feature PLUS Men’s eight: SPORTS TEAMS seven bumps in eight races JCR & MCR Reports the final fling feature STAFF NEWS Heritage lottery fund ALUMNI NEWS grant for the angus library and archive

2011 - 2012

telethon What’s it like to be a telethon student caller? The Emmanuelle Society How to give an everlasting gift to every

Regent’s Park College is a Permanent Private Hall of the University Oxford Private College is a Permanent Park Regent’s future generation of Regent’s students The Final Fling The Emmanuelle Society Welcome to Katie Allen: 2nd year English and Phoebe Launched in 2009, the Emmanuelle Society has 24 members who Williams: 1st year Philosophy and Theology have given almost £9,600 to the Emmanuelle Society Endowment Fund. For each gift of £400, which can be given over 20 months, The Final Fling reached unprecedented levels of popularity this a book will be bought in your chosen subject every year, forever. Regent’s Now year, selling out more than six weeks before the event to people Each book will have a name plate inside the front cover with your from all over the university. There was a Roald Dahl theme and chosen inscription. If you prefer to dedicate your books to someone the quad was transformed into a giant candy garden with chairs else, we would also be pleased to do that. A commemorative name in the shape of liquorice allsorts and a giant candy-cane hill. plate will also be placed in the Emmanuelle Society Book. The eight-foot Wonka Factory gates at the entrance to the main marquee proved a popular photo opportunity, a BFG stilt-walker Nostalgia may not be what it used to be, but the crafted balloon hats for the guests and a woman dressed as a past year has seen a number of events which (very) giant peach handed out sweets. Mark Rippington (Catering have jogged my store of Regent’s memories. Manager) and the kitchen staff really outdid themselves on the catering, including a chocolate cake with real gold flakes. I’ve been back on the staff at Regent’s for 11 years but my earliest memories of the college are not as a student or a staff member but The theme provided ample creative options for drinks and food, as a younger brother coming up to visit my older brother Chris in and staff from Cowley’s popular Café Tarifa made cocktails 1968. In my memories of Oxford then I’m sure that the traffic was and drinks through the night. The night passed almost without lighter and the tourists fewer, but memory plays odd tricks. hitch, and we were grateful for the positive feedback and thanks we received from many of the guests. Putting so much work I particularly remember visiting his room in Main Block, and also and effort in, it was lovely to see how much everyone enjoyed watching the students (in 1970 or thereabouts, I think) stage seven bumps in eight races themselves! a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury in Helwys is quite an achievement. Hall. Regent’s continues to have a great tradition of music and drama. Over the last few years, our students have excelled in these spheres in the University and beyond and this year was no exception. In opera, in the a cappella group “In the Pink”, at the Oxford Playhouse and in almost every other theatre space in I am struck repeatedly by what a privilege it is to have studied Oxford, writing, acting, directing, producing and promoting, our at Regent’s and now to work in Oxford, to be part of the students have achieved at quite remarkable levels. University and to continue to be a member of the unique Regent’s community. Tim Pottle, the Development Manager, recently My other recollection from those early visits was coming up to said to me that he sees part of his job as making sure alumni and watch my brother row; I vividly remember his sense of triumph at friends know they are still part of the Regent’s community and his boat winning blades. At the Ministerial Gaudy in June, Michael by so doing expanding the college community to encompass Ridgeon (1967–1970) presented the college with the bow of many places near and far. Over the next 12 months we will hold the boat my brother and his fellow oarsman rowed to victory. It alumni events in London on Wednesday 19th June 2013, at the was fitting to be photographed with Michael in front of the chalk Baptist Assembly on Sunday 5th May 2013 and on Saturday inscription celebrating the triumph of this year’s Men’s VIII. Seven New members of the Emmanuelle Society 21st September 2013 as part of the University Alumni Weekend. bumps in eight races is quite an achievement for our 2012 oarsmen. Mr Jason Gain Tickets are already on sale for each of the events at www. As I recall, the Final Fling began when I was an undergraduate. buytickets.at/regents-park-college. Ken Batty, in loving memory of Robert Batty (1911–1989): This year was a record breaker, with tickets selling out quicker subject area: PPE This year, we have had another sterling set of results with our than ever. A little earlier in Trinity Term of 2012 the college hosted students gaining four firsts, 31 2:1s, and one 2:2. Whilst we Tom Fearon, subject area: PPE the second Recognition Dinner, where students are recognised have celebrated the academic success of our Finalists I am Professor Paul Weller, subject area: Inter-religious dialogue for their work outside college. His Honour Judge Melborne Inman acutely aware that higher education funding has never been so (1975–1978) was the guest of honour and, in his speech, we Adrian Thatcher, subject area: Christian Liberal Sexual Ethics precarious and that this year’s Freshers will pay £9,000 a year finally got an eye-witness account of how Emmanuelle arrived at Andrew Goodliff in fees with very little of the increase in revenue finding its way Regent’s. Mel told a story of how he and three other members back to Regent’s (around £250 per student). Please do consider Robert Thiele, subject area: Christian Theology and of the JCR went to the pet shop in the Covered Market and took making a gift to support the college as it provides a transformative Contemporary Thought all the tortoises out of the crate, put them on the floor in the educational experience for our students. You can make a gift Gregory Pang, subject area: History middle of the room and waited to see which was the quickest. online at www.giving.ox.ac.uk/regents. The purchase completed, they named him Emmanuel. It soon The Friends of John Voon, subject area: Theology transpired that he was in fact a she, and she was thus renamed I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has given to Eileen and Denis Clifford, subject