The Newsletter of Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009

6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:00 Page 1

| History at Trinity | Trinity Opera | Boat Club | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:00 Page 2

THE PRESIDENT

s the academic year closes with the ceremony to award made one bump and was unlucky not to get another brace. Overall, Aglittering prizes to the University’s honorands at Encaenia, I the Trinity boats made more bumps per crew than any other college can report that at both University and College level, the pluses far – a wonderful achievement, reflecting the training camps to which outweigh the minuses. The University emerged from the the Boat Club members have committed themselves, as well as the quinquennial Research Assessment Exercise (where it is subjected enthusiasm which TCBC generates and the generosity of Old to peer review) with more research being conducted at the highest Members in donating some superb new boats in the last few years. level by more world-class researchers than any other UK university. Other sports have flourished, with the College winning athletics It would be good to think that such excellence will be rewarded by cuppers and the women football cuppers for the second year ever greater injections of public funds to support this research. running. In the Arts, the Lawns Play was a stunningly successful Sadly, the cake will not increase in the current financial climate and, performance of the Insect Play by the Brothers Čapek and musically well as Oxford has done, other universities, while significantly the term was illuminated by Fierrabras, the rarely performed but behind us, are themselves performing better than ever and thus wrongly neglected Schubert opera. The Chapel choir’s new and claiming a larger slice of the cake. The Humanities at Oxford are immensely impressive and enjoyable CD has just come out, marking under particular pressure, a state of affairs which has had its first real 600 years of a place of worship on the current site. The choir leaves impact on Trinity. Whenever a tutorial post in the Humanities now shortly for a tour to Rome where it will be performing in two of the becomes vacant, the University struggles to fund its share of the four great basilicas of Rome — a signal honour. Of course this is an replacement appointment. Colleges increasingly have to carry the imperfect snapshot of the last few months but gives some feel for the whole financial burden of a joint appointment for periods of up to variety of interests and the high level of achievement. five years. Following Peter Carey’s departure in 2008, and not wanting to reduce our commitment to the teaching of History (the Although the first ‘Lady Elizabeth’ played an important part in the only other alternative), we have bitten the financial bullet and are early life of the College, Trinity only began to accept women as delighted to welcome a new tutorial Fellow in the shape of Dr James students in 1979, and I am very much looking forward to welcoming McDougall from the University of London. This additional women who have been here over the last thirty years to the dinner in financial burden is not sustainable in the long term, which is why we the autumn to celebrate this occasion. There is no doubt that the are trying to become self-sufficient when it comes to funding admission of women was one of the most significant events in the Fellowships. We are well on the way to doing this in Classics and College’s history. I am certain that I could not now find one current will look at other subjects over the coming years. member who would wish it otherwise.

Another new arrival, but returning to Oxford and indeed Trinity, is On a personal level, besides correcting my book’s proofs, I have Dr Valerie Worth who is taking over from the retiring Senior Tutor, been at a variety of events for Old Members and parents of current Dr Trudy Watt, who has been a real counsellor and friend to members, and have been working with the Estates Bursar and the hundreds of students in her time here, as well as the best of Alumni and Development Office on fundraising. As you will see companions in the Common Room. We wish her a most enjoyable elsewhere in this Newsletter, Old Members and Friends have again and prolonged retirement. been incredibly generous this year, having given the College over £1.1 million to date. We could not be more grateful for this on- It is of course too early to predict the College’s exam results with going support, which is such an important element of Trinity’s confidence, but the students under the skilful and watchful eye of ability to continue to provide the best education to the most able their subject tutors have certainly impressed by their application. As students. And what is more heartening is that greater numbers of Old I have seen them troop off to the Examination Schools in their sub Members are making donations to the College every year, which not fusc over the last few weeks, it regularly reminds me of my own only enables us to do more towards realising our educational experience and the recurrent nightmares continuing for years objectives, but also motivates Fellows and staff, if it were possible, thereafter of turning up at the Examination Schools without some to ever higher achievements across the board. essential element of sub fusc or on the wrong day or at the wrong time. Lastly, I want to record our continuing gratitude to the College staff who provide such unstinting support to the Fellowship and students Of course this term has not just been about work. Summer eights as they pursue their studies and research. were an opportunity for Trinity to shine at all levels. The Men’s 1st Eight, strengthened by our first full rowing Blue in half a century,

Detail of the portrait, hanging in Hall, of Lady Pope. ‘Lady Elizabeth’, as she is more familiarly known in Trinity, acted as Foundress of the College following Sir Thomas’s death and took an active part in its administration, until her death in 1593.

2 | Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:00 Page 3

VISIT OF CARDINAL PELL IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SIR THOMAS POPE FELLOW n March, the Governing Body was particularly pleased to CARDINAL NEWMAN Ielect John Singer (1969) a Sir Thomas Pope Fellow in grateful recognition of his commitment over many years to ardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, visited the College and his recent substantial benefaction. John CTrinity in March. His long-term interest in Cardinal Singer read PPE before beginning his career in the City. Newman was manifest on his tour of College that included a Since 1994, he has worked for Advent International plc, an visit to Newman’s old room on Staircase 14, the Old Library, international venture capital firm, where he is now Chairman Hall and Chapel. of Europe and Managing Director.

