JESUS NEWS 2018 CONTENTS GREETING FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Greeting from the Principal 2 It is a great pleasure to Building for the Future: 4 MICA architects discuss write this introduction to the Northgate site the first issue ofJesus News. A Day in the Life… 10 James Goldston, ABC News To be published annually in On Tour with the 12 the summer, Jesus News will Jesus College Choir From the Archives: 16 celebrate the achievements World War I experienced by of the College and its a College crew Sports News 22 members as each academic Donor trip to Rome 28 year draws to a close. The with Professor Richard Bosworth Thanks to the Development Fund: 32 Jesus Record will continue to Isolde at the Sheldonian be published in the winter, as Hidden College: exploring the wine cellars 34 with Professor Philip Burrows the College’s official report Go Wild: behind the scenes of 36 on the year just passed. an alumnus’ flourishing enterprise Arctic Dreams and the 40 Geography Fellowship Appeal The Welsh Connection: Alumni explore Cowbridge 42 Seren Network Summer School 47 Private Passions 48 Student & Alumni Activism: The Aldabra Clean Up Project 52 Greater Change 54 Alumni News A College Wedding 56 Why I give to Jesus College 56 Alumni Benefits 57 Campaign News & Development Update 61 Welcome Home 62 In Print: The Digital Ape 64 From the Mill to Monte Carlo 65

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2 GREETING FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As I write, our graduands are While delighting in our members’ anniversary in 2021 than with the assembling in First Quad, ready present achievements, Jesus College unveiling of a world class academic to process to the Sheldonian and continues to make exciting plans building at the heart of our historic receive their degrees. Graduation for the future. Detailed plans for site. is always a joyful occasion, and the transformative Northgate Access to the benefits conferred by this year our finalists celebrate a site project on Cornmarket an Oxford degree is always a top spectacular set of results, with no have now been submitted for priority for us. We are determined less than 44% of them gaining Firsts. planning approval. This landmark to maintain our proud tradition of These outstanding academic development will ensure Jesus admissions from the widest range of performances have not prevented College remains a leader among economic and social backgrounds. Jesus students from excelling in their Oxford colleges in the 21st century. This August we had a record extra-curricular activities. We have Within the site is proposed a number of students from Wales enjoyed brilliant sporting successes dynamic learning space designed attend a one-week summer school recently, from rowing to , to facilitate and showcase world- here in College, part of our ongoing to football. I am particularly leading teaching and research. This work with the Seren initiative. The pleased to see the amount and space, to be called the Digital Hub, summer schools aim to demystify variety of participation – there is will offer an unmatched opportunity Oxford for students who might a sport and a level of participation for the College to bring together – not have considered applying, so available to the great majority of physically and virtually – generations as to whet their appetite for a our students, and at Jesus even to of students and researchers, across university education and give them the Head of House! It has also been disciplines and national boundaries. an appreciation of how to be a a pleasure to hear our wonderful Later in this issue, our architects for successful Oxford applicant. student musicians and other artistic the project, MICA, introduce their All of these plans rely on the performers in the course of the designs, while Fellows share their year: the production of Isolde thoughts on the planned Digital generosity of our alumni community organised at the Sheldonian by Hub. We’re entering a new era for and we cannot thank you enough Junior Research Fellow Anna Stoll- the College and we can’t think of for your support. As you will note, Knecht was a particular highlight. a better way to mark our 450th in addition to our regular schedule of alumni events this year, we have a new series of dedicated campaign events to celebrate the public launch of our anniversary campaign. This year’s theme celebrates the Elizabethan College and the College in the Information Age. We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be a very special programme of alumni events; there are opportunities for everyone to take part. I hope you enjoy Jesus News and do stay in touch with us. Best wishes,

33 BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE MICA ARCHITECTS DISCUSS THE NORTHGATE SITE

As the College continues with its plans for Northgate site – the most significant enhancement the city centre site has seen in three decades – we talked with Director Stuart Cade and Senior Associate Mandy Franz, who will be leading the project at MICA Architects, the firm commissioned to take on the development.

4 The Northgate site from Cornmarket Street MICA Architects, formerly Rick Mather Associates, has a long history of designing high-quality academic and collegiate buildings in Oxford. Their projects include the new Ashmolean Museum building and an award-winning new library extension for The Queen’s College, as well as numerous projects with Keble College. This heritage, along with the firm’s experience with large, mixed-use developments, made them the ideal choice for the Northgate project. The project will begin with the demolition of the existing Northgate building down to ground level to make way for a new development, the College’s Fourth Quad, which will incorporate retail space, academic facilities and accommodation. For MICA Architects, the challenge of creating one building which could meet so many different needs was one they relished. Not only will the new site continue to incorporate retail spaces targeted at independent retailers and intended to help regenerate Cornmarket Street, it will also include 68 graduate rooms and four Fellows’ sets, outdoor space and a flexible area for gatherings, exhibitions and performances.

OPENING NEW DOORS Stuart Cade, one of MICA’s two directors, explains that reframing the Northgate site as another entrance for the College on Market Street was key to their proposal. Where the building is currently perceived as the back of College, MICA ‘wanted to give Jesus College a presence and a frontage, turning the back of the College into an

5 “It will be a public gateway for the College, opening it up both physically and virtually.” Stuart Cade, Director of MICA

entrance to be proud of’. This a modern reinterpretation of a had to balance the historic and the chimes with our vision for the site Tudor gatehouse room, with wood modern in the conception of the as a public gateway for the College, panelling, a carefully designed ceiling new development. Stuart Cade opening it up and making it more and large windows. Not only will points out that their aim has always accessible, both physically and the vast windows make the most been to create ‘a twenty-first virtually. of spectacular views across Jesus century addition to a sixteenth- century college […] building Central to this will be the College’s existing buildings, the sensitively but without pastiche’. impressive Gatehouse, a tall Radcliffe Camera and Christ Church structure incorporating a street- Meadow, they will also give a sense Mandy Franz, Senior Associate level entrance to the new Fourth of openness and transparency when on the project, describes how Quad with a function room at seen from the street below. elements of the existing college the top. The entrance will give architecture will be carried much-needed disabled access to BUILDING ON TRADITION through into the new site to create parts of the College which were The thought of looking out over a modern building which feels not previously accessible as well as this quintessential Oxford view very much part of Jesus College. leading to flexible spaces which will from such a thoroughly modern “The recesses and string coursing be used for access and outreach. building only serves to reinforce above the new windows and the The Tower Room is set to be how carefully MICA Architects have bronze metal edging will all echo 6 The Digital Hub

HONOURING THE PAST AND EMBRACING THE FUTURE Careful historical research and sensitive design which allows existing structures, like the Fellows’ Library, to shine are central to MICA Architects’ proposed design. But, with the Northgate the distinctive windows of the Historic , which considers development, Jesus College is older College buildings. We’re also the proposed building to be ‘a well- also planning and building for the building in Clipsham stone, matching designed and careful contemporary future. Desirable new graduate the materials used in the new response to its context’. The accommodation will form a building with those used in the rest organisation, which exists to significant part of the development, of the College.” protect England’s historical buildings in line with the College’s aim and monuments, is supporting to increase graduate student This sensitive approach has met the planning application for the numbers. Future students will enjoy with wholehearted approval from Northgate site. new teaching rooms, spaces for 7 academic study and collaboration, Hub will be the largest single space The Northgate site will provide a café, and a second-floor roof in the College: a place for the whole the location for which the College’s garden which will form the centre College to gather. Designed to undergraduate, graduate and of Fourth Quad. incorporate digital media displays Fellowship communities will and projection, the Digital Hub will convene, bringing together the The innovative new Digital be used for performances, films, best ideas in intersecting research Hub will be used to promote talks and exhibitions, as well as areas from various elements of interdisciplinary learning and welcoming school groups as part the College and of the University. research, bringing students and of the College’s ongoing access and Recent years have witnessed the academics together. This flexible outreach programme. emergence of a number of very

Market Street entrance 8 successful models for such spaces, This exciting development has including opportunities to support where the best researchers are an important role to play in the academics in sharing their research given time, space and the structure future of the College, helping us to as described above. The College to share, exchange and evaluate achieve our ambition of providing hopes to make a substantial start their work. To support this concept, ‘an outstanding and transformative on the redevelopment works in some of the College’s academics educational experience for students early 2019. n were asked to describe the purpose and supporting excellence in of the Digital Hub, and explain what research and scholarship’. There are it will mean for their teaching and many opportunities for alumni to be research (see below). involved with this landmark project,

In my own research field – the In pursuit of my research into Our work focuses on how history of conflict and co-operation reconstructing ancient Greek embryonic form is moulded during in modern history – archives are music, I have made constant use development, so is very visual in increasingly digitised, which is of digital resources (e.g. to compile nature. We use specific advanced transforming teaching and learning images of ancient instruments, types of microscopy to capture in in ways that pose new opportunities ascertain tunings, and present a digital medium the shape of an and challenges for researchers and findings). With Jesus JRF Tosca embryo, the position of individual teachers. The Hub will provide Lynch I have also arranged cells within the embryo, and the a space to explore and connect numerous talks, conferences, and distribution of specific important important collections, such as those musical performances, including proteins within the constituent of the Imperial War Museum in in the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers cells. We have developed a virtual London and the League of Nations museums: a film made of the reality based platform to visualise in Geneva, in relation to pressing path-breaking Ashmolean concert and explore such multi-dimensional and evolving questions in the study has topped 100,000 views on the image data in a virtual 3D arena. and research of war and peace. Internet. The capacity to undertake I see the Digital Hub broadly I’m hugely excited about the way such activities and to disseminate as a space where we can share the Digital Hub will reflect the their impact will be greatly our enthusiasm for embryonic very best of Jesus College – open, enhanced for researchers at all development with colleagues and questioning, multi-disciplinary – and levels by the creation of the Digital visitors using enabling technologies give us new tools for teaching and Hub. that promote engagement and dialogue. research. Professor Armand D’Angour Professor Patricia Clavin FBA Fellow and Tutor in Classics, Professor Shankar Srinivas Zeitlyn Fellow and Tutor in History, Associate Professor in Classics Zeitlyn Fellow and Tutor in Medicine, Professor of International History Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator, and Professor of Developmental Biology in the Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics

For more information about the architects, please visit: micaarchitects.com For more information about the project please contact the Director of Development, Brittany Wellner James E: [email protected] or T: +44 (0)1865 (2)87284. 9 JAMES GOLDSTON PRESIDENT OF ABC NEWS

James Goldston studied PPE What does a typical day mean What is the most exciting part at Jesus College from 1986 for you at ABC? of your day? to 1989. After completing his It’s hard to describe a ‘typical’ I love our 9am meetings – I get day – we’re living in exciting times to work with fantastic teams and studies, he worked for three with a massive amount of news really intelligent colleagues so I love years as a reporter at the broadcast at all hours of the day seeing what ideas they come up Surrey Herald and then began from across the world, so Sundays with. The whole job is incredibly his career as a producer, can be as busy as Thursdays. Having exciting and I often have to pinch said that, there is some routine myself that a boy from Heston near working on BBC’s to my day. I typically wake up at Heathrow whose parents didn’t go and Panorama before moving around 5am and check in with to university has the opportunity to to ITV as executive producer our morning show Good Morning run such a large news powerhouse. of its current affairs At Jesus I studied PPE and fell in love with American politics so programme, ‘Tonight with I love that I get to spend every Trevor McDonald’. James day in the middle of it all! joined ABC News in 2004, And the hardest? producing shows such I think what really keeps me up as ‘’ and ‘Good at night is knowing that there Morning America’ and are members of our team was appointed president working in some incredibly of the network in April dangerous situations around the world – I feel responsible for 2014. During James’ tenure making sure they are safe. at ABC News, it has held exclusive interviews What do you do on days away from work or at times with Malala Yousafzai, when you’re not working? Secretary of State Hillary There aren’t many days when America, sometimes sitting in the I’m not working for at least part of Clinton and President Donald studio to watch it. I’ll go around the time. My wife is also a journalist Trump, among many others, ABC’s various teams and look at working out here in New York and hosted landmark town the website and apps to get up to for the BBC so it’s a very chaotic speed. We have a meeting with hall meetings with President and busy life! But I love spending the whole news division at 9am Barack Obama and Pope time with my sons, Isaac, Toby and to discuss how we are going to Ben, shepherding them around Francis. ABC News has approach the day – and then we’re and just generally hanging out also won three consecutive off! It’s a 24/7, 365-days-a-year job: with them. We’re all big football making bookings, tracing stories, Murrow Awards for Overall fans – I play football once a week following what is going on in the Excellence in Television and and on Saturday mornings we White House and monitoring teams normally head round the corner to Radio, an historic first for any around the world. At 6:30pm an English-style chip shop run by a network. I normally grab one of New York’s local Liverpudlian to watch games citibikes and cycle home to spend (supporting Chelsea of course!). time with my family and put my three boys to bed. I re-engage again with the evening’s news before heading to bed myself.