area: English Literature Emmanuelle. Year after year she won the Oxford Tortoise Race. Regent’s in the past year either financially or in the many other and Poetry ways in which alumni and friends give back to this wonderful the quad was She won it so often that now whenever Emmanuelle enters she is If you would like to become a member, college. Your generosity is valued not just in pounds and pence transformed with awarded second place as a matter of honour; incidentally, in this please email [email protected] but in the companionship that such support provides. a roald dahl theme year’s race she chose not to move at all! or go to www.giving.ox.ac.uk/regents With best wishes, Robert Ellis, Principal 2 Regent’s Now | 2011-2012 www.rpc.ox.ac.uk 3 college REPORTS 2012 Ministerial Association Emma Maggs: PG Dip The academic year began with several life-changing ministerial events – the third years’ trip to Kathmandu, Nepal with BMS JCR/MCR REPORTs World Mission and the arrival of two ministerial babies, both born to third-year students! JCR report a particular favourite! More non-Regent’s students than ever MCR report The Nepal trip involved teaching in a Nepali theological attended this year’s event and it truly was a great exhibition of college as well as visiting Nepali churches and preaching Jack Watson: 2nd year Geography, the college to the wider university. Christopher Shaw: DPhil candidate, through translators. Vanessa Rye wrote this in her journal: JCR President Theology Regent’s students continue to be active in the voluntary “The smells and sounds of the city soon assailed our senses, The JCR has gone from strength to strength once again this sector, and the three charities supported by the JCR this year It was a lively year for the Regent’s Park College MCR. Starting the sights astounded those who had never experienced Asia. year with a number of notable achievements across all arenas all have direct links to Regent’s Park students. The university- the academic year off with a fantastic barbeque from our Whole families and many goods carried on both motor and of college and university life. wide charity football tournament was once again organised Antipodean gastro-connoisseurs, Andrew (DPhil candidate, push bikes. Crossing the road in Kathmandu is a risky business by a committee of JCR members in memory of Antonia Bruch, Theology) and Elf Dunstan, we aimed to set the tone for a The hot topic of the college sporting with motorbikes weaving in and out of the cars and trucks; with 32 teams participating and just less than £1,000 raised for strong emphasis on community building amongst the graduate world this year has to be rowing. putting your hand out to stop the traffic is the local way but the Meningitis Trust. student body, and, looking back at the year, we succeeded. Under the leadership of Chris Shaw you still have to be quick and very alert… Stringing together an eclectic array of events and discussions, and the coaching of former Regent’s The now-annual Recognition Dinner took place for the second …I found the whole experience exciting and encouraging, our MCR output was just as diverse as the members student Pete Bond, the men’s rowing time this year, and really highlighted the achievements of to be part of the world church and especially where God is comprising this talented student body. team have truly excelled; achieving individual JCR members in the wider university (see below). working in an amazing way was spiritually uplifting. I was blades in Torpids and narrowly missing There are too many to mention specifically, but it is worth As an MCR we focused on coming together as a community challenged by the way the students were expected to go out on them in Summer VIIIs. In noting that Regent’s has continued to excel in the theatrical within a community, promoting a welcoming and active out onto the streets after church on Saturdays and Sundays addition to this, a number of students arena. A number of Regent’s students have starred in or network for some of Oxford’s best minds to come together to talk to people about faith. It seems that in Nepal although in the college have continued to directed major productions at the Oxford Playhouse this year, and appreciate an intellectual lifestyle. Christianity is regarded as a foreign religion people are happy play for Blues teams at the university and others have even written plays of their own. Adding to Similar to the way the year began, we closed the 2011–2012 to talk about spiritual things.” level in sports ranging from Tennis to this, I mustn’t forget to mention the instrumental role that two academic year with another spectacular barbeque, this time The current second-year students are preparing for a trip to Netball. Regent’s students had in organising Oxford’s first city-wide serving up a near 60 kilogram hog for our MCR, their families, Shakespeare Festival, which was a resounding success and Rio de Janeiro in September. Doubtless you will hear about it The Final Fling has to be the highlight and their friends. It was a great way to finish what has been a was even ‘re-tweeted’ by the Sunday Times! in the next issue. of the annual college calendar, and this solid year of communal engagement and academic excellence. This year we have been pleased to develop closer links year’s event must be applauded for Overall, it has been a pleasure to be President of such Regent’s Park College is a truly unique place to study with the college’s Christian Union. It is often a challenge for being a splendid success. Katie Allen a diverse community of talented people this year. at the post-graduate level and we hope to continue ministerial students to get involved in wider college life when and Phoebe Williams did a fantastic job of pulling off the Roald Regent’s continues to punch above its weight in every emphasising how our college can be a special place to so many of us are only around on Mondays and Tuesdays. Dahl theme, with the sweets hung on trees in the quad being respect, and long may this continue! foster advanced thought in providing the most conducive We have held several joint services during the Tuesday prayer atmosphere to promote such thinking for years to come. slot and a couple of socials involving tea, biscuits and (once) bacon sandwiches, food being an important social glue! The following were honoured at the Recognition Dinner: Despite the demanding formation process, Gillian Appau - Oxford Afro-Caribbean Society, President Alasdair Maher - Kenya Education Partnerships, some of our ministerial students have found Fundraising Officer