Dr Alan Coates (1980), Honorary Librarian of the Old Library, and Clare Hopkins, the College Archivist, gave a fascinating résumé of Newman’s time at Trinity. A display of memorabilia and relics captivated the Cardinal and the KIM NASMYTH accompanying entourage, which comprised other heads of rofessor Kim Nasmyth, Fellow and Whitley Professor of house, historians and local priests. During tea with the PBiochemistry, is one of four Oxford University President and Lady Roberts, Cardinal Pell met a cross- researchers who have been elected Fellows of the Academy section of students from both Trinity and Oxford University’s of Medical Sciences. Academy Fellows are elected for Newman Society. The visit ended in Chapel with a outstanding contributions to the advancement of medical meditation in words and music on Newman and Trinity, led science, for innovative application of scientific knowledge by the Chaplain, the Reverend Emma Percy. The College and conspicuous service to healthcare. Choir, as ever, excelled itself in a performance which Cardinal Pell described as highly moving and a memorable finale to a stimulating visit. NEW WARDEN OF RHODES HOUSE on Markwell (1981) has been appointed Warden of DRhodes House, from July 2009. Professor Markwell is the first Rhodes Scholar to fill the post and was most recently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) of the University of Western Australia. As a Rhodes Scholar, he completed the MPhil and later the DPhil in International Relations at Trinity. After a year as a Procter Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton, he returned to Oxford in 1985 as a research fellow of New College, before becoming a tutorial fellow of Merton and university lecturer in Politics. From 1997 to 2007, he was a professorial fellow of the University of Melbourne and served as Warden of its Trinity College, during which time he kindly hosted a reception for Old Members and Friends (of Trinity, Oxford) when Michael Beloff visited in 2006.

SENIOR TUTOR he Governing Body is pleased to announce that HONOURS TDr Valerie Worth has been appointed to succeed Dr Trudy Watt as Senior Tutor with effect from 1 October 2009. lan Milner, Emeritus Law Fellow, was awarded an OBE Ain the Queen’s Birthday Honours as an Editor and Dr Worth is currently Professor of French and Head of the Publisher of law reports, for services to good governance in Department of Modern Languages at the University of Africa, the Overseas Territories and the Crown Exeter, having previously been Professor of French at Oxford Dependencies. Brookes University. She has considerable experience of Oxford, including having been a Lecturer at Trinity between Stephen Platten (1973), Bishop of Wakefield, has taken a 1986 and 1989. seat in the House of Lords as one of the twenty-three Lords Spiritual.

Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 3 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:00 Page 4

SCR/HALL STEWARD rinity is renowned throughout Oxford and beyond for its fine Tcuisine, and rightly so. A great deal of this praise is due to Lisa Linzey and her team in Hall and the SCR who present the food so efficiently.

Lisa became the SCR/Hall Steward, formally, in February 2009, having acted occasionally in this role in recent years. Her quiet efficiency is widely appreciated and now that she is at the helm we have all benefited. There is no substitute for experience and expertise, but when these attributes are complemented by such charm we are indeed lucky! Lisa and her team greatly enjoy renewing acquaintances with Old Members and Friends at Gaudies and other Old Member events.

STAFF LEAVING ark Norman left DINING ON HIGH TABLE Trinity at Easter after M ver the last few terms, following the recent rule over six years as a Lodge change, an increasing number of Old Members Porter. Mark’s irrepressible O have been making use of their right to dine on High bonhomie and zeal made Table, many choosing to bring a guest. Members are him one of the best known entitled to dine once a term on Monday, Tuesday or ‘faces’ of Trinity to Fellows, Thursday evening or Sunday following Chapel. students, staff, and visitors. There is a modest charge and bookings should be At a presentation in the made by 10 am on the day (2 pm on the Friday Beer Cellar, attended by a before for Sundays) through the SCR Steward, wide cross-section of the [email protected], 01865 279855 College, the President thanked Mark for his service to Trinity, and presented him with some appropriate ‘bottled goods’, SCHOOL VISITS reflecting Mark’s wine

athy Davis left the KCollege in June after over twenty years service as a Scout. A stalwart of the accommodation world, Kathy has given sterling service to hundreds of students over the years and all have benefited from her quiet, caring good nature as well as her exemplary service. A popular and hugely dependable scout, Kathy is now going to Twenty-four schools have visited Trinity over the past academic year devote more time to her as part of the varied outreach initiatives undertaken by the College. family. Typically wishing to In May, Trinity played host to thirty Year 10 students from the Blessed shun the limelight, Kathy Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham, who came to College was tracked down by the President nonetheless to be presented with for an ‘Aspiration Day’ designed to encourage pupils to start their a memento of her time at Trinity as a reminder of our gratitude for preparations early for Higher Education and to have the confidence to her contribution over so many years. aim to study at the best universities.

4 | Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:00 Page 5

HISTORY

lthough Trinity and Oxford might not be thought to change continue greatly to exceed places available; the ability of students is Afrom decade to decade (some might say century to century!), still uniformly high, and the tutorial system remains at the heart of they do not stand still. As part of a developing programme to tell Old each student’s studies at Trinity (although tutorials are undoubtedly Members about Trinity today, Peter Andreae (1959) has hosted two stylistically different). lunches in London for History graduates who matriculated in the 1950s, at which Bryan Ward-Perkins, Fellow and Tutor in History, The College’s appointment of Dr James McDougall as Laithwaite has compared and contrasted with current practice the teaching of Fellow and Tutor in Modern History, in succession to Peter Carey History during the time of Michael Maclagan and John Cooper. who retired at the end of the last academic year, highlights the growth in the areas of research within the History Faculty. James What has changed? History now includes everything up to McDougall’s research and teaching interests include modern and yesterday; there is no longer a ‘core curriculum’; the Oxford History contemporary Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and African history, Faculty is the largest History department amongst UK universities, with a special interest in North Africa and the western and the research interests of Faculty members grow ever wider. Mediterranean basin. A more comprehensive article about What has not changed? Applications to read History at Trinity Dr McDougall will appear in the next Newsletter.