10 Do you have a most memorable What’s it like working in to the streets of Pyongyang and day in your job so far? broadcasting during this period the horrors of the Syrian Civil War. There are lots to choose from. of ‘fake news’? I think in the future we will be able Holding the first interview with Well I always think that the best to broadcast any event in the world President Trump and spending answer to fake news is real news. live to anywhere in the world and several hours in the White House Journalists today have to really focus at any time. This would have a after his inauguration was very and to knuckle down on the core profound and meaningful effect on memorable. I also vividly recall values of journalism. They need politics and democracy which I’d hosting the first town hall meeting to make sure that what they say is like to witness. with Pope Francis and spending right and truth comes at a higher If you could invent a new show premium – if they are wrong then the day at the Vatican – that for ABC to take on, what would was hard to beat. And George they have to be open about it. I’m it be? Stephanopoulos holding the first an optimist. Ultimately I believe This is something I do every day – television interview with James that real news will prevail and it’s we are inventing new shows all the Comey also stands out. Everyone incumbent on us to make sure this time so that people can experience always says that journalism is the happens. the news in different first draft of history ways. We recently and I suppose what …everyone says that journalism is the launched a news show I find thrilling is on Facebook and a that people will be first draft of history… 24-hour streaming talking about these service showing events all around moments and these interviews as If you could go back in time to the world. This was a great success forming part of history in the future. cover any news event in history, in the reporting of the Thai cave what would it be? Is it hard to be a Brit leading rescue when James Longman an American news powerhouse? I would love to go back to the broadcast live while events unfolded Have you noticed any time of the American Revolution and the rescue mission was carried differences between the UK and since it is such a fascinating era of out. I think this proves that new US’ ways of reporting news? American history and has such productions can’t just involve radio I’ve never found it hard. I came over striking characters. It would be or TV anymore – they have to get to ABC because they were already an extremely interesting job to people involved on every platform running a lot of the documentaries interview the likes of Hamilton, possible. made at ITV, where I worked Jefferson and Washington. But if not beforehand, so there was never a that then I would cover D-Day and What would you do if you were Principal of Jesus College for a massive leap. I’ve found that the interview Churchill! day? sensibilities in the two countries How do you think people will I wouldn’t dare to presume! Sir aren’t that different. A good story, read and watch the news in the Nigel does such an admirable job. and good storytelling, are universal future? so once you get that bit right I find it extremely difficult to Oxford or New York? everything else is easy! Journalism is predict the way things will turn You can’t beat the dreaming spires. also increasingly a global enterprise out because the news has already New York has bigger towers so a big story plays everywhere in changed in so many ways over certainly but they’re not as pretty the world. But what is noticeable recent years in ways that I wouldn’t as Oxford’s. n is the ferocious interest in America have predicted. But the joy of at the moment and the global being a journalist is being able to Are you interested in being interviewed for our fascination with its news which I’ve experiment. ABC have launched Day in the Life series? Please contact Nicki become increasingly aware of. Choules-Rowe in the Development Office virtual reality coverage in some E: [email protected]. We are parts of the world, taking viewers always delighted to hear from alumni.

11 ON TOUR WITH THE JESUS COLLEGE CHOIR

The prospect of a choir tour Our trip started in Kutaisi, the not all of them were in tune). That to Georgia had long been on legislative capital since the Georgian evening’s rehearsal left us needing the cards, courtesy of Professor Parliament relocated here from the to acquaint ourselves with creative capital, Tbilisi, in 2012. It is a city Michael Vickers, Fellow Emeritus substitutes for a music stand, full of character, recognised by the singing as we were on the hotel’s in Archaeology at Jesus College. Tourist Information Centre who terrace overlooking the city below. In fact, one of my early label it the “City of Smile” (curious Fortunately, when it came to note recollections of our wonderful lack of plural, I know), and we giving, the presence of not one, but Chaplain, Megan, is on the began our exploration of it with a two, perfect pitchers (read: human choir’s trip to St David’s, Wales in visit to the State Historical Museum, tuning forks), James and Josh, meant September 2016, when she told complete with canine companions we were covered. whose number grew with each me, “…and as for choir tours, street and square we traversed. Our first dinner together, 2018 will be Georgia”. To which This was followed by a visit to a accompanied by Michael, was I predictably responded, “country museum devoted to the celebrated a hearty affair comprising an or state?”. I am sure that I speak Georgian composer, Zakaria astounding array of the hallowed for the whole choir when I say Paliashvili, whose music serves as khachapuri (‘cheesy bread’ for the less linguistically inclined among us), that Georgia (the country) made the basis for the country’s national anthem. Here in his very lodgings as well as an overwhelming quantity for a first-rate tour destination. we were treated to some gorgeous of meat dumplings (khinkali), Mendelssohn by Josh, on the first complete with a lesson on how of what was an abundant supply to eat them correctly: cutlery not of pianos on our travels (even if required. 12 Georgia (Kutaisi, Batumi, Tbilisi): 24 June - 3 July ED BUXTON (2016, MODERN LANGUAGES & LINGUISTICS)

The next morning our first offered an exciting, if daunting, Vegas-on-Sea”. We spent our first stop was the grandiose Bagrati performance opportunity for a evening here in a joint concert ‘on cathedral, built in the eleventh choir like ours. It was here that we the boulevard’ with the wonderful century, followed by the Gelati discovered the country’s general Revaz Lagidze Girls’ Choir, whose monastery, high up in the hills laxness when it comes to timings: impeccable standards both overlooking the city and recognised we stood behind the stage’s velvet technically and interpretatively left as a UNESCO World Heritage curtain raring to go well before us mesmerised if slightly daunted: Site since 1994. There, we were the advertised start time of six one minute they were basking treated to something none of us o’clock, only for ten past six to in the wrenching harmonies of had witnessed hitherto; a concert arrive without any sign of progress, a modern setting of the Agnus of traditional Georgian dancing. then quarter past, twenty past, Dei, the next they had us clapping We were truly in awe of the slick half past. When the time did come along to an upbeat rendition of choreography and combined to sing, we gave it our all and the The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and we finesse and stamina of the dancers, conclusion of our lengthy and varied were all impressed by how their not forgetting the power and programme was greeted with a exacting conductor did away with cohesiveness of the traditional all- standing ovation from over 200 the generic boundaries of classical male choir that performed between people who filled the auditorium. conductorship to make it truly the two dance acts. What a way to end the first leg of into a work of art. Add to this the our tour! cameras, which seemingly came out That evening was our inaugural of nowhere, along with the request concert of the tour, to be held in The following morning we boarded for a recording of us for national the city’s Opera House, a building the bus for Batumi, a lively coastal television, and we were again driven of immense proportions which resort described by Michael as “Las to sing our hearts out. The highlight 13 of the evening for me was that evening was at Tbilisi State against corruption, and even Rachmaninoff’s Bogoritsye Dyevo University, another auditorium of Georgia’s prospects about joining (the Old Slavonic inspired by the vast proportions which we did well the EU. In return we sang our Latin Ave Maria) whose extended, to fill with our singing. Though we best to an appreciative audience immense crescendo really benefited might have held it together in the of Embassy employees, and, after from the extra voices we had performance itself, the journey a lunch kindly laid on for us, we present. back was another matter, with boarded the bus for the ancient the combination of astronomical town of Mtskheta, where we visited Our exploration of the city the temperatures, crammed buses, the remote Jvari monastery dating following morning had a distinctly reckless driving, failed attempts from the sixth century, followed by archaeological thrust (no surprises to make the decrepit on-board Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, another there, given that Michael was our ticket machines work (Michael’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. tour guide). First we visited the admonition, “They’re very strict Our final excursion was, fittingly, imposing Gonio Fortress, which round here” only adding to the to an excavation site, Grakliani dates back to Roman times and stress), and, to top it all off, doubts Gora; discovered in 2007 and of is believed to be the resting place about where we were in fact great interest to archaeologists of St Matthew, one of the twelve going, making for a rather bizarre worldwide, but in particular apostles. Our next stop was experience. “What next?” we all researchers at the State University. Batumi’s Archaeological Museum, thought (and I exclaimed). The nonchalance with which whose inception in 1994 was down our host handed round various to the perseverance of Michael and Well, as it happened, a delicious artefacts, some dating as far back his team of local excavators and lunch kindly hosted by Michael and as 4000 BC, emphasised that this archaeologists; walking round, we his wife Manana at their immaculate certainly was first-hand archaeology were amused to hear remarks from villa on the hills of the capital. Here, - British Museum eat your heart him along the lines of, “I remember to our surprise, we met the British out! digging this one up...” and “We Ambassador to Georgia, Justin had trouble dating that one.”, and McKenzie, whom we spontaneously That evening was spent outside in we were enchanted by his open serenaded with a hearty verse of the beautiful rustic surroundings invitation to us to work on future the College hymn, Guide me, O of Grakliani, as we feasted on archaeological digs. thou great Redeemer (without a wonderful array of Georgian descant, I needn’t add), in promise specialities washed down with local We were on the road again of a fuller programme of music wine and the national spirit cha early the next morning, this time at the British Embassy the next cha, which, a forgiving reviewer headed for the nation’s faraway day. That afternoon we sang for a might say, buoyed us in our final capital, Tbilisi. After an unplanned traditional Catholic Mass, followed performance as we sang our stop at a remote eatery - taken by a short concert afterwards in last. As for the remainder of the for the sake of our bus and its the beautiful church of St. Peter and evening: ‘What happens on tour, overheating engine - we came to Paul, where we were blessed with stays on tour’ is the maxim I shall Stalin’s birthplace, Gori. Here we a warm welcome and wonderful here invoke. were taken aback at the grand acoustic. temple, complete with Soviet I would like to thank everyone Union insignias, which had been Our last full day in Georgia for their excellent company and constructed around the humble captured the essence of the whole wonderful singing, and to express cottage where he had spent his tour; full of adventure, surprise, and my gratitude to those whose earliest days. Next we stopped at of course singing. We started out organisational input made this the Tserovani settlement, which at the British Embassy to Georgia, trip possible; Michael and Manana houses residents from the disputed where we were invited to an Vickers, our wonderful Chaplain, South Ossetia region, and here interesting talk by the Ambassador, Megan, and my steadfast colleagues, we sang a shorter programme who addressed topics such as Lucy, Jack and Tom. n of music to a grateful audience the promotion of higher-level of local residents. Our concert education, the ongoing struggle St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Tbilisi

14 15 WORLD WAR ONE EXPERIENCED BY A COLLEGE ROWING CREW DR ROBIN DARWALL-SMITH FSA, FRHISTS, JESUS COLLEGE ARCHIVIST

The 1914 Torpid

2018 marks the centenary of the Armistice and the end of fighting in the First World War. Jesus suffered its share of loss, just like all the other Oxbridge Colleges: 63 members of the College, including young men who had been offered places to study here after the war, were killed.

16 The 1914 Torpid

Mere numbers of dead can appear At an unknown date the archives mathematician, but was a Scholar. rather abstract: the number is were presented with this fine Next to him sits Lionel Collier, noted, sorrow expressed, and the pair of photos of the 1914 Torpid. our stroke, who came up in 1911. reader moves on. So for now I have As was the convention for many Collier was a local lad: his father focussed on a particular pair of years (perhaps some readers was a cycle agent who lived on photographs which I hope will bring possess such photos), two photos the Woodstock Road, and he home what the war meant within a were taken of the crew posed himself went to the Oxford Boys’ College like ours. respectively in a quad, and in their High School which T. E. Lawrence boat, and then placed on one had attended. He was another The starting point is a photo of the mount. Mathematician, but was only a 1914 Torpid (above). The March Commoner (he’d managed a Third 1914 issue of the Jesus College As seen on the photo (left) in the in Mods the previous year). The Magazine (the forerunner of today’s quad, here are the members of that right-hand man on the top row is Record) hailed the crew as “one of “powerful Torpid” of 1914: Robert Norwood (no. 2), another the most powerful that this In the back row, starting from the alumnus of the Oxford Boys’ High College has turned out in recent left, perched on a sofa sits Walter School, and the son of a caterer. He years.” They even lived up to the Hankinson (bow), who came up had come up in 1912, and appears hype, bumping Lincoln, Hertford, in 1913 with an Open Exhibition to have been reading Chemistry. and Balliol II, to finish 22nd on the in Mathematics. Hankinson, the river, which the Magazine thought son of a chemist, had attended Sitting at the left-hand end of the was the highest that the College Grammar School. middle row is Angus Buchanan had reached in Torpids for years. Next stands Wilfred Davis (rowing (no. 4). Buchanan, a doctor’s son, “There were”, the article ended, at no. 3), who came up in 1913 had attended Monmouth Grammar “the customary rejoicings that from Wimbledon College. A School. He came up in 1913 on night.” secretary’s son, Davis was another a Welsh Classical Scholarship 17 The 1919 First Eight

