be too JW: Stresemann was both. He was the (the inspiration for my book) suggests was also modest about the genre. outstanding figure among those from liberal or true for him. I think in Stresemann’s case it was conservative backgrounds who came to accept simply his awareness of his own talents and his BJ: You heard recently that your biography is the Republic. At the time there was no sense of the injustice of the Wilhelmine empire to be published in German. Will there be scholarly biography of Stresemann and when all sorts of careers were not open to distinctively German critical reaction to it? historians often commented on the gap. In my someone from his lower middle class innocence I thought why shouldn’t I do it? I background. And having made a success of JW: Similarities are greater than difference expected it to take about five years. Twenty politics, it is awfully hard to give up – he now between German and Anglo-Saxon years later I am wiser though not sadder. likened it to the waters of Lethe. historians. Some Germans are still a bit more suspicious of biography but this is changing as BJ: You see his life as divisible, roughly BJ: As a literary biographer I am always a younger generation finds it a good way into speaking, into a number of phases. Is that right? fascinated by the relationship between the life the Third Reich. and the writing and the slippery backwards and JW: Yes. His career was progressing nicely pre- forwards movement between the two. Clearly BJ: You won’t like my final question but I war; he was knocked sideways by identifying too the volume of documentary material which you can’t resist. Had Stresemann lived longer, completely with Germany’s aims of expansion researched was quite extraordinary. But where might he have represented a powerful during the war; that made him unacceptable to did you find evidence of the ‘inner life’ as it alternative to Hitler? the democratic parties immediately after the were? war; but he drew the conclusions and worked JW: Well of course the bien pensant answer is no his way back to the position that in 1923 - with JW: Sources for the inner life are patchy. There - one man could not have prevented the the Ruhr occupied by the French, the currency is an autobiographical short story where he catastrophe. Stresemann’s death certainly left a in free-fall and every sign that Germany might describes the loss of identity imposed by a huge gap and there is one particular might-have- break up - he became the unanimous choice of political career - saying his face was too often been. Before his death in 1929 (when he was the democratic parties as Chancellor and from only a mask turned to a particular audience. only 51, younger than Adenauer who was still that date until his death in 1929 he remained in There are also a few family letters and some chancellor of the FRG in 1963!) he talked of every government as Foreign Minister. diaries and they are gold dust. But certainly standing for election as President of the Stresemann was a politician with a ‘hinterland’. Republic in 1932. Had he been successful then BJ: What do you think the strengths of And part of what he represented towards the there is a good chance that Hitler would not political biography are? end of the Weimar Republic was precisely the have been appointed. But as Thomas Mann kind of politics which safeguarded a private suggested, had Stresemann not been ill and JW: The most important strength is that one sphere from politicization. therefore living with peculiar urgency he might sees the unity of history in a particular person. not have had such a heightened sensitivity to the Historians necessarily divide up into political, BJ: One of the most perplexing things it seems dangers Germany faced from Hitler. It is a good social, economic and other specialisms. But lives to me about biography has to do with ideas of example of the kind of question a biography can do not divide like this. One theme which cause and effect. It’s all too easy to see apparent raise, even if it cannot provide the answer.

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Chri
Church Association News TRINITY TERM 2005 ISSUE 15