Timothy Bateman - OICCU, President time for some wonderful creative endeavours. Ed Marr - Oxford Investment and Finance Society, President Frances Beaton - RAG, Social Secretary Ewan King’s innovative jazz mass has Ashley Cooke - University Drama (Producer) Eleanor Mason - Oxford Investment and Finance Society, received much interest, being featured in Frances Denny - University Drama (Producer) Vice-President the Church Times. And in the field of literary Elena Gaddes - University Drama (Producer) Alex Mills - University Drama (Writer and Director) achievement, Gareth Garland has published Johanna Harrison - University Drama (Actress) Rebecca Nicholls - In The Pink! Musical Director a children’s book called Hurst Castle and the Martyr King (available on Amazon!), in which Maggie Henderson-Tew - Real Tennis Alice Porter - University Drama (Actress) he combines his love of history and his desire Sam Hodge - U21 Rugby Blue Hannah Robertson - English Plus, Coordinator to share his Christian faith. Ben Hudson - Oxford Caving Club, Expedition Leader Rebecca Roughan - Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Assistant Producer Laura Jenkins - Netball Blue Ruby Thomas - University Drama (Actress) Gui Kiralyfi- Cross-Country Blue Amy Watson - RAG, Secretary Oxford Investment and Finance Society, External Relations Officer Jack Watson - Jacari, Teaching Officer Victoria Lim - Cherwell, Editor Timothy Wickenden - Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Jamie MacDonagh - University Drama (Actor and Director) Assistant Producer

4 Regent’s Now | 2011-2012 www.rpc.ox.ac.uk 5 feature Seven bumps in eight races...

Men’s boat Crew women’s boat Crew Christopher Shaw: Hannah Robertson: 2nd year English DPhil candidate, Theology It has been a mixed year for Regent’s Park Boat Club. Whilst in The beginning of the 2011–2012 rowing season was not without Hilary the boys enjoyed Blade glory in Torpids, there weren’t even its challenges. As the sole returning member of the 2010–2011 enough girls to fill a boat. Despite being low in numbers, however, Regent’s Park Men’s Crew, I was aware of the difficulties of the the girls showed 100% dedication and enthusiasm throughout road ahead, but with a commitment to succeed and a touch of the year and not being able to gather a full VIII means that the good fortune, we began to rebuild our men’s crew from the women’s team now contains some of the most competent users foundation. of erg machines Oxford has to offer. As the men’s crew started to take shape, we found our image to Nevertheless, by Trinity we had a full boat and were ready to show be representative of the college community itself. Members of the Isis what we could do whilst clad in Regent’s Red, so the Regent’s the JCR, MCR, and visiting students began to emerge from their Shark finally took to the water. Unfortunately, the red of the onesies distinct academic positions to combine as a single and cohesive was not the only red on the Isis during the run up to Summer VIIIs, unit with a common goal in mind – to bring back a winning as the terrible weather meant that the river was red flag and out tradition to our boat club and to represent our college with a of bounds for the majority of the training period. By this time we sense of pride and confidence. As an (almost) entirely novice were all so used to the ergs and other land training that, with great As captain, I have found this year a great learning experience on boat, we set to the water on the very first day of Michaelmas and help from our fantastic coach Pete Bond, and what felt like several so many levels. I am very proud of our crew and their tremendous never looked back. thousand tank sessions, we miraculously managed to get ourselves accomplishments and I hope that Regent’s rowing will continue to in the position to race in Oxford’s prestigious summer regatta. A rigorous training programme and an emphasis on team unity have success in the years to come. began to establish a winning attitude. Our racing strategy had us Special thanks to our coach, Peter Bond (2000–2003): in the girls showed 100% dedication and enthusiasm focusing entirely on Torpids, meaning we decided, as a team, to the good form of a Regent’s alumnus, Pete gave his time by-pass the Michaelmas novice event, Christ Church Regatta, and attention generously to our boat club. Without Pete’s The week itself saw the sun come out, for what felt like the one replacing this with sustained entries into the Isis Winter League. contribution, we simply would not have been able to and only week of Trinity Term, which was very lucky. The crew Finally, Torpids was upon us and we were ready to realise what we accomplish what we did. did amazingly well considering that we had only managed to get had been training so hard to accomplish. We proceeded to bump on the water about five times prior to having to compete against every day and were awarded blades. much more experienced crews. We were punching well above as captain, i have found As Trinity came around, we looked forward to pushing the point our weight and unfortunately got bumped on three occasions, home that Regent’s Park College Men’s Crew was not something this year a great learning one of which was spectacular, with our stroke coming into contact to be disregarded, rather we were dead set on promoting our experience on so many levels. with the bow ball of the Lincoln crew chasing us. But, in the final college as one of the toughest boats in our division. And so it race we sped away from the team behind, managing to row-over, went; our qualifying round for Summer VIIIs was brilliant and we hold our position and, most importantly, avoid spoons! The team finished, on-the-day, as the fastest boat on the water. Carrying think this was largely due to our wonderful mascot, the inflatable that momentum into the regatta, we started Summer VIIIs with shark, which attracted much attention from the other crews and a row-over (the best outcome given the circumstances) and the crowded banks. Our row-over was a great achievement followed that clean performance with three consecutive bumps considering that even getting on the water was looking unlikely to finish our combined regatta effort (Torpids and Summer VIIIs) just the week before and copious amounts of Pimms (what else?!) having bumped seven out of eight days with one row-over. helped us celebrate this success. Despite the adversity we have faced, Kirsty (my co-captain) and I have had an oarsome time in captaincy and hope that RPC BC continues to build on everything it has achieved this year.