(although he lived in Coleford in Welshman. The son of a brewer in had exhibitions or scholarships, Gloucestershire). He was also a Barry, Morris was educated at the but then Jesus at that time was member of the College’s Rugby local school, and came up in 1913 unusually lucky in having a great team that term. Next to Buchanan with a Welsh Scholarship in Modern many scholarships and exhibitions sits James Herbertson (no. 7). History. to bestow. It is notable that there The son of a shipping agent from was only one Welshman in the Finally, sitting in the front is the St. Albans, Herbertson was much crew (whereas half the College’s cox, Geoffrey Reeves, the son of older than the rest of the crew, rugby team of 1914 came from a civil engineer. Reeves had been having been born in 1883. He’d Wales). Four members of the educated at Victoria College in actually matriculated in 1911 as a 1914 Torpid (Herbertson, Collier, Jersey and came up in 1913 with a non-collegiate student, and only Davis, and Champion) rowed in Charles I Classical Scholarship. migrated to Jesus in 1913, just in that summer, and time to join the crew. He was Our Torpid of 1914 were a solidly then everyone went their separate reading Modern Languages. To his middle and lower-middle class crew, ways for the Long Vacation. During right is Reginald Champion (no. 6), most of them the sons of fathers that Long Vacation, of course, the the son of a private secretary in trades rather than professions, First World War broke out, and from Woking. He came up in 1913 and none of them from a major our crew were duly eager for the with an Open Natural Science public school. This was very typical fray: Davis and Reeves joined up Scholarship. The last man on this of the social composition of Jesus in August 1914; Collier, Hankinson, row is Noel Morris (no. 5), our only at this time. Over half the crew Morris and Norwood followed in 18 The 1919 First Eight

September; Champion in October; “traditional” war: he joined the with the East Surrey Regiment was and Buchanan in November. Royal Fusiliers, becoming a captain, killed in action in France on Hill 60 Herbertson alone came back and served in Egypt and France. He on 21 April 1915. to Oxford in October 1914 to was awarded the MC in November Geoffrey Reeves, a second complete his studies in 1915, and 1918. On the other hand, Lionel lieutenant with the Hampshire then joined up in September that Collier, having first joined the Royal Regiment, was killed in action in the year. Sussex Regiment, then moved to Gallipoli campaign on 5 June 1915. the RFC (later the RAF), serving Herbertson also had a somewhat in Salonika and Egypt. He was Noel Morris, a lieutenant in the unusual war. He became a captain mentioned in despatches, and 8th South Regiment, died in the so-called “special lists”, which awarded the DFC in January 1919. of wounds received in action on implies that he may have been doing Vimy Ridge on 12 May 1916. some specialised behind-the-scenes These three men all emerged work (he was reading Modern from the war, at least physically Robert Norwood, a second Languages, so his war work may unscathed. However, what makes lieutenant with the Oxon and Bucks have exploited that). He was clearly this photograph of the 1914 Light infantry, was declared missing, good at it, though: he was three Torpid especially poignant is what presumed killed, in September 1916. times mentioned in despatches, and happened to no fewer than five of Reginald Champion, a lieutenant in awarded an OBE. its members: the Scots Greys, was killed in action Walter Hankinson had a more Wilfred Davis, a second lieutenant at Ypres on 18 July 1917. 19 The last member of the crew, is wearing a sun hat. In the photo ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Buchanan Angus Buchanan, had become in the quadrangle (see page 18), the undergraduate VC’. But when a captain with the South Wales Hankinson is sitting in the front row, they were alone together, the two Borderers, and served in Gallipoli on the left hand side, and Buchanan men could lay aside their heroic and Mesopotamia. He had the most sits also in the front row, two places personas: they were each with remarkable war of any of our crew, to his right. Readers may compare perhaps the only man in Oxford because he was awarded the VC the images of both men there with who really understood them. in 1916, for carrying two wounded the 1914 photo and draw their own After Oxford, we know nothing of men to safety when under fire. conclusions. Collier’s later life. Walter Hankinson, Sadly, though, Buchanan was then We should not forget, however, on the other hand, went on to have blinded at Kut in March 1917. Some the rest of that 1919 crew, for all of a distinguished career in the Foreign film footage survives of Buchanan them had seen active service before Office. He served in Australia and receiving his VC, showing him coming up, except for the cox, John Canada, before becoming High having to be led to and from the Richards, who had been too young Commissioner in Ceylon in 1948-51, dais. to fight. Once again, we might spot and Ambassador to the Republic of But what became of our four a contrast between young Richards, Ireland in 1951-5. He was knighted survivors after the war? Herbertson sitting in the front row, and the in 1948. immediately disappears from the crew he coxed. That leaves Angus Buchanan. picture: nothing is known of his As an undergraduate VC, Angus He qualified as a solicitor and later life. However, Hankinson, Buchanan became a figure of note. returned to his native Coleford, Collier and Buchanan all came back He chaired the first post-war where he died in March 1944. The to Oxford. This was rather unusual: meeting of the Junior Common Jesus College Magazine for June most of the undergraduates up at Room on 3 May 1919, and in 1944 contains an obituary by his Oxford in 1914 who survived the January 1921, it was Buchanan who contemporary and friend J. N. L. war chose to restart their lives unveiled a War Memorial in the old Baker, who had also come up to elsewhere. Junior Common Room (now the Jesus in 1913, and who later was War Memorial Room). All three men changed subject: for many years our Geography Collier moved from Maths to Buchanan also acquired an Fellow and Estates Bursar. Physics, getting a Second in his Finals interesting new friend. One of my Baker remembered him for his in 1921. Hankinson went further, correspondents, a Mr. Ian Lawrence, “unassumed modesty, great courage changing from Maths to Modern once met Buchanan’s niece, who and open friendliness”. The College History, while Buchanan switched told him that another Jesus man, flag flew at half mast, and Baker from Classics to Law. We do not T. E. Lawrence (by now a Fellow wrote “to the present generation know what kind of help the now of All Souls), became friends with the death of Buchanan meant little blinded Buchanan had in his studies. Buchanan. Buchanan told his niece more than the passing of a College However the current Vice-Principal, that they regularly dined together, worthy. To some of us just what it Ernest Hardy, who became Principal but sometimes neither said anything meant cannot be put into words for in 1921, had been blind for many for the whole evening. At the we knew the man.” n years. In Hardy, Buchanan could find end of the night, Lawrence would a perfect role model. remark “Well, thank you again for a wonderful evening, Angus. As ever, Hankinson and Buchanan both took you were great company”. This up rowing once more, and were might suggest Lawrence’s dry sense The archives of Jesus College, although not members of the First Eight of 1919, of humour coming to the fore, but extensive, stretch back to medieval times rowing at nos. 7 and 6 respectively. before the foundation of the College, and there is a more serious point. Both contain material about many aspects of College We are lucky to have a double Lawrence and Buchanan were life. They are regularly open, by appointment, to photo. In the photo of the crew in bona fide researchers. heroes to the outside world, as their boat (see page 19), Buchanan

20 21 Jesus College sport has gone from strength to strength this year, achieving some amazing feats: the women’s football team made it through to the Cuppers plate final, the mixed finished runners-up in Cuppers and the volleyball team won their Trinity Term tournament. Most remarkable, however, have been the College’s successes in rowing and cricket where the Jesus crews and teams have worked hard to produce some impressive results.

Week 5 of Trinity Term saw the weather had blighted the majority klaxoned race placed them 11th in rowers of Jesus College compete of racing during Torpids earlier in Division which is the highest Jesus in the flagship event of the Oxford the year. M2 have ever been in the history of college rowing calendar: Summer the event. The men’s First boat went +3 over Eights. Impressively, a total of the week, securing their place in the W1 were a force to be reckoned 7 crews (4 men’s and 3 women’s) First Division for the first time since with this Summer Eights, with the represented College over the 2004, continuing their meteoric rise crew getting blades without needing 4 days. The oarsmen, oarswomen up the bumps charts. The Second to row past the gut. Obtaining a and coxswains were all particularly boat also performed outstandingly bump within 1min 40s every day keen to triumph, given how severe – 2 bumps, a row over, and a was an incredible achievement for 22 ROWING

a crew placed towards the top of Jesus Women’s Eight winning blades Division 2 facing fierce opposition. The women’s boat then headed All in all, it was another successful to Henley Women’s Regatta on year for the men and women of the last weekend of Trinity Term, JCBC, with equal amounts of pain hoping to advertise some quality and enjoyment experienced by all. blade-work at one of the most The boat club would like to thank prestigious rowing events. Despite College and the Cadwallader Club the gruelling heat, the team put for their continued support; without on a great performance, almost it, JCBC would simply not be able catching the crew from University to function. The Cadwallader College London over the 1,500m Club Dinner will be held on the course, and demonstrating bags of 21st September 2018. Anyone who perseverance and sportsmanship. has rowed or is interested in Jesus rowing is invited. Please contact the For the first time in a number of Cadwallader Club Secretary, Anna years, Jesus was able to put out a making him (we believe) the first Caffyn Fellows and Staff boat for Summer Head of House to ever compete in E: [email protected]. Eights, which were labelled as the the competition. Sadly, despite Sir Follow the Jesus College Boat M3 crew. The Principal, Sir Nigel Nigel’s presence in the boat, the Club on Facebook and on Twitter Shadbolt, was able to row with the staff couldn’t avoid being bumped @jesusboatclub n boat on the Friday and Saturday on four days consecutively.

23 CRICKET

Bannister vs the mile in 1954, At Lord’s, the Oxford University instigation of Charles Wordsworth England football in 1966, Botham’s Blues cricket team, featuring who was also responsible for Ashes in 1981 – next to be added Toby Pettman, beat Cambridge founding in 1829. to this list of timeless triumphs was University by 5 wickets in the highly Stepping into this history, Toby Jesus College’s victory over Teddy competitive annual Varsity fixture. bowled a superb 10 overs, ending Hall 2018 in the Cricket Cuppers 2018 marked the 173rd round of 2-34 in a match which was a joy to Final. The nail-biting game ended in the match first played in 1827 at the watch. a seldom-seen ‘super over’ or tie- breaker with 2 extra overs for each team and 2 wickets allowed. Jesus lost their second wicket halfway through their 2nd over and Teddy Hall lost only one, leaving them a few runs away from victory. But Toby Pettman (Classics 2nd year) stayed cool under pressure and Jesus stole the title with an LBW, having taken 2 wickets in 3 balls.

24 The Oxford University Women’s Cricket Club Eleven also swept to victory, captained by Vanessa Picker, one of Jesus College’s graduate students. This secured their second Varsity win for the season (and 5th consecutive Lord’s win). Vanessa finished as the leading run scorer for the 2018 season with 575 runs and a top score of 114 not out. n 25 FOOTBALL

The Jesus College Women’s Football Club (JCWFC) had a record-breaking season this year, making it to the final of the inaugural Hassan’s Cup, and moving from the bottom to the top of the Women’s 2nd Division in the League.

The Hassan’s Cup, set up this year by Jesus Alumni and JCWFC Coach Omar Mohsen, was certainly the highlight of the season. The final, played under floodlights at Iffley Road Stadium, attracted a fantastic number of College supporters armed with banners, Welsh flags and chants. For many of the team it was their first chance to play at a stadium and though they lost 2-1 it was an exciting and memorable experience. 26 BLUES

Jesus College continues to excel at sports, with the following awarded blues, half blues or 2nd colours in the academic year 2017-2018.

Eve Ackery (2015, Geography), Lacrosse, Varsity. James Parkinson (2015, Environmental Research), Cameron Bowie (2017, Maths & Stats), Cross Country, Varsity, Athletics, Varsity, , Blues & Varsity. , Varsity. Isabel Donaldson (2017, Philosophy & Theology), Henry Petch (2015, Experimental Psychology), Ski Team, Blues. Lacrosse, Blues. Jenyth Evans (2015, Classics), Pistol, Blues. Toby Pettman (2016, Classics), Cricket, Blues. Michael Gorry (2017, Modern Languages), Samantha Phey (2015, Law), , Blues. Rugby, Blues. Vanessa Picker (2017, Social Intervention), Madeline Goss (2017, Nature, Society & Environmental Cricket, Blues. Governance, Rowing, Blues. Helena Pickford (2017, Synthesis for Biology & Alice Guest (2015, History), Hockey, Varsity. Medicine), Ski Team, Blues. Elysia Hannaford (2014, Physics), Ski Team, Blues. Michael Platt (2016, Chemistry), Snooker, Varsity. Elis Harrington (2016, Modern Languages), Nithesh Ranasinha (2014, Clinical Medicine), Powerlifting, Varsity. , Varsity, Athletics, Varsity. Maddy Hayes (2016, Law), Korfball, Varsity. Sam Skillcorn (2012, Clinical Medicine), , Varsity. Tim Koch (2016, Law), Ski Team, Blues. Miranda Stevens (2016, Biological Sciences), Patrick Lundgren (2017, Integrated Immunology), Fencing, Blues & Varsity. Basketball, Blues. Louise Todd (2014, Chemistry), Table Tennis, Half Blue. Harriet Mansell (2013, Late Antique & Byzantine Studies), Rifle, Varsity. Benjamin Verboom (2014, Social Intervention), Ice Hockey, Varsity. Caitlin O’Brien (2015, Biomedical Imaging), Rowing, Blues. Igor Wasilewski (2017, Physics), Pistol Club, Varsity. 27 DONOR TRIP TO ROME PROFESSOR RICHARD BOSWORTH

250 years ago Dr Johnson decreed that ‘a man [sic] who has not been in Italy is always conscious of an inferiority, from his not having seen what is expected a man should see’. Over the last years, the cheerful score or more who constitute the travelling donors to our College have done their best to remedy this possible absence in their lives. In May 2015 there was a great trip to ‘Italian’ Venice (no Republican charms to be admitted). With a certain irony, we were then based on the island of San Servolo, shared with Assad’s Syrian Republic’s contribution to that year’s Biennale. In May 2018, it was the turn of Rome. But, of all the Romes, it was the Fascist city (and a number of its wonderful non- tourist restaurants) that we went to taste. u

