Lords of War Correlli Barnett on successful wartime leadership

Staying in the Black Richard Meddings on surviving a financial crisis

Leading Change in Myanmar Can Daw Suu oversee constitutional reform?

THE EXETER COLLEGE MAGAZINE ISSUE 16 AUTUMN 2013 WWW.EXETER.OX.AC.UK/ALUMNI

Portrait of a Leader Joseph Nye on the changing face of leadership

PLUS: Exeter selects new Rector, Lord Hurd reflects on Prime Ministers Heath, Thatcher and Major, WEPO alum becomes youngest US Senator, the surprising talents of JRR Tolkien, Exeter’s fundraisers climb to new heights, and more... WELCOME COLLEGE NEWS FEATURES Election Ahead What Does a Leader Look Like? Editorial Maureen Taylor | 4 Joseph Nye | 28 Coming Home to Oxford Lords of War Correlli Barnett | 30 Rector’s Rick Trainor | 5 Do We Have a New House of Lords? MATTHEW BALDWIN, Farmer’s Son to College Founder Chris Ballinger | 32 COMMUNICATIONS John Maddicott | 6 Leading in a Crisis Political Portraits Nicholas Altham | 8 Richard Meddings | 34 OFFICER Letter Learning to Lead Edward Nickell | 9 Change in Myanmar Andrew McLeod | 35 year from now Rector Frances A Grimm Lecture James Misson | 10 FRANCES CAIRNCROSS, RECTOR FUNDRAISING ACairncross will retire from Exeter An Eye for Detail Michael Dunne | 11 College and we will welcome her successor, What Fruit Flies Teach Us About Sleep Gifts that Lead the Way Professor Sir Rick Trainor. This might be Jeffrey Donlea | 12 Katrina Hancock | 36 an especially good moment, therefore, to discuss “leadership”, Exon’s theme this year. Leading By Example Emily Watson | 37 Winning the Whitehouse Exeter’s Sub-Rector and Fellow in Leading an Oxford Adam Ward | 14 Providing for Exeter’s Future Biochemistry Dr Maureen Taylor describes college requires Student Rites John Nickerson |15 Tessa Stanley Price | 38 the process of recruiting Exeter’s next Rector and Professor Trainor looks forward an understanding Science in the Spotlight A Ringing Success Noah Hillyard | 39 to taking over the reins. But this opportunity that it is a workers’ Joseph Bluck |16 New Heights Patrick Gartland | 39 to exercise good leadership would not have cooperative Classical Scholar Commemorated Smiles All Round Joseph Bransfield | 40 been possible were it not for Walter de Esther Kwan |16 Stapeldon; an extract from the College’s 700th anniversary commemorative book Exeter Gone MAD Owen Donovan | 17 CAMPAIGN looks at the man who had the vision to Reaching Outwards and Upwards Campaign Update found Exeter College and pave the way for hen I first arrived at Exeter College, my friends pointed Ashley Walters | 18 Mark Houghton-Berry | 41 thousands of students to flourish. Wout a linguistic hint on the bridge I was crossing. I The JCR President, Edward Nickell, came from a lifetime in journalism; here I was, plunging into Rector’s Walk Frances Cairncross | 19 Building Exeter’s Future writes about leading – or supporting – the academia. Yet when journalists think someone is making a Sports Guy Richardson, Rebecca Alison Brooks | 42 undergraduate student body, while History nit-picking argument, they say dismissively, “That’s rather an Musgrove, James West | 20 Rebels on Walton Street finalist Nicholas Altham recounts Lord academic point,” and when academics feel that one of their is regarded by the rest of Oxford. In particular, we hope Henry Schmidt | 44 Douglas Hurd’s reflections on working with colleagues has written a superficial article, they dismiss it that we will be able to do things that are now impossible, UNIVERSITY NEWS three Prime Ministers from a talk he gave in as “journalistic”. How could such different worlds coincide? whether it be staging a large dramatic work, making ALUMNI the Rector’s Lodgings during Hilary. The answer for me reflects the kind of leadership that use of the rapid development of digitally delivered Author and Paralympian Honoured Military historian Dr Correlli Barnett an Oxford college requires. Journalists are not usually team educational resources, or housing and displaying our at Encaenia Alexandra Bleasdale | 22 Youngest US Senator Pushes for examines the qualities that make for players: they can be prima donnas, and generally know great collection of rare manuscripts and books in success or failure in wartime leadership, vastly more about their field than the person who edits circumstances that do it justice. Gold Star for Top Teachers Gun Control Sivahn Barsade | 45 Richard Meddings, the Group Finance them. Academics have some of the same characteristics. The plans for our 700th birthday have also been Laura Spence | 23 Exeter’s Distinguished Friends Director at Standard Chartered, considers Both need the sort of leadership that respects their changing: when it became clear that many of our Sam Volpe | 45 Oxford Runs Wild Fiona Potter | 24 five lessons in leadership from the individual skills and knowledge, while trying to persuade alumni wanted most of all to come to the anniversary In Search of Scholars The Tolkein Legacy Armit Sidhu-Brar | 46 financial crisis that allowed Standard them to work together for the good of the whole enterprise. Ball or to the Foundation Day on 4 April, we altered Frances Cairncross | 24 Cheers to 700 Years Hanneke Wilson | 48 Chartered to survive where other banks Moreover, leading an Oxford college requires an the programme to put more emphasis on these fell, and political scientist Professor understanding that it is a workers’ cooperative, effectively occasions. But there will be many other opportunities A Gift Fit for a Queen Working Magic in the Literary Joseph Nye contemplates the nature of owned and managed by the Rector and Fellows sitting on for celebrating the College’s intellectual life, such as the Christopher Fletcher | 25 World Matthew Baldwin | 48 leadership and power today. Governing Body, where a 26-year-old Junior Research programme of symposiums that our younger Fellows A Makeover to Preserve the Past Pitch Perfect George de Voil | 49 Law scholar Andrew McLeod reports Fellow can effectively cancel the Rector’s vote. So it is more have been arranging. We will also have two wonderful Alison Dight | 26 on proposed changes to Myanmar’s a case of Le Monde than News International, and requires books about the College to record its remarkable history: constitution. Closer to home, Exeter’s discussion and persuasion rather than command. The head the first one, which I have edited with the help of Hannah University Must Build for the Future BACK SECTION Academic Dean Dr Chris Ballinger of one college once told me, “You can run a college as a Parham, John Maddicott, Christopher Kirwan and others, Matthew Baldwin | 27 The Year in Pictures | 50 ponders the (at times slow) reforms of chief executive or as the head of a family. I believe in the out this autumn; and the second, an important scholarly the House of Lords. In both cases good first approach.” He left shortly after. work by Dr Maddicott, out next year. And then, of course, Published Exonians | 51 leadership is required to implement The past year has been dominated by three main there is the Long Walk (see page 19). change, and good leadership is, at least in issues: winning planning permission to build our Walton As for the choice of Rector, the Fellows shrewdly

Cover Photos: Obama © Getty Images; Thatcher © Hulton Archive/Getty Images; part, the objective of those changes. Street site (which we hope to have in September); encouraged the short-listed candidates to meet me. I Major © Time & Life Images/Getty Images; Ghandi © istock.com/ PictureLake; I am grateful to everyone who has planning for the celebrations of our 700th anniversary; was really delighted when they selected Professor Sir Ornate Picture Frame © istock.com/ winterling; Small Frame © istock.com/ macroworld contributed to Exon this year. I especially and choosing my successor (a process from which the Rick Trainor. This senior academic, with his vast range wish to thank student interns Fiona Potter incumbent Rector is traditionally excluded). of experience, is the ideal person to take the College Editors: Matthew Baldwin & Frances Cairncross | Editorial Intern: Fiona Potter and Grace Maher, whose assistance and Walton Street has involved much work and worry: our forward into its next century. Just as the Walton Street Produced by Matter&Co knowledge have been invaluable, and design is large and ambitious, and some of our neighbours site will give the College opportunities that have not yet Art Direction: Sarah Blick | Designer: Nadine Dixon Isabelle de Grave who has shown great have strong reservations. But the more we refine the been available, so the appointment of Professor Trainor Production Manager: Isabelle de Grave | Production Intern: Grace Maher leadership to coordinate the magazine’s design, partly to meet their concerns, the more we feel will give it someone of the stature and contacts to take production so effectively. that this will be a wonderful building, and will transform its activities to new heights. Floreat Exon, for another the way the College thinks about itself and the way it 700 years! www.matterandco.com

2 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 3 COLLEGE NEWS Election Ahead Coming Home

As Rector Frances Cairncross enters her final year at Exeter’s helm, Exeter’s Sub-Rector MAUREEN TAYLOR (FELLOW IN BIOCHEMISTRY) describes to Oxford the search for a successor. RICK TRAINOR reflects on a dynamic career as a historian and academic leader that has led him across Britain and back to Oxford, as he prepares to join Exeter College as Rector in 2014.

Photo by Nathalie Gordon Nathalie by Photo too young nowadays, developing the “Third Quad” on the Walton Professor Trainor with we try to stick to the Street site and had gained the sense that Chandresh Kumari Katoch, India’s Minister of Culture spirit of the statute in Exeter has a vision for the future. t is a great privilege to introduce the University of Glasgow, where Frances of its most dynamic, diverse, open and selecting someone with The committee, joined by the Director Imyself to the Exeter community as the Cairncross’s late father, Sir Alec, was a international. The spectacular academic, a distinguished record of Development, selected a long-list of prospective successor, from October very active Chancellor. Having gained a public affairs, alumni and fundraising of achievement and 13 candidates for Odgers to interview, 2014, to Frances Cairncross as Rector. It taste for “administration” as the director of achievements of recent years, and the strong empathy with gathering detailed information to report is a wonderful opportunity to look forward an early project introducing computers to brilliant acquisition of the prospective academic values. The back to us. Six candidates were then to joining this great college, particularly university history teaching, I became Dean “Third Quad” in Walton Street, make statutes also decree seen by the Governing Body. After a day during its 700th anniversary year. of the Faculty of Social Sciences and then it possible to aspire to even greater that the current Rector of interviews, six were whittled down to Vice Principal, acquiring a personal chair of prominence in the years from 2014. must not participate in four. The four final candidates each came social history along the way. At Glasgow I Academic life will become even more the selection of their to the College for a day of meetings and taught the economic and social history of competitive internationally in that period, successor. It falls to dinner in Hall. These visits were not part modern Britain and continental Europe and and Exeter, like Oxford more generally, the Sub-Rector, helped of the interview process but were to When I arrive in the autumn published on the social history of British will need to be especially resourceful in by a small committee provide an opportunity for candidates to of 2014 I will be “coming elites, especially on the origins and impact dealing with issues such as the increasing of Fellows (the Bursar, learn more about the College. Inevitably, home” to Oxford, though of the leaders of industrial towns and cities. importance of support for an ever more Ms Johnson, Dr though, candidates must have felt they In 2000 I became Vice-Chancellor varied and talented student body. In Dabhoiwala, Professor were being judged by everyone they met. I will have been away 35 of the University of Greenwich, a former this process I shall need the support of Steane and Dr Lunch with a group of undergraduates, years to the day polytechnic housed in the baroque Exeter’s distinguished and harmonious Hiddleston), to oversee led by Edward Nickell, JCR president, splendour of the Old Royal Naval College. Fellowship, its highly successful and the process. certainly provided an opportunity for the Four years later, I was appointed Principal cosmopolitan undergraduates and First, the committee students to assess the strengths of each and Professor of Social History at King’s postgraduates, and its exceptionally loyal ith the retirement of our Rector had to decide whether candidate, while the graduate students When I arrive in the autumn of 2014 I College London. King’s, in effect an and generous Old Members. I look forward WFrances Cairncross at the end to use a search firm or simply to advertise. did the same over tea. Final interviews, will be “coming home” to Oxford, though I independent research university within the to the challenge! of September 2014, the College has The College has not used head-hunters followed by voting, took place on 29 May. will have been away 35 years to the day! very loose structure of the University of this year been engaged in finding her for selection of previous Rectors but Recently, several other colleges have Having been an undergraduate at Brown London, now has 25,000 students (40 per successor. We have chosen Professor use of such firms is now common by been appointing new Heads. We have University, I came to Merton, where I read cent of whom are postgraduates) across Sir Rick Trainor, currently Principal of Oxford colleges. We chose to use Odgers heard rumours of divisive arguments and Modern History as an American Rhodes a very wide range of subjects, and since King’s College London. In selecting Berndtson. Diana Ellis and colleagues Fellows failing to engage. Not at Exeter. Scholar in the 1970s. After finishing 2008 has awarded degrees in its own Exeter appeals greatly to me a new Rector we are bound by the from Odgers began by talking to Fellows, Almost all of the Fellows made time the first part of my graduate work in name. Building on firm foundations, King’s not only as one of Oxford’s College Statutes. Statute II.I says the staff, students and alumni to learn about for the interviews and dinners, and the history at Princeton (where I met my wife has advanced considerably in size and Rector “must be above the age of 30 the College – how we see ourselves discussions were civilised. While other Marguerite Dupree, also an American- academic stature during the last decade, oldest and most accomplished years, and distinguished for literary, and what we expect from a Rector. colleges were anxious to appoint their born historian of the UK and also an not least because of energetic fundraising colleges but also as one of its scientific, or academical attainments, The committee also thought carefully first female Heads, we have already had Oxford DPhil), I was a research student and internationalisation. Between or for services rendered to education in about these issues while producing the two distinguished women Rectors in at Nuffield, a junior research fellow at 2007 and 2009 I was also President most dynamic, diverse, open the University or elsewhere.” Although Candidate Brief (further particulars by Marilyn Butler and Frances Cairncross, Wolfson and a “lecturer” at Balliol (where of Universities UK, the representative and international we can’t exclude candidates for being another name). We particularly liked one so could be more relaxed on that score. I gave many tutorials but no lectures). organisation for the heads of all UK Fellow’s characterisation of the College We are grateful to all the applicants In the interim I have kept in touch with universities, and led a drive to promote as “breezily progressive”. We can’t know who took part in the time consuming Oxford as an honorary fellow at Merton UK academic ties abroad, especially what calibre of candidates might have selection process. In Professor Trainor and through the experiences of our with the United States. I was knighted applied without headhunting, but in the we are confident that we have the right children, Richard (2006, Hertford (PPE)) in 2010. Although academic leadership In Professor Trainor we end we had a group of impressive people person to lead the College into its eighth and Meg (2010, Magdalen (English)). positions have slowed down my scholarship are confident that we have to choose from, each greatly interested century. However, the Statutes don’t allow Born and raised in the US, my career considerably, I remain active and am in becoming Rector. Many of them had us to pre-elect to the Rectorship sooner as a historian and academic leader has president of the leading learned society in the right person to lead the been students at Oxford or Cambridge than one year before the current Rector taken place in the UK, of which I am my field, the Economic History Society. College into its eighth century and appreciated the special nature of retires. So on 10 October, the Fellows will now a dual citizen. In 1979 I became a Exeter appeals greatly to me not the tutorial system. Applicants were gather once more for the formal vote to lecturer in the Department of Economic only as one of Oxford’s oldest and most particularly excited by the prospect of pre-elect Professor Trainor. (later Economic and Social) History at accomplished colleges but also as one

4 EXONEXON AUTUMNAUTUMN 20132013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 5 COLLEGE NEWS Farmer’s Son to College Founder