6 Regent’s Now | 2011-2012 www.rpc.ox.ac.uk 7 feature English Plus Hannah Robertson: 2nd year English Oxford is a tale of two cities when it comes to education. Whilst In the pink walking amongst the dreaming spires and the sub fusc-clad Oxonians it is easy to forget that, outside of the ‘Oxford Bubble’, the surrounding schools have some of the lowest attainment rates in the country. English Plus is a branch of the Schools Plus initiative which was launched to help local secondary school students achieve the best that they can across a broad range of GCSE subjects. With a team of around 10 volunteers for each session, English Plus sends a mixture of dedicated Oxford and life and further A Cappella music Staton Essay Prize Brookes students into two of the local comprehensive schools afield. This year to boost confidence and increase grades. It is tremendously has seen us feature Rebecca Nicholls: Earlier this year, Regent’s launched the rewarding for all involved and the teachers are highly at many society 2nd Year Geography Annual Staton Essay Prize. complimentary of the work that is carried out. events, for example Wandering around Fresher’s Fair in my at the Oxford Union, This is an interdisciplinary essay competition open to all students The first school is the Oxford Spires Academy in Cowley where first week at university really was a surreal Oxford Investment studying in Year 12. One prize will be awarded in each of three there is a weekly revision session for students on the C/D experience. Amid the constant barrage and Finance During this academic year, I also took on categories in the competition: £250 to the best overall essay, and borderline, giving often disengaged students an hour with of voices from all directions, trying to Society, Oxford Women in Business and the role of Advent Choir Master, a privilege two prizes of £150 each to two other essays. Prize winners and volunteers who are highly enthusiastic about the English language convince me that this sport, activity or larger non-university events, such as the when considering the many talented their parents or carers will be invited to a special Awards Dinner and its literature. The second is the Oxford Academy in Blackbird society would truly transform my life, Tri-Service May Ball. One of our most singers Regent’s houses. Over the course at Regent’s. Leys, where there are two separate programmes. The first is a I was left bewildered at the endless exciting events of this year has been In of the year, through these two roles, I feel relaxed study cafe where Year 11 students can bring in revision, opportunities available to me; how would I The prize is designed to give entrants the opportunity to explore The Pink’s first ever tour, to the vibrant and as though I learnt some valuable lessons homework or anything else they are currently struggling with ever decide what to pursue? After putting connections between the subjects they are currently studying or a cappella-loving City of Berlin. Whilst in that I will take with me after university for the volunteers to go through with them. The second is a my name on as many sign-up sheets as are interested in, develop their independent research abilities, Berlin, we had some fantastic performance more structured mentoring session whereby Year 10 students possible, it was purely by chance that I life. Not only have I had some amazing and encourage them to apply for undergraduate courses that opportunities, including a joint concert are paired with a volunteer mentor who takes them through ended up auditioning for ‘In The Pink’, a performance opportunities, I have also had may be interdisciplinary. with German a cappella group Popkon the whole term. Here there is more scope for the volunteers 14-strong, all female, university-wide a a chance to lead and encourage students and a 10-hour vocal festival with some of We hope those secondary school students who enter the and mentees to work together and get to the root of what is cappella ensemble. Having absolutely no in their singing pursuits. I have seen the Germany’s most talented a cappella choirs. competition will learn a little about Regent’s and, if they are problematic. The volunteers enjoy being able to tailor these idea prior to my audition, I thought it best hard work and countless rehearsal hours of applying to study at Oxford, will consider putting Regent’s as sessions for the individual needs of their partner. to do some research on what a cappella Another exciting project that I have been many students and indeed SCR members their first-choice college. actually is – the creation of music purely fortunate enough to lead is the creation translate into stunning performances, a All this could not be carried out without the invaluable support through the use of voice. After several of In The Pink’s most recent CD, released prime example of which was the Regent’s For further information about the Staton Essay Prize, of the Oxford Hub, which is the powerhouse of all the charitable successful auditions I found myself a in July 2012, just in time for our ninth Advent Service. please go to our website: www.rpc.ox.ac.uk/essay endeavours for students in the city. Its suave location within the member of Oxford’s finest all-female a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Most of all, I have had the opportunity Turl Street Kitchen attracts huge numbers, but very few know cappella group, of which I have been a August. The Fringe Festival is a fantastic to work with many talented individuals, about the hard-working team that sit in the offices above the cups part for two years, this year taking on the opportunity for us to reach out to a wider both throughout the university and of steaming coffee and plates of locally sourced cuisine. role of Musical Director. audience, enhance our performance skills, in Regent’s, making great friends and With the help of the Hub and the Throughout the academic year, In The Pink and get to know other performers, having bundles of fun along the way. coordinators of the other Schools Plus perform at various events within university many of whom are also from Oxford. branches, English Plus and its siblings are hoping to go nationwide, spreading an enthusiasm for education across the UK. To find out more about In The Pink or to hear their music: Subscribe to their YouTube channel: it is tremendously www.youtube.com/user/ rewarding for all involved inthepinkoxford Follow them on Twitter: @inthepinkoxford If you are interested in purchasing In the Pink’s new CD, or would like to enquire about pricings for an event, please email [email protected]