28 29 The trip was brilliantly organised To be sure all students of Italy Who knows how many fur sales by Brittany Wellner-James, Ursula know that the possibility of pasticci thereby resulted? In between, we Saunders and Nicola Choules- (stuff-ups) is never wholly absent were refreshed at the ‘Fast’ in the Rowe in the Development Office. there, and we did mysteriously Viale Dell’Europa, my usual lunch I took on the role of Marshal lose the coach that was meant to spot when virtuously working in (or mini-Duce), with Michal as convey us from one site to another the (Fascist) state archive building La Ducetta, on the grounds that during daytime Friday. We had to up the hill; those not blinded by I have had occasion to be in Rome substitute with a no. 30 suburban nationalism and boiled potatoes at least once every year since 1967. bus, Metropolitana Linea B, and may have conceded that a Roman I do like to whisper self-indulgently two decidedly crowded no. 3 trams, ‘Fast’ feeds you better than any that my best book is my account of which may have meant that we quickie pub in this country. ‘Rome and its histories’ (2011). were straying from a Fascist to a If we were a little tired that day, contemporary focus. But we did Sir Nigel necessarily provided the it could have been because we’d observe the Quartiere Coppedè most authoritative command, heard at the Teatro dell’opera the with its pre-Fascist flourishes, the notably in a speech given from a far night before a celebrated Deborah fake Villa Torlonia that housed up-market restaurant with a view Warner directed production of Billy the (legitimate) Mussolini family over St. Peter’s (shh about its Fascist Budd, superbly introduced to us by 1929‑43 and EUR from the Marconi overtones). Our Principal seconded alumnus Tom Brown (1975, French obelisk (where we may have been these words the next day by & German) of our company. In my prompted to mistrust scientists’ effortlessly knocking back a chilled own capacity as austere historian, politics) to the ‘Square Colosseum’ and brimming glass of mirto at the I tried to persuade the group to (Palazzo della civiltà di lavoro), splendid L’isola d’oro restaurant as focus not on the music but on with its six storeys up and nine a helpful digestivo following who the shield above the stage, which archways across (mathematicians knows how many fishy courses celebrated the role of King Victor and historians remembered to and sips of Vermentino. He then Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini translate to BENITO MUSSOLINI). seamlessly proceeded to the plane, ‘Dux’ in restoring the place in Anno Again the contemporary world Oxford, and the Oxford Town and VI (of the Fascist Revolution; 1928 broke in since the building is now Gown Race, where his mirto-fuelled in old money). the headquarters of Fendi Inc. and performance exceeded any speed an exhibition where they tempted By the Saturday, bus now again for age requirements. us with the best of 1950s’ fashion. at our service, we worked up an appetite by strolling across the Milvian Bridge (Mussolini seized power in 1922 on the same day that Constantine victoriously opted for Christianity against Maxentius in 312) to the ‘Stadio dei Marmi’. We there tallied those of the displayed Fascist sportsmen who wore fig-leafs and who did not. A step further and we could admire the ‘Foro Italico’ (once Foro Mussolini) entrance to Rome’s main football stadium (Stadio Olimpico), and muse about the lack of memorial revision, which still hails triumphant Fascist airplanes with their cargoes

2018 alumni donor trip to Rome

30 Square Colosseum (Palazzo della civiltà di lavoro). Dr Johnson uttered his dictum restaurant Rome – there was also without ever having been or going our initial lunch at the Garigliano, of poison gas that gave Italy speedy to Italy and with a reiterated which I do not have space to victory over Ethiopia in 1935-6. On confidence that historians should detail – allowed them to slough off exit we could look back on another not be admired or trusted, any sense of Oxonian inferiority. obelisk, the entry statement to the confident that his words could But Mike and I are left to plot yet quarter, with its inscribed BENITO bulldoze Edward Gibbon, any time another trip to our favourite city, MUSSOLINI DUX left to stir that little man tried to raise his lest that run begun in 1967 come to emotions of one kind or another voice in company. I cannot speak an end while we still have so much in our own days. And so to the for the group of alumni donors to see (and to eat). n Isola d’oro and its Sard cuisine and over whether or not Fascist or Sard hospitality.

31 ISOLDE AT THE SHELDONIAN THANKS TO THE DEVELOPMENT FUND

Jesus College, alongside The Isolde performance was a Anna Bahr-Mildenburg (1872- the Faculty of Music, reinterpretation of Gustav Mahler’s 1947), the singer who performed (1860-1911) 1903 production of Isolde under Mahler in 1903, was delighted to host the Richard Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde struck audiences with her interdisciplinary conference in Vienna, featuring set designs by ability to express an array of ‘Wagner 1900’, from the renowned Secession artist contradictory emotions: ‘love 9th to 11th April 2018, Alfred Roller (1864-1935). This and hate, darkness and fury, production marked a turning sensitivity and spitefulness, passion investigating the impact of point in twentieth-century opera and despair, exaltation and grief’. Richard Wagner on fin- staging in terms of acting technique, Bahr-Mildenburg left a trace of de-siècle Vienna in music, lighting, set designs and dramatic her Wagnerian interpretation in a history, politics and German conception. Mahler and Roller were performer’s guide to Tristan und culture as well as opening searching together for ways to Isolde (Darstellung des Werkes replace visual illusion with allusion aus dem Geiste der Dichtung debates on performance – the stage was seen as a space that und Musik, 1936). This treatise practice in historical and could be used to suggest emotions proposes staging directions, specific contemporary staging. The and atmospheres, rather than a gestures relating to key passages conference was organised by platform meant to visually represent of the text, acting instructions the unfolding of the story. Visual and singing nuances, insisting that Junior Research Fellow Anna elements that did not relate to their ‘Richard Wagner only demands Stoll Knecht and concluded understanding of the music had to compellingly that every gesture is with a special performance be eliminated. Roller, who was in the consequence of an idea and the at the Sheldonian Theatre: charge of lighting, stage design and respective word’. costumes, ‘painted the stage with The Sheldonian performance Isolde, conducted by John lights’, and used colours as symbols drew on these two main sources: Warner, directed by Cecilia of the characters’ emotions. Bahr-Mildenburg’s acting treatise Stinton, with Kirstin Sharpin The music was conceived as the and Roller’s surviving sketches essential vehicle of the drama, (Isolde) and Mae Heydorn for stage sets and costumes, and all aspects of the production (Brangäne). and reinterpreted them in a converged to create a ‘total work of contemporary context to create art’ in a Wagnerian spirit. Tom Weller Photography www.tomwellerphotography.com Photography Weller Tom 32 a bold new interpretation of the Tristan und Isolde without Development Fund, created in opera. Inspired by the Sheldonian distorting the work’s identity? 2009 to support projects proposed as a unique theatrical space, Should the Bahr-Mildenburg by members of College. Jesus Roller’s designs were adapted to performance instructions be College also provided critical embrace the building’s strikingly followed à la lettre in order support for the wider conference boat-like interior and potential to to render a faithful historical through Major Research Grants make a varied stage picture. The reconstruction of Mahler’s and and Jesus alumnus Tom Brown production evoked something of Roller’s 1903 production? It (1975, French & German) kindly Roller’s ambitious coloured lighting probed the relationship between hosted a conversation with the specifications which stunned the reconstruction and interpretation prestigious soprano Susan Bullock audience in 1903. processes and provided a unique CBE (whose concert work has opportunity to foster crucial included the Prelude and Liebestod Similarly, instead of plotting Bahr- exchanges between research and from Tristan und Isolde). Mildenburg’s descriptions by note, performance practice, both by the artistic team adopted her ethos Performances like this cannot enacting scholarly perspectives as a guide, particularly her call to happen without these generous on stage and, in turn, by taking use Wagner’s music to generate contributions from our alumni the performance as the matter of physical drama. This approach supporters. Heartfelt thanks to academic debates. created an unusual rehearsal them, as well as to the ‘Wagner dynamic in which the performers, The production was 1900’ scholars who worked in director and conductor worked generously supported tandem with the artistic team on collectively to find moment by the Jesus College the conception of Isolde. n in which music provoked the performers’ movement. In order to make this demanding process feasible, the music drama was condensed to concentrate on the character of Isolde. By removing the dramatic core of the opera (the love scene) and keeping only the passages involving Isolde and her confidante Brangäne, this production focused on Isolde’s state of mind before and after the encounters with Tristan. Isolde therefore allowed for a heightened intimacy between the two female characters, providing an opportunity to perform Wagner’s opera in an exceptionally concentrated version that brings out the orchestra’s voice as an expression of the work’s fundamental drama. The Isolde performance raised some fascinating questions. Can you make cuts in Wagner’s Tom Weller Photography www.tomwellerphotography.com Photography Weller Tom

33 Beneath the famous The College wine cellar is managed and a responsibility to serve as and overseen by the Wine Steward. Steward. Managing the cellar is both dreaming spires of It is the Steward who is responsible an art and a science and it takes for attending tastings and selecting experience and passion to maintain Oxford’s Colleges lie wines for the College. J. N. L. a portfolio of wine to be used for the unseen caverns Baker’s history of the College a variety of purposes. Running a recounts how wine for the ‘court’ college cellar has never been more of their wine cellars. dinner of the undergraduate complex. For example, today the Each cellar is unique ‘Bachelor’s Common Room’ SCR is roughly twice the size it was (which existed from 1764 to 1807) 50 years ago, and the Steward must and distinctive and was brought up from the Master cater for a greater variety of tastes that of Jesus College is Common Room – at this time a and occasions. In addition excellent dozen bottles of port cost about wine is produced today in a greater no exception. Tucked £1. Today’s Steward still selects multiplicity of countries and regions, away under the Senior wine for College events including some of which (New Zealand, Chile SCR guest nights, gaudies, and and Argentina to take just three Common Room, the special College occasions such examples) were relatively unknown cellar’s cool, dark space as the annual St David’s Day and even a generation ago. Benefactors’ dinners. SCR members Although small on the scale houses an important may also purchase wine from the of supermarkets, Oxford (and cellar, typically for occasions such feature of College life. Cambridge!) colleges represent a as Schools dinners or drinks with prestige market for wine merchants students, and so the Steward also and a number of established manages a General Sales List of merchants visit the city to put on wines suitable for purchase for wine tastings, the larger merchants these events. Indeed all wine drunk typically once per term and smaller is paid for! Other College staff are merchants annually. A tasting also involved – the Butler cellars might be focussed on a region, for and brings up wines as needed example en primeur selections from while the accounts team manages Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhone, the purchasing and charging for or be more general, including a wines consumed – but it is the selection of wines from many Steward who maintains and countries. These events give the refreshes the wine stock. Stewards from many colleges the It is both an enormous privilege opportunity to come together to 34 HIDDEN COLLEGE EXPLORING THE WINE CELLARS WITH PROFESSOR PHILIP BURROWS

taste the wines on offer and select occasions, such as SCR guest nights, to be used quickly (eg. non-vintage which ones they might purchase for to match the food. Typically (but sparkling wines, or white wines to their respective cellars. Tastings can not always!) whites are paired be enjoyed as aperitifs) and may be intense: they allow a sharing of with starters and fish and reds are not spend more than a few months wisdom and a comparison of views chosen to accompany meat dishes. in the cellar. However most wine is as Stewards discuss similarities (and On SCR Guest Nights Claret, ‘aged’ for several years, and good- sometimes differences!) of opinion. dessert wine and port are also quality wines, typically bought Each Steward must decide what is served to conclude the evening. en primeur, may be laid down for needed for their cellar and consider An additional aim of managing the 10 or more years until at their purchases accordingly. A lot of the cellar is to make sure that wines prime for serving. There are small wine will be bought to drink within are drunk at their peak, and the quantities of wines in the cellar in a few years. This is especially true Steward factors in the numbers excess of 20 years old which are of whites, although quality white dining into the selection of wine still maturing and being kept for a burgundies, for example, can be based on the numbers of bottles in special College occasion. kept for longer until they peak. For stock. For example, an SCR guest The Jesus cellar is there to serve reds some may be bought to drink night dinner may be a wonderful the College community so its wine early while others will be laid down, occasion to use 5 or 6 bottles of composition reflects both the needs possibly for up to ten or twenty (for example) a Chablis that is ready of the College and the judgement years. It is at the wine tastings that for drinking, while a gaudy may of Stewards present and past who the Steward should decide what will call for two dozen bottles of both have carefully selected the wines. develop well and over what length reds and whites to be served with Above all at Jesus wines are bought of time, and choose accordingly to dinner. Sparkling wines are usually to be drunk, not for investment, keep the cellar well stocked. No reserved for celebratory occasions, so when purchasing the Steward two college cellars will necessarily for example before Schools dinners, always has in mind College events be the same in character as each when they may even be enjoyed in and the types of wines required. As will reflect the needs and tastes of Second Quad in brilliant summer- such, the cellar comes into different its community. evening sunshine! uses on different occasions but is Arguably the most important duty Around 7,000 bottles of wine are always there to help ensure that of the Steward is to select wines currently stored in Jesus College’s College community and our guests to accompany College meals. At cellar and, while this may seem a have a magnificent experience of Jesus weekly menus are proposed large number, the Jesus community College life – it helps the College to by the Chef and discussed at the consumes around 1,000 bottles act as a gracious host and shows us fortnightly Common Table Advisory each year at the various dinners at our best and most vibrant. n Board Meeting. The Steward and events hosted by the College. will then select wines for special Therefore some wines are bought 35 BLOOM & WILD AN INTERVIEW WITH ALUMNUS ARON GELBARD (2000, MODERN LANGUAGES)