Ahead of the College’s 700th anniversary, JOHN MADDICOTT (EMERITUS FELLOW IN MEDIEVAL HISTORY) considers the life and death of the man who led the way for generations of Exonians. Walter de Stapeldon’s tomb, Exeter Cathedral

alter de Stapeldon, the son of a was leading the Scots towards victory of his cathedral. He pressed forward about £55 to the College was also the was responsible for collecting royal debts. WDevon small farmer, was educated in the North, and Bannockburn in 1314 with the replacement of Exeter’s old year when he gave nearly £700 to the In addition, he used his office to pile up a at Oxford. He says so, in the College’s was one of the greatest English military Norman cathedral by the latest Gothic Cathedral building fund. But the fact that fortune for himself. One chronicle calls him He was caught, dragged foundation charter, drawn up in April 1314 disasters of the Middle Ages. The King’s model. A great deal of the Cathedral Exeter had an endowment, however slim, a man “greedy beyond measure”. from his horse, stripped of and still in the College archives. “The favourites were a constant cause of today is Stapeldon’s work, notably the meant that Exeter could make available In 1326 Queen Isabella, who had University of Oxford”, he says “which so trouble. And to cap it all, one of the worst huge wooden episcopal throne, 60 feet what was essentially a free education for fled her hated king for France, landed his armour, and beheaded greatly advanced us in the study of letters famines of the Middle Ages devastated high to the top of its spire, built with poor but able students. in Suffolk with an army. Stapeldon was with a bread knife when we were young, nourished us, and the country between 1314 and 1317, oak from the episcopal estates, and The foundation charter of 1314, denounced as an enemy of the Queen, promoted us, though we were unworthy”. causing hundreds of thousands of deaths. described by Pevsner as “a monument which digresses at length on the value of and his house by Temple Bar was looted Stapeldon’s rise, to become Bishop of of unprecedented grandeur”. The bridge learning, gives some idea of Stapeldon’s and burnt by the London mob. Stapeldon Exeter, diplomat and Treasurer of England, between Stapeldon’s local and pastoral larger aims. He saw the practical value in immediately made for the safety of the turned very much on his Oxford degree. concerns and the College is his interest learning, but he also set value on learning Tower. But his way was blocked by the pastor. As it was, his abilities exposed him By the time he was elected Bishop of in education and learning. Behind it lay almost as a good in itself, as a means of crowds and he then turned desperately to to the temptations of wealth and power Exeter in 1307, Stapeldon was probably He saw the practical value the need to produce an educated parish training the rational intellect. He also had St Paul’s for sanctuary. Outside the north which in the end cost him his life. in his mid to late forties and about two- clergy. Since 1298 priests had been one very personal motive. In the original door of the Cathedral he was caught, thirds of the way through his life. Three in learning, but he also set allowed to use the income from their statutes, Stapeldon laid down that for dragged from his horse, stripped of his The above is an abridged extract from features of his character stand out: he value on learning almost as a benefices to support them while they as long as his foundation should exist armour, and beheaded with a bread knife. the forthcoming book Exeter College: was clearly both clever and learned; he good in itself, as a means of took time off to study at university. But it should be known as “Stapeldon Hall”. A man called Robert of Hatfield later The First 700 Years which is available was a good practical man of business; to do this they needed a licence from By about 1470 “Stapeldon Hall” had confessed to cutting off his head, and to order by calling +44 (0)20 7336 0144. but his character was also marked by a training the rational intellect their bishop; and Stapeldon granted permanently given way to “Exeter College”. another man to supplying the bread knife. The Exeter College: The First 700 Years streak of hard acquisitiveness which led more of these licences to study than any Stapeldon’s foundation was to be a living The body was thrown into a pit, and article is itself derived from a lecture given him towards the accumulation of wealth other bishop for whom we have figures. memorial to himself – and even if its name the head sent to the Queen, but both by Dr Maddicott. Dr Maddicott expands on and property. Here was a bishop who saw educated has changed, so it remains. were later reunited and buried in Exeter Stapeldon’s career in his book, Founders Stapeldon’s election as bishop led priests as a basic means towards the In the last phase of his life, between Cathedral in March 1327. and Fellowship: The Early History him in two directions: first, into politics Stapeldon was often present at court, Christianising of the laity. 1320 and 1326, Stapeldon became ever Stapeldon’s career has the ingredients of Exeter College, Oxford, and diplomacy, and, second, into the although his role was increasingly that of The foundation of Exeter College more embedded in the world of politics and of a classic tragedy. From an unpromising 1314–1592, to be management and pastoral care of a diplomat and ambassador, deploying his was, of course, Stapeldon’s greatest government. From 1322 to1325 he was background in the wilds of North Devon, published in 2014. particularly difficult episcopal see. close knowledge of Roman law and skills contribution to education and learning. Treasurer of England and right at the heart he had hauled himself up by his own Politics meant that he was in London in advocacy. The original endowment of the young of Edward II’s regime. But his high place talents and through his Oxford training. two or three times a year. Edward II’s As for the diocese of Exeter, it was College was pretty thin. It conspicuously at court was to do for him. Edward II’s last Yet Stapeldon’s abilities were his undoing. accession in 1307, the year of Stapeldon’s remote, large, difficult to get round, and lacked land, largely because Stapeldon years were probably the nearest medieval If he had kept clear of politics and the election, marked the start of a dismal poor – the second poorest of all the had very little land to give, and the England came to a tyranny. Political court, he might have been remembered period in English history. The King was English dioceses. One project particularly College had to compete with his other violence, brutality and corruption were the simply as a generous benefactor to idle and incompetent. Robert Bruce dear to Stapeldon was the rebuilding priorities: the year in which he gave order of the day. As Treasurer, Stapeldon education and a virtuous and vigorous

6 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 7 COLLEGE NEWS Political Portraits Learning

On a visit to Exeter College Douglas Hurd discussed the Prime Ministers he worked alongside, drawing a picture of the people behind the public to Lead personas. NICHOLAS ALTHAM (2010, ANCIENT & MODERN HISTORY)

I have to be honest about first met Douglas Hurd at a book signing of their leadership styles, while also Even before Baroness Thatcher’s death, Iin 2008 when he was promoting his considering how a person’s background and the revived interest garnered by her what students think, while biography of Sir Robert Peel. We met might influence management style and funeral, it was clear that the first female Prime trying not to alienate the several times more after I came up to use of power. Minister still fascinated anyone interested in Fellows who ultimately make Oxford in 2010, and in Hilary of 2013 Lord Hurd served Ted Heath as political recent British history. How had her gender I persuaded him to give a talk at Exeter. secretary rather than as a government affected Thatcher’s leadership style? Lord all the decisions His lecture concerned the leadership styles minister. This evidently allowed him a Hurd insisted that she remained very much of three rather more recent premiers privileged standpoint, and it was clear that a woman in a man’s world (the Spitting whom Lord Hurd had known first-hand. he sympathised with Heath a great deal. A Image depiction of her wearing trousers and Addressing a packed audience in musician, sailor and ardent European – the using urinals was probably more indicative Pictured: Edward Nickell the Rector’s Lodgings – including many first Conservative leader without a moneyed of attitudes towards her, rather than of her alumni who had returned to Exeter for or aristocratic background – Heath was in own attitude or behaviour). She enjoyed the event – Lord Hurd reflected on his many ways a new sort of Conservative. His dominating a government largely full of very From meetings with Fellows to days spent cleaning the JCR, time working for Prime Ministers Edward technocratic passion, believing himself to well brought-up men, for whom the nanny and EDWARD NICKELL (2011, PPE) describes his role as JCR President. Heath, Margaret Thatcher and John be right and requiring only that his party the matron were formative influences in life. Major. Through his illumination of their acknowledge that fact without equivocation, John Major received only brief treatment characters, Lord Hurd gave a flavour betrayed a lack of social awareness that in Lord Hurd’s talk: a very nice man, he proved fatal to his political career. was much more willing to listen than to The centrepiece of the talk was Lord talk, but not quite able to fill the shoes of a eadership – the theme of this edition Often the JCR doesn’t need to be It is important to acknowledge the Hurd’s depiction of Margaret Thatcher. woman who had so dominated politics and Lof Exon – is far too grand a word led, as students have enough initiative occasions when Fellows and staff do He dispelled the common misconception the Conservative party for 15 years. for what I get up to as JCR President. and momentum of their own. In contrast, provide leadership. For example, there is Through his illumination that she wilfully overruled her colleagues, As for Douglas Hurd himself? He came Providing an analysis of the JCR in terms most Oxford colleges are, by nature, currently a very promising investigation of their characters, Lord insisting that she was always ready to listen across as a Thatcherite, but a quiet one, and of power and authority or corporate old and dusty institutions which work at going on that will improve access to Hurd gave a flavour of their to informed arguments with full command without the uncompromising rhetoric. He speak would be very pretentious. What a gentle (read: frustrating) pace. This hardship grants and mitigate the high of the facts. It transpired that one person in was educated in the manner of the old Tory I can give you is an insight into what my means that change requires the push costs in College. Walton Street is another leadership styles the Exeter audience had represented the elite, at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, time as JCR President has involved. and shove of leadership rather than project that will benefit our students General Medical Council in negotiations but with a more humble background. He JCR leadership is rarely glamorous. a mere nudge, and sometimes I can greatly in the future, but it is vital that it is with the government over funding, so could agreed with John Major’s political goal of On the average day I “Re:” or “Fw:” about help students in dealing with collegiate part of a wider attempt to lease and buy share his own experience of Margaret a “nation at ease with itself”, but had he 40 e-mails. This is quick work for me now, practices and procedures. This is the properties for our students. Thatcher in argument. Once persuaded, she won the leadership election in 1990, the though too much haste means that on main area in which actual leadership In a way this article embodies what would often recite the convincing argument divisive issue of Europe would probably occasion a Fellow will receive the sign off comes into play. In Hilary of this year, I student leadership means; an attempt in subsequent conversation, convinced it have haunted a Hurd premiership as much I intend for students, “Ed xx.” If students helped students put pressure on Fellows to present the student perspective, with was her own! as it did Sir John’s. have had a raucous night out, I’ll normally to speed up the committee machinery, due consideration given to the Governing be involved in tidying the JCR. I’ve done which allowed College to fly the rainbow Body’s legitimate concerns, on matters my share of DIY too, having developed flag in time to celebrate the close of pertaining to College life. The Rector and a knack for the assembly of flat-packed LGBTQ History Month. The initiative Douglas Hurd furniture and fixing the Sky box cables. A and support for this already existed willingness to help is just as important in among students; it was just a matter of leadership as it is in everyday life. explaining it to the Governing Body. I hope that I’ve been unimposing during One area in which College should my presidency; being perceived as a leader perhaps not be leading is in student On the average day I “Re:” would create an undesirable distinction living-cost dissatisfaction tables. Some or “Fw:” about 40 emails. between me and my fellow JCR members. claim that my inspiration has come from This is quick work for me Such a distinction would set me apart from Jimmy McMillan’s “The Rent is Too Damn them and undermine my representative High” political party, or perhaps from Bob now, though too much haste role. It can be fun to achieve your own ideas Crow, the trade union leader, but I only means that on occasion a for the JCR, but it’s actually more useful to see myself as a channel for the concerns Fellow will receive the sign give the elected JCR Executive team and of the student body. I have to be honest the JCR as a whole the space to decide about what students think, while trying off I intend for students, Ed xx what they would like to do. There is much to not to alienate the Fellows who ultimately be said for “benevolent neglect”. make all the decisions.

8 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 9 COLLEGE NEWS

What was billed as An Eye for A Grimm Lecture a “lecture” began not with historical JAMES MISSON (2010, ENGLISH) finds himself lost in the woods as alumnus Detail facts or a slideshow, Philip Pullman brings the worlds of Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, but a tale of bloody and Little Red Riding Hood into the Sheldonian Theatre. cannibalistic murder set in an impenetrably labyrinthine forest

As part of the 700th Anniversary Lecture series, Sir Paul Nurse discussed biologists’ fascination with the microscopic. MICHAEL DUNNE (2008, MATHEMATICS)

iologists like details.” That was the explain life processes, beginning with the Bpronouncement of Nobel Prize-winning observation that living organisms rely on scientist Sir Paul Nurse as he addressed chemical reactions. This is the basis of an audience of Exonians at February’s the pharmaceutical industry and is vital to n audience as diverse as the one compiled and recorded by the Brothers historical facts or a slideshow, but a The lecture was concluded with a round 700th Anniversary Lecture. Details such understanding many diseases. Athat filled the Sheldonian Theatre Grimm, and retold in this edition in the tale of bloody cannibalistic murder set of questions that broached a breadth of as what a star-nosed mole has for its tea, These biological concepts are widely on 4 November 2012 is rarely seen in accessible yet elegant prose that made in an impenetrably labyrinthine forest topics from Freud to the cycles of the moon, or the properties of the hairs on a polar appreciated, but the fifth that Sir Paul Oxford. The lecture, part of a series Philip Pullman the bard of a generation. (The Robber Bridegroom – one of the followed by a book signing, with a queue bear’s coat. This obsession with details, discussed is less well known or understood: celebrating Exeter College’s coming The lecture assured the audience that stories included in Grimm Tales, and a which coiled around the circumference as Sir Paul put it, means that “sometimes life as information and systems management. 700th anniversary, saw young readers his is a safe pair of hands for some of the fantastical amuse-bouche for of the vast theatre – a testament to Philip the great ideas of biology get lost,” and it Information, Sir Paul argued, flows in and sitting shoulder to shoulder with western world’s oldest and most dearly the two subsequent and equally Pullman’s popularity. can be useful to be reminded of them. He out of molecules, cells and neurons, for experts on literature, all enthralled loved stories (the collection includes, captivating readings Mr Pullman served This glimpse into his methods and ideas selected four of the most important ideas example. Higher biological phenomena by the preeminent storyteller and for instance, Cinderella and Little Red up in the talk). was a unique opportunity for all present, from the history of biological study to talk can be understood through this process of Exeter alumnus, Philip Pullman (1965, Riding Hood as well as some less well- When asked what the most and it seems that Philip Pullman’s ability to about, and added a fifth that he feels will exchanging information. Of particular interest English). Introduced by Exeter’s Fellow known fables). Eschewing any pretence challenging aspect of putting the book arrest an audience, whether on the pages of prove as important in coming decades. is that these biological phenomena have the in English, Jeri Johnson, Mr Pullman towards the academic strictures of together was, Mr Pullman addressed a book or from the stage of the Sheldonian With an infectious enthusiasm, Sir ability to adapt within themselves how they gave an insight into the creative literature that he would have experienced the unique multiplicity of the tales. Their Theatre, remains unrivalled. Paul began with the proposition that transfer and use information: rather than process behind his latest book, Grimm during his time at Oxford, Philip Pullman existence in slightly varying reiterations all life is made up of cells, an idea that hard- or software, in biology information is Tales – a collection of 50 “fairy tales” has, throughout his career, frequently across cultures and languages means that emerged in the 17th century alongside the processed using “wetware”. (although he avoids the term, noting the insisted that all he tells are stories. Cinderella is not a text in the same way development of the microscope. This has The concept of biology as information distinct absence of fairies) originally During the lecture he said that such that Paradise Lost or Philip Pullman’s own remained a primary principle of biology, is not new. The philosopher Immanuel Kant stories necessitate a simplicity to which His Dark Materials trilogy are texts. In an from the study of single-celled organisms discussed information systems in living the “sophisticated literary mind” is not apt analogy, he likened the process behind to modern stem cell research. organisms in great detail at the start of accustomed, adding, in a typically self- writing Grimm Tales to a jazz musician Next was the gene as the basis of the 19th century, albeit using terminology effacing manner, that “it’s a good thing I playing over a chord progression: unlike heredity. Described by Gregor Mendel long quite different from today’s vernacular. But don’t have one of those”. an orchestral score, the structure and before it was understood in terms of DNA, it is only now, thanks to the extraordinary Despite this humility, it takes a rare feel of the piece are present in the this quantifies the observation that traits development of computational systems, and subtle intuition to tell stories this well, chords, but the melody is subject to the are passed down between generations. that we are able to explore fully this tenet and Philip Pullman’s has been recognised whim of the player. Following this, Sir Paul described the of biology. by the Carnegie Medal, The Guardian theory of evolution by natural selection, To comprehend the cell we extended our Fiction Prize and the Whitbread Prize. Most made famous by Charles Darwin. Those senses with the microscope. For the gene, recently, he has been made President who are less able to survive are less likely the application of statistics was needed. of the Society of Authors (a position to reproduce, and therefore over time Thanks to further advancements in science, first held by Alfred Lord Tennyson), and weak variations of gene are lost and strong technology and mathematics, the idea of life Grimm Tales was esteemed as one of variations of gene flourish. This process as information and systems management The Economist’s Books of the Year, which allows living organisms to evolve and species can, for the first time, be properly tested called it “a delightfully wry reworking by a to diverge to suit different environments. and understood. Who knows, with such master storyteller”. The fourth core concept that Sir Paul exponential scientific progress, perhaps one It was fitting, then, that what was noted was that chemistry is essential day we will even be able to chat to a star- Philip Pullman billed as a “lecture” began not with to life. The physical sciences can help nosed mole about the joy of worms.

10 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 11 COLLEGE NEWS

neural circuits. But, if left unchecked, mechanisms may have been widely flies sleep, synapses in the same types continued synapse growth would outpace conserved across evolution to regulate of neuron are eliminated. The magnitude the brain’s metabolic resources, and may sleep in many animal species. While of these changes depends on the fly’s What Fruit Flies cause neural circuits to malfunction or fail sleep in the fly retains many similarities experience during the day – when flies are entirely. To check this growth, according to human sleep, flies provide a distinct housed in a complex environment in which to the current hypothesis, the slow waves experimental advantage: even though they interact socially with other flies, they of activity that spread through the brain the fly and human brains are composed add more synapses in relevant circuits and during deeper sleep stages may allow of neurons that function in similar ways, require extra sleep afterwards to return to Teach Us About Sleep synapses to weaken, thus pruning away the fly brain contains approximately one a baseline state of synaptic connections. any unnecessary connections. After this million times fewer neurons. Possibly A similar role for sleep in the scaling of downscaling, we awaken in the morning more importantly, neural circuits JEFFREY DONLEA (STAINES RESEARCH FELLOW IN BIOCHEMISTRY) with normal brain functioning restored in fly brains tend to be much (and with room to make new and stronger less redundant than those in explains how fruit flies caught napping might help shed light connections again during the day). While humans. As a result, we may on what our brains do during sleep. some evidence from studies of the human only need to examine a handful When flies are housed in a complex brain supports this hypothesis, it remains of neurons in the fly to decode environment in which they interact practically and experimentally impossible how the brain might implement socially with other flies, they add to directly test the effects of sleep on the a given behaviour such as strength of single synapses in particular sleep. This simplicity allows us more synapses in relevant circuits neurons of a human brain. to use the fly to make direct and require extra sleep afterwards Given the experimental limitations measurements of the effects of Flies remain in a restful on such human study, perhaps the most sleep on neural structure and state for most of the night, promising strategy to identify sleep’s function that are not currently function in the brain is to turn to smaller, possible in larger animals. and keeping flies awake simpler animals that might provide more Using small animal models like the fly, synaptic connections has also been found causes them to need extra access to the genetic and neurobiological we can directly test the effects of sleep in other animal species, including the rebound sleep afterwards, mechanisms of interest. The simple on synapse strength. This is achieved by zebrafish and mouse, suggesting that this fruit fly, which has been used for basic marking small numbers of neurons in the function of sleep has likely been conserved much like humans neurobiology research for decades, brain with genetically encoded tags for between a wide variety of animals across appears to sleep in a similar way to synaptic connections. Using these markers, evolutionary time. It is currently unclear how humans: flies remain in a restful state for we can measure the effects of sleep on the synaptic reorganisation during sleep might most of the night, and keeping flies awake number and size of synaptic connections affect particular memories, but it is known causes them to need extra rebound sleep formed by different types of neurons. A that sleep deprivation disturbs synaptic afterwards, much like humans. Flies also series of experiments using the fruit fly scaling and impairs our abilities to form respond in the same way as people do has found that, as the synaptic scaling new memories. to many drugs that alter sleep – caffeine hypothesis predicts, synaptic connections These experiments suggest that sleep and other stimulants, for example, reduce are added during waking in several types might be involved in the homeostatic sleep in both flies and people – suggesting of neurons that are involved in memory scaling of synaptic connections, but many that the same neurobiological and genetic formation and in sleep regulation. As questions remain to be answered. Are specific types of synapses targeted for scaling during sleep? How does the brain sense when these synapses need sleep? Can we identify relevant targets that might be used to treat clinical sleep disorders? Would it be possible to use these targets to enhance sleep and slow or alleviate other neurological disorders? We are just beginning to address these issues using new techniques that can record and manipulate the activity of targeted neurons in behaving animals, such as the fruit fly. While these methods may allow us Photo: fruit fly to develop clinical treatments for human patients, we must first unravel some of the fundamental functions and mechanisms lthough it is a state that leaves us plasticity that are only alleviated with the proposed by Giulio Tononi and Chiara in smaller, simpler brains. In the meantime, Adisconnected from the world and recovery of lost sleep. However, despite Cirelli around a decade ago. those of us who fill our brains up with vulnerable to threats, we all spend decades of study, the precise functions of As we navigate the world during the information all day might take a lesson around one third of our lives asleep. sleep in the brain remain unknown. Many day, our brains store memories of new from the fruit fly and make time for a good There is a growing body of evidence hypotheses of sleep function have been experiences by strengthening existing nightly synapse-cleaning session. indicating that the purpose of sleep may proposed, but much attention is currently synaptic connections between neurons primarily be for the benefit of the brain – focused on the role of sleep in scaling the and by adding new synapses. The prolonged waking induces a wide variety strength of synaptic connections between expansion of these synapses allows the Scan of a fruit fly’s brain of impairments in behaviour and brain neurons in the brain, an idea that was first brain to integrate new information into