8 Regent’s Now | 2011-2012 www.rpc.ox.ac.uk 9 Tennis Netball Sports teams Ashley Cooke: 2nd Year History Katie Allen: 2nd year English Football and rowing are sports long established at Regent’s, Regent’s Women’s Netball had a rather mixed year in the and each year we try our luck at rugby 7s and cuppers croquet. 2011–12 season. A serious shortage of players saw a rather However this year, for, as we understand it, the second time, unsuccessful Michaelmas, with several instances of teaching Women’s Real Tennis Regent’s fielded a tennis team in both the inter-collegiate baffled first-time players the rules of the game as we played! knockout cuppers tournament and the tennis league. Last year, Fortunately, the team stabilised in Hilary, and our newer players Maggie Henderson-Tew: Finalist English myself and a few others bought membership to the grass courts vastly improved. As a result, we had a few truly excellent in Parks, starting a regular four and deciding the time was right to games (and some hilarious ones), and really enjoyed ourselves. The headline news is that Oxford Men and Women’s real tennis order tennis stash. A trip to Elmer Cotton yielded some brilliant Hopefully the incoming Freshers will be keen, and able to replace teams won both their respective Blues and Seconds Varsity tennis whites proudly displaying the Regent’s logo and then, Abbie Cavanagh, Fran Beaton, and Rachel Third who graduate Matches. The Double-Double Varsity win is a feat never before building on last year’s triumph, I stepped up as tennis captain this this year. Three of the most consistent and reliable members of achieved by Oxford. To put this in historical context, the Real term to lead a talented and determined Regent’s Park College this year’s team, they will be greatly missed! Tennis Varsity started in 1859 ( began in 1829), Lawn Tennis Club (RPC LTC) through a very successful season. albeit in a very different format to now. In that year, F Ponsonby First up was a cuppers match against St. John’s. As a college with of Oxford beat G Barclay of Cambridge by three sets to love. more than three times the number of undergraduates as Regent’s, There has only been a Women’s Varsity match since 1992 and we were not feeling particularly confident as we trudged along the Second Team Varsity was instituted in 2006. So, a little bit of Woodstock Road toward their courts. Nonetheless, after several history has been made this year. hours of tennis, we had secured a comprehensive seven sets The Women’s Blues Varsity teams, captained by Maggie to five victory, and left with a euphoria far greater than that Henderson-Tew from Regent’s, play their four singles on the experienced after finishing Prelims. Spirits were high as we went first day and doubles on the second, and thus either team could into Round 2 but sadly we were beaten by a very strong St. Catz take an unassailable lead in the match, if all are won. With the team, who went on to reach the semi-finals. score 3–1 after the first day of this year’s match, the first doubles Regent’s Ladies FC RPC LTC fared rather more successfully in the tennis league. on Saturday could, and did, determine the Oxford win. The As this was our first year we were placed quite low down, in next doubles was neither as exciting, nor, happily for Oxford Bethany McCrave: 2nd year Philosophy division 5 of 8, but we soon discovered that our capabilities lay supporters, as nerve-wracking, as Oxford ran out winners in two and Theology higher. An 8–4 defeat of Mansfield and a 12–0 defeat of Lincoln, sets: 6–5, 6–2. Oxford won 5-1 overall, repeating their winning both college first teams, were great victories for Regent’s. Regent’s Ladies FC has just completed its third joint year with margin in the 2011 Varsity Match, also under Maggie’s captaincy. Unfortunately, most other colleges fielded second teams in the Balliol College Ladies FC continuing this brilliant partnership! division, apparently over-stretching themselves and rendering The photo below shows the team (L to R: Sophie Dannreuther, Playing with Balliol is a great opportunity for us to meet and them unable to muster enough players, giving Regent’s three New, Cameron Ormsby, LMH, Maggie Henderson-Tew, Regent’s, have fun with new people outside of Regent’s, and our ‘anyone 12–0 walkovers. This ensured we came top of the division and and Vicki Ormerod, Merton) with their prizes and trophy, at the can play’ policy has given lots of ladies the chance to try their have been promoted for next season, but it sadly reduced the post-match dinner (, dinner and prizes being hand (or feet!) at the beautiful game. This year the team saw a number of matches our tennis-hungry team played. most generously sponsored by Pol Roger) in The Long Room at massive influx of fresh talent including the best that Regent’s The 2012 season has been a great re-start for inter-collegiate Lord’s. The match takes place on the MCC’s court at the Lord’s female finalists had to offer. We were also delighted to bag the tennis at Regent’s. Next year I hand the captaincy over to the Cricket Ground. tallest first year (clocking in at six foot plus) to take care of things mighty Harrison Denner, a soon-to-be second year and our Christian Union in goal. Numbers from Balliol also grew stronger and by the end strongest player. Sadly leaving us this year, however, are three of the season the word ‘squad’ was even bandied about! This devoted RPC LTC members. Oli Watson’s passion on court year we have enjoyed every single game and, although some has been contagious; his fiery presence and loud exclamations Timothy Bateman: 2nd Year Theology have been more successful than others, after starting the year motivate the rest of the team, and his volleying is just something Regent’s Park Christian Union (CU) is a loving community that newly promoted to Division 3 in the 11-a-side league we have else. Fran Girling is our most consistent player with solid welcomes all people to investigate