36 How did you get into floristry, and what attracted you to it? I didn’t get into floristry as much as link it up with entrepreneurship. My father is an entrepreneur, as were both my grandfathers and it was something which we talked about a lot, so I had always hoped to start my own business one day. I often sent flowers for occasions and felt that it was difficult to do easily or to know what you were ordering, especially when you ordered online. I wanted to give customers buying flowers a better experience – and so I got into flower delivery. Describe a typical day in the life of a florist My day is different to that of a typical florist. They would normally buy flowers from a wholesale flower market, run their shop to sell these and organise bigger projects like weddings alongside this. Since I run an ecommerce floristry company, my day is a little different. I meet with different members of my team about running the website or managing marketing and operations as well as spending time in brainstorm discussions to solve particular problems. A big part of my job as CEO also involves talking to existing and prospective investors and hiring new members of our rapidly growing team. And of Bloom & Wild course, I spend a lot of time thinking year we have been collaborating Flowers tend to mark important about how we can evolve and keep with her to design our luxury flower events in our lives. Do you have a favourite story from your work making our business better. range which has been a dream come true for me. I also admire which illustrates this? Do you have any role models my fellow Jesus College alumnus I’m very aware that people use or sources of inspiration that Anthony Fletcher, CEO of Graze, Bloom & Wild to turn emotion influence your work? and the way he has managed such into action at times of real joy or Lots, both for floristry and an exciting and successful business sadness in their lives and so I take entrepreneurship. I really admire – it was Anthony’s business that a lot of responsibility for the trust Nikki Tibbles who runs Wild at got me thinking about letterbox placed in us at these important Heart, one of the most celebrated delivery and who made me notice moments. People often phone our British luxury florists. Over the past how effective it could be. offices to order flowers and we Bloom & Wild 37 a lack of ventilation) and arrived mouldy. We’d spent our savings on those boxes so it was an expensive mistake. How did you get people to believe in and invest in your business model? I found that it can be tough to get people to invest in an idea on its own so I tried to make my business real as quickly as possible. When we told people we were selling flowers to be posted through letterboxes there was a lot of scepticism so we spent our savings setting up a simple initial website and a process which ran smoothly. People could then see something that was working and it so it was much easier to get them interested and on board. Were you interested in floristry when you were at Oxford? Actually, I wasn’t! But I’ve always been interested in doing a job Bloom & Wild well and getting positive feedback love talking to customers. We had importance of technology to start – I think at Jesus this meant good one customer who lived in Spain with – neither my co-founder grades but outside of Oxford it and always ordered flowers to the nor I came from a technology meant getting on well with other UK – we realised that although background and so we thought people and receiving good feedback she frequently sent our flowers to that building the website would about my ideas. In this business you others she would never have seen be a quick and easy part of our get so much feedback each day and them herself and so we sent her work. We were proved wrong! that’s really motivating for me. a Bloom & Wild ‘care package’ to Now we have a team of people show her our appreciation which involved in technology full-time Did your degree help you get was a really lovely thing to help and our website has become a where you are today? with. I encourage what I call a huge element of our competitive Yes it did – in lots of ways. I studied ‘Bloomerang’ culture – reaching advantage which makes the French and German which has out to customers when they buy experience better for our been really helpful since Bloom & flowers and making it a special customers. Wild has recently launched in both experience is an effort which always I also moved too quickly at times. France and Germany. I’ve used my comes back around to you. When we first started, we decided language skills to review translations, What would you say have to bulk order delivery boxes to look at competitors’ websites and been some of your mistakes, save money. We bought 1,000 initiate meetings with partners failures or lessons learned as an boxes only to discover that lots of – I went to Germany to meet a entrepreneur? the flowers we sent in them got a flower-growing company where few employees spoke English so my I think I underestimated the disease called ‘botrytis’ (caused by 38 undergraduate days came to my will actually be more employable. assistance. I spent my year abroad What matters is doing something in Paris working for a technology which you are passionate about. company and this helped me You don’t start a business and sell it enormously since it was my first quickly – you are going to be living full-time job. I learnt a lot of basic it and thinking about it every day so skills and got a grip of office work, it needs to be something you are meetings and how to do what the really attached to. boss said! Having that professional experience built into my studies What is the key to styling a beautiful flower arrangement? got me interested in the ways technology could be used to solve I would say that there are two key problems, which as an arts student I elements to a bouquet composition Bloom & Wild can be mixed together. Some wasn’t exposed to as much. – what is in the bouquet and how you put it together. You should flowers damage others – daffodils What are your most cherished select about four or five different for instance release a kind of toxic memories from your time at types of stems. Try out unusual slime which can be harmful to College? combinations and let the seasons some other stems. And it sounds I have very vivid memories of going influence you: we’re using a lot of counter-intuitive but you should to Open Days and interviews and leucospermum and other tropical keep flowers away from light or making friends who went on to flowers which work really well heat. You don’t need to put flowers remain my closest friends all the at the moment, but less so at by the window since bright light will way through my time as a student. I Christmas actually make them wilt faster. also loved all the traditional Oxford What has been your biggest stuff: the subject dinners and formal Then, from a styling perspective, you can learn a lot from the basic achievement so far, and what halls. It was a real privilege to be are your plans for the future? part of all those traditions and to technique of bouquet spiralling I am extremely proud of getting live in and around all the beautiful where each new stem is slanted the company up to where we are rooms and buildings. And of course, against the previous one. I’m still so far, especially the promising signs being trashed at the end of Finals – I not great at this but I’ve improved of expanding the business abroad. can still picture it now and I have all a lot – we have ‘flower hour’ at the Also of becoming a dad – balancing the photos. end of the week at the office where a florist runs training sessions for entrepreneurship and parenthood Anything you would have done the whole team. is busy but it’s extremely rewarding. differently? In terms of the future, only 1 in 10 Any tips for making cut flowers people have heard of Bloom & Wild I think I should have gone into last longer? entrepreneurship a bit earlier – I in the UK and I am really keen to was too scared of failure to begin Lots! This is a subject close to our broaden our reach and have more with and I didn’t realise that you hearts. First you should cut 2cm off and more people use us to make learn just as much from things that each stem at a diagonal to increase the experience of sending flowers don’t work out well. the surface area which is exposed the joy that it should be on a bigger to water. You should always add scale. n What advice would you give to flower food to the water and you Jesus alumni benefit from a 15% discount anyone looking to become an should change the water and add on Bloom & Wild purchases using the code entrepreneur? new flower food every two or turlstreet Not to be scared of it and to just three days to help the plants drink Bloom & Wild Flower Delivery: do it! There’s a great community of healthily. Never let leaves go below www.bloomandwild.com people who will help you out. Also, the water line because they make Tag Bloom & Wild on Instagram @ bloomandwild or tweet @bloomandwild too. if you fail it doesn’t matter – having the water toxic. A less heard-of tip Search Bloom & Wild on Facebook or look on lived the experience of failure you would be to look up which flowers Pinterest for floral styling inspiration. 39 ARCTIC DREAMS AND THE GEOGRAPHY FELLOWSHIP APPEAL DAVID LONG (1973, GEOGRAPHY)

On 12 August 2015, I flew in a small vessel – Willy de Roos’ Williwaw – plane to join my friend’s sailing got through in one season. But the yacht Snow Dragon II at Resolute number of sailing vessels completing Bay on Cornwallis Island in far- the NW Passage surged in the northern Canada for the final past decade as Arctic summer ice 2,500-mile stage of her voyage cover receded fast. Out of a total of through the fabled NW Passage to 136 recorded NW Passage transits Nome, Alaska. The time window by sailing vessels from 1906-2017, for transiting the Passage is short. 110 were made since 2007. Snow Channels between islands and Dragon II travelled with three other peninsulas in the Canadian Arctic yachts – Bagheera, Salty and Maia – archipelago are often blocked by for mutual support and safety. ice until mid-August and The author at Ilulissat Icefjord, Disko Bay, West Navigating Arctic waters is easier Greenland open only briefly. Viable routes may not clear until these days. Satellite communications The Arctic always the last moment. The Scott provide accurate positioning and access to weather forecasts and fascinated me. Studying Polar Research Institute in Cambridge – which logs ice data. Snow Dragon II has a GPS Geography at Jesus vessels completing the compass because magnetic devices showed me how ice, wind NW Passage – lists seven are erratic so close to the magnetic possible routes linking north pole. Charts and pilot books and water shaped its the Atlantic to the are incomplete so we plot our austere landscape. And Pacific. courses along lines of soundings, avoiding uncharted blank spaces epic stories of the search Roald Amundsen wherever possible. But our choice for the Northwest Passage made the first transit of route is determined by ice and by sea in his sloop sustained an armchair weather, which we must monitor Gjoa in 1903-06 but closely – especially Canadian enthusiasm for exploration spent three winters Ice Service charts emailed daily and remote places. But in the Arctic as the via satellite phone by my wife ice did not open Georgina. I never imagined I might long enough for experience the fragile him to complete We left Resolute Bay on 14 August the voyage in a when a channel opened along the beauty of the Arctic for single season. east side of Peel Sound. To reach myself. And it was it we went through an area of not until 1977 relatively dense ice. Snow Dragon II that a sailing has an aluminium hull and the other

Bagheera, Salty and Snow Dragon pushing through ice in Victoria Strait

40 ARCTIC DREAMS AND THE GEOGRAPHY FELLOWSHIP APPEAL DAVID LONG (1973, GEOGRAPHY)

yachts are steel so we could – with the site of CAM-1 Distant Early Canada. After hiding from a storm care – push small ice floes out of Warning (DEW) Line station – now for two days in a safe anchorage, the way. In calm weather there decommissioned and buried. All we sailed north to avoid the next, is no risk of ice being compacted that remains is a gravel air-strip and taking advantage of strong winds to by the wind. After Peel Sound we two jet-fuel tanks by the shore. move fast in often rough seas near crossed Victoria Strait where Sir the edge of the polar pack ice in Walking ashore after days on the John Franklin’s two ships Erebus the Beaufort Sea. Ten days later we move at sea is always a treat. But and Terror were trapped in 1846. sighted land again on the west coast with polar bears around we must Victoria Strait does of Alaska. Heading south not always open and Twice we encountered solitary polar bears in the Chukchi Sea, a an alternative route spectacular Northern used by Amundsen wandering along the edge of the ice pack lights display arched goes south around King William above us against a starry sky. Finally, take care, carrying flares, shotgun Island. But we decided to attempt we passed through the Bering Strait and rifles in case of attack. The Victoria Strait as ice charts showed – the end of the NW Passage – to landscape is bare with low, sparse a long lead opening up with just a reach Nome on 9 September. narrow band of denser ice to bar vegetation. There are no trees our way. and the surface is decorated with The Arctic is more open than it patterns of frost-sorted stones. used to be. Cruise ships now offer Twice we encountered solitary Snow geese and caribou – summer trips through the NW Passage polar bears wandering along the visitors – were already gone, leaving and cargo vessels and tankers edge of the ice pack. Neither only feathers and footprints. A few make commercial voyages. And seemed intimidated by the sight of late flowers were still blooming. ice loss threatens to destabilise the four yachts when we stopped to And an Arctic fox trotted boldly up delicate ecosystem. On 29 August take photos. At the end to check us out. 2017, two yachts – Snow Dragon of the day as the sun II and Bagheera - reached 80N From Jenny Lind we sailed on to set we pushed south in a formerly inaccessible area of Cambridge Bay (pop. 1,600) on through the dense ice the Central Arctic Ocean on a Victoria Island where we topped up band to find open scientific mission* to assess changes fuel and water for the longest leg of water on the far side. in the Arctic environment. If I were our journey – 1,500 miles to Nome, The next day we studying Geography today, I know Alaska. Weather - not ice - was stopped at Jenny Lind where I would go. n Island for rest and now the challenge as we headed recuperation, visiting west along the north coast of *www.arcticmission.com

The Paget-Clarke Fellowship Jesus College is seeking to endow a Teaching Fellowship to honour the legacies of Mr Paul Paget and Professor Colin Clarke. The Paget-Clarke Fellowship is one of two Geography Fellowships held at Jesus and will honour these two eminent Fellows who between them have taught Jesus Geographers from 1957 to 2003 inclusive. The College’s aim is to raise £600,000 to permanently endow the Fellowship. Thanks to generous donations from alumni, we now have only £270,000 to complete this endowment. If you would like to support the fund or learn more about the Fellowship, please contact Ursula Saunders in the Development Office at [email protected]

41 THE WELSH CONNECTION ALUMNI EXPLORE COWBRIDGE CLIVE JENKINS Cowbridge Grammar School 1959-66, Jesus College 1966-69

Sir Leoline Jenkins’ bequest of his newly acquired school to Jesus College (1685) strengthened an established practice: many local boys who from its founding by the Stradlings of St Donats in 1609 went up to Jesus would, like him, have been there.