12 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 13 COLLEGE NEWS Winning the Student Rites

The Holaday Scholar considers the importance of student traditions in White House the UK and the US, from being ceremonially drenched to submitting to peanut butter forfeits. JOHN NICKERSON (2012, PHILOSOPHICAL THEOLOGY)

The North American Travel Scholar shadows the high drama presidential campaigns of 2012 and finds out what it takes to win.ADAM WARD (2011, PPE) by which a young person submits to tradition, in all its significance, allows that person to emerge tested, humbled, and ready to begin to learn how to lead. In other words, tradition in itself can be a catalyst of moral development. : an American anonymous donations to Of course, not all traditions have Presidential both campaigns spiked and 2012 this universal quality, and perhaps Election in which the incumbent accountability was found strangely, one of the USAFA traditions won a comfortable majority on wanting. In President Obama’s that I remember most vividly is “Fire in a mediocre turnout. Although political powerhouse, the Hole”. It is not a particularly grand or true in terms of statistics, this Chicago, I met many who spectacular tradition; in fact, it is rather conclusion misrepresents the were dissatisfied with politics a small one. When a new jar of peanut significance of Barack Obama’s in general, citing the Supreme butter replaces a spent one at the dining re-election last November. Court case to show that and cheese hats for some Wisconsinites), table in Mitchell Hall, you remove the Through the North American Travel individuals could remain anonymous whilst this was truly an unforgettable experience. hard cap, while leaving the plastic seal Scholarship, I was given the amazing entirely shaping election campaigns. I contributed to both campaigns equally across the top intact; then, holding the opportunity to follow the high drama As I watched the Presidential election as I wanted to learn more about those on jar horizontally, you yell “Fire in the hole!” campaigns, most notably the Presidential results with fellow students at 5am on 7 the opposite sides of the debate. Despite and crash the jar (seal and all) against election, but also the pivotal Congressional November in Exeter College Hall, shouts having participated in College telethons, I John Nickerson (centre) dives into USAFA’s Air Garden’s fountains to mark the end of his exams your forehead. The goal is to eject as races. From the liberal bastion of Boston, of “Four More Years” erupted. I recognised was still daunted by the prospect of making much peanut butter as possible from the where I shadowed Elizabeth Warren’s that President Obama’s re-election calls for the “Obama for New York” team. jar, which is never very much, no matter Senate campaign, to a week with the would lead many to assume that the No one questioned my British accent, s a recent graduate of the US Air a square of grass in the centre, not to be how committed the attempt. State Republican organisation in Alabama, election was a not a landmark. However, but three Pennsylvanians informed me Force Academy (USAFA) and now trod upon blithely. When one is allowed It is hardly surprising that there is no my trip crossed the gulf of political views the ramifications of theCitizens United A that they would be supporting Governor a graduate student at Exeter College, I on either grass, it is a time of exuberance equivalent at Exeter for such a tradition. in the United States. case, which started to become clear in Romney, as he was more pro-business than am continually impressed by the palpable and energy. For USAFA, this is in the form While in one sense the end-goals of the An American election campaign is 2012, will lead to further dissatisfaction the President. sense of tradition present in both places. of “taking the hill,” when the whole cadet USAFA and Exeter are similar, they are not complete without the pizzazz of the in American politics as the question of In Alabama, I spent a week shadowing Indeed, tradition is so important in both wing rushes from formation to stamp and not entirely congruent: USAFA aims to National Conventions. It is an opportunity who is accountable to whom becomes the Republican operations, and attended a that it suggests that robust traditions play scream on Spirit Hill which rises in the produce the future military leadership for parties to rouse their faithful supporters more clouded. It will also be fascinating to conservative radio talk show. Although many a role in the individuation and progression centre of the terrazzo; for Exeter, it is the of the United States; Exeter (generally and to speak to large TV audiences. observe how the Republicans try to attract Democrats I met were dissatisfied with the excitement of the Ball, and the “trashings” speaking) the well-formed professionals Fortunately I was able to attend the new voters; Hispanics are becoming a Obama administration, few were attracted to at the completion of finals. and intellectuals ready to begin to meet Republican National Convention in Tampa, pivotal voting bloc in America and in 2012 Mitt Romney, who was perceived as out As I watched finalists being doused the full slate of challenges present today. Florida. From the notable speeches by they were heavily Democratic. of touch because of his wealth. Even at with buckets of water inside Exeter’s I am grateful to have had the Condoleezza Rice, Marco Rubio and Mitt I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the Convention, few Republicans I spoke You yell “Fire in the hole!” quad in Trinity Term, I was reminded of opportunity to participate at both these Romney, to meeting the media presence, the alumni who made this trip what it was. with were zealous Romney supporters, and crash the jar (seal and my sprint across the terrazzo’s grass venerable institutions in some small way. and not forgetting the delegates who No amount of media coverage could have but all were ardently opposed to the last May, where, having finished my No institution that hopes to test and proudly dressed in costume to signal their given me such a remarkable snapshot of all) against your forehead. President. Barack Obama’s health reforms time of study at USAFA, I hurled myself, develop its wards lacks strong traditions State (Stetsons a must for Texan delegates America in 2012. and his management of the economy were The goal is to eject as much like thousands before me, into the cold and this is certainly the case for both the the two most contentious issues. peanut butter as possible water of the Air Garden’s fountains. USAFA and Exeter College. A far-reaching feature of 2012 was the from the jar This June, it was a pleasure to see prominence of big money. The Supreme that sense of freedom in the eyes of Few Republicans I spoke Court decision in Citizens United v As I watched the Presidential the soaking finalists laughing on the Federal Election Commission (2010) has grass of the front quad. In one sense, with were zealous had a significant impact on the American election results with fellow these traditions signify renewal after I hurled myself, like Romney supporters, but elections. The decision interprets the first students at 5am on 7 November of students and in people generally. the completion of an education. More thousands before me, into all were ardently opposed amendment rights — freedom of speech, in Exeter College Hall, shouts Despite the many differences between than that, these water rituals also free assembly, religion and the press — as the institutions, the extent to which some the individual from the gravity of the the cold water of the to the President prohibiting the government from restricting of “Four More Years” erupted traditions are shared is surprising. institutions themselves. The traditions Air Garden’s fountains political expenditures by corporate For example, both Exeter’s front unify peers past, present and future as organisations and unions. Hence in 2012 quad and the USAFA’s terrazzo feature one departs the institution. The struggle

14 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 15 COLLEGE NEWS Science in the Spotlight Exeter Gone MAD

A role model for women in science, a scientist on a global trajectory, and an The JCR’s Music, Arts and Drama Officer esteemed film critic are among the inspiring individuals on the New Year directs another year of creative success from street art to short films.OWEN DONOVAN (2011, ENGLISH) Honours list. JOSEPH BLUCK (2011, CHEMISTRY)

his has been a year of recognition for As a leading role model for women who must experience sections of, the film design to production co-ordination, and by Exonians, with New Year Honours work in science, she has often been Audience members T enjoying live art before, during, and after the screening. doing so we were able to stage our largest awarded to Professor Dame Carol interviewed and invited to give talks; this Professor Dame Hacked Off Films has also taken part event yet. Darren Aronofsky’s modern Robinson, Professor Raymond Dwek year she gave the opening keynote speech in the Future Shorts Festival, the world’s masterpiece Black Swan was brought to CBE and Philip French OBE (1954, at the Women’s Career and Networks Robinson was the first largest pop-up short film festival, hosting life in association with Keble College as Jurisprudence). Symposium in Germany. female Professor of ver the last year, the arts in Exeter screenings during an evening of award- part of their arts week, as we took over Professor Dame Carol Robinson DBE Professor Raymond Dwek, an Emeritus Chemistry both here at College have gone from strength to winning film, live music and comedy. Across a three-storey building to recreate the FRS, a Professorial Fellow in Chemistry Fellow of Exeter, was awarded his CBE for O strength, with Exon Productions continuing all of Hacked Off Films’s events, we have intensity of the New York ballet scene. at Exeter, received her DBE on 28 June the role he played in scientific collaboration Oxford and in Cambridge to fund projects across the University tried to reignite cinema as a medium where Arriving in a modern ballroom, at Buckingham Palace. The honour was between Britain and Israel. His position as and Hacked Off Films being established audiences feel involved with the narratives complete with string quartet and awarded in recognition of her services to Special Adviser on Biotechnology to the by Exeter students. As this year’s JCR they are confronted by, becoming fully glasses of fizz, a new Swan Queen was both science and industry. Her ground- President of Ben Gurion University has led Executive member for Music, Arts and announced to audiences who were breaking research uses mass spectrometry to many beneficial programmes in the established in Israel, and acts as a catalyst Drama (collectively known as MAD), I have then led backstage into the terrifying as an analytical tool to gain insight into region. These include the improvement for development in the region. been promoting the work of JCR members, busyness of the dressing rooms of protein structure along with looking at of water resources, regenerative Philip French, an Exeter alumnus, getting more students involved in the arts, opening night and finally into a rehearsal protein function in the gas phase. Professor medicine and research into the genetics received an OBE this year for his and organising events across Oxford. We took over a three-storey room, where ballet dancers practised Dame Robinson was the first female of the Bedouin people. Professor Dwek services to film. He has been a film critic Working with other members of Exeter building to recreate the under the watchful gaze of the leader Professor of Chemistry both here at Oxford played a leading role in establishing the for The Observer since 1978, along with and students from Jesus and Lincoln, of their company, Leroy. With a cast and in Cambridge, and her research group National Institute of Biotechnology in 31 years as a radio producer for the BBC intensity of the New York Hilary Term’s Turl Street Arts Festival and crew nearly three times the size of has had the largest proportion of women the Negev, Southern Israel. This was the starting in 1959. He retires this August (TSAF) once again displayed the talent ballet scene any previous event, Black Swan proved students in Chemistry at both universities. first independent research body to be to coincide with his 80th birthday. of our students, with a wider range of arts a roaring success with audiences, represented than ever before. A marathon thrown as they were into the oppressive, comedy night, an evening of poetry competitive, and frightening atmosphere readings with an accompanying anthology, affected by the magic of Harry Potter or the of the film. Whilst the tone contrasted and a massive launch night with guest DJs playful anarchy of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. with our previous immersive screenings, Los Campesinos! featured in an eclectic This Trinity term, Hacked Off Films’s the darkness of Black Swan suggested Classical Scholar Commemorated schedule that involved, and attracted, core team expanded, involving more that immersive cinema, a relatively more students than ever before. The talent students from across Exeter and the new art form, can tackle all genres of Exeter House celebrates the legacy of a past Rector, across College is incredibly strong, and University in a range of roles from graphic cinema, and is here to stay. TSAF allowed us to show and mourns the death of a generous benefactor. this alongside our Turl ESTHER KWAN (2012, DEVELOPMENT STUDIES) Street neighbours. As well as acting as MAD officer and working was the Rector of the College from 1943 on the TSAF committee until 1956. Before becoming Rector, this year, I have been he had been a Fellow for 30 years and collaborating with my successively Sub-Rector and Senior Tutor. fellow second-year He also had an illustrious academic career Edward Elliott to found as a distinguished classical scholar. and develop Hacked The College invited Dr Lisa Barber SK Pathak at Off Films, a student-led – Rector Barber’s daughter-in-law – the opening group that specialises in officially to open Barber House. A short of SKP House innovative film screenings speech was made by Professor Gregory in Oxford. Taking our Hutchinson in Latin, as well as brief inspiration from groups Dr Lisa Barber opens remarks by Rector Frances Cairncross this year. A generous benefactor, Mr in London like Secret Barber House and Dr Lisa Barber. The Barber family Pathak funded significant scholarships Cinema and Punchdrunk attended the ceremony, along with for Indian students at Exeter and helped Theatre, Hacked Off Films current graduate students and alumni to redevelop the Exeter House site. To has put on a number of n 14 February 2013, Exeter College who had been students in Rector recognise his philanthropy and long- immersive film screenings, officially named one of the Exeter Barber’s time. standing relationship with the College, a all of which have been O Ballerinas produce live art ahead House graduate accommodation blocks The College also notes with regret new building at Exeter House was named sell-out events. Audiences of the screening of Black Swan to commemorate Eric Arthur Barber, who the passing of Shri Krishna Pathak earlier after Mr Pathak in 2010. are placed within, and

16 EXONEXON AUTUMNAUTUMN 20132013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 17 COLLEGE NEWS Reaching Outwards The Rector’s Walk

Rector FRANCES CAIRNCROSS reports and Upwards on the walk of a lifetime. Broadwindsor Welcome Home Exeter’s outreach programme – supporting schools with little history of admissions t was with some trepidation that I We had other canine to Oxford – proves successful as student ambassadors, tutors, and the Schools Liason Iset out in the sunshine from Exeter companions: George Roffe- Officer launch into the new year.ASHLEY WALTERS, SCHOOLS LIAISON OFFICER Cathedral on 25 July to walk to Exeter Silvester (1973, Literae College. Like many Exonians in the past Humaniores) and his wife who walked from Devon to Oxford, I Charlot brought two Jack worried about all the things that could go Russells – appropriately for wrong on this mad expedition. Parson Jack Russell’s old n November 2012 Exeter played host Unnecessarily. It turned out to be a College. Mike Dixon (1970, Ito around 180 teachers from state magical march. This was due to Katrina PPP) brought his enchanting schools across the country. They were Hancock, the Director of Development, collie Lola, who dealt with thirst accompanying some of their Year 11 who used the skills acquired with her Duke by climbing into any water tank students as part of the Investigating of Edinburgh’s Gold Award meticulously to we passed and – as it were – Options Days, which are organised by the plan the route. Her care was matched by drinking her bath water. Oxford Pathways Programme. This is an that of Aileen Thomson in the Development It was on the Ridgeway outreach collaboration between a number Caen Hill Locks Office, who organised places to stay, and that I felt most aware of the generations of Oxford’s colleges, targeted at students commandeered battalions of Exonians of poor students who must have tramped from non-selective state schools to carry my luggage from one Bed & from the West Country to College over the with little or no history of successful Breakfast to the next and to offer me tea, centuries. What a passion for education applications to Oxford. I coordinate the lunch and dinner as I went. they must have had, to make such a journey. Year 11 events and focus on encouraging In addition, I had wonderful company What a contrast with many of today’s lucky students to think about the opportunities all the way from Exonians – students, youngsters, whose parents cram Turl Street available to them at university, and how parents, alumni, friends. My husband, each October with cars full of possessions! choosing the right A-levels might affect Hamish McRae, and my daughter Isabella I got a terrific welcome from the their chances of a promising future. each walked half the route with me, as College on my return, after 12 days of Exeter tutors Helen Brookman (English), did Shealagh de Beurges-Rosenthal walking and 192 miles. Best of all, I found Christina de Bellaigue (History) and Jo (1979, Zoology), one of the first group that I had raised almost double the sum Dunkley (Physics) all contributed “mini of women at Exeter College. Victoria for the Richard Sandbrook environmental lectures” to the programme as a taster Canal sign Harper walked for three days in memory internship that I had aimed for. Thank you, for the students. of Olly Tucker (2007, PPE), her Godson, everyone who contributed! It made every who died so sadly in 2007. She brought step worthwhile. an energetic Kerry Blue terrier called Scuffle, who ran at least twice the length You can donate to the Richard Sandbrook Cambridge, to co-host four Oxford and year’s outreach programmes, and to of the Ridgeway to keep the straggling Scholarship at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ It is always a pleasure to see Cambridge Information Days. The large, develop the College’s web and printed pack of walkers together. FrancesCairncross how much enthusiasm there multi-school conferences took place material for prospective undergraduates. is from current students to in a number of locations in Devon and Within a week of starting she had Cornwall, and gave around 400 Year already made her mark, overseeing the get involved with initiatives 12 students from state schools in those undergraduate team for the College like this counties an opportunity to find out about Open Days and ensuring that the days applying to and studying at Oxford and ran more smoothly than ever before. Cambridge. Oxford was represented at In late June, Exeter ran the Devon the events by Exeter College’s Academic and Cornwall Residential Visit in Oxford Dean, Chris Ballinger, and our Queen for 21 Year 12 students. The varied At the beginning of Hilary, the latest Sofía Junior Research Fellow in Modern programme allowed the students to Clyst Honiton Church cohort of Exeter College Ambassadors Peninsular Spanish Literature, Daniela experience various aspects of Oxford received their training. These are Omlor, as well as by a team of current life over two days. College tutors Tom Silbury Hill undergraduate volunteers who meet undergraduates from across Oxford who Lambert (History) and Michael Osborne school groups visiting Exeter, give tours attended schools in Devon and Cornwall. (Engineering) gave demonstration Ryme Intrinseca of the College, and support our outreach At the end of Trinity, we appointed interviews, while Conall Mac Niocaill projects in other ways. It is always a Rebecca Musgrove (2011, Jurisprudence) (Earth Science) showed the new Earth White Horse - Uffington pleasure to see how much enthusiasm as our first Access and Admissions Sciences building to those interested there is from current students to get Intern. Rebecca’s role is to assist with in studying the sciences. A team of involved with initiatives like this. the various events taking place in June enthusiastic College ambassadors was on In March I worked with my and July, to support the Schools Liaison hand to welcome the students and show counterpart from Downing College, Officer in making preparations for next them around the College and city.