CREATING AN ‘OXFORD CENTRE FOR LATE ANTIQUITY’

Bryan Ward-Perkins explains the background and the Trinity connections to a new Oxford initiative:

ubjects in the Humanities, nation-wide, are having a very tough Stime financially, but two gifts through Trinity have made possible a strikingly successful initiative in Oxford. ‘Late Antiquity’ is the period at the end of the Roman empire that saw remarkable Baxter © 2006 John and lasting changes in the cultural and political landscape of the world: the triumph and spread of Christianity; the fall of the West and the arrival of Germanic invaders (including, of course, the ancestors of the English); the emergence of a Greek-speaking empire centred on Constantinople, and, perhaps most momentous of all, the appearance of Islam and the conquests of the Arabs. Oxford has tremendous research strengths in this area, but they are scattered across six Faculties (History, Oriental Studies, Classics, Theology, Archaeology and Law), and, until recently, were largely invisible to the outside world. A substantial challenge existed: to give prominence to the research and teaching being done in Oxford on Late Antiquity, and to form Oxford’s researchers into a real Bryan Ward-Perkins community, talking to each other across disciplinary divides. The second step was to bring people together, and give renewed With essential and generous financial support, given through Trinity impetus to Oxford’s late-antique research, by inviting distinguished by Lewis Chester (1986) and a further, anonymous donor, these scholars from overseas to give lectures, and hold seminars and aims and more have been achieved. The first step was to ferret out discussion groups with us and our students. Well over twenty such all the many people who work in Oxford on Late Antiquity and to scholars have been invited and hosted in the two years we have been create a mailing-list and website where they, their interests, their running, coming from all parts of the world that have an interest in students and the many courses and seminars that were already our period. Their input into the intellectual life of the University has functioning could be listed. I had imagined there might be about in itself been very considerable; but their presence has also fostered thirty people doing serious work in this area across the University – longer-term links between their institutions and Oxford, and brought in fact it turned out to be over seventy, with interests that range people here together, in order to listen to them and discuss their geographically from Pictish Scotland to Ethiopia, and thematically work. Times are undeniably hard, but within Late Antiquity in from the late Roman army to rabbinic Judaism. I am reliably told Oxford there is a real energy and morale is very high. that the website we have created (www.ocla.ox.ac.uk) is both a model of clarity and a source of envy worldwide. BRYAN WARD-PERKINS, FELLOW AND TUTOR IN HISTORY

Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 5 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 6

SPHERE FIERRABRAS

even Trinitarians (Ayaaz Nawab, Francesca Melhuish, Callum SMcGuinn, Jonathan Meldrum, Chloe Courtney, Hannah Cox and Lottie Bevan) have founded a group called Sphere to promote community cohesion throughout and between Oxford institutions and wider society, the first venture of its kind at Oxford. Having spent Michaelmas and Hilary terms organising and securing funding from Oxford City Council, Sphere unveiled its first event this term – Synthesis.

Held at the O’Reilly Theatre in Keble, Synthesis was an evening of dance and musical performances from selected countries around the world and gave the audience an opportunity to sample the n his essay ‘Schubert’s operas: “the judgment of similarities and differences between cultures worldwide. Amongst Ihistory”’ (in The Cambridge Companion to Schubert, the array of performers was an acclaimed presentation of Latin- 1997), Thomas A. Denny makes the point that ‘Fierrabras American and Ballroom dancing, from the Oxford University is a far better opera than its tortured fate would suggest’. Dancesport Team, alongside the subtleties of traditional Indian Current student Sarah Jenks agrees and, under the auspices dancing, in a solo performance by Apoorva Jayaraman (2007). of the Trinity College Music Society, she decided to stage Trinity involvement also included Robert Jones and Andrew a production of this Schubert opera, which was performed McCann, two of a trio of guitarists who provided an excellent in the Taylorian on two days in May. acoustic set, including their own take on the legendary song No Woman No Cry. The Youth Development Project, the Salsa Society The success of the production was due to the work done by and two of the hottest student bands outside of Oxford (Delta Rush the principals, chorus and orchestra and the keen and Alternude) were also in the line-up, creating a rather eclectic involvement of all involved. Their intention in staging the mix of performances. The Oxford Gargoyles were recruited to work was to salvage Schubert’s music from the abyss provide a jazz a cappella finale for the evening that did not and—by carefully cutting the libretto—awaken the disappoint. dormant, dramatically cogent work within. They succeeded and are to be highly commended for that The year ahead looks very promising for this new Oxford society, achievement. thanks in large part to those Trinity students who have worked so hard to drive this initiative forward. The main principals acquitted themselves extremely well and there was no questioning their spirit and enthusiasm. AYAAZ NAWAB (2008) They were ably supported by the minor principals, the small but energetic chorus and the orchestra, the fine woodwind section in particular. Daniel Reeve, artistic director, Robert Hyland, technical director, Leonora Morgan, stage manager, (all 2007) are to be congratulated for their technical input. Special mention should be made of Sarah Jenks, whose commanding stage presence and strong voice gave extra lustre to the demanding role of Florinda, and Craig Greene (Christ Church, conductor of the Oxford University Philharmonia) who conducted fluently and with authority. Vocal highlights included the Act Three duet of Emma and Karl and Florinda’s Act Three aria in the jail.

Congratulations to the members of Trinity College Music Society for embracing the challenge of staging Fierrabras and for making the narrative engaging and coherent; they proved that the opera can work dramatically and whetted appetites for a long-overdue professional production.

THIS REVIEW IS EXTRACTED FROM ARTICLES BY ROBIN HAGUES AND CRAWFORD HOWIE FOR THE SCHUBERT INSTITUTE UK’S MAGAZINE, THE SCHUBERTIAN. Sarah Jenks and the Music Society are immensely grateful to

6 | Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 7

THE LAWNS PLAY

fter the success of the production of Knuckle by David Hare at pregnant wife over the threshold of their new home, the narcissist Athe Moser Theatre, Wadham in Hilary term, the verdant setting actress Chrysalis took centre-stage to enact her transformation and of the College lawns saw the Trinity Players gambolling amongst ensuing death in the limelight and the whole culminated in an the greenery in their Trinity Term production, The Insect Play. invasion of Communist red ants, complete with Russian accents, intent on turning nature into a war zone. Written in 1921 by the Czech brothers Karel and Josef Čapek, the play holds a magnifying glass to the strangely human world of the The audience was conducted through this surreal world by an insect and in so doing, offers a wryly-satirical close-up of human engaging tramp, transported into the spectacle in an alcohol-soaked foibles and the class system. Trinity’s parade of creepers and dream. The performances were universally strong and the actors crawlers formed a gloriously vibrant ensemble production, in a demonstrated an incredible capacity for the chameleon, heady, ‘roaring twenties’ atmosphere. Against an Art Deco metamorphosing into their numerous roles with a delicious backdrop, the superficial and sex-obsessed butterflies fluttered exuberance. The show left Cherwell ‘buzzing’ and The Oxford around the stage in flapper dresses and tails, puffing languidly on Student gave it four stars, full of enthusiasm for the ‘sparkling cigars, sipping cocktails and spouting poetry. Northern dung beetles script’, ‘spot-on’ acting and all-round ‘panache, polish and vivacity’. squabbled over their ‘pile’ of capital, a mob-boss Ichneumon fly carried on his murderous antics, Mr Cricket ushered his hysterical CICELY HADMAN (2007), PRESIDENT OF THE TRINITY PLAYERS