faith in Jesus Christ. The CU retained this position and finished with a strong mid-table result groundstrokes and a good eye for an angle; her contributions is part of a wider network of 31 undergraduate colleges in the after two terms. As always, we look to start next season with a have been vital. Last, but by no means least, Ollie Sheerin has had Oxford Inter-Collegiate Christian Union (OICCU). OICCU is the view to being promoted! Friendships with Balliol continue to a brilliant season; his height facilitates a powerful serve and his third-largest society in the university, made up of approximately grow, and the team continues to welcome the outstanding skill endurance was proven in a long and arduous singles match (think 400 members who are committed to living the Christian lifestyle of the American visiting students, whilst weekly training sessions Isner vs. Mahut at Wimbledon 2010) against Mansfield, leaving and sharing how God has changed their lives. Furthermore, provide much laughter and fun and the occasional stunning goal. with a very respectable draw – and a back injury. All three will be OICCU is a society that is a great testimony to the wider Church, Everyone who has played has given their all for the team and it greatly missed, and RPC LTC would like to take this opportunity uniting Christians from multi-denominational backgrounds that to wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours, tennis- has been a joy to lead the girls this year – I now bow out and look share the same truths and convictions. I currently serve as the based or otherwise. to the incoming first years to keep up the good work! President of OICCU, which is a massive privilege, but also seems Here’s to another successful Trinity of tennis next year. to take up the time equivalent to doing another Oxford degree!

10 Regent’s Now | 2011-2012 www.rpc.ox.ac.uk 11 JCR Charities Regent’s Telethon

Charities On Friday of 6th week, One of my colleagues even than I realised at the time. Regent’s JCR played host to struck up a conversation in As a result of working on the Trisha Soneji: a charity Casino Night co- Spanish at one point. Some Regent’s telethon, I now have 2nd year Philosophy ordinated by Oxford RAG. After were recent leavers who I a place on the CASE Europe formal hall, students and guests remember from my time at Graduate Scheme where I will and Theology alike put their skill to the test at Regent’s, others remembered be trained to support various It can safely be said that charity poker and blackjack, only to be Regent’s when there were universities’ alumni relations events and fundraising form interrupted briefly by the men’s just five students in each year and fundraising. In short, I’ve a big part of life at Regent’s. rowing team proudly mounting group. I felt like I’d learnt become totally sold out to the Students are always coming up their newly purchased blade more about Regent’s during cause! on the wall! It soon became the telethon than during my with new and creative ways to Now I’m a leaver myself, and apparent that beginners luck entire three years at Oxford. support both the JCR’s elected have driven away from Oxford seemed to triumph, with a I learnt that brew in the JCR, charities and causes of their with the boot piled high with self- confessed novice walking for which the undergraduates own. Last Trinity alone saw a suitcases and books for the away with the first prize of a now congregate religiously at plethora of activities, which last time. Regent’s has waved £40 cosmetics hamper kindly 11am and 4pm each weekday, were successful and fun despite off my year group into the big donated by Lush. used to be conducted in a the less-than-reliable weather! wide world, to begin the next more ad hoc fashion, with The annual summer fete and In addition to this, the termly chapter of our lives. But at whoever fancied a cup of barbeque attracted many a Charity Lunch put on by the Regent’s the story continues. tea at whatever time of day hungry fresher, and drew the kitchen staff, as well as the And one day soon, I hope that Last trinity alone simply ringing the bell and finalists away from the library generous regular chapel a current student will get in saw a plethora loudly yelling “Brew!”, causing momentarily for a much- collections, helped to boost touch with me, to give me the everyone to drop what needed break. The water guns Regent’s fundraising totals. of activities... opportunity to play my part in they were doing and flock and frisbees were put to great This year, the JCR chose to that story again. I don’t know to the JCR. I learnt that the use, even if they did mean support three charities, which whether it will be in two years name ‘Emmanuelle’ actually Emmanuelle making a speedy are doing tremendous work or ten, but I’m really looking site to which most refugees We hosted 35 teams as well the state of the JCR and, of has some rather raunchy retreat back to her tortoise in Oxford and beyond. The Telethon forward to that call. were evacuated following the as an enthusiastic gaggle of course, the memorable habits connotations for anyone house! first of these was Jacari, a recent earthquake. Finally, JCR spectators, on pitches rented Rachel Third: of favourite tutors. paying attention to French student-run charity providing In Trinity Term, two first-year members voted to raise funds from the University Club. Finalist Philosophy film in the 1970s. I learnt that home tutoring in Oxford for It quickly became clear to me students, Johanna Harrison for The Gatehouse, an Oxford- The barbeque and raffle held the flat I lived in in Wheeler children aged 4–16 who don’t and Theology that the telethon is all about (English) and Harrison Denner based drop-in centre for the throughout the day were also a Robinson House at the far end speak English as their first Our first calls to alumni as part storytelling. Alumni have a (Law), put their talents to homeless and poorly housed great success, and the sun even of the quad was where one language. As well as donating of the telethon this January platform to share their stories good use putting on the that provides hot food, shelter managed a brief appearance! alum’s baby was born, and that money to Jacari from events were characterised by nerves. and current