we need your help. The book is intended to be a Editorial stimulating anthology of articles, vignettes and images capturing the history, habits and harmonies of the House. This edition brings news of four old members who have You may like to contribute by sending memories, made their careers in industry. As this is a slimline edition reflections or memorabilia from your own college days. we may not have the quantity, but check out the quality. Another area where we need your help is for the next You may also like to check out your year rep. The places newsletter, which is due out in the Michaelmas term. It are filling up fast but if you are interested in becoming a will focus on the 25th anniversary of the entry of women. year rep yourself, do let us know. If you have something which you think might be of You’ll also find lurking within this publication an interest, please let me know. advertisement for a book about Christ Church for which FIONA HOLDSWORTH (1981), Editor, [email protected] Year Representatives The Year Reps scheme is gathering momentum. The team is building 1981 Fiona Holdsworth [email protected] and we now have Year Reps covering 17 of the 25 years since 1980. 1983 Simon Firth [email protected] But there is still plenty of opportunity for more Year Reps. Ideally we 1983 Andrew Green [email protected] 1984 Pollyanna Deane [email protected] would like 3 per year. If you are interested, or would like further 1984 Jessica Pulay [email protected] information, please contact Simon Offen (1986): tel - 01296 653238 1985 Kimberley Littlemore [email protected] or e-mail – [email protected] 1986 Simon Offen [email protected] 1987 Daniel Moorhead [email protected] A Year Rep. is the focal point for the year group. They are asked to do 1987 Vicky Cunningham [email protected] as much as they are able to given the time constraints of modern life. 1989 Stephen Brien [email protected] 1989 Adam Walker [email protected] Encouraging contemporaries to attend events, collating news for the 1990 Tony Pastor [email protected] Annual report, and even organising small events are the major ways 1995 Kate Heard [email protected] you can help. There are no more than two meetings a year to which it 1998 Sophie Biddell [email protected] is hoped you will come, one of which includes dinner in Hall. 1999 Tom Greggs [email protected] 1999 Dan Rumney [email protected] 1999 Ben Fasham [email protected] Year Name E-Mail 2000 Sebastian Falk [email protected] 1950 Tony Burden [email protected] 2000 Xenia Iwaszko [email protected] 1950 John Ellison [email protected] 2000 Michael Taylor [email protected] 1959 Fergus Madden [email protected] 2001 Stephanie Appleyard [email protected] 1966 Robert Boyle [email protected] 2001 James Blythe [email protected] 1966 Adrian Fort [email protected] 2001 Annabel Charnock [email protected] 1968 Haydn Rawstron [email protected] 2001 Rebecca Clarey [email protected] 1968 Nick Nops [email protected] 2001 Amy Crossley [email protected] 1973 Nick Alexander [email protected] 2001 Greg Foster [email protected] 1973 David Binsted [email protected] 2002 Benedikt Krings [email protected] 1980 Jon Carley [email protected] 2002 Atli Stannard [email protected] 1981 Catherine Blaiklock [email protected] 2003 Charlotte Jepps [email protected]

A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY Letter to the Editor APOLOGY TO MICHAEL COOPER (1983) I'm afraid Simon Offen's description of Association News apologises to got his own back for previous last June's Boat Trip in the last Michael Cooper for printing the tricks he had played on him. newsletter paints such a grim picture wrong “now” photo of him in the Readers will be pleased to know that I fear the Association will carefully last edition. The man featured in that Mr McNeill has retained his avoid any further waterborne activities the old members in politics sense of humour, Michael has in future, which would be a pity. We feature instead of Michael, was retained his job and the Editor of thoroughly enjoyed the trip, we being self and wife and son Alistair (1988) his boss, Johnston McNeill, Chief this newsletter has retained the also plus wife, thus representing both Executive of the Rural Payments correct photograph. The real oldies and younger generation. We Agency. Sources close to Mr Michael Cooper is now revealed. found the trip a very welcome McNeill say that he has a strong alternative to the garden parties. sense of humour, and was tickled More please! to see the photograph but felt Michael may have deliberately Sincerely, ROBIN SAWERS (1953)

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TRIENNIAL OVERVIEW OF EVENTS ORGANISED BY CHRIST CHURCH IN WHICH OLD MEMBERS MIGHT LIKE TO PARTICIPATE 2005 – 2007

2005 2006 2007

First Quarter Vacation Job Placements Vacation Job Placements Association Meeting Careers Evening Careers Evening 29th March – 1st April – Special Interest Should you want any further information on any of the events 28th March – Supper, Wine Tasting, and Weekend listed below, please contact the Development & Alumni Office. Waddesdon pre-opening preview Tel: 44 (0)1865 286325. E-mail:[email protected] 31st March – 2nd April Oxford North American Reunion (New York). Christ Church dinner on 1st April. Hilary Term dates: 15th January – 11th March Hilary Term dates: 14th January – 10th March