CUPPERS he Trinity Athletics Team has Treclaimed the title from Teddy Hall and is now Athletics Cuppers Champion and holder of the Chavasse Trophy, after being placed fifth in the Trinity Term competition and securing a resounding victory in the Michaelmas Term competition.

The Trinity/LMH Women’s Football team has made Cuppers history: with its 4-3 victory over the St Antony’s/Wolfson team in Hilary Term, it became the first women’s team to win its Cuppers Division for two consecutive years. The 2009 Athletics team with the President

CRICKET TRINITY COLLEGE CHOIR CD his season has been one of unprecedented success for the TTrinity cricket team. After beating Jesus and Pembroke, two first division sides, in the early stages of Cuppers, the team made it to the quarter-finals only to be knocked out by first seeds, Merton- Mansfield. Horatio Cary and Alex Gilmore hit important knocks, whilst the latter’s and James Schneider’s bowling were also crucial in limiting the opposition to modest scores. Our run in cuppers boosted the team’s confidence. Tom McClellan played a magnificent innings against Oriel, scoring 142 in less than thirty overs, whilst Ed Case also sparkled with some powerful hitting.

A women’s team was entered into the women’s cuppers competition this season and despite most of the team never having played before, they showed good promise. The future looks bright for Trinity cricket. Perhaps, before long, it will overtake rowing as the College’s principal summer sport! The new CD by the Chapel Choir A Voice from afar - celebrating 600 years of worship is available from the Lodge and the Alumni & HENRY EVANS (2007) Development Office, priced at £10 plus £2.00 p&p.

Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 7 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 8 © Photo: Tom Blomfield Blomfield Tom © Photo: The women’s second eight on the Saturday of summer Eights. BOAT CLUB

he past academic year has seen the Boat Club go from strength On return to the UK, the club’s skills were demonstrated in the City Tto strength. We began in September with the highest-ever intake of Oxford Bumps, where the newly christened coxed four, “Barstow- of new rowers; seventy-five per cent of the Freshers tried out on the Fitzgibbons-Colquhoun-Williams ’58/’59”, which was kindly water. We had some promising results at Christ Church Regatta for donated by Harry Fitzgibbons (1958), enabled our Men’s 1st Four to our novices and at Wallingford Head for our senior crews, in which remain highest on the river. This success continued into Summer the women won their class. This put us in good stead for Hilary Term Eights, where Trinity was once again the most successful college in and after a good training camp on the Isis in January we were ready terms of average number of bumps per crew. for Torpids, when Trinity was crowned ‘most successful Our success is only possible due to the support we receive from many undergraduate college on the water’ in terms of net bumps, including people. First and foremost, may I thank all those who responded to the two blades-winning crews in our Men’s 2nd and 3rd Eights. request for a new sponsor in the last Newsletter. We have now secured Both the Women’s and Men’s 1st Eights competed at their respective a generous sponsor to succeed Addleshaw Goddard for ongoing costs Head of the River races on the tideway in London, putting in some and DLA Piper will be sponsoring Christ Church Regatta next year. strong times. Complete results of all the races are available online at It is through the generosity of the Old Members and Friends that the www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/boatclub (or can be had from the Alumni & activities of the Boat Club are possible. Thank you, and good luck to Development Office). all in TCBC for the next year!

Over Easter, the top thirty oarsmen and oarswomen of TCBC went on BEN THURSTON (2006), BOAT CLUB PRESIDENT a training camp to Soustons, a small French town near the Spanish border, just north of Biarritz. After a slightly cramped two-day minibus journey from Oxford, the first cohort arrived at ‘le Centre Sportif de l'Isle Verte’ to find a very professionally run establishment. With five kilometres of rowing in a straight line available, together with a fully marked-out, two-kilometre course and often mirror-like water conditions, the lake was an excellent place to hone our skills. With three training sessions a day, the participants’ rowing and fitness improved enormously over the week, under the watchful eyes of two professional coaches, Bob Newby and Alex Gaspar. The opportunity to do many side-by-side seat races also enabled our 1st Eights to develop and gain some very useful race experience. Attendance at the training camp is only possible due to the continued support of Old Members and Friends of the Boat Club, for which the club is very grateful. Harry Fitzgibbons and Ben Thurston at the naming of the new four.

ROWING BLUE

he Boat Race in March saw, for the first time in over fifty years, specifically in the broadcast. The film crew began coverage at Ta member of Trinity in the (victorious) University Blue Boat. 6.36 am, with Alex starting his day in his room in Kettell Hall. Alex Hearne had rowed at Princeton University and at a national Footage also included an interview with Dr Victor Seidel, Fellow level in the United States, before coming to Trinity to study for an and Tutor in Management Studies, who taught an MBA class in MBA. which Alex and three of his team-mates were students. While other Alex and other members of the Blue Boat were shadowed by ITV Trinity Fellows feature on the BBC occasionally, this may be the Sport for a day and Trinity was the college chosen by ITV to feature one time a Trinity Fellow will ever be interviewed on ITV Sport!