St Michael & all Day 2 angels church 18 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni Photo: Student Open Day volunteers www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 19

Rest day COLLEGE NEWS Rowing REBECCA MUSGROVE (2011, JURISPRUDENCE)

he past year has seen a change at TExeter College Boat Club in terms of the levels of participation, enthusiasm and commitment. In Michaelmas we had three novice crews take to the river for the Nephthys Regatta. Sadly the Christ Church Regatta was called off due to bad weather, but this did not put our novices off rowing. In Torpids we were able to enter both first and second VIIIs for the Men and Women. The Women’s second VIII and Men’s first VIII managed bumps, but unfortunately The Exeter College Boat Club Men’s Firsts the other crews received spoons. Our Men’s and Women’s first VIIIs embarked upon a gruelling four-day crews, with five qualifying after rowing they finally achieved a bump on day training camp at Gravelines over the on. Our Women’s third VIII rowed over four. Our Men’s second VIII had greatly Easter vacation. Thanks to the generosity the first day and then fought valiantly but improved from Torpids but could not of alumna Hilary Wynne, the student was eventually bumped by three crews. avoid spoons. Our Men’s first VIII had a financial contribution was minimal. The Our Women’s second VIII was the most rollercoaster week, with a bump, being camp enhanced fitness and mental successful crew, gaining two bumps and bumped and rowing over. strength, with 15km runs each day and rowing over twice. Our Women’s first VIII To conclude the season ECBC around 30km of rowing. contested a thrilling Turl Street battle, has entered the Oriel Regatta and the The blood, sweat and tears paid off chasing Jesus whilst being chased by Coronation 60th Anniversary Regatta at in Summer VIIIs. This year we entered six Lincoln. After rowing over for three days Windsor Castle.

Exeter College RFC competes for the Cuppers plate Football JAMES WEST (2011, largely written off, and it wasn’t until to show its support, Exeter rose to ECONOMICS AND Rugby Cuppers that ECRFC could unleash the occasion and dominated the first MANAGEMENT) GUY RICHARDSON its potential. After a fortunate draw in half. However, in the second half, after (2011, PPE) the competition, Exeter made its way repeatedly infringing at the breakdown, to the semi-final of the Cuppers Plate we found ourselves a player down for aving lost a number of key players at competition where a Turl Street clash 10 minutes, which allowed Somerville/ Hthe end of last season, there were s we had lost some of the giants of against Lincoln awaited. An emphatic Corpus to fight back to come within a concerns that this could have been a Aold at the end of the previous season, 53-5 victory set the stage for the final at point of Exeter. difficult campaign for the team. A strong doubts over how the 2012-13 season Iffley Road against Somerville/Corpus. In the final minutes of the match, fresher contingent, however, meant that would unfold were in the minds of many. In preparation for this high-stakes a skilful kick into the corner by Tom the season got off to the best possible These doubts, however, were washed match, the squad undertook a useful Hatfield saw fresher Andrew Heard start, achieving five wins out of five in away early on, when ECRFC jetted off to team bonding exercise in the form of emerge from nowhere to collect the ball Michaelmas term, scoring 16 goals and Jersey to emerge victorious in a charity initiations, followed by a friendly against and score, which put Exeter six points conceding just one. International Beach Rugby tournament. an Exeter Old Boys XV. The Old Boys ahead with the scoreline reading 30-24. Cuppers also began in Michaelmas. With the first piece of glassware match is one of the most special events Thankfully, despite considerable pressure After a 7-1 victory in the first round, we shining in the trophy cabinet, hopes were in the ECRFC calendar – nothing shows from Somerville/Corpus in the dying met Worcester in the second round – the high as we began the season proper in the spirit of the club better than having moments of the game, Exeter held on. team that knocked us out of the 2011 Exeter College AFC (red and black stripes) challenges Worcester College AFC for premiership glory Michaelmas. The squad was bolstered 40 players join together in a rousing The College kindly rewarded our tournament. Unfortunately they once again by the return of previous captain Sam chorus of “Floreat Exon”, and we are victory with a High Table dinner where, got the better of us in a closely fought Hitchings, as well as an elite intake of grateful to those former players who amid the celebration, we reluctantly said game, and went on to win the tournament with Worcester, both teams knowing that disappointed to miss out on the title that freshers. With so many new faces in the come back for the occasion. goodbye to our leavers who have been for a third straight year. a win would all but secure the league we felt we deserved, on reflection there team, the first season of the league was The prospect of finishing the season so vital to the success and spirit of the Hilary proved to be a very frustrating title. We took the lead mid way through was a strong sense of pride in the way one of consolidation, and we comfortably with Cuppers silverware was relished by club. The departing players are Daniel term for college football. Endless rain meant the first half and managed to hold on until we played over the season. I am confident remained in Division 2. the players, and the mentality going into Sellars, Tom Hatfield, Nicholas Fletcher, that pitches were flooded for much of Worcester scored a deflected equaliser that the disappointment of this season Having gelled as a team, we found the match reflected this, with the team Ben Abdoo, Sam Hitchings, Tom Painter, term, and we ended up having to play five minutes from the final whistle; a goal that will only work to motivate us further that the bitter British winter proved to even holding multiple training sessions. Fabio Fenton, Adam J Strawbridge and games in the final two weeks of term. Our was enough to secure them the league. next season, when we hope to secure be our enemy. The second season was With a good crowd from College coming Tony Dickinson. penultimate match was a league decider While the whole squad was hugely a historic league and cuppers double.

20 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 21 UNIVERSITY NEWS

Author and Paralympian LAURA SPENCE (2012, LITERAE HUMANIORES) recalls how a teacher’s dedication encouraged her application to Oxford, and explains the aim Honoured at Encaenia of the Oxford’s Inspirational Teachers Award.

Exeter once again welcomed leading figures from sport, literature, business, law and education ahead of this year’s Encaenia, including 11-times Paralympic champion Baroness Grey-Thompson and award- Gold Star for winning playwright Sir Tom Stoppard. ALEXANDRA BLEASDALE (2011, PPE)

Baroness Sir Tom Stoppard Grey-Thompson Top Teachers

xford is very competitive ... and getting ever more the aspirations of students over the course of their “Oso.” This is the first statement which greets anyone careers. Winning a place at Oxford takes hard work researching undergraduate admissions data on the and dedication, and having the support of a committed University’s website, shortly followed by the fact that teacher is for many students what makes the difference applications to Oxford have risen by 55% in the last in pushing them to apply and make the strongest 10 years. Daunting words for any 17-year-old, and application they can.” particularly for those coming from a school or college I can confidently say that I am at Oxford because with a small number of Oxford-bound leavers. For of a teacher like this – a teacher who really cared, not such students, merely considering an application is only about his subject, but also about his students. ncaenia, Greek for “festival of renewal”, or, more Lord Crewe, Rector of Lincoln College and later Bishop of a step into the unknown. Faced That was invaluable. As Mike Nicholson, Director of Efittingly, translated in St John’s Gospel as “festival Oxford, whose portrait hangs in the Sheldonian Theatre. by such intimidating information, Undergraduate Admissions at Oxford, said at the awards of dedication”, is the annual ceremony during which Exeter College had the privilege of hosting the some additional encouragement ceremony, the winning teachers “represented the highest honorary degrees are awarded by the University of “Pre-Ceremony” this June, as it has for the past four is sometimes needed in order to standard of commitment to all their students, inspiring Oxford to distinguished people. Its origins date back to years. Some of the most prominent people in the convince the brightest students successful Oxford applicants but also raising the 1566, when Elizabeth I visited Oxford, and historically University assembled in the Fellows’ Garden along that they are capable of gaining a aspirations or instilling an enthusiasm for their subject it was used to honour members of the visitor’s court. with the honorands in order to “partake of Lord They inspired place here; encouragement which in others. They inspired students with their passion, When Charles I moved his court to Oxford in 1642, Crewe’s Benefaction”, an elegant reception with students with their will lend conviction to their personal creativity and dedication to be the best they possibly can the University was instructed to award around 350 strawberries and champagne. They then processed to passion, creativity statements and will provide the be, and deserve recognition for that above all.” honorary degrees in less than four months. Perhaps the Sheldonian, welcomed by a trumpet fanfare and confidence with which to face the I was lucky enough to have careers advisors and unsurprisingly, the University argued that awarding pieces performed by the Schola Cantorum of Oxford. and dedication to infamous interview. teachers who encouraged me to see Oxford as an a large number of such degrees was damaging to The Public Orator delivered a speech about each be the best they The University of Oxford’s attainable goal; I would wish the same for anyone its reputation as an academic institution (as well as honorand in Latin, before the Chancellor awarded possibly can be Inspirational Teachers Award was considering an application. Few people get here alone, financially draining). Remarkably, the King listened. them their degrees. set up in 2010 to recognise teachers and the Inspirational Today, a more modest eight honorands receive degrees This year, the recipients included Sir Tom Stoppard who provide the additional support, Teachers Award in a similar ceremony, reshaped in 1760 by Nathaniel, and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. Sir Tom’s which is vital to many state school recognises this. accomplishments include the plays Rosencrantz applicants. The award allows first Hopefully it will in and Guildenstern Are Dead and Arcadia, as well as year undergraduates who have come Teachers are turn encourage more translations and adaptations of Chekov’s The Seagull from a state school to nominate one teachers to realise and The Cherry Orchard. He has also won an Academy of their former teachers to receive nominated not the impact they can Award for best Original Screenplay with Shakespeare recognition from the University. only for their help have, and inspire in Love, and wrote the screenplay for Anna Karenina, Teachers are nominated not only for in the application realistic dreams of which has won recent cinematic acclaim. Baroness their help in the application process, Oxford in all bright Grey-Thompson is one of Britain’s most successful but also for providing the inspiration, process, but also young students. sportswomen. She has won a total of 16 medals over A teacher who really which convinces many young for providing the five Paralympic Games – 11 gold, four silver and one students that a degree is worthwhile. inspiration which bronze – in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 metres. Over cared, not only This year 12 teachers received the course of her career she has held over 30 world about his subject, the award at a ceremony at St convinces many records, and between 1992 and 2002 she won the but also about his Hilda’s College. Oxford’s Vice- young students London Wheelchair Marathon six times. She was also Chancellor, Professor Andrew instrumental in London’s successful bid for the 2012 students. That was Hamilton, presented the awards, that a degree is Olympic and Paralympic Games. Oxford is not the first invaluable and said: “It’s hard to over-estimate worthwhile Chancellor Lord Patten of Barnes university to honour her: she already has a remarkable the impact a good teacher can 26 honorary degrees from other UK universities. have in encouraging and raising

22 EXONEXON AUTUMNAUTUMN 20122013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 23 UNIVERSITY NEWS Oxford Runs Wild A Gift Fit for a Queen

As Oxford’s Museum of Natural History undergoes CHRISTOPHER FLETCHER (PROFESSORIAL FELLOW) delves into renovations, its animal inhabitants find new the Bod and finds medieval Oxford captured in a book homes around Oxford. FIONA POTTER (2011, MODERN that was once the prized possession of Queen Elizabeth I. LANGUAGES & LINGUISTICS)

A bank vole alking around Oxford, a tourist is often rewarded with seen the Chapel, consecrated in 1326. To the west of Wstrange sights; it is one of the city’s many charms. the tower are further chambers contemporaneous with And yet, in the months leading up to January 2014, one will the lodgings, while stretching to the rear of the complex encounter more than just a street performer swallowing is the old library (1383). fire on Cornmarket, or a Fellow cycling down the High in Although the drawing of Exeter shows it, alas, to full academic regalia: rather, a dinosaur in Blackwell’s, be the least impressive physically among the colleges a king penguin in the Covered Market, or a Dodo in the (it alone is without a Quad), the imaginary dialogue Ashmolean. These, as well as nine further specimens between the Queen and Chancellor is unusually full dotted around the city, are part of the Oxford Museum of and detailed, extending over three pages. The first Natural History’s “Go to Town” initiative. introductory stanza reads: While the impressive building which normally houses the Museum’s collection undergoes vital refurbishments to its glass-tiled roof, the Museum has installed 12 of its Exeter is at a great distance specimens in locations around the city centre. In most cases from Ox ford, the link between the exhibit and its setting is apparent. The And lies far away on the coast igneous orbicular granite is located in the Old Fire Station; edible insects can be found in the Turl Street Kitchen; and of the western sea. the bookworm is in an Oxfam bookshop. Even the trilobite is Nevertheless Exeter has found aptly placed in PB Conway Opticians: the fossilised creature had highly sophisticated eyes, with features in common with secure dwelling in Ox ford, many optical technologies we use today. Exeter College circa 1566 And has now brought companionable Visitors are encouraged to take part in a treasure hunt to track down the exhibits, and there are recordings by Museum tranquillity to the Muses. n her first royal visit to the University of Oxford in staff and Oxford academics available to download which August 1566, Queen Elizabeth was presented with Walter Stapleton, the President, augment the experience. It is clear that, unlike the Dodo and O a gift, which, according to one among the crowd, she its stuffed or fossilised counterparts, the Oxford Museum built this foundation, A king penguin regarded as the best she had ever received. The fact that of Natural History continues to be very much alive. the proud Oxonian in question, John Bereblock, a Fellow And gave it a name worthy of Exeter, was probably one of the gift’s two creators of his seat. should not detract too much from what is a remarkable and beautiful artefact. Praise is soon lavished upon Sir William Petre, one of Elizabeth was given a manuscript book recording, in the Queen’s closest Privy Councillors and a benefactor In Search of Scholars drawings and verse, the various University and college who had recently established the Petrean Fellowships, buildings she might have seen. The verse was composed in one bestowed upon Bereblock himself. This makes the Latin (which she would have understood) by Thomas Neale, Frances Cairncross travels to Hong Kong to meet a brilliant concluding verse observation of the Chancellor to the Regius Professor of Hebrew, while the fine pen drawings Queen particularly appropriate: student from China, one of next year’s Jardine scholars. were executed by Bereblock, about whom precious little FRANCES CAIRNCROSS, RECTOR is otherwise known. After a spell as a fellow and bursar at St John’s, he moved to Exeter College as dean in the year What kind of students, and how of the Royal visit, while he later served as senior Proctor xford – and Exeter – have sometimes been lucky Students can pick from four Cambridge and four Oxford alongside Sir Thomas Bodley, into whose library the great the students are that this Oenough to receive a stream of brilliant students through colleges – one of which is Exeter. Over the life of the manuscript found its way in 1630. place produces for you, one scholarship programme. The Saskatchewan Rhodes scholarship, we have received 17 scholars, many of them The manuscript depicts all the colleges in existence The rest of the crowd can learn Scholars not only went on to great distinction, but helped from Mainland China, Hong Kong or Singapore – and in 1566, together with important University buildings, to build Exeter’s lecture theatre. A newer source of talent one, Nick Campsie (1993, PPE), from Bermuda. including the two biggest of the time, the Divinity from this one individual. is the Jardine Foundation, which finances full scholarships In December each year, one of the heads of the four School and Duke Humfrey’s Library (Exeter’s immediate That man will be Bereblock, whose for students from the countries where it operates. Oxford colleges and one from the four in Cambridge neighbours now for over 500 years). The drawings of The foundation was created by Jardine Matheson, travel to Hong Kong to select the next year’s scholars. some of the colleges, including Exeter, are of particular most dextrous right hand a company founded in Hong Kong by 19th century I went this year, and was wonderfully entertained importance as they provide the only witness of buildings Created these images with Scots and today a flourishing global business. This year, Lord over New Year, with a party at the site of the famous later replaced in the expansion of the University. Here Sassoon, an executive director of Jardine Matheson, will Noonday Gun, owned by Jardines and fired at the we see the gatehouse known as Palmer’s tower, the marvellous dexterity. become a member of the Chancellor’s Court of Benefactors stroke of midnight. In the interviews the following day, oldest surviving part of the original college, facing into in recognition of the company’s tremendous generosity. to my great delight, a brilliant student from China won what was a narrow (now Broad) street, defined on its With thanks to Louise Durning for her work Queen Since the scholarships began in 1982, over a scholarship, which will bring her to Exeter College to northern side by the city wall. To the east (left) of the Elizabeth’s Book of Oxford (Bodleian Library, 2006) 150 students, mostly undergraduates, have benefited. study Mathematics. tower are the Rector’s lodgings, parallel to which can be on which this article draws.