students get a “Harrison and Harrison” and access to the internet and The enthusiasm and hard work my room overlooking the quad such as this, many Regents There was much rustling of sense of what Regent’s was concert hosted in the chapel, newspapers. of all those involved certainly was actually the nursery. students have been involved paper and last-minute desk like before they arrived. Those in aid of the JCR charities. paid off, with a great sum being in tutoring the children. Perhaps the biggest event of organisation as we plucked who have left get the chance Fiona Floate (the Principal’s Johanna’s breath-taking raised for the Meningitis Trust Secondly, students chose to the year was the university- up the courage to dial the first to see how the Regent’s story PA) remembers everyone, and singing was accompanied again this year. support the Global Chalkboard wide, 5-a-side football number. Everyone was secretly continues in those who have sat with us in the evenings by an equally brilliant piano Project, an educational charity tournament Regent’s hosted hoping to be put straight taken up the baton, and every looking along the list of names accompaniment by Harrison. that enables children to help alongside Oxford RAG. The through to answerphone alum is given the opportunity that I would soon be calling, Their combined effort certainly children by creating sister- annual tournament is a special on their first call! But soon to contribute and help singing the praises of past sent shivers down my spine, school connections between and poignant event for those conversations filled the room Regent’s move on to the next students. Rob Ellis and Tim and was greatly enjoyed by schools in the USA and UK at college as it is held to and we quickly settled into chapter of its life, just as they Pottle were also often at our all who came to watch. It was and schools in crisis-hit areas. commemorate the tragic and them. The voices on the other have moved on to the next side encouraging us, and the a privilege to see such talent The organisation’s current sudden death from Meningitis end of the phone were warm chapter of theirs. Vice-Chancellor of Oxford engaged for a good cause. of first-year student Antonia project is working towards and friendly, delighted to be The people I spoke to hailed even came to look in on us, Bruch, who would have taken aiding the Mixte Victor Hugo able to grill a current student from all over the globe. I get to know us and support Finals this year. School in Haiti, close to the about the well-being of called alumni in Canada, us. The whole experience Emmanuelle, the rowing team, the US, China and Japan. influenced me even more

12 Regent’s Now | 2011-2012 www.rpc.ox.ac.uk 13 Send us your news throughout the year at: www.alumniweb.ox.ac.uk/rpc ALUMNI NEWS

where are they now? Baptist History: The hidden treasure of a nation and beyond Ian Kemp (1947–1949) then took her up to the Bench MTh whilst he was at Regent’s Emma Walsh (College Librarian) Alongside the work with secondary-school historians we will hold table as a successful ‘capture’ and he used Carr’s writings biennial lectures and exhibitions linked to national events like Fair Ian Kemp completed a five- The Angus Library and Archive, housed at Regent’s, has over from the members of Hall. to consider his approach to Trade Fortnight, Black History Month and International Women’s week mission visit to India and 70,000 printed books, pamphlets, church histories, manuscript Applied Theology in ministry, in Day. We will digitise all the BMS World Mission missionary paper Malaysia in early 2012. letters and other items from the late fifteenth century to the Dr Philip Ryken relation to society, by the use of archives and make them available to the public online. We will He went at the invitation of the present day. The collection relates to the life and history of (1992-1995) critical incidents in his work. work with churches to run a programme of training courses Bishop of East Kerala to preach Baptists in Britain and the wider world. Alongside this unique In 2010 I was named the 8th Ian has been Rector of a group highlighting the need for simple best-practice archiving of church at the annual Spiritual Life insight into Baptist and non-conformist history there is also a Convention in the East Kerala President of Wheaton College, of rural parishes in northwest records and artefacts so that these important documents are Hampshire for 33 years, considerable amount of material from non-Baptist sources relating diocese. He also spent time in a leading evangelical liberal preserved for future generations. We will also run courses on Diocesan Adviser in Pastoral to issues and controversies in which Baptists were involved. Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, arts school. This is after writing church histories so that congregations can record their Care and Counselling, and and Kuala Lumpur. preaching for 15 years (1995- Funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and histories and tell the story of their church. In order to deliver all 2010) at Philadelphia’s Tenth Diocesan Chair of the House The Pilgrim Trust, The Angus Library Team has undertaken a these exciting activities we will recruit and train volunteers from Robin Attfield Presbyterian Church. of Clergy. Rev Dr Edward Williams full review of the condition of the collection and has done some amongst Regent’s current students and alumni and from the local (1953-1955) (1964–1966) important preservation and cleaning work. We have also been Dr Anna Campbell (and not-so-local) area. My memoirs have just been Robin recently (March 2012) looking at how to make the treasures contained in The Angus (1997-2001) If you would like to know more about volunteering or want to hear published: Building Bridges, published with Continuum available to more people. I obtained my Ph.D. in more about the school history resources please contact angus. Crossing Cultures: A Life of London and New York a If you have a look at the back of a five pound note, you’ll find a textbook for students, ‘Ethics: Medieval Church History in [email protected] or send a letter to Emma Walsh, Shaped by India and by Inner picture of Elizabeth Fry (1780–1845), who was an English prison An Overview’, together with a 