Sir Leoline Jenkins (c.1623-1685) 42 Daniel Durel, ‘the Glamorgan Busby’, Master of Cowbridge School 1721-1763

Corporate ownership was safer hard-headed request for twice disbursed. The College, with Harper than familial; but responsibility for as many buildings, he decamped now Principal, tried to honour his repairs was not assigned and, by for Sherborne, whose trustees assurance that the school was “part law, the College kept any surplus were prepared to use their ampler and parcel of ourselves” with an income above the fixed charges endowments, as indeed from the advantageous fresh start, proposing on the Jenkins estates, leaving the 1860s were Cowbridge’s regional ex gratia payments including school’s endowment frozen. rivals, isolating Jesus College as £150 p.a. for the headmaster: an inactive (minor extensions apart). The papers of Daniel Durel assured core income. A crucial (Master 1721-1763) reveal a school The opportunity in 1847-1860 building grant of up to £3,500 functioning as Jenkins’ intended (when rivals were ineffective) to would help set up Cowbridge as feeder for Jesus College – nine further develop a new-style public Harper’s ‘First Rate Classical School’ much needed entrants in some school was lost. Small, time- under the right headmaster. years – thanks in part to his honoured, Classics-monopolised This generosity was dependent on mutually beneficial pensions for schools were yielding to the replacing the current incompetent pupils and College exhibitions forerunners of today’s complexities. headmaster, Morris Price Williams confined to the school. From Harper left Sherborne with a (1875-1889). Pupil numbers had the 1720s to the 1830s it often curriculum of about ten subjects plummeted to 36 in December seemed the best school in South besides Classics, 350 pupils, and 1880; he had let the newly acquired Wales, shining more brightly in its specialist staff and buildings. But property go to ruin; and, despite provincial sphere than the College the College and the local elite just Harper’s being his immediate did in Oxford. Its supply to the wanted a better yesterday: new superior, he periodically joined the College of quantity, leavened by buildings to revive the traditional, abusive wing of regional opinion. quality, rendered it a notable only slightly enlarged, feeder. But, spurning bribes of College asset – and low-maintenance, From 1847 to 1875 Cowbridge’s livings, he refused to go. So in given the College’s neglect of the results were good to very good 1881 the crucial £3,500 grant was repairs, which was Durel’s constant in Classics and Mathematics but shelved. Regional competition complaint, echoed by his successors, Harper’s able successors, hampered was now stiff, and the enhanced traversing his staunch loyalty to by inadequate facilities, struggled boarding accommodation needed Principal Pardoe (1727-1763). to establish a ‘Modern side’ and for the prospective upper-middle- even to maintain current pupil But in 1847 Hugo Harper found class clientele of a revamped numbers. This was linked with the the school had “sunk to a very classical school proved unaffordable personal grievance of a small core low ebb” by the overlong reign in the later 1880s. Hence after this emolument that rendered their of William Williams (1787-1847). attempt to expand and modernise income dependent on numerically Its ‘resuscitation’ – from 12 boys the school unaided, the College fluctuating fee-payers. to 80+ and brand-new buildings (prompted by unfair criticism of replacing ruins, which was Harper’s Headmasters past and present near fraudulently sitting on money stipulation for taking the job – were part of the wide conspectus when the funds it had at its disposal aroused intense local satisfaction which by 1880 was demanding, were actually insufficient) about- unshared by Harper himself. When often rudely, that the Jenkins turned and tried to attract funding in 1850 the College refused his revenue be more generously from other sources. 43 The Welsh Intermediate Education Act 1889 offered a demotic alternative that was dayboy-slanted, part rates-funded, and likely to draw the sting from the College’s critics. The programme of the local ‘Cowbridge party’ could dovetail with the ancient Classical set-up: most obviously John Bevan’s 1847 blend of traditional curriculum with more and poorer boys for subsequent training as clergy-cum- teachers via increasing the Jenkins free places. The newer 1880s demand that the College fund an ‘intermediate school’ with a wider, more practical curriculum savoured of a Modern Side. The subsequent agreement secured exceptionally good terms for both College and school. The County would take over the general running and some funding; the College would retain one fourth of the governors. Alongside non- denominational services, staff could Hugo Daniel Harper: Headmaster of Cowbridge School 1847-1850; Principal of Jesus College 1877-1895 continue to teach the Anglican and the County tried to revive the 1938). But the juxtaposition of the catechism to Anglican boarders; 1895 agreement and incorporate Harper buildings with the Council’s and – most remarkably – pupils the school into the County system new block of 1938 illustrated that from outside the county (i.e. from but met delay from a Board of ownership had changed. anywhere) could sit for boarding Education who considered it When the County took total scholarships. Several characteristics superfluous. of an independent school were control (1949) the Jesus connection preserved. But the local ‘Church In 1918-19 the Board did admit became the grin of the Cheshire Party’, objecting that the agreement Cowbridge as a ‘transitionally cat. Iolo Davies, senior Classics would destroy the school’s assisted school’ minus the privileges master, boarding master and traditional Anglican character, of the 1890s. Even so, the College (1971-73) last Headmaster was a succeeded in getting it excluded appointed four governors to the loyal Jesubite but the only one on from the Intermediate Bill at the last County’s six, thereby retaining the staff. Sports matches apart, moment by an astonishing fluke of some genuine power, given the the College meant little to most Parliamentary procedure (1895). wide autonomy of governors staff or pupils including most of and headmaster. Henceforth the those Oxbridge-bound, whom The College, forced to continue school flourished. By 1937 there Idwal Rees, headmaster (1938- ownership, again proved unable to were 217 pupils (which rose 1971), often directed to his old finance a relaunch. Withflourishing to 450 by the 1960s). Boys still college, St John’s Cambridge. Jesus public schools for the rich and went to Jesus, indeed in greater became an also-ran. My immediate the new county network for the numbers, directed there by the Cowbridge predecessor at Jesus, rest, other possible funding had regenerative headmaster and Robert Williams, I have never met: vanished. From 1904 the College Jesubite, Richard Williams (1919- he went up in 1958; I in 1966. 44 And who lives by the Council perishes by the Council. It had much eroded the autonomy of school governors by the 1960s. The College representative among them did not make decisions on building and repairs or crucially comprehensivisation; the Council did. And with comprehensivisation in 1973/4 the story ends. To conclude: after after 240 years of Ancien Régime, decisions were taken from 1849 to 1949 which made the grammar school what it is today: extinct: The College’s refusal of Harper’s request for twice as many buildings School buildings erected by Jesus College 1848-1852 probably reflected not so much The Stradling buildings 1609-1847 (1846 is the artist’s error for 1847) Reproduced by permission of Cardiff Libraries.

45 excellent agreement outright. Though Magdalen was with the County then richer than Jesus, it discussed – early 1890s – intermittently if heatedly, from was scuppered Edwardian days into the 1970s, by the suicidal whether to offload or even to machinations close it down on comparable of ‘The Church financial grounds. But the Direct Party’, leaving the Grant scheme eased the financial hapless College to strain from 1920. And under it demonstrate that MCS first did reasonably well, it could not afford then from the 1940s very well. to run a sufficiently With the end of Direct Grant, competitive school. the governing body voted to The school was resume its independence and a therefore too weak hands-off scheme of governance to enter that best was created. So now the College of both worlds gets half its famous choir and the for cash-strapped supererogatory reflected glory trustees of ancient of being the eponym of one of foundations – the the best day independents in the new Direct Grant country in return for minimal yearly Scheme of 1920. outlay plus ex gratia contributions Detail from a memorial window of the grammar school in Holy Cross Church, Cowbridge Much-revived, to the school’s perpetual Harperian Cowbridge would building schemes. blinkered conservatism as shortage have been eligible for the more of funds: a thenceforth constant But it was touch and go. Until the generous version of 1946; but theme. Jesus had just spent an 1970s genuine supporters of the the College opted (1949) to hand unprecedented £5,000 (£900,000 school on the governing body were it entirely to the County. Given today) on new buildings. It joined by those who, when it came the intimate interwreathing of could afford a school on a scale to closure, did not dare. The school the two institutions for over two Shakespeare would have known; was on their doorstep – to 1928 hundred years, this decision to but not to develop its new-wave within their doorstep – supported junk the school seems astonishing. ‘Arnoldian’ successor. Public by a large powerful blend of In our own day of ‘outreach’ subscription from the local élite parents, old boys, Town and Gown, the College’s actually running a who adored what Harper had i.e. colleagues and neighbours of the school in Glamorgan might be a achieved was a tactic which worked Magdalen dons. Of the two schools huge advantage. But never mind well for Christ College, Brecon from in distant parts – a bus ride away 1749; 1949 is a Foreign Country. 1856, and one which Harper used from trouble – for which Magdalen And Jesus obviously felt that its inter alia at Sherborne. But ipso was also responsible, it closed one responsibility for a school was an facto that young dynamo had cut down and gave the other to the anachronism. his Cowbridge losses quickly and County. Jesus College chose the decamped. The Jesus – Cowbridge connexion second option for Cowbridge. n is often considered a miniaturised Principal Harper’s proposals of version of that between Winchester Clive Jenkins is a member of the Jesus College 1880-1881 (unfinished business?) and New College or Eton and Old Members’ XL Network, the alumni group for would probably have succeeded but Old Members of Jesus College who matriculated King’s – inaccurately: these schools 40 or more years ago – currently in or before they were quickly diluted to relative are independent foundations. 1978. Its programme of social events can be ineffectiveness. found on their website, www.jomgorg. More on A much closer parallel is Magdalen Cowbridge Grammar School can be found in the Vice-Principal Llewelyn Thomas’ College and the school it owns XL’s newsletter

46 THE WELSH CONNECTION SEREN NETWORK SUMMER SCHOOL

Last year’s inaugural Jesus Building on this success, Jesus more students to consider applying College-Seren Summer School College hosted an expanded to Oxford. Seren learners come saw twenty-two students invited school for seventy-five students predominantly from state schools, from all over Wales for a taste and eleven teachers from the in some of the poorest parts of the of academic life in Oxford. The 20th to 24th August. The summer UK. We hope to continue attracting theme around which lectures, school runs as an all-expenses paid the brightest minds to Oxford, programme and is a joint initiative especially from under-represented seminars and tutorials revolved between the college and the Welsh communities. The summer school is was ‘Humanity’s Future’. All Government’s Seren Network an integral part of the new plans to participants recorded a more which supports Wales’ brightest widen and improve access initiatives favourable and accessible view sixth formers in accessing leading set out in the College’s Strategic of the University after the universities. This year the summer Plan 2017-2021. n summer school. Sixteen of the school took the theme ‘The Meaning of Life’, featuring lectures twenty-two participants went For further details about the on the philosophy of life, life in on to apply to Oxford. The programme or for information on how space, the development of life in remaining seven applied to to support the Seren initiative, please the womb, the good life in ancient other top universities, including contact Greece, and the ethics of end-of-life Cambridge. Three were offered Jesus College Access Fellow care. places at Oxford. Dr Matthew Williams This expansion marks an exciting E: [email protected], step forward for Jesus College or T: +44 (0)1865 287261 or follow Access programmes, inspiring on Twitter @jesus access 47 PRIVATE PASSIONS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Rosalyn Green, Director Around 8 years ago I bought my first DSLR camera and signed up of Human Resources for a one day ‘getting to know your camera’ course, which is at Jesus College, writes where I began to get hooked on photography as a hobby. I have about her love of attended a few short or one-day courses since that one, but I have wildlife photography. learnt mainly from reading about photography, from practising and from looking at other people’s photographs. I am quite self-critical about my photos and that also helps me improve as I will always look to see what I could have done differently. which lionesses work together to I particularly love photographing catch their prey is a privilege. I try wildlife, it’s fascinating to observe to learn about the wildlife I am things which are outside of my photographing, I think that leads everyday life. Being able to observe, to better pictures. Along the way and photograph, sights such as I have been fortunate to meet the habits of the tiny some really interesting people with harvest mouse or a passion for wildlife, in the form watching the of naturalists, guides and other stealth with photographers.