Second Quarter 18th June – Commem. Ball 6th – 9th April – Special Interest Weekend: 21st June - Gaudy (1959-62) 23rd June - Gaudy (1947-53) Food & History Options 23rd June Proposed Summer Event – Garden 24th – 25th June – Women’s 25th anniversary Party or a Sports Day – possibly with an celebrations. evening event (1970s) 22nd June – Gaudy (1954-58) Trinity Term dates: 24th April – 18th June Trinity Term dates: 23rd April – 17th June Trinity Term dates: 22nd April – 16th June

Third Quarter 1st July – Chemists’ dinner 3rd – 8th Sept - Conflict Series Conference Proposed City Event 4th – 9th Sept.- Conflict Series conference: 23rd Sept - Day School and Christ Church Committee Meeting War at Sea in the Age of Sail – Trafalgar Association Dinner and AGM AGM and Association Dinner (incl. Family Bicentenary 29th Sept – Gaudy (1984-87) Programme) 5th Sept - AGM and Old Members’ day at the 9th – 14th Sept – Conflict Series Conference conference 28th Sept – Gaudy (1988-90) 30th Sept – Gaudy (1980-83)

Fourth Quarter Careers Evening Careers Evening Careers Evening Young Persons’ Event (1990s) – London Proposed Legal Event Year Reps’ Dinner & Meeting 9th Nov Year Reps’ Meeting & Dinner in Hall Year Reps’ Dinner & Meeting Michaelmas Term dates: 9th October – 3rd December Michaelmas Term dates: Michaelmas Term dates: 8th October – 2nd December 7th October – 1st December Book Review

INDELIBLE MEMORIES brother’s keeper?” pleased the Dean for the Gentlemen dishonourable. and helped confirm entry. But following against the Players in In soccer he became the only Playingfields and Battlefields by Tony Pawson (1946) Dunkirk, the volunteering age was that annual Lord’s man since before the war to lowered to 19 and it was six years fixture. He is have played as an amateur in Tony Pawson’s 14th book recalls his before he could take it up. currently Kent’s both First Division soccer (for cricket and soccer experiences, longest surviving Charlton) and County Cricket. He especially the Oxford ones. Like his Half the book covers his experiences cap, cap 111 at also won 12 amateur father Guy he captained Oxford to an and personal thoughts while fighting age 83. One international caps and was a innings win against Cambridge, despite with the Rifle Brigade in the 6th chapter also sets member of the Great Britain squad their having four about to be Test Armoured Division throughout the the record straight about the unjustly for the 1952 Olympics. cricketers. His uncle Clive was also in a Tunisian and Italian campaigns, both of maligned Oxford cricketer and England winning Oxford team. The Varsity match which ended in the mass surrenders of captain Douglas Jardine and the Included also are fishing memories. In record of the three is played seven, won over 250,000 Axis troops, the largest controversial misnamed ‘Body Line’ Ashes 1984 he won both the European five, and had the best of two draws. number to surrenders to us anywhere series. He explains why at the time the championship in France and the world while the war lasted. two most prestigious former Australian flyfishing championship in Spain. Four Soccer brought similar success starting Test captains, and the most respected years later his son John also won both with the winning goal in Oxford’s 5-4 The sporting chapters cover the three cricket writer of the day Harry Altham, in the same year, the world win in 1948, rated the best Varsity sports in which he played to international who was out covering the series for The championship in Tasmania. match ever for excitement and quality level. In cricket he helped the MCC beat Observer, all agreed contrary to current with each side having several future South Africa in 1947, captained the East wisdom that it was Australia, not Jardine Tony also wrote on his trio of sports for amateur internationals, including Tony. of England against the West, and played and his team, who were unsporting and The Observer for fifty years and includes It was however the Pegasus experience some of his writing experiences in this on which he concentrates with this book which is a good mix of the serious Oxford and Cambridge team twice and humorous. It also maintains the winning the FA Amateur Cup at racing pace for which he was noted on the Wembley before full 100,000 crowds. right wing and running between wickets.