8 | Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 9

SCR VS MCR CRICKET MATCH

Although the days are long gone when sporting prowess was thought to be one of the criteria by which students might be admitted to Trinity, the MCR’s bowling caused some to doubt this because Dave Aitken from Australia (or was it New Zealand?) and Alex Corkett definitely knew what they were doing! And when it came to the MCR batting, this suspicion was confirmed. After a slow start, the run rate picked up (yes, it was Dave from somewhere antipodean and Alex) but then, with some impressive bowling, wickets began to fall. However, the SCR’s growing t could never be compared to the recent Twenty Twenty Final confidence was severely dented because the MCR seemed to have Ibetween India and Sri Lanka at Lord’s – it was considerably kept the best to last. Numbers ten and eleven turned out to be Olga better! The Annual SCR vs MCR cricket match took place under Shvarova and Jenni Tilley, the past and current MCR Presidents. clear skies in late June at the College’s Marston Road sports ground. During a game of twists and turns (and falling overs, misfielding Apart from the SCR captain, Ben McFarlane (Law Fellow), and and pulled muscles), the tide turned again when, Jenni having hit a Sesh Nadathur (Physics Lecturer), the SCR team members had been tricky ball well into the outfield, Jenni and Olga proceeded to throw in serious training, on average, for about ten minutes immediately their bats down before running between the stumps, or, in Jenni’s before the game. As the game proceeded, it became clear that some case, hobbling – her pads looked as if they belonged to a giraffe. of the MCR team might never have held a cricket bat before! The MCR’s final score was about seventy-eight, so the SCR sort of Nobody being wealthy enough to have a coin to toss, the SCR batted won. first. Various Fellows quickly demonstrated how much more Having survived the excitement of the match, everyone proceeded training they would have benefited from, but particular mention to enjoy what they had really come for – the splendid tea in the must be made of the President’s running between the wickets and pavilion. the unbeaten innings of Kim Nasmyth, Sesh Nadathur and the Domestic Bursar. The SCR’s final score of 130 runs was undoubtedly challenging.

SWIMMING THE CHANNEL n 6 June 2009, the sixty-fifth anniversary of D-Day, Twenty-four nautical miles and sixteen hours later, they were two Opostgraduate student Dan Decker attempted to swim the miles off the French coast when their venture was cut short by high English Channel as part of a five-man relay team to raise money for winds, strong currents and increasing wave heights. The Mission Continues, a US not-for-profit organization that Though they failed in their attempt to land on French soil, they awards fellowships to wounded and disabled veterans from Iraq and successfully raised nearly £5,000 for The Mission Continues, and Afghanistan to enable them to continue serving their communities, feel that they accomplished their primary goal of paying tribute to as their wounds prevent them from serving in the military. the veterans of yesterday and today. Naming themselves ‘Team Cold Turkey’ to signify both their More information is on the website at relative absence of experience or training and the temperature of the www.missioncontinues.org/event/4b4a4740dea12d530 Channel water in early June, their team comprised three graduates of the US Naval Academy and two Rhodes Scholars. They began at DAN DECKER (2008) 10 pm on Friday, 5 June, and swam through the night in the hope of landing on the beaches of France in the early afternoon of the 6th.

Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 9 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 10

EVENTS

here was another excellent turnout in March for the London on similar achievements in the last few years. And with Andrew TNetworking Event held at The Bunghole in Holborn. One of Tyrie (1976) securing second place in the Singles Stableford the most positive aspects of the evening was the large number of competition, this certainly sets an excellent precedent for next first-time attendees; we hope that many of you will return for the year’s Trinity team. next drinks, which are planned for the autumn. The annual Medical Society Dinner was held in May. The event The Michael Beloff Law Society Dinner returned to Trinity this was enjoyed by over eighty-five current students, Old Members, the year and, for the first time, Old Members were invited to bring medical Fellows and guests, and an excellent after dinner speech colleagues as well as family, to turn this into a truly ‘legal’ occasion. was given by Professor Chris Lavy, OBE who spoke of the many After a delicious dinner, the assembled multitude listened to Lord challenges that he faced establishing an Orthopaedic Surgical Neuberger address the issue of widening access to the Bar and was Hospital in Malawi. The 2010 Medical Society Dinner is to be held entertained by the confession that he had, mistakenly, walked into on 13 March and invitations will be sent in the New Year to those Balliol rather than Trinity at the start of the evening, a tale which who studied or work in Medicine and related fields. occasioned much hilarity! Members of the William Pitt Society gathered for their annual The Gaudy for those who matriculated between 1987 and 1989 took lunch early in May. This very agreeable occasion gives the College place in March, with many of those present returning to College for an opportunity to thank those people who have indicated that they the first time since graduation. It was a wonderful opportunity for have included a bequest to Trinity in their wills. If you would like to old friends to catch up and a chance to reminisce about their time at find out more about how to leave a legacy to College, contact Sue Trinity. The dinner was rounded off with a fantastic speech made by Broers in the Alumni and Development Office. Charlie Hammon (1987), in which his own recollections of a This year’s London Reception was held in the West End, at Petley’s particular tree, which has since been removed from Front Quad, Fine Art in Cork Street. Over 100 members and guests enjoyed brought great joy to the hall. conversation, drinks and some very stylish canapés – and the chance For the first time this year, current students were invited to join their to see the current exhibition – in a venue that gave the event a parents at the two Parents’ Lunches held in March and in May, noticeably different atmosphere to recent receptions in City which proved so popular the Hall was at full capacity for the May establishments. lunch. Both were preceded by Archive and Old Library exhibitions The weather for this year’s Summer Eights could not have been and the opportunity to see the College’s silver and the late-medieval better and in what was an absolutely glorious week, Trinity gained wall-painting in Staircase 9. the accolade of being the most successful college both in numbers It is marvellous to report that despite the gloomy weather, and in on the river and average bumps per crew achieved. On the Saturday, some cases gloomy spirits, Trinity came an extremely impressive Old Members enjoyed a barbecue at the Boat House and the third in this year’s Intercollegiate Golf Tournament, building traditional Pimms, whilst cheering on the Trinity crews.