48 Wildlife photography can be challenging – animals are generally not predictable and it needs patience. You don’t get a lot of time to set up your shots and if you dither there is a good chance that whatever it was that you were hoping to get will have wandered, flown or swam away. In advance I think about the light and the time of day that I am going out to take pictures – the ‘golden hour’ has the best light (hour after sunrise and before sunset) as it is softer. I also try to keep in mind certain ‘rules’ of composition – thirds, leading lines, colour, perspective and what may be happening in the background. Even with planning it is inevitable that there are lots of deletions! The greatest challenge I find is getting close to the wildlife and then being able to take a shot from the right angle. I like to photograph at eye level, or lower, if possible and that is easier if the animal is not potentially dangerous, certainly more challenging with bears! In terms of the equipment I use, I upgraded my camera to a Canon EOS 80D (somewhere between beginner and professional) about two years ago and at the same time I bought a telephoto lens to join my macro and day to day lenses. Photography equipment can form an endless wish list and unfortunately be a bit of a money I took was of a leopard – they can watched this beautiful leopard for pit – lenses, tripods, camera bags, be quite hard to see on safari but about an hour and a half as he made spare batteries, filters etc. – but Emmanuel our guide and driver was himself comfortable and dozed. there is a thriving secondhand fabulous at finding the right places. I loved the time watching him, sitting market which helps keep costs Emmanuel spotted a leopard in quietly in a beautiful setting where all down. the trees one morning but because we could hear were animal noises. My brief time in Kenya was amazing we were limited in how we could Eventually the leopard very kindly and certainly a highlight for me in position ourselves the photograph obliged and turned to look straight photography terms. One of the opportunity was not great, the shot into the camera lens. That was an most memorable photographs was too obscured. We waited and amazing day. 49 perhaps to try a bit of night photography, visit the Botanical Gardens or have a wander to the river. For anyone wanting to have a go at wildlife photography, I found attending a specialised workshop to be a really good introduction. The photographer will offer tips on camera use if needed, but primarily it is about going to good locations and being supported in getting the best photos of your subject. Finally, be ready for early mornings – I have a long list of wildlife that other types too: landscape, street wildlife photography almost always I want to photograph in the wild: and macro for instance, which involves getting up at the crack of mountain gorillas; polar bears; means photography is a year- dawn (or before)! n penguins; puffins; and mountain round hobby. There are others in hares are all currently on my list. College who share an interest in If you have a Private Passion that you would like Whilst wildlife photography is photography and through the year featured in the next edition of the Jesus News without a doubt my favourite form we have taken opportunities to then please contact [email protected] of photography, I also enjoy many go out together with our cameras, 50 51 THE ALDABRA CLEAN UP PROJECT An opportunity to support a conservation expedition to one of the wildest islands in the Indian Ocean BECCA GOLDBERG

I am a DPhil student at Jesus The Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO the entanglement and trapping of College and I have been given the world heritage site in Seychelles birds and sea turtles. Our clean-up once in a lifetime opportunity to which is home to a unique and expedition is vital to ensuring the join an expedition to the Aldabra thriving diversity of plants and protection of this island ecosystem. animals, including the largest Due to the location and nature Atoll. The expedition aims to population of giant tortoises in of the atoll, this is not your usual clear away the tonnes of ocean the world. Despite its remoteness beach clean. In order to dispose plastic waste that now pollutes and the absence of humans, an of the plastic, we will need to this otherwise pristine coral atoll. estimated 500 tonnes of plastic charter a cargo ship to transport debris brought in by the oceans The project unites a team of the collected trash to the main from all over the world now covers six students from Oxford and island Mahé, 1,000km away. the islands. Researchers working six young conservationists from As part of our project we aim to on Aldabra have witnessed the Seychelles and together we will develop sustainable ways to reuse effects of this waste on the native and recycle this trash which can undertake the five-week expedition wildlife including the ingestion of continue to be used on Aldabra to Aldabra in March 2019. plastic by tortoises and seabirds and

52 Our students and alumni are making a difference, both in the UK and around the world. We love sharing their stories and opportunities to get involved in these exciting projects.

and in Seychelles. We will also be attended the Seychelles project and crowdfunding. We would conducting research to identify and launch and on his visit to the G7 welcome any additional sponsors quantify the trash and to assess the summit this year he highlighted the and supporters who can share our impacts of plastic on the Aldabra issue of plastic pollution by sharing work and help us on our way to wildlife. Prior to our expedition photos from Aldabra. Former Jesus restoring this special place to its we are engaging with community principal Lord John Krebs has also former pristine state for the benefit events and schools within the UK voiced his support saying that the of us all. n and Seychelles to raise awareness project “is a crucial contribution to of ocean plastic pollution and protecting marine biodiversity and Further information about our project can be found the efforts that each of us can habitats in this precious place.” on our crowdfunding page make to reduce its effects on the queens.hubbub.net/p/AldabraProject For our expedition to go ahead we We are also active on Facebook and Twitter environment. (@AldabraCleanUp) and on Instagram need to raise funds of £150,000. (aldabra_cleanup). Following its launch in May, the In the last few months we have If you would like to get in touch about anything to project has gained widespread successfully raised £65,000 from do with the project you can contact me via email: support. The President of Seychelles corporate sponsorship, individuals [email protected]

A CONSERVATION EXPEDITION TO ONE OF THE WILDEST ISLANDS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

Background: The Aldabra Atoll is the second largest coral atoll in the world and isolated from the nearest landmass (Africa) by hundreds of miles of open ocean Seychelles Islands Foundation Above: The island’s animals, including the giant tortoise (pictured here) are being seriously impacted by plastic debris through ingestion and entanglement Seychelles Islands Foundation Left: Every day plastic debris varying from domestic items such as flip flops and lighters to large fishing equipment washes onto Aldabra’s shoresSeychelles Islands Foundation 53 GREATER CHANGE ALEX McCALLION (2014, ECONOMICS & MANAGEMENT)

In April this year ‘Greater Change’, move on and knowing the person is the mobile donation system to someone who is genuinely in need. support the homeless led by Alex All donations are matched by a McCallion of Jesus College together corporate sponsor too. with George Beaumont (2014, How does Greater Change Chemistry), received the second work? Greater Change is an app prize of £4,000 and certificate for and website that allows people Highly Commended at the Tri- who are homeless to crowdfund Innovate 2018 Pitch Event. Here, goals that will help them move Alex discusses how this initiative on. These goals are set by the came about and how it works. homeless person and agreed by During my time studying Economics their support worker. Money and Management at Jesus, it was given to the individual is held in a impossible not to notice how many through conversations I had with restricted fund by the charity they people in the city were homeless. friends around the topic, the are working with. This money can Occasionally, I would stop for a number of people volunteering and only be used for the pre-agreed chat and buy someone some food. people doing things such as buying purpose. The key feature of this The conversations were always food or giving money. model is you know that when you enjoyable, interesting and different give you are contributing to a pre- People have a natural desire to help to those had in the student bubble. agreed well thought through plan the person they see or speak to. with non-financial support around After a while, through these There are, however, many problems it. Therefore Greater Change is conversations, I started learning with the current method of giving. not just about facilitating giving, it is more about the barriers to getting Cash is very rarely spent on these about facilitating giving that actually out of homelessness. For many, the long term purchases. Some people makes a difference. It is giving, reasons were complex. However, who have stable housing beg smar ter. for a significant number of people, ‘professionally’. As well as this, we most difficulty arose with problems are gravitating further towards a So how would you give to of acquiring ID or not having an cashless society. someone? If you see or speak address. Without employment ID, to someone you would like to The problem was therefore that an address was impossible to afford. give to simply type in their name people wanted to financially It was evident that funding certain or scan their QR, this will bring help those they connected with purchases could give people a up their profile where you can through conversation or proximity. better chance of moving on. These choose an amount and press send. However, for the variety of reasons were purchases that could help in Alternatively, you can visit our above, they often felt unable to: the long run such as: identification website (www.greaterchange.co.uk), this was a huge problem. For a documents, skills courses, rent read stories, then give directly to significant number of the homeless, deposits and first month’s rent. someone through the website. the collective financial help of the Many people had non-financial These methods mean you can give public could form a vital part of support and motivation, but they without carrying change but know helping someone transform their did not have that personalised you’re making one. n life. Greater Change is all about funding available to move on from solving that problem. Greater Greater Change was featured on the BBC homelessness. News website home page in August 2018. Change allows you to give directly See www..co.uk/news/av/ There was also a clear public to someone without carrying cash, stories-45102437/scanning-homeless-people- willingness to help. This was obvious knowing the money is helping them with-smartphones-to-donate-money. Greater Change is an app and website that allows people who are homeless to crowdfund goals that will help them move on. 54 55 A COLLEGE WHY I GIVE TO WEDDING JESUS COLLEGE

Catherine and I met for the first time at a Jesus I was the first Junior College ‘Babies weekend’ in Spring 2008, ahead of Research Fellow at Jesus starting our Geography degrees together in October College in 1963. That was 2008. As two of eight new geographers starting that a prestigious position, year we soon became great friends – after a first year which gave me a good of fieldtrips, essays, and Collections, it wasn’t until start in my early career. 15 May 2009 at Pembroke Ball that we shared our I was grateful for that first kiss. opportunity and want to give another young researcher the same chance. Climate change is a complex problem facing the world today. It will take a huge effort Professor Thomas Phillips (Junior to understand it and to Research Fellow in Physics, 1963-67) learn how to deal with it. I was inspired to make a gift to Jesus College because of its early interest in atmospheric science. When I was a JRF, John Houghton (now Sir) was a Fellow at Jesus College. He became a Professor of Atmospheric Physics at Oxford, Director General of the Met Office, and played a key role in the development of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Now he is an Honorary Fellow of Jesus College. I decided to make the gift in my lifetime because that will allow me to watch its fruition. n Our first date was slightly haphazard, a trip to the Professor Phillips has had a major influence in the Oxford Union ended in me covered in wine as development of millimetre and submillimetre astronomy, Catherine nervously spilt her drink all over my trousers and in the study of the Cold Universe. He began his – at least you could say it was memorable! Over the career by inventing new heterodyne techniques for next two years we shared some amazing memories at high sensitivity spectroscopy. This included hot electron Jesus and made life-lasting friends, many of whom were bolometers, followed by the SIS superconducting junctions. with us this June to celebrate on our wedding day. Life The detectors he built for the OVRO (Owens Valley was fast-paced and exhilarating. Between lectures, Radio Observatory), KAO (Kuiper Airborne Observatory), tutorials and essays, we each packed in a sufficient and CSO (Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, Hawaii) amount of punting, college sports, partying, and ‘balling’. telescopes led to numerous discoveries. The success of the Herschel Space Telescope as well as the ALMA and Just over nine years had passed since Pembroke Ball NOEMA interferometers is to a large part due to his when we found ourselves back at Jesus College making technological innovations and his energetic leadership our vows in front of our family and a lot of Jesus in seeing these ambitious projects to completion. In friends! Celebrating our wedding at Jesus could not 2010, he was awarded the NASA medal for exceptional have been more special, and the memories from the public service for his work on HIFI. Professor Phillips was day will stay with us always. Having known Megan (the the Director of the Caltech Submilimeter Observatory Chaplain) since our second year, it was particularly in Hawaii until it ceased scientific operations in poignant to have a friend be able to conduct the 2015. He is now Professor Emeritus at the California ceremony. Institute of Technology (John D. MacArthur Professor of Our Jesus journey is not yet over… Catherine is Physics, Emeritus 2013- , having previously held the full now back at Jesus, aiming to complete her DPhil in Professorship from 2011-2013). In 2018, Professor Phillips Environmental Research this summer, before pursuing a made a gift to the College to support a Jesus JRF in career in academia. n Climate Change. 56 ALUMNI BENEFITS

We have over 6,000 Old Members in contact with College, ranging in ages from 21 to 97 years and located in a staggering 99 countries. The wide variety of subjects that individuals have studied while they were here has led to an infinite number of career paths.

EVENTS ALUMNI WEBSITE CAREERS Through our events, we aim The Jesus College website (www. Graduates of Oxford University to connect individuals by year jesus.ox.ac.uk/alumni) has its own are eligible to access the University group, subject and interest. Our dedicated alumni pages. Updated Careers Service for up to four programme varies, but each year regularly, they contain all you years after the completion of their we offer between 20-30 different need to know about being an Old studies. This valuable resource events. Key events include: Member of the College, including includes a searchable database • A Gaudy every 5 years the latest news and events. It also of vacancies, events and fairs serves as a knowledge base with designed to inform your career • A dinner to celebrate 25, 40 and information on obtaining degree choice and provide opportunities, 50 years after matriculation certificates and transcripts, and how as well as providing access to • London drinks receptions to book B&B accommodation in guidance and information from College. professionally trained careers • Subject-focused events advisers. For more information, • Career networking DINING RIGHTS visit www.careers.ox.ac.uk. In We also host a dedicated drinks Members are welcome to dine in addition, the Development Office event for recent leavers. Taking Hall on Sunday nights with up to promotes offers of mentoring, place in January, the event is an two guests, at a cost of £14.20 per work placements, careers advice informal opportunity for alumni person, with the option of attending and networking opportunities from who left Jesus in the last ten years the earlier Evensong. To book, alumni to current students and to meet up with contemporaries. please contact the Development recent leavers on a regular basis. Office on E: [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS or T: +44 (0)1865 616810 CONFERENCE & EVENT Currently alumni receive the annual HIRE College Record, the new Jesus BED & BREAKFAST Subject to availability and out News newsletter, and monthly Jesus College offers accommodation of term time, the College can email bulletins. We also host to Old Members on a bed and accommodate up to 10 weddings Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and breakfast basis. For detailed per year and cater for conferences Twitter groups helping you to keep information and to book, please see or private parties. Initial enquiries in touch with old friends and the the following page. to the Development Office College. E: [email protected] or T: +44 (0)1865 616810

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57 GIVING TO JESUS COLLEGE

58 DONATION FORM

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DESIGNATION OF GIFT You can choose to direct your gift towards the area you would most like to support (tick one box only):

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YOUR GIFT I would like to make a regular gift and have completed the Direct Debit instructions below I have enclosed a cheque for the amount of: £ Cheques payable to: Jesus College, Oxford I have made a one off/regular donation (delete as applicable) via the University’s online payment system http://www.giving.ox.ac.uk/colleges/jesus_college.html For payment by Standing Order (mandate for UK bank account holders only). We will submit this form to your bank so please ensure all information is complete.