When taking his entrance exam from INDELIBLE MEMORIES – Winchester College in 1940 his viva Playingfields and Battlefields question in virulent tones was “Will you is hardback 246 pages plus around 120 please explain why it is that your father pictures. It is available to all connected and two uncles came to the House, but with Christ Church at £12 (shop price your older brother has gone to £20)plus £3.00 p & p if ordered direct Magdalen?” The response “Am I my from Tony Pawson OBE, Manor House, Chilcomb, Winchester, Hants SO21 1HR Captaining Oxford v Australia 1948

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This issue we hear from four old members involved in industry as they reflect on their time at the House and their subsequent careers. Simon Rothon (1966)

f his time at the House, Simon says: involves the evaluation of advertising in which "With every year that passes, I Unilever invests Euros 2.5 billion each year. In Oappreciate even more the great judging an advertising script I am looking for privilege of having spent three years in such a impact, tone-of-voice, characterisation, stimulating and beautiful place. I still have memorablity, persuasion and a core-message. frequent opportunities to visit as my daughter These are exactly the things that I was taught is doing her D.Phil. at New College. My wife to draw out of a passage of Racine or Lorca by and I met in Oxford and I also still cherish the Dr. Alban Krailsheimer, my French tutor and ...Then Now... friendships I made there." Dr. Ron Truman, my Spanish tutor."

We asked Simon about how life at Christ We asked Simon whether a language degree Does Simon have any regrets about his choice Church had prepared him for a career in was a good preparation for life in business. of career? “Absolutely not. I can thoroughly industry. "In one sense, not at all. I found the "Well, obviously the languages have served me recommend a career with a multi-national, transition a difficult one. Oxford life was well in a multi-national company and I have especially Unilever. Lots of intellectual structured in that one had regular meals and all added Dutch to my other European languages. challenges, a dynamic and creative one's needs provided, including bed-making Most of the international business colleagues environment and a truly global scope.” and dishwashing in those privileged days. The with whom I work have studied Business or work, however, was relatively unstructured Marketing and are surprised at the British Simon Rothon graduated in Modern Languages. with only two hours of formal tuition per week tradition of coming straight into business with He started his career with Rolls-Royce Aero at tutorials and the rest left up to one's own a liberal arts degree. Nonetheless, I firmly Engines in IT, then worked in the rather weak self-discipline. Industry was very believe that the intellectual rigour of the Pharmaceutical industry and in Advertising much the opposite with every day tightly Oxford tutorial system prepares one very well before joining Unilever as a Brand Manager in regulated and programmed at work, but having for business. Many business decisions demand 1974. He has spent 20 years of his 30 year to fend for oneself for the first time with a close analysis of the context and the career in Unilever working abroad in Europe, cooking and housekeeping resulted in quite a supporting data, a synthesis of key facts and Latin-America and the United States. His few disasters." What about the intellectual the development of alternative strategies with current position is as Senior Vice-President of challenge of life in a big company? risks and opportunities. This is precisely the Unilever's Foods business in Europe. "Superficially there are no strong parallels but, process engendered by the tutorial system and as one develops a career, the benefits of the I could draw a parallel with the course work tuition at Oxford become more apparent. For on the Age of Reason in France which example, a lot of my work in marketing demanded a similar approach."

Simon Uwins (1978) ...Then

didn’t set out to build a career in retailing. and then get almost instant feedback from When I first joined Tesco back in the mid- customers. Not so very different from a 80s most of my friends (and family) tutorial! Indeed, I find almost every day I still I Now... thought I had at least one screw loose – it use the method of learning that Oxford helped wasn’t at that time a natural home for me with – listening and asking questions, graduates. analysing different sources, working out what The desire to explore and to learn has never it means and the implications. really left me. I may not go to lectures, spend I had left Oxford after dallying with doing a time in libraries and the rest, but you always PhD and had gone into Market Research. I’ve also found it essential to get on with have to keep improving your own abilities to stay Intellectually it had appealed to me and in people from all walks of life, and my Oxford ahead and it’s kept me in good stead. Of course, many ways it was quite stimulating, but I soon days helped there too. I had had a fairly what I learnt about Modern History has been of found it quite frustrating: recommending to sheltered middle class upbringing. But I then little use, and I’ve never flashed the badge of companies courses of action rather than being spent a year working on building sites before Christ Church or Oxford – it gives you no responsible for implementing them. It’s a coming to Christ Church, which proved an special privileges, and nor should it. But as an frustration that kept me away from joining the education in itself, and then came into contact education and an experience it was fundamental, Consultancy world over the years. with the other end of society while at Oxford. and if I had my time again, I wouldn’t change it. The combination certainly left me with an So I joined Tesco and soon got bitten by the unusually wide-ranging and colourful Simon Uwins is the UK Marketing Director retailing drug: you work out what to do, do it, vocabulary! for Tesco