2011: ‘The Career, Cult and College Librarian at the address on the back of Regent’s Now. City Birmingham - Memoirs reformer, social campaigner and Christian philanthropist. During of a Physicist, Missionary companion website. Canonization of St Colette Oh, and before you put the fiver you looked at back in your the work we found a number of previously unknown items (take and Minister. A preview is available at: of Corbie’ pocket – why not consider sending it to Regent’s to support the http://anguslibraryandarchive.blogspot.co.uk/ http://tinyurl.com/7eauglx a look at ), library? With gift aid that fiver is worth £6.25! Mr David Castles which included an undiscovered collection of tracts about slavery Mr James Bradnock In May 2012 he gave a lecture (1998-2001) belonging to Fry. The items have Fry’s personal annotations in the (1959-1962) at Salamanca University, Spain margins, giving a unique insight into her thoughts on a number Now ten years retired from on ‘The Ethics of Climate Is living just outside Oxford and working at Aylesbury of subjects. Wellington School, I continue Change’ and a presentation Steven Porter Grammar School as Assistant The research we conducted as part of the HLF grant identified to coach hockey and sing with at the 17th Business Ethics (1993-1994) the Chapel choir. In 2011, on Symposium, University of Headteacher. a number of areas where we can help people to learn from and & Jodi Porter behalf of Churches Together Navarre, held at Barcelona, on participate in the heritage contained in The Angus. If we are (2002-2003) Wellington, I organised a 400th ‘Meaningful Work and Business Sarah Sellars (McMillan, successful in securing second-round funding, we will create anniversary reading in public of Ethics’. Robin is a semi-retired Our daughter Ruth Lilian 1999-2002) image-rich lesson starters and in-depth teaching resources for Porter was born May 1, 2011. the complete King James Bible. Professor of Philosophy at Is living in Oxford. After History students at key stages 3 and 4. We will also develop year Presently we reside in Waco, . graduating, Sarah worked in 10 and year 11 archive taster sessions with IntoUniversity, which TX, where Steven is serving at Prof Adrian Thatcher the charity sector for several George W. Truett Theological will enable students aspiring to go to university to learn how to (1962-1966) Caroline Harrison years before returning to Seminary (Baylor University) as use a range of original material in an academic setting. (1981–1984) university to study law, I am now Editor of Modern Assistant Professor of Missions subsequently qualifying as a Believing - the Journal of Caroline has been elected to and Global Christianity. Theological Liberalism. My the Bench of Lincoln’s Inn. medical negligence solicitor most recent book is God, Sex The Benchers form the in 2009. She is married to Ian Tomlinson (1997) and Gender (Wiley Blackwell, governing body of the Inn, Simon Sellars and is mother 2011). SPCK publishes Making and they select their own Ian has recently completed to Joel (and expecting the The collection relates to the Sense of Sex in the Summer of members. She was ‘Benched’ his DThMin at King’s College newest addition to the family in life and history of Baptists in 2012. on Monday 18 June, which London. His thesis was entitled February 2013). Sarah recently Britain and the wider world. involved being dragged, ‘What’s happening to me and started her own business protesting, from the body of why?’, a question asked of hand-making greeting cards the Hall by two Benchers, who those in ministry, by Dr Wesley which can be ordered online: Carr, Pastoral Theologian. Dr www.nannycards.co.uk 14 15 Regent’s Now | 2011-2012 Wesley Carr supervised Ian’s www.rpc.ox.ac.uk rpc chaplaincy team 2011-2012 Myra Blyth, Chaplain every Monday and attempted amidst soup and sandwiches to imagine and plan together worship services which they hoped College chapel reviews are normally filled with a wide-ranging would make for an unconditional welcome to students and staff. catalogue of events that represent the interests and enthusiasms Hospitality was the guiding idea and this translated into creating of student life and this year is no exception. a space where friendships and relationships The choir that forms each year in Michaelmas might be nurtured week by week based on a Term to prepare for the Advent service was regular and simple pattern and rhythm of prayer. larger than ever and the recital in Trinity Term The desire was not to be High Church or Low by Harrison and Harrison saw the launch of a Church, nor to be precious about worship styles new tradition of charity concerts by talented and genres, but to stay simple and authentic, and gifted RPC musicians in support of the practicing a life of prayer that is sustaining and JCR charities. Chaplaincy dinners, which renewing. took a break this year, will return again in 2O12–13, seeing top academics welcomed Oxford College chapels are renowned for to an intimate candlelit dinner in the chapel to always having a choir and occasionally having a speak passionately about their subject and its congregation. RPC reverses that pattern. This relation to religion and moral life. Hilary Term year has seen a core group of 20 regular chapel saw another first with the introduction of a attenders (i.e. more than 50% of Friday chapel Lent pilgrimage to nearby Dorchester Abbey. services) and an additional 10–15 occasional Christian Together events and Taize prayer attendees (up to 25% chapel services). Add to occasions provided further opportunities to this guests and visitors and the result is a very widen the circle of those able to enjoy chapel hospitality. good-sized weekly congregation. Much more important than footfall, however, is that those who want to tap into a rhythm This year was different in one particular respect and that was that of prayer which is ancient and to enjoy the hospitality and the chaplaincy team at the outset of the year decided they wanted unconditional welcome of a worshipping community will to make Friday evening chapel the particular focus of their energy. find this at the heart of their college community. To this end, a group of JCR and MCR chapel regulars met for lunch

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