24 EXONEXON AUTUMNAUTUMN 20132013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 25 UNIVERSITY NEWS

Exeter’s Communications OfficerMATTHEW BALDWIN considers A Makeover to the modern architecture that is shaping city life for future generations of Oxford students and local residents. Preserve the Past

St Mary’s has played host to the trials of heretics and the inaugural University Must meeting of what would become Oxfam. Now refurbished, it is ready for its close up. ALISON DIGHT (2002, THEOLOGY) Build for the Future o walk into the University menace by the installation of anti-pigeon guards. The Church of St Mary the Virgin church’s six bells, dating from the 17th century, have been T Meuron & de Herzog by Image The first meeting of is to take a journey into the refurbished and re-tuned. Internally, the whole of the church and transparency. The ground floor history not only of the University has been cleaned, re-wired, re-lit and re-painted. This is substantially set back from Walton a small humanitarian and of the city of Oxford, but includes the Old Library, which was the University’s first Street, opening up space around the group was held there – also of the nation. For it was library in 1320. building and welcoming visitors to the a group that was to grow this parish church, lying at the However, St Mary’s is not only looking to preserve its ROQ site. centre of the old medieval city, history. A significant aspect of this undertaking, which has The building has had its critics, into the international that the University of Oxford been funded by the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Heritage principally because of its height: charity Oxfam adopted as its administrative Lottery Fund, the University of Oxford and other donors, is at 22m, it breaches the City Council’s heart at the end of the 13th to provide educational events and activities, and the facilities “Carfax height rule” that no building century; within its walls, the to support them. Thus extensive interpretative material has within 1,200m of Carfax Tower should Oxford Martyrs Latimer, Ridley been produced to tell the story of the church, an Education exceed 18.2m. However the Council and Cranmer were tried for heresy before being burned Officer has been appointed, whose role it is to develop accepted the additional height in order at the stake in Broad Street in 1555 and 1556; during the material for primary school children and day courses for the that the footprint of the building might be English Civil War, Cromwell’s soldiers shot at the statue public, and 30 volunteer guides have been recruited and smaller and therefore avoid obstructing of the Virgin and Child over the south porch, decapitating trained to offer tours and provide information to visitors. The the views of Freud café (formerly the baby Jesus (since restored); John Wesley, the founder Library, renamed the Clore Old Library, has been equipped St Paul’s Church) and Somerville of Methodism, preached at St Mary’s; as did John Keble, with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and IT access College’s buildings on Walton Street. Professor of Poetry at the University (1832-1841), who plus new furniture and, for the comfort of all who visit or There are more new buildings with John Henry Newman, vicar, Fellow of Oriel, and later work in the building, the Vaults Café has undergone a on the ROQ site: Somerville opened Cardinal, founded the Oxford or Tractarian Movement makeover. St Mary’s is consequently well-equipped for Southern side of the Blavatnik School of Government new accommodation blocks in 2011 against theological liberalism to revive catholic spirituality in worship, educational activities, concerts and conferences. and the New Radcliffe House and the the Church of England; and in 1942 the first meeting of a When you are next in Oxford, take time out to visit eautiful as Oxford is, even it must age. Stonework refurbished Radcliffe Infirmary – now called the Radcliffe small humanitarian group was held there – a group that was the church and see these transformations. The tower, a Bweathers, buildings lose their original purpose, Humanities – opened in 2012. The Mathematical Institute to grow into the international charity Oxfam. favourite with visitors, now has new lighting, making it more premises swell with people until they spill over. will become the latest addition to the ROQ when it opens Now a new chapter has been added to the history of accessible, and there is a disabled lift to the Old Library Restoration and redevelopment are crucial to preserve the Andrew Wiles Building in October. this grand old lady, for in the last two years the building level. In particular, a glance upwards is rewarded with the the city’s charm while improving its function. Equally Some of these buildings are rather pedestrian. has undergone a major refurbishment. Externally, the new celure, a starry sky, above the nave altar. Using gold important is that, where new architecture is required, it is Colleges, they say, build better than the University, majestic tower and spire (dating from 1280 and 1315- leaf on a deep blue base, it gives a picture of the Pleiades well considered and harmonious. and certainly Pembroke College’s new footbridge over 25 respectively) have been cleaned and conserved, with constellation, referencing God’s speech from the whirlwind Expansion of the University of Oxford has always Brewer Street, designed by Berman Guedes Stretton, corroded stone being replaced where needed, and the to Job. Above all, I urge you to soak up the atmosphere of met with opposition. Sometimes, as with the graduate is an elegant addition to the city. It is the first new south porch has been safeguarded from a more modern this special place where history has been made. housing on the edge of Port Meadow, criticism seems fair. footbridge between two Oxford buildings in almost Sometimes, as with the Blavatnik School of Government, 100 years (the last being Hertford College’s “Bridge of the architecture is likely to prove adventurous rather than Sighs”). It is part of an extensive expansion project at dour, more sympathetic than it is unsightly. Pembroke that also includes an art gallery, auditorium, The School began excavation of its site at the café and accommodation block that together form a Radcliffe Observatory Quarter (ROQ) in Jericho in June. new quadrangle. The bridge unites the new quad and It will largely occupy the former Radcliffe Infirmary burial Pembroke’s older buildings to the north. ground and is therefore working closely with Oxford We hope that our own plans for Walton Street will Diocese and the City Council to ensure the excavation of eventually be admired as much as Pembroke’s bridge. the site is properly managed. Oxford’s architects need to recognise the responsibility The building has been designed by an internationally they have to balance form with function, modern with renowned firm of architects, Herzog and de Meuron. ancient. As Pembroke’s bridge shows, with care and It is based on a series of shifted discs with glass artistry it is possible for modern architecture to unify old façades inspired by the School’s values of openness and new handsomely.

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What Does a Some of the most powerful leaders in history, such as Napoleon, Stalin and Deng Hsiao Ping were little over Leader Look Like? five feet tall

Joseph Nye dispels some of the traditional assumptions about what civil society and broad social capital that When women fought their way to Understanding context is crucial makes a leader. From style and gender to genetics and height, the are necessary for leading in a modern the top of organisations, they often had for effective leadership regardless of face of leadership is changing. JOSEPH NYE, (1958, PPE) networked world. Modern leadership to adopt a “masculine style”, violating gender. Some situations call for autocratic turns out to be less about who you are or the broader social norm of female decisions and some require the opposite. how you were born than about what you “niceness”. Margaret Thatcher and Indira There is an infinite variety of contexts have learned and what you do as part of Gandhi are famous examples. In the in which leaders have to operate, but it a group. Nature and nurture intertwine, new view, with the information revolution is particularly important for leaders to but nurture is much more important in the and democratisation demanding more understand culture, distribution of power modern world than the heroic paradigm participatory leadership, the “feminine resources, followers’ needs and demands, gives credit. style” is becoming a path to more time urgency and information flows. In terms of gender stereotypes, men effective leadership. Nonetheless, Many a good CEO turns out to be gravitate to the hard power of command women lag in leadership positions, a disappointment when appointed as a holding only five per cent of top corporate cabinet secretary. And many a government positions, and a minority of positions in official who becomes a university he enormous potential of human more responsibility for their particular elected legislatures (ranging from 45 president has trouble adapting to the flat Tleadership ranges from Genghis Khan community once they attain the dominant per cent in Sweden to 16 per cent in the power structure of academic life. to Mother Teresa, yet we often succumb status of alpha male, human rulers In some circumstances United States). The best leaders are able to to simple stereotypes about leadership do as well. But such socio-biological men will need to act more What holds women back? Gender transfer their skills across contexts. and power. Most everyday leaders remain explanations of leadership are of only bias, lack of experience, primary care- Dwight Eisenhower, for example, was unheralded. The role of heroic leadership limited value. Thus far, no leadership “like women” and women giver responsibilities, bargaining style and successful both as a military leader in war leads us to overemphasise gene has been identified, and studies of more “like men” plain old discrimination all help to explain and as a president. Many leaders have command, control and hard military identical and fraternal male twins find this gender gap. The traditional career a fixed repertoire of skills, which limit power. The image of the dominant male that only a third of their difference in paths have not enabled women to gain the and condition their responses to new warrior leader lingers in modern times. occupying formal leadership roles can be requisite experiences for top leadership situations. A CEO who succeeds in Yet power is the ability to affect others accounted for by genetic factors. positions in many organisational contexts. manufacturing may fail in finance or to get the outcomes one wants, and that The search for the essential traits of while women are collaborative and Research shows that even in democratic fall flat in Silicon Valley. To use an can be accomplished by the soft power a leader dominated the field of leadership intuitively understand the soft power societies, women face a higher social risk information age metaphor, leaders need of attraction and persuasion as well as studies until the late 1940s, and remains of attraction. We still tend to describe than men when attempting to negotiate to develop broader bandwidth and tune the hard power of coercion and payment. popular in common discourse today. A leadership with tough male stereotypes, for career-related resources such as carefully for different situations. Good Military leadership today also requires tall handsome person enters a room, but recent leadership studies show compensation. Women are generally leaders avoid stereotypes – whether political and managerial skills. draws attention, and “looks like a leader.” increased success for what was not well integrated into male networks about warriors or gender – and cultivate Various studies have shown that tall men once considered a “feminine style”. In that dominate organisations and gender their contextual intelligence. are often favoured, and corporate CEOs information based societies, networks stereotypes about the expression of are taller than average. But some of the are replacing hierarchies and knowledge emotions still hamper women who try to Joseph S Nye, Jr is University most powerful leaders in history, such as workers are less deferential. Leadership overcome such barriers. Distinguished Service Professor at The role of heroic Napoleon, Stalin and Deng Hsiao Ping is changing in the direction of “shared This gender bias is beginning to break Harvard and author of The Future of leadership in war leads were little over five feet tall. leadership”, and “distributed leadership” down, but it is a mistake to identify the Power and, most recently, Presidential Genetics and biology matter in human with images of leaders in the centre of a new type of leadership we need in an Leadership and the Creation of the us to overemphasise leadership, but they do not determine circle rather than atop a hierarchy. information age as female. Even positive American Era. command, control it in the way that the traditional heroic George W Bush once described his stereotypes are bad for women, men and and hard military power stereotypes suggest. The “Big Man” type role as “the decider”, but there is much effective leadership. We need to see leaders of leadership works in societies based on more to modern leadership than that. less in heroic terms of command than in tribal cultures, which rely on personal and Modern leaders need an ability to use encouraging participation throughout an family honour and loyalty, but such social networks, to collaborate, and to encourage organisation, group, nation or network. In structures are not well adapted for coping participation. Women’s non-hierarchical some circumstances men will need to act Many autocratic rulers – in Zimbabwe with today’s complex information-based style and relational skills fit a leadership more “like women” and women more “like or Belarus, for example – still lead in world. In modern societies, institutional need in the new world of knowledge based men”. The key choices will depend not on the old fashion. Some theorists have constraints such as constitutions and organisations and groups that men are less gender, but how individuals combine hard tried to explain this with an “alpha male impartial legal systems circumscribe well prepared by society to fill, and men and soft power skills to produce smart theory of leadership” that argues that such heroic figures. Societies that rely need to learn these skills as well as to value strategies, and that will depend on the just as male chimps and apes assume on heroic leaders are slow to develop the them in their female colleagues. development of contextual intelligence.

28 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumniwww.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 29 FEATURES

Whether a leader employs that power to conduct his human herd to safe pastures or into danger depends, however, on Lords of War another crucial attribute – that of judgement As Western leaders consider intervention in Syria, Correlli Barnett identifies the qualities that determine great leadership in times of war. CORRELLI BARNETT (1948, MODERN HISTORY) the end-product of it all? The fragile and unstable Iraqi state of today. Yet ideology plus a predetermined mind-set are not the only enemies of sound judgement. What about fright and panic? George Tenet, the then head of the CIA, recalls the meeting of President Bush and his cabinet in the White House bunker on the evening of 9/11: “[there was] more he central theme of my book The predictive judgement. That is to say, the naval base for a British fleet. But in 1941 raw emotion in one place than I think I’ve TLords of War lies in examining the ability in a leader accurately to foresee there was no British fleet to send, only ever experienced in my life: anger that qualities that make for success or failure the consequences that will follow from a two capital ships – the Prince of Wales this could have happened, shock that it in wartime leadership. particular decision or policy. and the Repulse – and these were soon had, overwhelming sorrow for the dead, a First and foremost must come sheer Yet predictive judgement can be fatally sunk by Japanese torpedo bombers. compelling sense of urgency that we had force of personal character. Nobody has distorted by an existing idée fixe or mind- What was the Singapore naval base to respond and do so quickly…” expressed this better than Clausewitz set, as was the case with Winston Churchill without a fleet? An empty dockyard Within a week the basic decision had in describing the role of a commander in relation to the defence of the British devoid of purpose. been made to take armed action against in a protracted campaign: “As the moral colony of Singapore against the Japanese So a realistic strategic judgement would 4,000 American soldiers killed in action; at the very least, Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, and, along with forces in one individual after another in February 1942. It was his idée fixe that now have been to order a staged evacuation that, to topple the Taliban regime. become prostrated, the whole inertia of Singapore, on its island off the tip of the of Malaya and then Singapore itself. 100,000 Iraqi men, women and children slaughtered; and The actual toppling of the Taliban the mass gradually rests its weight on Malayan Peninsula, was a “fortress”, and But far from ordering that evacuation, refugees numbering millions. And the end-product of it all? regime in November 2001 was based on the Will of the Commander; by the spark therefore could, and should, withstand a Churchill actually diverted troopships The fragile and unstable Iraqi state of today an existing CIA plan which was dusted in his breast, by the light of his spirit, the siege. carrying a British and an Australian off and elaborated. But the plan failed spark of purpose, the light of hope, must But Singapore was not, nor had it division into Singapore, where they simply to see any further than the immediate be kindled afresh in others.” ever been, a fortress. It was a naval base swelled the Japanese bag of prisoners at destruction of Al-Qaeda’s base-camps equipped to support the main British the moment of surrender. and the ousting of the Taliban. In fact, battle-fleet when, under pre-war plans, this Mercifully for the democracies in the Bushite Washington had no plans or was sent out from Britain in the event of Second World War, Adolf Hitler committed 2001-3 when plotting to attack Saddam the non-Western world, starting with Iraq preparations whatsoever for the long and Japanese aggression in the Far East. From a truly catastrophic error of predictive Hussein’s Iraq. As was well-known in as the initial bridgehead. messy aftermath of invasion: 12 years First and foremost must 1937 onwards the British Chiefs of Staff judgement in 1941 when he presumed Washington at the time, Saddam Hussein We should also recall President on, the Taliban is not only resurgent but come sheer force of no longer feared an attack from the sea by that defeating the Soviet Union would be posed no threat to the US or UK, and Bush’s belief that Iraqi politicians even invited by the Americans to join personal character a Japanese fleet, but instead a landing by a pushover. In his own words, “We kick the had no link to Al-Qaeda, let alone to the would spontaneously create their own peace-talks on the future of Afghanistan a Japanese army in northern Malaya; then door in and the whole edifice will collapse.” destruction of the World Trade Center. functioning democracy after Saddam along with the understandably enraged a march southwards, and finally an attack But the Soviet Union did not collapse. On Nor was there any firm evidence that had been toppled, and in consequence, President Karzai. on Singapore island from the rear across the contrary, Stalin’s dictatorship, The Red Saddam still possessed weapons like no preparations were made for the future At the time of writing, a new dilemma the narrow Johore Strait. And this is exactly Army, and the Russian people all displayed nerve gas. long term governance of Iraq. has arisen – how far should “the West” This is not generalship or the art what happened in the event. an astonishing resilience. So Hitler’s So what really spurred President Bushite Washington was, therefore, become entangled with the fate of Syria? of command, let alone the practice of So the British plan in 1941 for would-be blitzkrieg became a gigantic Bush to attack Iraq? In his own vastly taken aback by the initial breakdown Have Western leaders learned the hard “management”. This surely is leadership – defending the Singapore naval base five-year struggle of attrition that ended retrospective words in November 2003, of law and order and subsequent virtual civil lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan? Will they the exercise of psychological power by one absolutely depended on holding northern with his suicide amidst the ruins of Berlin, “the establishment of a free Iraq in war between Sunnis and Shias that followed base their policy towards Syria on realistic individual over the rest of a human herd. Malaya. Churchill in his idée fixe about his own capital city. the heart of the Middle East will be a the Western takeover of the country. predictive strategic judgement? Or will Whether a leader employs that Singapore as a “fortress” never seems to There is an object lesson here for watershed event in the global democratic To date the cumulative cost of they once again base it on the idealistic power to conduct his human herd to have grasped this necessity, although as all statesmen who choose to pursue revolution… The United States has President Bush’s tragic lack of predictive promotion of western “values”? safe pastures or into danger depends, wartime premier and Minister of Defence some ideological cause; and what is adopted a new policy, a forward strategy judgement over Iraq has been appalling however, on another crucial attribute – he ought to have known the plan. more, lay a huge bet on an apparently of freedom in the Middle East.” So – some 4,000 American soldiers killed Correlli Barnett is a military and that of judgement. Not moral judgement, Now he made another disastrous certain strategic winner. It was, however, what we had in 2001-3 was a leader in action; at the very least, 100,000 Iraqi economic historian, fellow of Churchill especially when it is quasi-religious as misjudgement. The only strategic a lesson that President George W Bush of a hyper-power who believed himself men, women and children slaughtered; College, Cambridge, and the author of with George W Bush and Tony Blair, but purpose of Singapore was to serve as the and his colleagues failed to heed in entrusted by God with the re-making of and refugees numbering millions. And 17 books.