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What….no MBA? Stephen Cunliffe (1964)

xford opened my eyes. When I came the late 60s was a bleak place to be, but also in fundamental similarities between the study of up to Christ Church in 1964, my its own way another eye-opener. history and the practice of business leadership. Ohorizons were instantly broadened, Both involve the synthesis of large amounts of far beyond the provincial point of view of Over time I became more serious about loosely connected information, the drawing of suburban Manchester. I realized there was a big business. It appealed to my competitive conclusions, and then the convincing world out there, and I wanted to be part of it. instincts, and I reckoned that if I was going to communication of those conclusions. compete I might as well ‘play in the big leagues.’ Travel was an obvious response. I spent long So I set my sites on America, and arrived here in Business has changed, mostly for the better, over vacations driving to Istanbul and back, or my mid thirties after a few years in Canada. the almost forty years that I have been part of it. climbing in the Swiss Alps. With a second in First in Boston, then Chicago, and then to Los Teamwork and consensus play a larger role; Modern History I was able to embark on a Angeles where I joined my current employer. there is more emphasis on leadership than on career in international business, motivated management. The formerly glamorous more by ‘international’ than by business. Years later I find myself running one of transatlantic route that used to form most of My first destinations weren’t very glamorous; Nestle’s largest subsidiaries, a sizeable company ‘international’ business is now just one part of a behind the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe in in its own right. Conventionally, it’s been a truly global business world. What has not successful career, but there is a price to pay. changed yet is the preponderance of white males Thousands of employees and billions of dollars in the top positions of global companies. But of business create a weight of responsibility we will soon be going the way of the dinosaurs. that cannot really ever be set down. I occasionally teach at the Kellogg Business School in Chicago, ranked by the Economist as When I am asked by eager young trainees about the best in the world. Less than half of the my own qualifications, I am only half-joking as students are white, and less than half of them I tell them my first and only management are male. Vive la difference! training was as cox of the House eight...... Then “I’ll give the orders, you do the work!” But in Stephen Cunliffe is the President and CEO, Now... truth I have come to realize that there are Nestle Prepared Foods Company. Amy Crossley (2001)

came up to Christ Church to study of staff and nearly a £0.5 million turnover. Geography in 2001, straight after I finished Since January I have moved to the Foods area ISixth Form College. I chose Geography and now have responsibility for departments because of my passion for learning about the turning over more than £6 million annually, environment and how it works, which is with over 30 direct reports. To say I have only something I wanted to develop through my been in the business 7 months, I still Now... degree. Despite not wanting to pursue a career sometimes can’t believe the responsibility I Then... in this area on finishing my degree, I have have, and feel my Oxford degree has paid a an important part found my degree has actually equipped me with significant part in enabling me to build on of my management role at M&S. many skills needed in business. and develop my management skills. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to use the specifics of my Geography degree to assist me at I first began working in retail while I was It hasn’t always been easy though, and leaving M&S, and whenever anyone finds out my attending sixth form, and this is where my the ‘comfort zone’ of the House to enter the degree choice their faces usually show their desire to begin a career in the retail large and ever changing retail world of M&S confusion as to how I ended up in retail! environment started. I enjoyed the fast paced has had its difficulties. Having to make on the However, my time at the House allowed me to nature of retail, and the wide variety of people spot decisions without always having the back develop my management skills in ways I never and situations that are encountered daily. I up of academic facts has been challenging and realised, through managing the workload, the applied to a variety of retailers in my final year, moving away from an academic world into a broad spectrum of people I encountered and but decided Marks and Spencer Graduate largely practical based career has tested my having the opportunity to drive my own Scheme offered the best package for me in adaptability and resilience. I now believe I am learning. These skills I am now able to apply to terms of the training and the prospects. I a more well-rounded person, but I do still enjoy my life in the retail world and in the future it is began working at M&S in September and was indulging in my ‘Oxfordisms’ frequently! these skills I will build and rely on, not my lucky to get appointed 10 minutes from home. actual degree content. Even so, I still believe I Studying at Oxford made me extremely made the best choice on my degree course and To date, my career has been quite varied and disciplined and able to manage my time and college, and will always value and remember this is one of the reasons I have enjoyed it. priorities well. This is a skill I have found vital fondly my time at the House. Within 3 weeks of starting in M&S I was since moving into the retail industry. I have also given responsibility for launching and been taught how to analyse information quickly, Amy Crossley is a Marks and Spencer Graduate managing the Christmas shop with 6 members logically and efficiently and this skill has become Management Trainee