The recent dinner for the major donors who make up the Ralph Bathurst Society was the most enjoyable yet, as Trinity’s best musicians and members of the choir joined forces with Oxford Philomusica, orchestra in residence at the University, in a delightful concert before dinner. The torrential rain, which forced the reception to be held in the Danson Room rather than on the Lawns, in no way dampened the impact of a glorious Baroque concert, featuring pieces by Bach, Handel, Pachelbel and Vivaldi, and it was to the considerable pleasure of members of the Society that the conductor, Marios Papadopoulos, and the students involved were able to join them for dinner The London Reception afterwards.

10 | Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 11

About seventy Old Members from the years up to 1952 returned for their Gaudy in June. More than twice as many again sent their apologies. A good number of those said they would raise a glass to Trinity at 9 o’clock on the evening and, at the appointed hour, the President called upon those present in Hall to toast absent friends.The celebrations began with tea in the President’s garden and included Old Library and Archive exhibitions and a service in chapel. FORTHCOMING EVENTS

he main events taking place over the next few months are listed Friday 2 October Tbelow. If you would like to attend or want further information, GAUDY - for years 1953 to 1959 please contact the Alumni & Development Office, 01865 279887, Please get in touch if you have not received your invitation. [email protected]. Saturday 17 October & Saturday 14 November Friday 25 September BENEFACTORS' LUNCHES DINNER TO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF TRINITY WOMEN Lunches held to thank Old Members, parents and Friends who are All Trinity women are invited to return to College to mark the major supporters of the College’s fundraising campaigns. admittance of women as members of Trinity and the contribution Invitations will be sent out at the end of August. made by women to the life of the College since the time of Elizabeth Pope. Please get in touch if you have not received your invitation. Saturday 5 December CAROL SERVICE Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September Chapel, 3.00 pm (please note earlier start time for this year). The TRINITY SOCIETY WEEKEND and OXFORD ALUMNI Chapel Choir will lead the singing of Christmas carols, interspersed WEEKEND with choir anthems and Christmas readings. The service will be A combination of good food, good company, exhibitions, tours and followed by refreshments served in Hall. All Old Members, Friends lectures at this annual reunion. Further details and booking and Parents are welcome – as space is limited, please reserve places information have been sent with the Newsletter. in advance through the Alumni & Development Office. EVENTS – YOUR VIEWS

rinity, in common with other colleges, has a tradition of inviting friendships, but also enable members to bring their families and TOld Members back to Gaudy dinners, but over the last few friends to experience the pleasure of Trinity’s grounds, the delights years has increased the number of events offering members the of lunch or dinner in Hall or enjoy a gathering of Trinitarians chance to return to College or meet up in other parts of the country wherever it takes place. and the world. As more events take place an increasing number of Old Members Two examples of recent innovations are the popular Family Garden take part. We’re trying to do more and better. Any ideas for events Party, which took place at the start of July, and, the following day, a or venues would be warmly welcome, as would suggestions of how visit by the President to Leeds for a reception and dinner for we can add to the appeal of events or vary the format to bring as members and Friends; two events in two days of the type that now wide a range of Old Members and Friends of the College together. regularly take place and not only allow Old Members to renew

Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 11 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 12

ALUMNI & FRIENDS GIVE £1.1 MILLION ld Members and Friends have again surroundings that are so conducive to University of Virginia. The bequest Obeen incredibly generous this year, learning and research. amounted in total to just over £660,000 and donating over £1.1 million to date. The the annual income from it is to be used to Governing Body could not be more grateful The donations figure includes the £450,000 provide financial support for outstanding for this on-going support, which is such an final instalment of the bequest left to the third or fourth year undergraduates. important element of Trinity’s ability to College by Professor John Mitchell, FRS continue to provide the best education to the (1935) who died in 2007. He was, for most Over £250,000 has been given this year most able students in well-maintained of his career, Professor of Physics at the towards Peter Brown’s Classics Fellowship campaign, which is now very much within sight of its £1 million target. This sum includes donations from Old Members and STAIRCASE 6 Friends that secured in full the £50,000 of matched funding that was reported in the last Newsletter as having been offered by a Friend of the College.

Another £175,000 has been generously given towards improving the College’s accommodation. The Annual Fund campaign, which aims to raise funds that can be disbursed as soon as they are in hand, has raised another £200,000. The success of this campaign has enabled the College to provide support to current students in financial need, at a previously impossible level, and to student clubs and societies, including the JCR and MCR, the Boat Club, the Music Society and the Choir. In the absence of endowment funds that would enable us to do these things, the support that Old Members are giving every year could not be more important – or more appreciated by current students.

The President and Fellows would like to thank, most sincerely, Old Members and Friends who have given a donation to the College this year.

TRINITY MANUSCRIPTS he College would like to express its Tthanks to The Reverend Noel Staines (1945) for generously agreeing to cover the non-labour costs of the project to catalogue Trinity’s 121 manuscripts, which was reported in the last Newsletter. This important task, which will be undertaken pro bono over the next three years by Professor Richard Gameson (1982), Dr Lesley Smith (1979) and Dr Alan Coates (1980), will make the College’s The refurbishment of Staircase 6, which will involve the upgrading of services and the manuscripts accessible to all scholars. It installation of en suite facilities, will start in August and is scheduled to be complete would not have been possible to undertake by March next year. The works will include installing modern, energy-efficient boilers this project without the support of these four which will also serve Staircases 1, 2, 3 and, in due course, 5. Old Members.

12 | Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 13

TENNIS DINNER

Current and former members of the Trinity tennis teams, with the President and Ian Ritchie (1972), Chief Executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, before a dinner held in March to celebrate Trinity’s recent tennis successes.

LESLIE HOULDEN OLD MEMBERS’ NEWS eslie Houlden, Chaplain from 1960 to 1970, celebrated his Leightieth birthday earlier this year. The Foundation of Lady Patrick Dockar-Drysdale (1949) and Tom Bewley (1961) are Katherine Leveson (the community near Solihull of which Leslie is now near neighbours and have joined forces to present a now a member) and the congregation of the attached parish church production of the leading Austrian playwright Felix Mitterer’s of St Mary celebrated the occasion in fine style, together with Ian Siberia at the Oxford Playhouse’s Burton Taylor Studio on 17-19 Senior (1958) and his partner, Ann Hall, who had arranged to visit September. Paddy, who co-translated the play from the German, Leslie for the occasion. directs Tom in the solo role of Aigner. Tickets available from the Playhouse.