30 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 31 FEATURES

he House of Lords has often been average attendance in 2012 was at record If the House of Lords has changed and shape of the House of Lords can Do We Have a Tcharacterised as a gilded retirement levels: 475 (60 per cent) of peers attended so much – in the past 100 years, and be achieved without legislation, and home for former MPs. Indeed, when Prime on any one day. Although most hereditary especially since 2000 – why are we still legislating for Lords reform – as David Minister Benjamin Disraeli was elevated peers were removed in 1999, the present- debating reform? The answer is two-fold. Cameron and Nick Clegg now know – is to membership of the Lords in 1877, he day House of Lords has about the same First of all, “reform” has always been notoriously difficult. The number of new remarked: “I am dead; dead, but in the number of members as the House did in about the form as well as the function members is in the hands of the Queen Elysian Fields.” There has been a long 1958, before Life Peers were introduced; of the second chamber. The basis of (in effect, the Prime Minister), and history of politicians moving to the House but the complaints now are not about the membership of the House (for example, once appointed, members stay for life. of Lords after a career in the House House dying on its feet, but about the whether appointed or elected, and how Proposals to remove serious criminals of Commons, though not – apart from House being too large. elected), and its optimal size and political from the Lords have widespread some notable exceptions in the mid-20th The extent of this transformation balance, still have to be settled, at least to support, but will not reduce numbers century (including Tony Benn and Sir has recently been documented by Meg the point that vigorous debate subsides. significantly. Schemes to encourage New Alec Douglas-Home) – in the opposite Russell, of the Constitution Unit at Secondly, although small, incremental those peers who cannot attend to direction. At present, nearly a quarter of University College, London. In her new changes have succeeded (most of them withdraw from membership have had House of Lords? members of the Lords used to be MPs. study, The Contemporary House of Lords: came about through discrete pieces of little effect. In the absence of a will to Times are changing. The House Westminster Bicameralism Revived (OUP, legislation), they are rarely progressing legislate for a cap on appointments, or of Lords is no longer the automatic 2013), she analyses the work of the towards a well-defined, and agreed, for a reduction in the size of the House destination of choice for all former political House of Lords since the removal of nine ultimate goal. They are, for the most part, of Lords, some “reformers” are now leaders: no Prime Minister since Margaret in 10 of the hereditary peers in 1999. In sectional or reactive, fire-fighting the core focusing on a retirement age. So, at a The House of Lords is shedding its image Thatcher has joined the Lords, and with doing so, she shows that the House of issue of concern at that time. The House time when the default retirement age as a gilded retirement home for former her death in April, we have, for the first time Lords is more active, more expert, more of Lords is fundamentally changed, but it has been abolished for most jobs, the since Clement Attlee’s death in 1967, no likely to challenge government initiatives, remains “unreformed”. principal suggestion from reformers MPs, but many obstacles remain if the former Prime Minister in the upper House and profoundly more influential in the form In the wake of the collapse, in the for the further development of this House is to progress along a bolder path. of Parliament. Those who are appointed and content of legislation and approaches summer of 2012, of the Government’s vigorous House of Lords is a compulsory to the Lords are expected to contribute to national policy development than attempts to legislate for comprehensive retirement age. In fact, because so many CHRIS BALLINGER, ACADEMIC DEAN actively to the work of the upper House: hitherto. The transformation is so great House of Lords reform, those looking Members bring to the Lords a lifetime membership of the Lords is now a job. that one might conclude that we have a to the next fire-fighting change seek to of experience, a retirement age is That change is exemplified in the “New House of Lords”. reduce the size of the House. The House particularly arbitrary and inappropriate. changing activity of the upper House. Importantly, the increased boldness of of Lords has become a victim of its own Nonetheless, the gilded retirement When Attlee joined the Lords, it was dying the House of Lords has not detracted from success: its members are so active that home is now so active that some of atrophy. In the 1953-54 Parliamentary the powers of the House of Commons. the calls are now to reduce their number. who champion its cause now seek to session, 566 of 810 members of the House Russell argues convincingly that the The trouble is that no serious and persuade those Members, who cannot of Lords attended debates on fewer than power of Parliament is not a zero-sum transformative change to the size keep up the pace, to “retire” from it. 10 occasions. Life peers, appointed from game; rather, an assertive House of Lords 1958 onwards, laid the ground for a revival: can embolden and empower the House Dr Chris Ballinger is Academic Dean and The House of Lords has as their number increased, average daily of Commons against the Government. “A Official Fellow of Exeter. His bookThe become a victim of its own attendances rose from 136 (16 per cent) more assertive Lords”, concludes Russell, House of Lords 1911−2011: a century success: its members are so in 1959 to 241 (24 per cent) in 1966, “therefore complements an already The House of Lords is of non-reform was published last year by 325 (29 per cent) in 1986, and 417 (34 more assertive and professional House Hart Publishing. In June 2013 he gave active that the calls are now per cent) in 1998. In addition, sitting days of Commons. The two chambers with fundamentally changed, evidence to the House of Commons to reduce their number increased in number and sitting hours their very different and complementary but it remains “unreformed” Political and Constitutional Reform Select more than doubled. Committee work also memberships, have created a stronger Committee on the subject of “House of increased in volume and importance. The parliament overall.” Lords reform: what next?”.

The Houses of Parliament

32 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 33 FEATURES Can Aung San Suu Kyi Lead Lasting Change in Myanmar?

As Aung San Suu Kyi announces her candidacy for Myanmar’s elections in 2015, ANDREW MCLEOD (2012, LAW) considers the Leading in a Crisis country’s need for constitutional reform.

arely three years into its transition constitutional In the wake of a financial crisis, the Group Finance Director of Standard Bto democracy, Myanmar shifted into challenges facing the presidential campaign mode in May this country. Chartered, RICHARD MEDDINGS (1977, MODERN HISTORY), reflects on the changing year. Elections in the fledgling nation are And agree they styles of leadership required to re-route an economic downturn. not scheduled until 2015, but already did. At the workshop’s there have been duelling candidacy conclusion, we could announcements by Nobel laureate Daw announce a brokered Aung San Suu Kyi and Thura Shwe Mann, pact to amend the management teams have changed staff have remained in an optimistic growth a former joint chief of staff of Myanmar’s constitution. Judicial entirely; and the reputation of banks has mode. Yet in the West the opposite has armed forces and the current speaker independence had Policy makers will need become toxic. been true. Additionally, it is remarkable of the lower house of parliament. At the to be strengthened. And there is more to come. The how many apparent experts continue time of writing, it seemed possible that The separation of to manage an exit from economic situation remains very difficult, to emerge – people who get coverage, the current president, U Thein Sein, might executive, legislative the remarkable monetary creating a continued downward loop. Yet regulate, comment or lobby – but who do also be a candidate. The scene seems set and judicial power without a healthy banking system there this from a position of ignorance regarding for a face-off between the democratic should be made experiment of these years can be no modern economy. how banks work. Remaining clear about freedom fighter and two standard-bearers clearer. And a stronger what is changing requires a strategy built of the old guard, with constitutional reform form of federalism Here are some of the important lessons on the fundamentals of banking and an seemingly hanging in the balance. was needed to eing part of the leadership team of I have learnt in recent years: understanding of the technical details. The scenario illustrates a paradox address and resolve a large international bank during inherent in the process of establishing the ethnic tensions that Andrew McLeod and Aung San Suu Kyi at the B 1. Manage short-term pressures without 5. Constantly engage in two-way the financial crisis has been hugely constitutionalism in budding democracies. pose the greatest threat Myanmar Constitutional Democracy Workshop losing focus on investing in the long term. communication. Our dialogue with challenging. My abiding reflection from The foundations for enduring to Myanmar’s long-term Our businesses across Asia, Africa and the governments, with regulators across 70 this remarkable six-year period is that constitutional stability rely on strong political stability. Middle East continue to grow with excellent countries, with customers, investors, staff everything has intensified, happens leaders who can command the support These steps are major breakthroughs, potential. We need to stay invested in and the media is much more intense. faster or can be much more material, needed to effect difficult reforms. But but they represent only the start of a that growth, whilst ensuring the bank’s Controlling the message whilst listening requiring more fundamental responses. the tenets of genuine constitutionalism much longer journey. The immediate foundations remain robust. hard and with understanding is crucial. The scene seems set for The first tell-tale signs of the crisis transcend individuals. If they are to barriers to broader constitutional reform emerged in August 2007. For the following 2. Anticipate change and break with endure, constitutions cannot speak simply are significant. To take Daw Aung a face-off between the year the pressures on individual institutions historic thought processes. At the height What is clear is that it is not over yet. The to contemporary political crises; they San Suu Kyi’s case, she is disqualified democratic freedom fighter and the financial system grew inexorably, of the crisis, many institutions failed to economic pressures will persist as the must be capable of flexible application to under the current constitution as a and two standard-bearers of predominantly in Western economies. recognise quickly enough that the industry West deleverages further. The banking changing circumstances. presidential candidate because her Towards the end of 2008, after a year was changing fundamentally. We raised industry continues to face fundamental In May, I joined a group of constitutional sons are entitled to British citizenship. the old guard of growing anxiety and falling confidence capital in 2008, in 2009 and again in 2010 change. Policy makers will need to experts from around the world in taking the Moreover, as the constitution does not in markets, a series of rupturing events – each time before the markets expected it manage an exit from the remarkable first steps towards equipping Myanmar’s provide for direct election, she would (the Irish Government guarantee of and anticipating the forthcoming regulatory monetary experiment of these years, custodians with the tools they need to tackle need to secure the support of parliament Irish bank deposits, causing dislocation demands. In a 12-month period all the whilst dealing with the serial shocks this paradox. The Myanmar Constitutional to ascend to the presidency. This is no in other institutions; the collapse of “norms” changed, but staying ahead of the that could arise across geographies, Democracy Workshop brought together easy feat. Constitutionally, a quarter of patterns of good governance as it is about Washington Mutual and of Lehman’s) changes was critical. currencies and markets. decision-makers from across the political parliamentarians must be nominated by the people of Myanmar choosing the right combined to throw the system into On a personal level, this means that spectrum, from all branches of government the military’s commander in chief, and leader to continue the reforms under 3. The pace of decisions has to quicken. crisis. Western governments intervened leadership will remain challenging; a mix and from civil society. Daw Aung San in the current parliament, another half way. While Western donors and experts In a continuous six-year crisis, issues occur decisively to support the banking system of long-term thinking and immediate Suu Kyi and the senior leadership of her belong to the ruling USDP. can assist by providing the tools and all the time, requiring fast reaction based to prevent potentially anarchic collapse. fire fighting. One is likely to face issues National League for Democracy (NLD) But removing these restrictions solely mechanisms to support and sustain the on good information flows. The banking I was fortunate to work closely with and unpleasant surprises, rather than joined representatives of the ruling Union to enable Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to democratic transition, the appetite for system is very interdependent. Deciding the UK Government in designing this a series of things that went better than Solidiarity and Development Party (USDP), become president would be as damaging reform must come from within the country which institutions to lend to and how much intervention. Unsurprisingly, the banking expected. In this world, anyone leading the military, and many of the armed ethnic to Myanmar’s constitutional culture as their itself to have any chance of success. and for how long was, at the height of the industry has changed completely since in industry, government, or a bank needs groups currently fighting in Myanmar’s original inclusion. Any changes made to the crisis, a constant process. then: the regulatory framework has been a high level of resilience and self- outlying regions. For the first time in constitution must be for the lasting benefit Andrew McLeod is Deputy Director of the transformed; institutions have collapsed, 4. Understand the external signals. confidence in setting direction. It also Myanmar’s recent history, there was a of the nation as a whole. What happens Myanmar Constitutional Reform Project been bought by others or taken over Across our Asian markets the crisis has helps to be optimistic, believing that your neutral environment for the key players to in the lead up to the 2015 elections is and an adjunct lecturer in law at the by governments; business models and been less evident and our customers and efforts are worth it. discuss, debate, and agree the principal as much about laying down permanent University of Sydney, Australia.

34 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 35 FUNDRAISING Gifts that Lead the Way Leading by Director of Development KATRINA HANCOCK (1998, EARTH SCIENCES) reflects on Exeter’s dynamic fundraisers, generous donors and trailblazing initiatives that set the College along a path of philanthropic leadership. Example

n the world of fundraising the term friends and family, have inspired others I“Leadership Gift” is often used to to give to the same Bursary or to support describe a gift of seven or eight figures. student hardship more generally. Exeter’s Development OfficerEMILY WATSON (2002, LITERAE HUMANIORES) Yet such transformative gifts are not the The two largest lifetime leadership explains how the College’s youngest alumni are leading the way for only forms of philanthropic leadership gifts that Exeter has received have been that the College has seen. The generosity from Sir Ronald Cohen (1964, PPE) participation, with 96 per cent of finalists giving this year. of one Old Member can very easily towards the Walton Street Campus, and inspire the next – one person’s example, the late Shri Krishna Pathak (Friend) however modest, leading the way for whose generosity helped to fund the many more to follow. And there have redevelopment of Exeter House. Without been path-breaking new ways to support their lead such projects could not have the College championed by members of been imagined, but through their support the Exeter family past and present. and the additional gifts this leadership One such example is Amelia Jackson, inspires, such ambitions can be realised. space on staircase 6 and extra support from the College the wife of Rector Jackson, whose role But it is important to remember that Nurse, who is now able to work more hours every week to in setting an example to and providing giving at such levels is not the only way The 2013 student body has benefited accommodate welfare needs. for future generations of Exonians is to impact profoundly Exeter’s future. As The success of the 2012 Leavers’ Gift, and the detailed on page 38. Today there are 212 enormously from the generosity of recognition it has garnered both from alumni, two of members of the society which bears her the 2012 Leavers whom matched the total sum raised by the students, and name, whose members have pledged a from the University, which has honoured this fundraising gift to Exeter in their wills. It is our hope initiative with monetary prizes, has inspired the 2013 that many more will follow their lead. This is path-breaking finalists to emulate their predecessors. JCR President Also leading by example is David philanthropy taken literally Ed Nickell canvassed the student body in Hilary Term Webb (1983, Mathematics) who founded and a vote was again passed to put a donation of the Exeter College Incentive Scheme £13.14 on battels. As a result, 96 per cent of students (ECIS). The members of ECIS reward the xeter College is now widely recognised as a leader have participated, and the funds raised will be directed success of Exeter and its students by Ein development work among higher education towards an Indian travel bursary in memory of Vandana making a donation to the Annual Fund for described on page 37, Exeter is now the institutions, having achieved the highest giving rate Singh, a student who very sadly passed away this year, every Exeter finalist who receives a first. most widely supported higher education among alumni of any Oxford college (and indeed any and towards the refurbishment of the JCR. This will More recently Rector Cairncross institution (in terms of proportion of alumni higher education institution outside of the USA) in benefit next year’s students, and continue the cycle of walked from Devon to Oxford to raise giving) outside the USA. The sum of 2012. At the time of writing the College is on track to each year group helping the next. money for the College (see page 19) these annual donations, which range in retain this position in 2013. Such wonderful commitment and support from even and in the autumn a group of Exonians value from £1 upwards, enables Exeter to One area that the College is particularly proud of the younger members of the Exeter family is extremely will climb Kilimanjaro to inspire people operate as though it had an endowment of is the support shown by its current students. The Leavers’ encouraging. Our current students are fully aware of the to support Exeter (see page 39). This is £79m rather than the current market value Gift Initiative was launched in 2005, and the participation role that philanthropy plays in their experience of College path-breaking philanthropy taken literally. of around £58m. This success starts with of finalists in this scheme has been increasing year on life, be it their newly refurbished rooms, extra revision Gifts that have helped to lead the the generosity of its most recent alumni: year. Exeter was recently awarded two inter-collegiate classes before exams, new books for the library, a hardship direction of the College’s teaching of this year’s undergraduate leavers, 96 prizes by the University’s Ditchley Student Challenge bursary to help them make ends meet, or a travel grant provision include those from Peter per cent have made gifts totalling £1,433 Fund for the outstanding 95 per cent participation of the allowing them to make the most of a great internship Thompson (Friend) and William Jackson this financial year. Their support was led College’s 2012 leavers, and the innovative fundraising abroad. Having benefited so much in the three or four years (1983, Geography). Their vision and by current JCR president Edward Nickell methods used to achieve this result. they spend at Exeter, they know that upon leaving, it will be philanthropic leadership have ensured (2011, PPE), who put forward a motion to A committee of student volunteers canvassed their turn to play a part in this philanthropic tradition. that Exeter will always be able to teach the JCR that leavers be able to support opinions among the undergraduate student body, which Our youngest alumni show how seriously they take English and History respectively. Their the College through their battels accounts. passed a motion by an overwhelming majority that the responsibility of helping the next intake of students, gifts secured matched funding from the This produced record levels of support every member of the JCR should put £13.14 on battels, as over 50 per cent in the four youngest alumni year University worth a total of £1.6m and among leavers, and continued a pattern of with anyone not wishing to contribute being able to groups choose to donate. This is a great example to our protected the tutorial system in two vital increased participation from Exeter leavers opt out. The funds raised were used for two specific older Exonians, for whom the cost of higher education subjects. We have also been able to year on year. This peer to peer engagement purposes: to refurbish the GCR, a small room next to was not as high as for 2013 matriculands, and for whom underpin Exeter’s commitment to student is truly a form of leadership, and the the JCR, transforming it into an agreeable study space; the job market was not as competitive as for 2013 support through an anonymous gift of participation is every bit as important as the and to provide extra welfare support for students. The graduates. If 96 per cent of current students can donate £1m. More modest gifts, such as those monetary value of the gifts as this youngest 2013 student body has benefited enormously from the £13.14, then there is surely no reason why every other given to the Clare Pettit Bursary by her cohort of alumni lead by example. generosity of the 2012 Leavers, with a lovely new revision year group should not be able to do so as well.

36 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 37 FUNDRAISING

Telethon team Kilimanjaro Providing for Exeter’s Future

Following the foundation of the Amelia Jackson Society in 2012, Exeter’s Campaign Gifts Manager TESSA STANLEY PRICE remembers the College’s most generous legator.