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Christ Church and the making of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Ivon Asquith Colin Matthew

AST SEPTEMBER – in time for display from Australia and New Zealand. As a reviewer Stacey) and Eric Heaton (by R. W. Truman). at the gaudy - Christ Church Library in the London Review of Books observes, ‘the The chronological range of J. F. A. Mason’s L took delivery of the sixty-volume Oxford Oxford Dictionary of National Biography has articles encompasses one of William the Dictionary of National Biography. Comprising refreshed and fortified our sense of what can still Conqueror’s vassals Roger de Montgomery, first 50, 000 biographies of noteworthy persons be meant by the collective endeavour of earl of Shrewsbury (d. 1094) - after whose connected with the British Isles from the fourth “scholarship”’. surname the Welsh county was named - and century BC to the end of the year 2000, the four nineteenth-century Deans of Christ Church dictionary incorporates in rewritten or revised The dictionary records the lives (Smith, Hall, Liddell and Paget). Another Dean, form all the people who appeared in its precursor, of over a thousand notable Thomas Gaisford, is reappraised by Sir Hugh the Dictionary of National Biography, which began Lloyd-Jones; Sir Henry Chadwick contributes on publication in 1885. It also adds thousands of people who were educated at the organist of St Paul’s John Dykes Bower. The lives not previously included. In a House of Christ Church. Elizabethan noblewoman, Penelope Rich, of Lords debate marking the new dictionary’s whom Philip Sidney was enamoured, is among publication, a speaker described it as ‘the biggest Many Christ Church names, past and present, the contributions of Alison Wall, while Judith contribution to the history of scholarship in the appear in the list of contributors (which in itself Curthoys’s subjects include Edward Hannes, the humanities’ during his lifetime. It has since occupies a separate volume). The team of Christ Church-educated physician who in 1700 gained the American Library Association’s thirteen consultant editors includes Christopher attended, with fatal consequences, the Stuart heir Dartmouth Medal and the Longman-History Lloyd (Assistant Curator of Pictures 1967-8), William, duke of Gloucester. Hugh Trevor- Today award for the promotion of history. Surveyor of The Queen’s Pictures, who oversaw Roper wrote on Thomas Sutton, founder of the the post-1500 entries on art and architecture. London Charterhouse, Peter Hinchliff on bishop Christ Church’s association with this vast Colin Matthew led from the front, contributing Colenso, Geoffrey Bill on Claude Jenkins, and undertaking deserves notice. Ivon Asquith many new entries and revisions of existing ones, Robert Blake on Lord Cherwell. An especial (Student 1989-2004), managing director of the former including Gladstone, Asquith, poignancy now attaches to the magnificent entry Oxford University Press’s academic division, was Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI, on Alfred – one of seven articles contributed by a key figure in the initial planning of the new and John Buchan. Christopher Haigh writes on, Patrick Wormald, whose death occurred in the dictionary and served on its supervisory among others, Richard Marshall (or Martial), week of the dictionary’s launch. committee from inception to publication; the dean of Christ Church from 1553 to 1559; late Colin Matthew (Student 1976-1978; castigated by some sixteenth-century critics as a Christ Church also figures largely in the Lecturer in Gladstone Studies 1970-1994) was religious turncoat or ‘chameleon’, Marshall now dictionary’s content. A search for ‘Christ founding editor from 1992 until his untimely emerges as more consistent in his religion than Church, Oxford’ in the online version (which is death in 1999. On taking office Colin identified most of his contemporaries. William Warburton, accessible in the Library) produces a list of nearly his chief task as being to mobilise and coordinate a mid-eighteenth century bishop of Gloucester 1,400 entries which mention the House. As well the expertise of the worldwide community of and religious controversialist, whose historical as providing fresh appraisals of Christ Church’s learning. He did so with remarkable effect: about and literary defences of Christianity were founders – Wolsey and Henry VIII – the 10,000 authors contributed, and these included thought by at least one critic to have ‘better dictionary records the lives of over a thousand about 1,800 based in North America, and 400 served the cause of infidelity than they had notable people who were educated there. Colin Christianity’, is among the entries Matthew (by Ross McKibbin) is one of these. As contributed by Brian Young. William Colin’s successor, Brian Harrison, writes, ‘His Thomas’s contributions include death was a tragedy for the entire project, but all Macaulay who, the entry concludes, who have worked on the Dictionary take pride would have taken as a compliment and pleasure in its completion according to the Matthew Arnold’s dismissive remark specification and the timetable that he laid that his writings were ‘pre-eminently down’. Further details of the dictionary can be fitted to give pleasure to all who are found at www.oxforddnb.com. beginning to feel enjoyment in the things of the mind’. Mark Curthoys came to Christ Church as a graduate student working under Colin Matthew's Other subjects tackled range from supervision. He went on to edit (jointly with St Augustine (by Henry Mayr-Harting) Michael Brock) the two volumes of the History of through to David Lewis (by Alan the University of Oxford covering 1800-1914, in Bowman), J. I. M. Stewart (by R. F. S. which Christ Church plays a major part, and since Hamer), George Series (by Derek the project's inception has been a research editor on the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Top: DNB volumes being scrutinised at the launch event in the Exam Schools MARK CURTHOYS (1978) Left: Screenshot from the on-line edition