To: (name, address and postcode of your bank) Please pay to Barclays Bank PLC (20-65-18) Oxford City Centre, for Jesus College Development A/C no: 03751201 The sum of £ and the same sum on the same day each month/quarter/year (delete as applicable) beginning on: Day Month Year Duration or until further notice Account Number: Branch Sort Code: Signature Date

I am happy to be included in an annual published list of donors (donation amounts will not be featured): Yes No I wish to make my donation anonymously.

UK Taxpayers, please fill in this Gift Aid declaration so we can reclaim 25p for every £1 that you give – at no extra cost to you. In order for us to reclaim the tax you pay on your donation(s) you must have paid UK income or Capital Gains Tax equal to the tax that will be reclaimed. This declaration includes all previous donations in the last four years and all future donations until you instruct otherwise. I wish all donations I make hereafter to be treated as Gift Aid donations, until I notify you otherwise. I understand that I must pay income and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to that which you will reclaim.

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It is possible to make a gift to the College by Standing Order from your bank account, by credit card or by international transfer. Additionally, there are other ways of giving as listed below.

GIFT AID If you are a UK taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donation at no extra cost to you by signing a Gift Aid declaration. For every £1 donated the College can reclaim 25p in tax. This means that a £1,000 donation made under Gift Aid is worth £1,250 to Jesus. In addition, if you pay a higher rate of tax, you are able to claim personal tax relief on the difference between the higher rates of tax and the basic rate in your Self-Assessment Return. You can reclaim 20% of the tax of the gross value of your donation.

GIFT OF SHARES Donations of shares and investments have become one of the most tax-efficient ways of giving. Income tax relief applies to gifts of quoted shares and certain other investments by individuals and companies if the stocks are UK-listed, whether or not the donor is resident in the UK. This is in addition to the relief from capital gains tax. Certain gifts of property also attract the same tax advantages.

GIVING FROM EUROPE If you are a resident and paying tax in Europe, it may be possible for you to make a gift to the College tax- efficiently through Transnational Giving in Europe,www.transnationalgiving.eu which covers 15 European countries.

GIVING FROM THE USA If you are a resident of the USA, you can give to Oxford and its colleges via Americans for Oxford, Inc. This is the University’s primary charitable organisation in North America, and has been determined by the United States Internal Revenue Service to be a tax-exempt public charity with 501(c)(3) status.

CORPORATE MATCHED GIVING Some companies will match donations their employees make to charities. Your payroll department will be able to tell you whether your company operates a matched giving scheme.

REMEMBERING JESUS COLLEGE IN YOUR WILL Legacy gifts made to Jesus reduce the tax value of your assets and, in the UK, there are currently additional tax benefits to leaving more than 10% of your estate to the College in your Will. Additionally, legacies are free of inheritance tax in Canada and Australia and certain other countries. Please contact the Development Office if you would like more information on leaving a legacy.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Jesus Development Office on +44 (0)1865 616810 or on [email protected] CAMPAIGN NEWS AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE DR BRITTANY WELLNER JAMES

Six years ago, Jesus College embarked on an ambitious campaign to raise £45 million by its 450th anniversary in 2021. This autumn, we move into the public phase of the campaign grateful to the many alumni and friends who have already given their support. Alumni gifts have so far amounted to more than £20 million, and the College owes a debt of gratitude to the alumni community for their commitment to Jesus and its core purposes of education, learning, and research. A major pledge of £15 million towards the Northgate site development on Cornmarket was announced in 2016, and brings the total funds raised from alumni and friends of the College to £35 million. We now move forward with confidence and determination to raise our final £10 million over the next three years.

The College is already beginning Anniversary Campaign will to see the impact these depend on alumni engagement donations have made. Plans Jesus at all levels, whether this means for the Northgate site are a major gift, a small one-off progressing impressively, and it is College donation, or simply the gift of an clear that the project will be one OXFORD alumnus or alumna’s time. All of of the College’s most exciting these contributions are crucial to developments in its history. ensuring a bright future for the The Northgate development College. will provide a dynamic new We have greatly enjoyed seeing space at Jesus College for many Jesus alumni at our events the best and brightest minds this year and welcoming back to study and for scholars to Anniversary special classes for their gaudies collaborate on cutting-edge in College. In June, we hosted research. Considerable funding our first Legacy Luncheon, which has also been secured towards was a great opportunity to thank new Tutorial Fellowships, while those who have committed to donations towards student leaving a gift to College in their support help ensure that an wills. I have also had the pleasure education at Jesus College of meeting alumni around the will remain accessible to the world: in April, the Principal most able students from all and I made a visit to the United backgrounds. States, where we visited Jesus One of the questions most alumni in Los Angeles and San frequently asked of the Francisco. This autumn we Development Office is whether will launch a special series of small gifts matter to the College. campaign events, which celebrate Our answer is emphatically both the College’s Elizabethan yes! Gifts of any size make a foundation and its future in difference, and our many small the “information age”. Both donors together make up a programmes will offer something vital enabling force. The 59% special, from exploring the participation rate from alumni authentic musical world of the in this year’s spring telethon, for court of Elizabeth I, to innovative example, resulted in a record- research advancements in breaking total of £178,000 for Artificial Intelligence. We hope the Development Fund. The that you will join us! n success of the College’s 450th 61 WELCOME HOME

62 Alumni are very welcome to visit the College throughout the year. Please do get in touch if you are thinking of returning to Jesus College, even if just for a visit, so that we can make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

We are pleased to offer accommodation out of term time to alumni on a bed and breakfast basis at discounted rates, subject to availability. We can also accommodate larger parties, again subject to space and availability. Old Members are also welcome to dine in Hall on Sunday nights and are warmly invited to attend Evensong in the Chapel. There are various room types, including en-suite, semi en-suite and standard, as well as some twin sets. Rooms are clean, comfortable and serviced daily, and are provided with towels, toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, a telephone and free internet access. You are also welcome to use the College bar, subject to availability. To book your room(s), please visit www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/visitors/ accommodation/bed-breakfast.

63 THE DIGITAL APE How to live (in peace) with smart machines BY SIR NIGEL SHADBOLT, ROGER HAMPSON

A new kind of animal, an ape with fleeting phenomena, available only almost magical, angelic powers when powerful interests happen is emerging. We have a choice not to be actively interested. This as to whether it will be Gabriel passive privacy zone declines daily. or Lucifer. We have a choice as There are small ways we can fight to whether our new powers will empower of oppress humankind. back: for instance, insist that we have rights to our data. We need This book is an assessment of big ways to fight back, if we wish what is happening to the human to continue to be individuals of the race in the first decades of the 21st century; the most significant kind invented in the west three transformation in what it is to be hundred years ago. human since we left Africa. Homo The rise of Artificial Nigel Shadbolt sapiens is being reborn Intelligence (AI) is as a digital ape. discussed in detail. We Sir Nigel Shadbolt is one of the UK’s The essence of foremost computer scientists. He is a review the methods leading researcher in artificial intelligence human nature is our and techniques behind and was one of the originators of the use of tools and our AI, describe how AI interdisciplinary field of web science. He collective language, is being deployed and is Principal of Jesus College Oxford and knowledge and what this means for us a Professor of Computer Science at the memory. As we have . He is chairman of the fashioned our tools at home and at work. Open Data Institute which he co-founded and technology so The original ape in us with Sir Tim Berners-Lee. He is a Fellow of they have shaped still selects a mate, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of us. For 200,000 Engineering, a Fellow and former President searches for food, of the British Computer Society. generations before chatters, steals, wages modern humans appeared our tool war, and creates use was changing our great art but now brains, our bodies and how we using the products communicated. Today our digital of digital technology. Is the digital technologies continue this pattern. ape on the verge of a new Age The book looks at what the of Enlightenment, like the one consequences are and might be into scientists, philosophers and poets the future. drove forward in the seventeenth These digital tools are ubiquitous. century? Or will our magical We have universal information machines evolve so quickly that and universal access to it; we have they either outwit us, or else lead universal selection of goods and us to a very unpleasant, collectively services (those of us who can afford diminished, future, in which them); we have universal instant Roger Hampson maps. Everything around us is relatively small super-enhanced digital elites make choices for the Roger Hampson is an academic and intelligent – the objects we work public servant. He was chief executive with, the machines we live with rest of us? of the London Borough of Redbridge for and travel in, our entertainment. Writing a popular and accessible 16 years until early 2016. Until 1986, Individuals now use, even wear, book about the topics one he was an academic economist of social tools which enhance nearly every policy, latterly research fellow at the aspect of their cognition. researches on a daily basis is a Personal Social Services Research Unit at daunting challenge. In the case of the University of Kent. PSSRU was and The digital ape is a group animal the Digital Ape it has been great remains the world leader in the promotion which feeds, makes love and preens fun, as over the course of two of efficiency in social and health care by in public, like the early hominids and the rigorous analysis of data. He was a the chimpanzees in a forest clearing. years, the project has taken shape member of the Local Public Data Panel, It posts its most trivial doings to with my colleague Roger Hampson. and a non-executive director of the Open Twitter and Facebook. That is I hope this summary of the content Data Institute. perhaps fortunate, since privacy and provides a taste of why we thought invisibility are in 2018 temporary, it worthwhile. n Scribe Publishing ISBN 9781911344629 64 FROM THE MILL TO MONTE CARLO The working-class Englishman who beat the casino and changed gambling forever BY ANNE FLETCHER

Amongst the men ‘who broke ‘An utterly compelling and the bank at Monte Carlo’, deeply personal account of a Joseph Hobson Jagger is unique. working class Victorian man He is the only one known to who broke the bank at Monte have devised an infallible and Carlo. In telling the remarkable completely legal system to story of her ancestor, the author defeat the odds at roulette brings to life one of the most and win a fortune. But he was transformative periods in British not what might be expected. history. Her painstaking research He wasn’t a gentleman, an is as fascinating as the tale itself. aristocrat, or a professional Not to be missed.’ gambler: he was a Yorkshire Tracy Borman textile worker who had laboured in the Victorian mills of Bradford since childhood. ‘A thrilling true detective story What led a man like this to that redefines family history. travel nearly a thousand miles Anne Fletcher deploys impeccably to the exclusive world of the researched social history on the Riviera when most people lived Victorian north of England as the and died within a few miles of convincing backdrop to a portrait where they were born? The of a desperate man whose last trains that took him there were Today Jagger’s legacy is felt in chance is finding improbable luck, still new and dangerous, he did not casinos worldwide and yet he is a thousand miles from home.’ speak French and had never left the virtually unknown. Anne Fletcher Jonathan Foyle north of England. His motivation is his great-great-great niece and was strong. Joseph, his wife and four in this true-life detective story she children, the youngest of whom uncovers how he was able to win was only two, faced a situation so a fortune, what happened to his grave that their only escape seemed millions and why Jagger should now to be his desperate gamble on the be regarded as the real ‘man who roulette tables of Monte Carlo. broke the bank at Monte Carlo’. n

Anne Fletcher Anne Fletcher read Modern History at Jesus College from 1984 to 1987. She has worked for twenty-five years as a professional historian in the heritage sector, researching, writing and developing visitor experiences at historic sites such as Hampton Court Palace, Bletchley Park, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. She has recently partnered with Oxford University to run projects that help history undergraduates and post graduates gain experience of and offer their expertise to the heritage sector. We’d love to hear about other books published by Jesus College authors – to be featured in the ‘In Print’ section of Jesus News please contact Nicola Choules-Rowe in the Development Office [email protected]

Amberley Publishing, ISBN 978-1445671390 65 66 JESUS COLLEGE ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR

Annual events programme for 2018-19

FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER »» Gaudy (58, 68, 86, 93) WEDNESDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2018 »» Christmas Carols SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 2018 »» Parents’ Brunch FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2019 »» St David’s Day Tea FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2019 »» Gaudy (64, 84, 99, 14) 22-24 MARCH 2019 »» Tokyo Alumni Weekend TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2019 »» Commemoration of Benefactors’ Dinner SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2019 »» Parents’ Brunch and Summer Eights SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2019 »» Legacy Lunch FRIDAY 28 JUNE 2019 »» Gaudy (1954 & before, 1957, 1978, 1994) SATURDAY 29 JUNE 2019 »» Old Members’ Day FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2019 »» Gaudy (1959, 1974, 1979, 1989, 2004) DATE TBC »» Cadwallader Dinner WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2019 »» Christmas Carols SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER 2019 »» Parents’ Brunch Campaign events programme for 2018-19

SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER »» Celebrating the Elizabethan College: A Tudor Feast THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER »» The College in the Information Age: Sir Nigel and The Digital Ape FEBRUARY – DATE TBC »» Celebrating the Elizabethan College: Music of the Age FEBRUARY – DATE TBC »» The College in the Information Age: Big Data – Sir Nigel in conversation APRIL – DATE TBC »» Celebrating the Elizabethan College: All Alumni Dinner MAY – DATE TBC »» Celebrating the Elizabethan College: Hampton Court Palace Reception For further information or to book events, please contact Hannah Gibbons T: +44 (0) 1865 616810 E: [email protected] For regular events updates, please visit our alumni events website: www.alumniweb.ox.ac.uk/jesus/events 67 Follow us on…

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