The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. Today and tomorrow are yet to be said. The chances, the changes are all yours to make. Climbing to The mold of your life is in your hands to break. A Ringing New Heights

So writes Exonian JRR Tolkien in The Hobbit. When I first read these lines, they struck me as a rather fitting way to PATRICK GARTLAND think about legacy giving, and in fact like a call to action. Success (2011, JURISPRUDENCE) While my role within the Development Office is mainly focused on encouraging Exonians to make gifts and a team of towards the 700th Anniversary Campaign, I also spend Exonians prepare time working on legacies. Over the last 10 years, Exeter After participating in the Easter Telethon has received over £2.4m from 55 generous legators; campaign, NOAH HILLYARD (2012, ROMAN HISTORY) to take Exeter’s fundraising some gifts large and some more modest. Whatever their discovers the lasting bond between all Exonians, to new heights ahead of their monetary value, they all carry great significance: these donors chose to give something back to the College on even those who have never met. Mount Kilimanjaro climb. their death and to lead the way in providing for the next generations of Exonians. his autumn, 20 Exonians of different nsurprisingly, picking up the telephone constant, and the mutual affinity to In late 2012, Exeter founded the Amelia Jackson ages and backgrounds will travel to for the first time on the March Exeter during a Telethon conversation is T Society in order to recognise and thank all those who U Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The Telethon campaign was nerve-racking exceptionally rewarding. have pledged to remember the College in their will. expedition will commemorate Exeter’s for us all. The process ostensibly involves I was astounded by the range of Amelia Jackson is the College’s most generous legator; 700th Anniversary and raise money Amelia Jackson by Harris Brown, 1889 having a conversation with a complete careers and pursuits into which Exonians she left Exeter the equivalent of over £2m in today’s towards the College’s Annual Fund. I am stranger. However, after our first calls it throw themselves. I spoke to Olympians, terms on her death in 1925. Her gift has supported delighted to be among the expedition’s was evident that we had nothing to worry distinguished thespians and musicians, as scores of Amelia Jackson Scholars, and will continue number. Though our muscles will ache, about; the people with whom we spoke well as industry leaders from every field. to help many more in the years to come. It seemed only we will be helping to fund the College’s Fellows, former Fellows, members of were anything but strangers. Telethon callers are able to witness how right to name our legacy society in her honour. hardship bursaries, scholarships, sports We had the Exeter experience in donations are made and how they benefit Importantly, Amelia Jackson was not a student of the staff, parents, and others connected to and arts grants, the tutorial system, current students. The necessity of alumni College herself. The wife of Rector William Jackson, she Careers Office, and various outreach the College are as important a part of the benefactions to enhance the collegiate had no children of her own and the Exeter students were events. This, and the views from the top experience is not lost on any of us. surrogate sons to her (the Stapeldon Magazine tells us that Exeter story as our students and alumni of Africa’s tallest mountain, will make the Soon a Telethon caller may contact me she invited every undergraduate to Sunday lunch in the pain worthwhile. Telethon callers are able to and explain Exeter’s current fundraising Lodgings once a year). This love of Exeter during her lifetime If you would like to donate to this efforts. It will be a conversation between endures 90 years after her death. Her legacy demonstrates witness how donations are good cause and leave a message of two people who cherish Exeter, and when the impact of the Exeter Family, a large group of people that Society. Our inaugural meeting took place in April 2013 made and how they benefit support, each climber has a short I am asked to make a gift, I know what my includes Fellows, former Fellows, members of staff, parents, with a full programme of talks by a Fellow and two biography and a link to their fundraising current students response will be. and others connected to the College. They are as important current Amelia Jackson Scholars, a lunch and a concert page on the Exeter website at a part of the Exeter story as our students and alumni. in the Chapel. www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/kilimanjaro – A legacy is just about the only gift that everyone can One of Exeter’s recent Amelia Jackson Scholars optimistic smiles included! make. For many, it offers an opportunity to do something wrote, “Her legacy has enabled me to develop Climbing Kilimanjaro, whilst a transformative for a place that has transformed their academically and professionally. To hold a scholarship common, and a shared desire to see challenge, is an incredible opportunity. own life. For others, leaving a more modest sum to in the name of a great woman, pivotal in Exeter’s history, the College prosper. Of course, much I imagine that looking out from the Exeter acts as a nod of acknowledgement to a place has been especially meaningful to me. Maintenance has changed over the years – I spoke to roof of Africa, 5,895m above sea they appreciate. And, of course, we mustn’t forget that of this sort is vital, both morally and financially, and is many alumni who remember Exeter as a level, after an eight-day trek through there is a reduction in inheritance tax for those who unquantifiable.” It is a privilege to talk to members of the male-only college – but the decades melt rainforest, moorland and more will be leave 10 per cent or more of their taxable estate to Exeter family about this ultimate form of commitment to away as Exonians reminisce about their an unbelievable experience. I am sure charity – well worth remembering! the College and I look forward to doing very much more first tutorial, an infamous Schools’ Dinner that moment will remain with us long We warmly encourage all Exonians and members of it in 2014 and beyond. I am sure JRR Tolkien, who or a hard-earned bump at Torpids. In this after the hiking boots are packed away. of the wider Exeter family to join the Amelia Jackson was a legator himself, would approve. sense Exeter’s essence is remarkably Wish us luck!

38 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 39 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN Campaign Update

Exeter is top of the class when it comes to fundraising. The chairman of the Exeter Excelling Campaign MARK HOUGHTON-BERRY (1976, LITERAE HUMANIORES) looks at some of the Campaign’s most notable successes of the past year.

further £3.4m in total has been given by William Jackson, Peter Thompson and a further anonymous Old Member to fund Fellowships in History and English, and to Smiles All Round alleviate student hardship. Further Major Gifts (which fall outside the Annual Fund total) of some £1m have also been received, and the generosity of these donors is appropriately recorded elsewhere. After a bold rebranding exercise, Exeter’s student-run charity raises its As we approach 2014, Exeter College has every reason to be optimistic about profile and ensures Oxford’s disadvantaged children get a well-deserved the realisation of its ambitious plans holiday. JOSEPH BRANSFIELD (2010, FINE ART) for its future. I take this opportunity to encourage those of you who are already providing financial support to make a special effort, if you can, in our 700th e began the year with a vision to unsure if we would be anniversary year. All of us on the Campaign Wre-brand ExVac by giving it an able to run holidays next Committee would also like those who have aesthetic make-over and creating a year, and yet we now find not previously made a donation to do so brand that represents our charity and ourselves in a position to riting this review of the latest year participation, would be a superb way to in 2014 if they possibly can. We all have the work we do. Over the year we have run at least one holiday Win the life of the Exeter Excelling celebrate the College’s 700th anniversary, much to be proud of in our association developed a new logo, website and thanks to the great work Campaign, I realise with some surprise that to mark the fund-raising successes of with the College, and the series of events social media pages. These have not only of our committee and this is the last time I will be able to refer to our outgoing Rector, and to welcome her planned for next year will, I am sure, increased the charity’s profile, but have the generosity of our “the coming anniversary”. By this time next successor, Professor Sir Richard Trainor, enhance that pride. Floreat Exon! also helped to create an image that we donors. We are confident year, our 700th birthday will finally have as he sets about realising his desire “to see can promote when applying for funding. and hopeful that people arrived. I suppose it is rather in the nature of a dynamic Exeter at the forefront of the It is hard for us to think of ExVac in will continue to support these things to be a long time coming. world-leading University of Oxford”. such a commercial way, as it is a small Exeter’s student-run I wrote last year that increasing the rate I do hope that you will not only Exeter overtook Univ last year and sensitive charity; however, applying charity next year and in of participation in annual giving was now participate in the Annual Fund at whatever to trusts for grants is an extremely the future, allowing us a major focus of the Campaign. Any Old level you can, but also encourage any to become the College with competitive task. The better we can to continue to give 32 Member who has not by now heard about Exonians with whom you are in touch to the highest level of alumni represent what we do and the more children a well-deserved some creative thinking and artful price the great success of that effort must have do the same. This is a powerful form of participation in Oxford professional we look, the more likely we holiday every Easter. negotiations they were still every bit as been living in a very deep cave, but it bears giving because it is spent by the College in are to receive the funding we need. We have set up a strong infrastructure good, if not better! Holiday highlights repeating! In a nutshell, Exeter overtook the year in which it is received – last year’s University – and indeed, we The re-branding effort has really which hopefully will help ExVac maintain included a trip to a theme park, pottery Univ last year to become the College with total was the equivalent to the spendable believe, outside the USA helped ExVac to counteract the harsh its great work and sustain its reputation as painting and seeing the children work the highest level of alumni participation in income which would have arisen from financial climate; we started the year a valuable resource for struggling families together building shelters in a forest. Oxford University – and indeed, we believe, an extra £21m worth of endowment. So within our local community. Our I have spent the last year being outside the USA. our University-leading Annual Fund gives relationships with Oxfordshire’s ExVac’s external fundraiser, and at times it This level of support is something that Exeter the resources of a college with a social workers, schools and the can be hard to keep motivated, especially should make all Exeter alumni very proud. considerably larger capital endowment. Spurgeons Young Carers Service as 90 per cent of our funding requests Not only are the funds raised in this way A further benefit of high annual giving This year’s holidays were run on continue to flourish, and it is with are unsuccessful. However, this year I (almost £700,000 last year) a vital part of rates is that they encourage generosity a tighter budget than previous their help that we find the children was lucky enough to be able to go on the operating budget of the College, but the among our Major Benefactors. Our who can most benefit from ExVac. one of the Easter holidays as a volunteer. example you are setting is one which will Campaign is not just about raising money years, yet with some creative The holidays this year were a Seeing the charity’s work and the positive help the whole University, as each individual for Walton Street, important though that thinking and artful price great success; we had extremely influence it has on children’s lives is an college sees what can be achieved and is. It is also about the Campaign title negotiations they were still positive feedback from parents, extremely rewarding experience. The tries to catch up. “Exeter Excelling”. It is therefore very social workers and the children children had a great time, and were able to This they will certainly try to do, but pleasing to be able to report that, in every bit as good, if not better themselves. This year’s holidays completely relax and just have fun, which, it is our goal to raise the bar still higher addition to £2m received (as part of his were run on a tighter budget at the end of the day, is what lies at the over the next two years. Achieving this, £4m pledge) this past year from our most than previous years, yet with core of ExVac. and remaining number one for alumni generous benefactor, Sir Ronald Cohen, a

Images: Design concepts for the Walton Street site 40 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 41 CAMPAIGN Building 1 2 Exeter’s Future

As plans for Exeter’s “Third Quad” develop, ALISON BROOKS offers a glimpse at the innovative design work behind the Walton Street project. 3

fter an extensive pre-planning dialogue along Walton Street); and a new location Awith Oxford County Council, Alison for on-street cycle spaces and flowering Brooks Architects (ABA) has submitted trees on Worcester Place. ABA has also Our ongoing task is to detailed planning documentation for produced a document entitled “A History Exeter College’s new residential and of Roof Design in Oxford” to provide a uncover opportunities for academic quadrangle at Walton Street for context for the new roof interventions at architectural invention Conservation Area and Listed Building Walton Street. and iconography approval. Since the March submission the The project team has visited Rimex design team has continued to respond to Metals UK, the specialist stainless steel feedback and queries from local interest finishing factory that will provide tiles for groups and stakeholders. The statutory the checkerboard roof. The two colours and finishes. Detailed internal design public consultation period has been of the Walton Street roof tiles result includes bookshelves and display extended to allow time for consideration of from a patented oxidisation process. The cabinets, study tables, wall finishes and the supplementary design and analytical interference of light with the passive information displays. The Auditorium documentation, and the planning committee oxide surface layer produces a range of has been further detailed with acoustic determination is anticipated in September. subtle and slightly iridescent colours. This panels and movable furniture to provide ABA’s supplementary material includes oxide layer on coloured stainless steel is for the various activities that it will a more detailed investigation into local many times thicker than on non-coloured accommodate, while the overall sound ecology such as existing bat habitats; an stainless steel and therefore increases insulation has been boosted. 4 5 analysis of the windows in the original its corrosion resistance. The lower Learning Commons’s façades of the Ruskin Building; proposals Rimex has produced some test sheets servery and café is being embellished for neighbouring street improvements used to construct mock-up panels that with patterned tiles abstracted from (including a more generous pavement were placed at the Walton Street courtyard designs by Exonian William Morris; and for public viewing. These illustrate the size typical student bedroom details are being and interlocking detail of the roof tiles as refined ahead of life-sized mock-ups well as the degree of glow and tonal ranges that will be exhibited offsite for detailed The lower Learning produced by different surface textures. scrutiny by all concerned. Commons’s servery and Whilst the planning process Our ongoing task is to uncover progresses, the architectural team and opportunities for architectural invention café is being embellished our consultant engineers, Stockley and iconography while keeping a tight with patterned tiles and Max Fordham, are finding detailed rein on costs. The next four months will design solutions for every element of see the completion of detailed design abstracted from designs by the building. It is a varied task, from and construction documentation to Exonian William Morris the basement waterproofing, to the enable the physical redevelopment of the overall lighting concept; the location of Walton Street quadrangle to start in early 1 Learning Commons 2 Main foyer 3 Café technical equipment, to stair formwork February 2014. 4 Stainless steel roofing panels5 View from Worcester Place

42 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 43 CAMPAIGN ALUMNI Youngest US Senator Pushes for Gun Control

Exeter now counts among its Old Members the youngest Senator in the United States Congress, who has placed gun control at the heart of his political agenda. SIVAHN BARSADE (2012, WILLIAMS)

Rebels on rasenose, Balliol, Christ Church and Trinity may be who represents the Democratic Party from the state Brenowned for grooming future British MPs and PMs, of Connecticut. but Exeter is not without its own political protégés. Matthew Beginning his political career only four years after Hancock (1996, PPE), MP for West Suffolk and Under- leaving Exeter, Senator Murphy was elected in 2012, after Secretary of State for Further Education, for example; Nick six years in the House of Representatives, to replace the Walton Street Hurd (1981, Lit retiring Connecticut Senator and former vice presidential Hum), MP for candidate, Joe Lieberman. Since taking up office, Senator Ruislip, Northwood Murphy has made gun control one of his top policy initiatives. Williams College Architecture student Henry Schmidt considers how and Pinner and The issue is particularly relevant to Senator Murphy as the “Third Quadrangle” on Walton Street rebels against the strict The New York Times has Under-Secretary of his district includes the town of Newtown, CT – the site architectural order in which Oxford students have traditionally learned likened Senator Murphy State for Charities; of the tragic Sandy Hook School shooting last autumn. to former US President and not forgetting Senator Murphy’s maiden speech on the Senate floor and lived. HENRY SCHMIDT (2012, WILLIAMS) such established urged Congress to challenge the National Rifle Association Bill Clinton political names (NRA), a powerful pro-gun lobbying group, and pass more as the former stringent gun control policies. He has stated: “We don’t have come to love the newness and strangeness of submitted, that of Alison Brooks Architects (ABA) was President of Ghana, need a national conversation. We need national action.” IExeter over the course of my year at Oxford. The extent unique in its centrally focused, radial organisation. A vast, John Kufuor (1961, The New York Times has likened Senator Murphy to which my experience is shaped by the strict ordering two-storey space for eating, reading, and socialising, tritely PPE), or the former to former US President Bill Clinton (also an Oxford and separation of its spaces constantly surprises me: deemed the agora in architectural parlance, is the organising Prime Minister of Peru, Pedro-Pablo Kuczynski (1956, PPE). alumnus) in both “vaulting ambition…precocious from the hierarchy of quadrangles, rewarding the depth force of the new site. The old principles of division and Exeter can now count among its Old Members achievement” and an “unswerving Democratic political of one’s penetration with ever grander sights, to the hierarchy have been rejected. The strict rectilinearity and the youngest current Senator in the United States compass.” Will Senator Murphy follow the path of vantage overlooking Radcliffe Square, where one could classical geometry of the Turl Street site have also been Congress, Chris Murphy (1994, Williams), an alumnus President Clinton? Regardless, Exeter wishes the not possibly feel more distant from throngs of tourists discarded: oblique angles shape central spaces, axes of of the Williams-Exeter Programme at Oxford (WEPO) Junior Senator from Connecticut the best of luck! and passers-by; from the alluring mystery of the Rector’s movement drift out of sync, roof languidly curves into wall Garden, to entire networks of rooms that I cannot enter. in undelineated transition, and functions are displaced in All of these have located my identity here on precise three dimensions. Inside its boundaries is, in ABA’s words, social and academic spectra. The physical body of an “architecture of encounter”, a fluid and formless, yet Exeter has humbled and inspired me. This is its aim. functionally coherent, experience of place. All Oxford colleges are Some elements of Exeter’s organising principles organised on these principles, remain, however. From such trivial notes as the diamond Exeter’s Distinguished Friends in part due to the fact that most pattern of the development’s roof cladding (a reference to were constructed in eras with the spire of the College Chapel), to the use of that oolitic The extent far stricter social hierarchies limestone which is ubiquitous to all “contextually sensitive” A librarian and a documentary maker are awarded the honorary to which my than our own. But one glance projects in Oxford, references to the old order remain. title Distinguished Friend of Oxford for their special contributions experience is at the newer colleges and The plans for Walton Street remind me of my own contemporary projects around collegiate experience in the USA, at Williams College. to University life. SAM VOLPE (2012, ENGLISH) shaped by the Oxford will reveal that this Unlike Exeter, however, the Williams campus at large seems strict ordering system of organisation is neither public nor wholly private. It is fluid and boundless. and separation present in all eras and all styles The boundary between Turl Street and Exeter’s here are many ways through which the University with Oxford’s libraries, and it is for his tireless work as a of construction. The form and historic site is clear and unambiguous. The tightness of Tof Oxford can honour those who contribute to its volunteer that he has been honoured. of its spaces the success of the formula that awesome door, through which we duck our heads and success. One of the newer forms of recognition is the Ivor Agyeman-Duah has written a biography of former constantly have persisted. fumble our bikes, and the cool darkness of the Porters’ title of Distinguished Friend of Oxford (DFO). Instituted Ghanaian president Joseph Kufuor (1961, PPE) and The new Exeter College Lodge could not more clearly impress upon us the idea of in 1997, this award heralds those who make important directed a documentary about the Ashanti queen Yaa surprises me property on Walton Street “threshold”, of “difference”. and perhaps under-appreciated contributions to the Asantewaa, who led her people against British rule at the complicates this formula, but Can we create spaces that complicate this division, just University, its colleges or departments, or the buildings start of the 20th century. In 2011 he was key in securing certain elements of it remain. as Walton Street complicates Exeter’s spatial structure, we use every day. Two men who have received this the visit of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to The linearity of the Walton without compromising the security of the students and award recently include David Vaisey (1956, History) Oxford as part of the lead-up to Exeter’s 700th anniversary Street site lends itself to hierarchical organisation. the academic focus of the space? Through comparison, and Ivor Agyeman-Duah, a friend of the College. celebrations, and it is for this that he has been celebrated. Several of the design proposals distilled Exeter’s strict the Walton Street project highlights the architectural David Vaisey was “Bodley’s Librarian” from 1986 to These remarkable men demonstrate the value of the architectural order into their plans. experience of Exeter and compels us to reformulate the 1997 and has been associated with the library for more DFO award and, as a current Exonian, it is inspiring to note Of the five proposals for the Walton Street site originally complementary experiences of learning and of living. than half a century. Since then, he has retained ties the special relationship each has with the College.