Ian Flintoff (1957) is heading ‘Shakespeare United for 2012’, bringing together professional performers, members of Equity, and all enthusiasts across the UK for the greatest ever celebration of the works of Shakespeare in Olympic Year. Trinitarians are welcome aboard at www.shakespeare2012.com

Jon Duerr (1962) retired in 2007 from the position of European Standards Co-ordinator with the Automation Systems Division of Mitsubishi Electric Europe. He was married in 1972 and has three sons.

Alastair Sawday (1964) - Alastair Sawday Publishing was voted Independent Publisher of the Year 2009 by the Independent Leslie Houlden and Ian Senior Publishers’ Guild.

Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 13 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 14

OLD MEMBERS’ NEWS

Geoffrey Ahern (1965) has published a second edition of the Philip Balestrieri (1978) writes ‘I am leaving academic medicine book, based on his PhD, Sun at Midnight: the Rudolf Steiner after some eighteen years and will begin working in a new position Movement and Gnosis in the West (Lutterworth Press, 2009). He is in private practice as chairman of the department of anesthesiology an organisational consultant and a fellow of Exeter University and director of perioperative services at a hospital in Greeley, Business School. Colorado. Greeley lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the hospital was built in 2005. A rise in income will be some Owen Murphy (1966) has recently been awarded a PhD in the solace for my future lack of publications! As my youngest child field of exporting and international trade by the University of goes to university this fall my wife and I will soon become so- Bradford. He came to Trinity via Ruskin after more than five called ‘empty nesters’. I decided to seize the opportunity offered years’ service as an officer in the British Merchant Navy. by that new status and leave my current position at the University Quixotically, he returned to sea for a further five years post-Trinity of Virginia. I will be able to create (hire and determine the practice and his subsequent career was spent primarily with the National model, etc.) the new anesthesiology group based in fundamental Economic Development Office promoting industrial ethical principles. I would never expect anything else from competitiveness and, later, as a self-employed business consultant. someone who was supervised in his thesis on Aristotle by the late He lives in the ‘shabby end of Chelsea’, London. John Ackrill and is an ex-philosopher (if there is such a thing as an ex-philosopher which I doubt).’ Neil Jones (1967) has been, since 1993, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Guy Maughfling (1981) writes ‘In February last year I had a car University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine and accident. I stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated. I shattered Chief of Hand Surgery and Microsurgery at the Ronald Reagan- my left leg, broke my right elbow and collarbone, had the skin UCLA Medical Centre. He has been nominated for both hand ripped off my face and had to have my ear sewn back on. I spent surgery and microsurgery in ‘Best Doctors in America’ every year five weeks in hospital, with no memory, then months in a since 1992. He was recently elected president of the American wheelchair. I am recovering, slowly; the tremendous support from Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery for 2008-2009 – the friends, and more than anything my wife, Katie, is the reason I’m premier organisation of surgeons worldwide who specialize in the alive.’ reattachment of amputated limbs; microsurgical reconstruction after cancer and the latest developments of hand and face Gregor Murray (1981) has been appointed as a Deputy transplantation. Lieutenant for Midlothian, where he lives with his wife and three children. He runs an Enterprise Trust and the local Chamber of Peter Fay (1971) will be retiring from Network Rail on 30 June Commerce. this year. A diagnosis late last year of early stage prostate cancer – now treated – reinforced the plan he already had to strike out in a Johnny Scott (1987) retired from the Army in May 2008 as a new direction. He considers himself fortunate that it was found in Lieutenant Colonel. the course of treatment for another condition and in the light of his own experience he would recommend any man over fifty to be checked. There is no general screening programme for this disease in the UK and, as in his case, the PSA test is not always reliable.

Edmund Lee (1971) has stepped down as Team Vicar of Christ Church, East Sheen, and returned to life as a (now theological!) concert pianist. (This corrects the entry in the last edition which was incorrectly recorded).

James Newcome (1971), currently Bishop of Penrith, has been appointed Bishop of Carlisle.

John Reader (1972) has co-edited Entering the New Theological Space, which presents theological reflections on the changing nature of church mission and Christian identity within a theology of ‘blurred encounter’ – a physical, social, political and spiritual space where once solid hierarchies and patterns are giving way to more fluid and in many ways unsettling exchanges.

Craig McWilliam (1977) writes ‘After graduating I worked for the British Council in Barcelona. This was followed by several years with Oxford University Press, also in Spain. I returned to the UK in 2003 to work for the Examinations Division at the Charlotte Hunt-Grubbe (1997, left), currently working with the University of Cambridge. I am now Regional Manager for the Sunday Times Magazine as Commissioning Editor, after receiving her Americas, Middle East, North Africa and Turkey based in MA, and Harriet Hunt-Grubbe (2006), now a Specialist Registrar in Cambridge. My wife is Spanish. We have three children and live Forensic Psychiatry, after collecting her MSc in Medical near Cambridge.’ Anthropology.