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A New Day School

I HAVE NOT BEEN BACK to Christ Church other than for social demolished this conceit. His revelations of German reasons since I took my degree in 1948. Not, that is, until Intelligence and also of failures in British Intelligence Saturday 16th March. I had received from the House several painfully redressed our perspectives. We found his talk leaflets announcing a variety of study programmes of different depressing but salutary. durations. I was attracted to the Day School, entitled World War II, Unfinished Business, for several reasons: it was short; it dealt I had already read the major part of Correlli Barnett’s with a vitally important period of the lives of both me and my contention that in both World Wars, WW II in particular; wife, wartime soldier and Wren respectively; and we had some the British Empire was on balance a serious liability to previous stimulating experience of two of the four lecturers. Britain. For a son of a career-long member of the ICS, proud of our unique empire, this came as another shock. The first lecturer, Andrew Roberts, we had heard Indeed, Prof Barnett clearly hoped he would provoke before compare and contrast Wellington and Napoleon. protest, but there was little of that after his talk. This time it was the turn of Churchill and Hitler. We had always thought them to be opposites, but the At the end of each talk there was ample time for areas of similarity proved to be most interesting. questions and contributory opinions. Also there was an interval for refreshments in both Robin Niellands gave a very fair balanced account of the morning and afternoon, giving an opportunity to talk moral issues raised by the Allied bombing bombing privately to the lecturers and, if one wished, to buy offensive. He augmented his argument by presenting four copies of their books personally autographed. members of the RAF’s heavy bomber force, whose testimony was graphic and moving. Our casualty rates This fascinating day was meticulously organised. Everyone were horrific and the endurance and courage of those we met was most friendly and included a fair proportion crews came over starkly. The jury is still out on this issue. of old House members (though only two were our contemporaries!) The Dean, Christopher Lewis, extends an We must admit to being amongst those who believed, exceptionally warm and informal welcome to old members thanks to the recent revelations about Bletchley Park, of Christ Church. Our experiences of this conference that our Intelligence Services in WW II had the edge would encourage us to come back to the House again. over the Germans. Col. John Hughes-Wilson steadily DICK GOULD (1946) Notices DID YOU KNOW THERE IS A CHRIST 7.00pm Dinner in Hall with conference delegates CALLING ALL WOMEN CHURCH LODGE? Lunch: £12 Dinner: £20 ASSOCIATION NEWS - WOMEN'S SPECIAL EDITION It’s called Aedes Christi, was founded in 1989 and is open An all inclusive ticket to include full day at the conference, The next edition of Association News will mark the 25th to all male matriculated members of the House. We meet commencing at 9.15am, lunch and dinner: £92.00 anniversary of the entry of women into Christ Church. We and dine four times a year — thrice in London (2 minutes are looking for contributions from women over the 25 WANTED… MORE ASSOCIATION from Barbican station) and once in Oxford (dining in the years, or possibly from men, which could be appropriate COMMITTEE MEMBERS House). If you have heard alarming stories of secrecy, for inclusion in the edition. So if you would like your oaths or corrupt practices within Masonry forget them for A number of Association committee members are due to reminiscences included, send them to the editor, Fiona they are no part of English Masonry, which probably retire this year so we are looking for dynamic, energetic Holdsworth e-mail: [email protected] started during the Civil War to bring together in a safe and enthusiastic members to fill the gaps. If you feel before the end of July. environment old friends who had been separated by the you fit the bill and are interested, please contact our War. Secret passwords were used to make them safe and Chairman Simon Offen by telephone: 01296 653238 – discussion of religion or politics was banned. Our meetings or by e-mail: [email protected]. 