2013 Annual Report - Jesus College - University of Cambridge

COLLEGE NEWS I Jesus College Annual Report 2013 81
Humour, wit, genius… That the tercentenary of Sterne should be celebrated by his
college went without saying and we joined with the Curator of Shandy Hall for an event
in Coxwold on the sixth of July this year. Thus it was that on a superlatively sunny
Saturday afternoon, alumni living in Yorkshire and neighbouring counties could be
found gathered in the grounds of the Hall where the Curator, Patrick Wildgust gave an
introduction to the house and its history (Sterne added a coach house, a cellar, and a
two-storey extension) before taking everyone inside in small groups to explore its
various rooms and admire its collection of books, paintings, manuscripts, prints, and all
variety of Sterne-related ephemera. This was followed by tea in the gardens, where we
were joined by the Master and Mrs White, prior to a gentle stroll down the road to
nearby St Michael’s, Sterne’s parish church, for a fine ‘Concert of British Music’ given by
the College Choir under the direction of Mark Williams to a packed audience of alumni
and local residents.
By a more than happy coincidence, the parents of a member of the Choir, Andrew
Stratton, turned out to live in a village close to Coxwold. Thanks to Mrs Stratton
accommodation was arranged to allow the Choir to stay over until the next day and so to
take part in the Sunday morning service at St Michael’s. Mr and Mrs Stratton also
provided supper at their home on the Saturday evening for the Choir and those of us
who had come from Cambridge; their generosity did much to make the event possible.
As of course did that of Patrick Wildgust and all at Shandy Hall who so readily supported
the idea of holding this celebration and then in every way ensured that it went so well.
Members of the College who have an opportunity to visit the Hall should do so – the
house, its various collections, the numerous and original exhibitions it mounts in a
converted granary in the grounds, the gardens… all make any visit a rewarding
experience, and, of course, for Jesuans above all!
The Choir in St Michael’s Church