14 | Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 15

OLD MEMBERS’ NEWS

Alexander Wilson (1987), after many years at British Airways, BIRTHS now works in aerospace & defence as Market Development Director for Cobham plc. To Alexander Wilson (1987) and Alexandra, on 19 April 2009, a daughter, Saskia Jane. Ian Oliver (1990) married Jane in July 2007 and is settled in Newbury, Berkshire. To Adam Baker (1990) and Meeta, on 16 September 2008, a daughter, Thea Jasmin. Ali Tyebkhan (1995) writes ‘I have been residing in Sri Lanka since 2006 and running my own legal practice, specialising in To Ian Oliver (1990) and Jane, on 10 January 2009, a daughter, doing legal work that is sent offshore from clients in Europe and Amy Grace. the US.’ To Jessica (neé Baldestone) and Sam Wilson (both 1994) on 20 Julian Ellacott (1996) writes ‘After qualifying as an actuary in September 2008, a son, Edward Samuel Skipper, a brother for 2003 and working for Watson Wyatt Worldwide from 1999 to Arabella. 2008, I am now working for Just Retirement, a specialist life assurer based in Reigate, as Management Actuary. I also remain on To Frederick Wheeler (1994) and Debbie, on 8 August 2008, a Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, having first been elected in son, George Frederick, a brother for Chloë. 2000, and am currently portfolio holder for environment, with To Ali Tyebkhan (1995) and Farida, on 29 September 2008, a son, responsibility for the Council's ‘dirty’ operations, i.e. refuse, Adam. recycling, street cleansing. Recent focus in this role has been the generation of substantial efficiency savings, introduction of new To Joanna Ellis Adwan (neé Ellis, 1996) and Rami, on 30 income generating services, and planning for future expansion of September 2008, a daughter Inès Rose. recycling services.’ To Cathy (neé Boulton, 1996) and Michael Styer (1998), on 24 David Mountford (1997) writes ‘It was time for a career change; October 2008, a son, Henry. now I’m a lecturer in pharmaceutical Sciences in the School of To Jillaine Seymour (Fellow 1996 to 2001) and Tim Gingell, on 2 Pharmacy at Kings College London.’ August 2008, a daughter, Sascha. Murray McCutcheon (1999) won the Massachusetts State Triathlon in 2008, and ran a time of two hours and forty-two minutes in the New York City marathon. DEATHS

Jason Sanders (2000) graduated from the combined MD/MBA The College has been informed of the following recent deaths: programme at Harvard in June 2008 and subsequently completed a Medicine Internship at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is Peter Alexander Wood (1938), on 7 February 2009 joining the Boston office of McKinsey & Company this summer. Christopher William Oxley Parker (1939), on 23 April 2009

Dr Roger Anderson Brownsword Drury (1940), on 11 June CIVIL PARTNERSHIP 2009

Damon Vosper Singleton (1996) and Daniel Harris (Somerville, Rupert Clive Wilkinson (1940), on 11 June 2009 1997), on 24 August 2008. Nigel Poston (1943), on 13 January 2009

Philip Cranton Bowles (1944), on 10 February 2009 MARRIAGES David Harry Sinclair Biggs (1947), on 9 May 2009 Alexander Wilson (1987) to Alexandra Hobbs, on 24 May 2008, Richard Stewart Boddington (1948), on 19 March 2009 at St James’ Church, Shere, Surrey. Charles Hammon, Jonathan Scott, Matt Tillett and Richard Gande (all 1987) were present. Gilbert Charlesworth Norris Livsey (1955), on 17 February 2009 Adam Baker (1990) to Meeta Kaur, on 18 April 2008, at Thornbury Castle, Bristol. Viscount Bledisloe QC (1955), on 12 May 2009

Roberta Backhouse (1997) to Stephen Coleman (St Benet’s, Stephen William Cohen (1963), on 8 March 2009 1999), on 21 March 2009, in Trinity Chapel. Professor Irving John Good (Senior Research Fellow, 1964-67), Victoria Horsfield (1997) to Roland Denman, on 6 September on 5 April 2009 2008, at Ampleforth Abbey. Obituaries will appear in the 2008/9 Report. (Anyone wishing to Zakir Hussain (2001) to Sarah Mei Ismail, on 17 January 2009, in contribute an obituary or information is invited to contact the Singapore. Alumni Relations Officer.)

Trinity College Oxford | Summer 2009 | 15 6465_Trinity_July_09:6465 08/07/2009 17:01 Page 16

SIR THOMAS POPE ANNIVERSARY RICHARD HILLARY LECTURE

A service was held in Chapel on 29 January to mark the 450th The 2009 Richard Hillary Memorial Lecture: Colm Toibin delivering anniversary of Sir Thomas Pope’s death. Colin Fletcher (1969), Bishop his lecture ‘The Art of Losing: on grief and reason in the poetry of Thom of Dorchester (photographed with the President and Chaplain in front Gunn and Elizabeth Bishop’ in the Gulbenkian Theatre in January. of Sir Thomas’ tomb) officiated with the Chaplain. Members will no doubt recall that Sir Thomas is unique in being the only founder of an Oxford college buried in his own college’s chapel.

AN INVITATION TO DEPOSIT OXFORD HELP WITH A HISTORY OF THE RESEARCH THESES IN ORA CHERWELL NEWSPAPER

xford University Research Archive (ORA) is the new online re you a former editor of Cherwell or did you work for the Olibrary for research materials produced by Oxford academics Anewspaper when you were a student? If so, Chris Baraniuk, and provides a means to store, access and maximise visibility for who is writing a book about Cherwell’s ninety-year history, would Oxford research output and materials. The collection includes be delighted to hear from you. He is looking for interview subjects and compiling a ‘Cherwell alumni’ database. Please contact him at digital copies of Oxford research theses. Cherwell, 7 St Aldates, Oxford OX1 3BS, Former students who have successfully graduated with an [email protected], mobile: 07825 294037. Oxford research degree are invited to deposit a copy of their thesis in ORA. If you would like more information please see www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/ora/oxford_etheses or contact [email protected].

Trinity College • Oxford • OX1 3BH Conferences, Dinners & Functions Tel: 01865 279888 Email: [email protected]

SCR Steward (to dine at High Table) Tel: 01865 279855 The Lodge Tel: 01865 279900 Fax: 01865 279902 Email: [email protected] Alumni and Development Office Website www.trinity.ox.ac.uk Alumni Relations Tel: 01865 279887 Fax: 01865 279902 Development Tel: 01865 279889/941 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

College Office Tel: 01865 279910 Fax: 01865 279911 Email: [email protected]

Accommodation Manager Tel: 01865 279858 Email: [email protected] Designed by: greencreative environmental design agency • www.green-creative.net