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS take a little time enacting our innocent ceremonies before Since their arrival in 1980, women have been making we dine together. Our aim is to enjoy the company and CAPTURING THE HABITS OF THE HOUSE their mark at the House. To celebrate the 25th conversation and collect alms for charities, especially those Christ Church has teamed up with Third Millennium anniversary of women at Christ Church, a weekend of connected with the House. We meet as late as possible — Publishing of London in an exciting venture to produce events is planned on 24-25 June 2006. But we need your normally 6.20pm — and we finish by 10pm. We are a book about the House. This will be neither a history help to make it a success! effectively a dining club for members of the House, and of the college and cathedral, nor a book solely we enjoy ourselves particularly because of our wide ranges designed to adorn a coffee table. It is intended to be a At present, on the Saturday afternoon a number of of occupations and ages. If you are already a Mason stimulating anthology of articles, vignettes and images members of the House will talk about what it was like come and join; if you are not a Mason let us make you capturing the history, habits and harmonies of the being a woman at Christ Church, and what they have done one. Please make all expressions of interest to the House. We hope that as you dip into the volume, it will since, with opportunities for informal networking with other Secretary, Richard Bates, 11A Richmond Way, London not only serve to rekindle happy memories but unmask old members from all walks of life. For sporty (and also not- W12 8LQ – email: [email protected]. Further facts and stories about Christ Church you never knew. so-sporty) types we’d like to provide the chance to get information can be found at: back into a team; and if you’re a creative type whose work http://www.aedeschristi.org. We would love you to play a part in the book. You may like is sold or published we’d like to see it. The highlight of the to contribute by sending memories, reflections or anecdotes weekend will be a unique, women-only dinner in Hall, ASSOCIATION AGM AND DINNER WITH A from your own college days. You may have photographs, possibly followed by a disco – and on Sunday we’ll host a number of activities for partners and families too. DIFFERENCE – MONDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER cartoons or other memorabilia. All contributions should be For the first time, the Association AGM and dinner will sent to Fiona by October 2005. Or you may simply wish to If you’d like to join the working group helping to shape be combined with a taster of one of the popular in- subscribe. By subscribing you will pay considerably less the celebrations, or if you can help us pull parts of the House conferences, ‘War at Sea’. We hope that you than the published price, receive your copy ahead of event or sports teams together, or can suggest possible would like to join us. The programme for the day will be: publication and have your name included in a special index speakers, your help would very welcome. No one knows 1.00pm Lunch with all those who will have made publication possible. better than you who’s out there and what they’re doing 2.15pm Association Committee Meeting now. By sharing that knowledge we can make this a 4.00pm Tea More information can be found in the brochure, or else celebration to remember! 4.15pm Lecture (Free) contact the Managing Editor, Fiona Holdsworth by 6.00pm AGM e-mail: [email protected] or by For more information please contact Emma Turnbull on 6.30pm Drinks phone: 07802 751184. 01865 286598 or email: [email protected].

page 16 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.