Images: Part of the existing building (left) & plans for the redeveloped site (right) 44 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 45 ALUMNI The Tolkien Legacy

As Bilbo Baggins enjoys blockbuster success, AMRIT SIDHU-BRAR (2012, PHYSICS) considers the legacy of one of Exeter’s most accomplished alumni from Hollywood films to Oxford’s Tolkien Spring School.

Tolkien (second row from back, fifth from left) and members of Exeter’s rugby and boat clubs in 1914

deeper understanding, College. The School concluded with the this was a three-day ambitiously-titled discussion “Tolkien — event comprising a Author of the Century?” series of lectures, The Tolkien Estate continues to talks and discussions release material from the huge collection by Tolkien experts of Tolkien’s unpublished work that exists. on Tolkien-related The Fall of Arthur, released this May, subjects. The majority is an epic poem by Tolkien, extending of the speakers were to over a thousand verses, although Exeter’s Library inspires Tolkien’s “Middle-Earth”. Oxford Fellows or never finished. It is his retelling of the Painting by Max Mulvany (2009, Fine Art) lecturers, although tale of King Arthur, written, although in some were from outside the University, modern English, entirely in Old English On display are several pieces of and several of them had previously verse forms. The unpublished sections Tolkien’s artwork, including two of his published Tolkien-related work. of Tolkien’s works are still sizeable, and original watercolours for The Hobbit As well as lectures concerning much of his compositions in invented — one featuring Smaug the dragon his famous universe and mythology, languages are as yet unseen by the — which he painted especially for the subjects included the professor’s life as wider world. first American edition, and several an academic and author, his constructed All of these events show us that maps of his Middle-Earth, drawn and languages, his lesser-known fiction Tolkien’s legacy continues as strongly as calligraphed in striking blue and black (which was not about the world of The ever. Although they may not necessarily ink with his own hand. Lord of the Rings), and his influences as be appealing to the taste of many Tolkien Also present are Tolkien’s a writer. Aside from the programme of purists, the Jackson films promise reproductions of the last pages of the talks, attendees visited the Bodleian to continuing popularity, and the flow of books fictionalBook of Mazarbul (those familiar see an exhibition of Tolkien’s manuscripts written about Tolkien is huge (over 1,000 Bust of Tolkien with the books or films will remember exclusively created for the Spring School, Tolkien-related publications appeared in this dusty volume, which Gandalf reads and enjoyed a Tolkien-based tour of the last decade). Tolkien’s importance to the Company in Balin’s tomb in Moria), Oxford and a themed banquet in Balliol to Oxford is so large that there exists a t has now been 102 years since The release of The Hobbit: an Ages to Middle-Earth”, which features written in his own invented runic and Tolkien walking tour of the city for tourists IExeter College admitted John Ronald Unexpected Journey has boosted Tolkien heavily. The exhibition, cursive scripts, artificially burned and (I did once hear a tour guide remark that Reuel Tolkien to read Classics and Tolkien-related interest and fandom open from May to October of this otherwise distressed to appear as they Tolkien wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, English, and 40 years since his death around the world. The six years year, shows many of the Bodleian’s would have to the Company when they but I think that most of them do know JRR in 1973, and yet the popularity of following the release of the first of treasures relating to magic, in fiction were found. These were created by Attendees visited the Tolkien from CS Lewis...). his stories is as high, indeed higher, Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films and otherwise. As well as some of Tolkien especially for inclusion in the Tolkien believed that no language than ever. This past year has been accounted for one-third of Lord of the Tolkien’s work, there are manuscripts Lord of the Rings books, although few Bodleian to see an was complete without a mythology and particularly exciting for Tolkien Rings book sales to that date, and a of other magical fictions, together contemporary editions now include them. exhibition of Tolkien’s a canon of stories, and that through scholars, enthusiasts and casual fans similar surge of popularity is occurring with artefacts and books from the During this year’s Easter vacation, manuscripts exclusively his work he was helping to complete alike, with the release of the first part now with the release of the Hobbit films. real-world “practice” of magic — books the Faculty of English organised the the English language. Considering how of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, Here in Oxford, this year also of alchemy, bestiaries of magical Oxford Tolkien Spring School. Aimed created for the Spring School quickly languages can change, it now and many Tolkien-related events and sees the Bodleian Library’s exhibition creatures, and lists of magic spells at members of the public with some seems likely that his work will outlast publications in Oxford and elsewhere. “Magical Books – From the Middle from antiquity. knowledge of his works who would like a even the language he spoke and loved.

46 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 47 ALUMNI Cheers to 700 Years Working Magic in Pitch Perfect Alumnus Charles Outhwaite proves that Exeter is still sparkling on its 700th the Literary Richard Hills hits all the right notes, as he becomes the second former Exeter Organ Scholar to give a solo recital anniversary. HANNEKE WILSON, WINE STEWARD World at the BBC Proms. GEORGE DE VOIL (2011, MUSIC) The literary agent to xeter will be celebrating its winery, the Outhwaites vinify only their JK Rowling, Neil Blair, “The summons came around 700th anniversary with an own grapes, because their wine is meant uring a fleeting coffee break between E described his charmed February,” says Richard. “They ask the English sparkling wine called to be an expression of their terroir. The Choir rehearsal and the Tuesday D small names quite late.” And yet, as the Ambriel, which is made by an Old wine-making is the “traditional method” of career to Exonians in Hilary. evensong for which Richard had agreed Richard’s mastery of two only artist giving a solo recital on any Member. Charles Outhwaite (1984, Champagne, but as Wendy puts it, Ambriel to play (it was Trinity Term, and our regular MATTHEW BALDWIN, different instrumental styles instrument in this year’s season, he is Modern History) and his wife is not “sham-pagne”. organist was submerged in Finals), I anything but a small name: indeed, his Wendy Outhwaite QC, a graduate The vineyard yielded its first crop COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER enquired about the week ahead. It was – those of the classical concert is close to selling out. Since of St Hugh’s, own a vineyard in 2010, and these grapes (70% to be “a quiet one”: a few evensongs at and cinema organs – has the restoration of the Albert Hall organ in Pulborough, West Sussex, Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir and 3% eil Blair (1986, Jurisprudence) Westminster Abbey, a regular Sunday been unique, drawing on in 2004, the recitals have become where the greensand soil Pinot Meunier) are the basis of the first appeared understated as he described at St Mary’s, Bourne St (London’s great N more prestigious than ever, with visits and the benign microclimate Classic Cuvée, which was launched on 6 his career path to students, alumni and Anglo-Catholic church, home to a chic considerable reserves of from David Titterington, Stephen Farr, are particularly suited to June 2013. Together with Bursar William staff in February. Chance rather than Chelsea congregation and a choir virtuosity and invention, and David Briggs, and Wayne Marshall. The the growing of grapes for Jensen, I have visited the vineyard twice design and luck over judiciousness were, directed by Exonian David Trendell), and limitless panache instrument, built in 1871 by the great sparkling wine. and taken part in dosage trials with the he suggested, the forces that brought some afternoons teaching at the Yehudi Henry “Father” Willis, is the second In 2008 they planted their wine maker, Kobus Louw, so there is a about his success. If that is so then Menuhin School. But the real highlight largest in the UK. It is famed for its 9.5 hectares with 30,000 little bit of Exeter input in Ambriel. It is fortune certainly favours him. From “Magic was scheduled for the following morning, incredible sonic variety, making particular vines of the Champagne a lovely fresh-tasting wine, and we look Circle” law firm, to Warner Brothers, playing the Hammersmith Apollo’s famous use of orchestral effects from string, varieties Chardonnay, Pinot forward to enjoying it in the coming take to Christopher Little Literary Agency, to Wurlitzer, which he re-inaugurated in 2007 Exeter’s organ scholars have flute and trumpet stops to unorthodox Noir and Pinot Meunier. over year. For further information, please literary agent for the UK’s best-selling to great acclaim. Recent months have seen developed a reputation for versatility, voices like the tubular bell and bass In their state-of-the-art see www.ambrielsparkling.com. author since records began, JK Rowling. performances in Brighton, Southampton, with many pursuing opera and drum. Richard hopes to draw out as It was at Warner Brothers that Mr Blair Worthing, and further afield, as Richard composition as well as traditional paths much of this character as possible in a first met Jo Rowling, author of theHarry Potter continues to lecture, demonstrate, and – in cathedral music and education (the diverse programme of compositions from novels. There he played a role in securing for above all – entertain, seducing a legion of current Directors of Music at Rugby, 1930s, 40s and 50s British light music, Warner Brothers what would become the fans with the magic of the theatre organ. Charterhouse, Latymer, Sherborne and many of which he has arranged for the highest-grossing film franchise of all time. “It’s hugely satisfying and great fun. I King’s College, London are all Exonians), organ himself. And what will unite the Clearly his talent stood out. Ms Rowling’s remember hearing my first Wurlitzer aged but among them, Richard’s mastery of programme? He smiles. “This Prom is literary agency, Christopher Little, snapped seven, and I was speechless at the big, two different instrumental styles – those all about the musical age where melody him up, and Mr Blair worked closely with her warm and vibrant effect. It’s possible to of the classical and cinema organs – has was king.” From the rousing Sound and to redefine how e-books could be designed capture every nuance on the theatre organ: been unique, drawing on considerable Vision March by Coates, to Fats Waller’s and sold and to create an exciting online pathos, tragedy, ecstatic joy.” reserves of virtuosity and invention, and spectacular A Handful of Keys, we are world for Harry Potter fans: Pottermore. limitless panache. His pre-eminence guaranteed a good tune. And Richard In 2011 Neil Blair founded his own in both fields has been reflected in will be closeted in the Hall throughout literary agency, The Blair Partnership, broadcasts on BBC Radio 2 as well as August, long after everyone else has and Jo Rowling was his first client. BBC Radio 3, his rendition of Tiger Rag gone to sleep, ensuring that, as ever, it Through the Little, Brown Book Group has become a YouTube sensation, and in It’s possible to capture every will be note perfect. they published The Casual Vacancy in 2010 he was voted Organist of the Year September 2012, Ms Rowling’s first adult nuance on the theatre organ: by the American Theatre Organ Society. book, and in April this year The Cuckoo’s pathos, tragedy, ecstatic joy But in terms of bridging the gap between Calling – a whodunit released under the two, his invitation to the Proms Ms Rowling’s pseudonym Robert Galbraith. represents new heights. JK Rowling is not the only household name on The Blair Partnership’s books. Headlines were made this year when the Partnership announced another of its clients, Chelsea and England footballer Frank Lampard, would publish a series of children’s books called Frankie’s Magic Football, the first of which was released in June. From “Magic Circle” to Magic Football, we wait with interest to see where Mr Blair’s undoubted talent takes him – and readers – next.

Photos: The Ambriel estate and wine 48 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 49 BACK SECTION The Year in Pictures Published Exonians

The inaugural “Don’t Worry Be Happy Day” and a fond farewell to Professor Helen From critically acclaimed novels to Second World War memoirs, Exeter’s community Watanabe-O’Kelly are just two of the highlights of Exeter’s last 12 months. continues to produce works that are much more than Nonsense.

Nonsense Presidential Leadership La Règle du Jeu 1 2 3 Christopher Reid and the Creation of the Victor Perkins (1968, English) American Era (1957, Modern History) Christopher Reid presents Joseph Nye (1958, PPE) La Règle du jeu was the first a collection of poetry This book examines the and is arguably still the finest suffused with dark foreign policy decisions of of all the films that we see humour and poignancy. The collection the presidents who presided over the most in a director’s cut. Renowned film critic includes four narrative poems, reflecting critical phases of America’s rise to world Victor Perkins traces the movie’s fortunes love and loss and life’s peculiarities. primacy in the 20th century, and assesses from the time of its production, offering the effectiveness and ethics of their choices. a nuanced account of its shifting moods, Orkney its themes and its style. Amy Sackville Science and the (2002, English Studies) Afterlife Experience Brothers Emanuel On a remote island in Chris Carter (1983, PPE) Ezekiel Emanuel Orkney, a curiously Focusing on three phenomena (1980, Biochemistry) matched couple arrives – reincarnation, apparitions, A family memoir describing 5 on honeymoon. But how well do they and communications from the the distinguished Emanuel really know each other, and what dead – Chris Carter reveals 125 years of brothers: one of the most secrets does the stormy sea hold? scientific studies that argue that afterlife colourful figures in American politics; one phenomena are real. of the world’s leading bioethicists and 4 These Are Our Children oncologists; and a Hollywood super-agent. Julie Maxwell UNEP The First 40 Years (Fellow in English) Stanley Johnson Angels Ten!: Memoirs of One in five confirmed (1959, English) a WWII Spitfire Pilot pregnancies end in The book marks the 40th Richard Gilman miscarriage. One in 10 anniversary of the United (1947, Geography) babies will spend time in a neonatal Nations Environment On 24 November 1941 Richard unit. These sensitive subjects form the Programme, charting the evolution of Gilman crashed his disabled heart of Julie Maxwell’s new novel. UNEP from its inception at the landmark Spitfire V-B into a mud bank. He was only Stockholm conference of 1972 to its 19 years old. The accident led to several 6 7 8 The Lords of War: from position today at the heart of the global operations, over a year of hospitalisation and Lincoln to Churchill environmental movement. many more of recovery. This is his story. Correlli Barnett (1948, Modern History) The Silence of Animals: On House of Lords 1911-2011: This wide-ranging study Progress and Other A Century of Non-Reform of leadership examines Modern Myths Chris Ballinger (Academic Dean) the strengths and weaknesses of 20 John Gray (1968, PPE) A detailed analysis of leaders in the late 19th and early 20th This sequel to John Gray’s the principal attempts to centuries, from the Napoleonic Wars bestselling Straw Dogs draws reform the House of Lords to the Second World War. Were they on memoirs, poems, fiction and philosophy and of the many issues surrounding successful, or were they beaten down to make readers re-imagine their place in this process. “Authoritative, shrewd and by the burden of their roles? the world. readable” – Peter Riddell.

Photo/illustration credits

COVER Obama © Getty Images; Thatcher © Hulton Archive/Getty Images; P14 American Flag Illustration © istock.com/vladmarko Major © Time & Life Images/Getty Images; Ghandi © istock.com/ PictureLake; P14 Democrat/Republican Illustration © istock.com/pagadesign Ornate Frame © istock.com/ winterling; Small Frame © istock.com/ macroworld P15 Peanut Illustration © istock.com/ KeithBishop P5 Background Illustration © istock.com/ Leontura P17 Spotlight Illustration © istock.com/ d_gas 1 History Finalists are “trashed” 2 Professor Helen Watanabe-O’Kelly, Fellow in German, at her retirement party 3 Fun in Fellows’ P6 Farmer Illustration © 123rf.com/rudall30 P19 Pins Illustrations © istock.com/ beastfromeast Garden 4 First years ahead of their law moderations 5 A joint MCR-JCR welfare tea 6 Isabelle Yates (2012, Modern Languages) P7 Moneybag Illustration © istock.com/ polygraphus P25 Crown Illustration © 2011-2013 ~MrShanTwo at graduation 7 Studying in the Margary Quad 8 Students enjoy the inaugural “Don’t Worry Be Happy Day” in Michaelmas Term P8 Picture Frame © istock.com/ winterling P28/29 People Icons © istock.com/ FreeSoulProduction P8 Margaret Thatcher © Hulton Archive/Getty Images P29 Ruler © istock.com/ N_design P8 Downing Street © istock.com/ JohnnyGreig P30 Bombs Illustration © istock.com/ Mak_Art P10/11 Horse and Carriage Illustration © istock.com/KimsCreativeHub P31 Churchill Featured on a British Stamp © istock.com/ Andrew_Howe P11 Looking Through Magnifying Glass © istock.com/ nicolas_ P32/33 Houses of Parliament Photo © istock.com/compassandcamera P12 Fruit Fly Photo © 2010 Darren J Obbard P34 Emergency Exit Illustration © istock.com/ timoph P12/13 Fly Illustrations © istock.com/ heather_mcgrath P37 Ribbon Illustration © istock.com/ Electric_Crayon

50 EXON AUTUMN 2013 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/alumni EXON AUTUMN 2013 51

EVENT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2013 – 2014

FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY Exeter Rhodes Scholars’ Dinner Exeter in the City: Spring Lecture

SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY 1 MARCH Walton Street Tour (Oxford Alumni Weekend) Amalgas Sports Dinner

THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 21 TO SATURDAY Exeter in the City – Exepreneurs 22 MARCH Exeter in Hong Kong (Oxford Asia Alumni Weekend) SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER Freshers’ Parents’ Tea FRIDAY 4 APRIL Founder’s Day & Concert SATURDAY 26 OCTOBER Decade Day: 1959 and before SATURDAY 5 TO SUNDAY 6 APRIL Founder’s Day Weekend SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER Medical and Life Sciences Symposium WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL Law Day and Dinner THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER Book Launch: Exeter College: The First SATURDAY 12 TO SUNDAY 700 Years 13 APRIL Exeter in North America TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER (Oxford North American Reunion) Exeter in the City: Winter Drinks WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER Amelia Jackson Luncheon Hamlyn (Law) Lecture SATURDAY 17 MAY SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER Social Sciences Symposium Decade Day: 1960 – 1969 TUESDAY 20 MAY SATURDAY 18 JANUARY Exeter in the City: Summer Drinks Maths and Physical Sciences Symposium SATURDAY 31 MAY WEDNESDAY 5 FEBRUARY Rector’s Garden Party Parents’ 700th Anniversary Dinner SATURDAY 31 MAY SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY Exeter College Boat Club Association Dinner Humanities Symposium SUNDAY 15 JUNE SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY Commemoration of Major Benefactors JK Rowling in conversation with Jeri Johnson & Parry Evensong

WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY SUNDAY 22 JUNE Parents’ 700th Anniversary Dinner Leavers’ Parents’ Lunch

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY SATURDAY 28 JUNE Lessons in Leadership Exeter’s 700th Anniversary Commemorative Ball

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