Univ Record 2018

Economics. The William of Durham Day festivities may have been required to be moved
from their traditional date, because of the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess
of Sussex, but our legators were very understanding of the change. They assembled
willingly to experience a day that celebrated the Emerald Isle. David Cooke (1974,
History) revealed an intriguing insider’s view of the closed door discussions surrounding
the 2003 peace process in Northern Ireland and Michael George (1962, English) used
his talent with his telephoto lens to open our eyes to the stunning beauty of the Republic
of Ireland’s historic gardens and grand landscapes. Two gaudies were held for the Classes
of 1960-64 and 1970-74. The attendance for both was very high and in addition to good
reminiscing and excellent food and wine outstanding toasts were delivered by Dr Seán
Haldane (1961, English) and Sir Michael Soole (1972, PPE).
Sporting events in the form of Old Members’ Days for Football, Cricket, and Rugby at
the College Sports Ground were highly attended and generally speaking former sporting
glories were recaptured with minimal injury or embarrassment. The USPGA held two
gatherings at Liphook Golf Club courtesy of Colin Coulson (1955, Engineering) and at
West Sussex Golf Club thanks to Ken Hardman (1975, Engineering). Our own Univ
team even won the intercollegiate tournament and earned the honour of representing the
University this year in its battle against Cambridge. Summer VIIIs saw Old Members
assembling at the Boat House to participate in receptions, grab a burger, enjoy a glass of
Pimms or Univ Ale, and catch up with friends, amidst the glorious weather and inspired
performances on the water.
The Martlet Ensemble and Martlet Voices led by the College’s indefatigible Music
Director, Giles Underwood held forth again with multiple concerts throughout the year.
The chapel reverberated with polished and expressive performances by these groups who
produced three outstanding evenings featuring a review of Bach cantatas and two other
themed concerts honouring Monteverdi and his 450th anniversary, and music based on
the theme of “Love and Springtime”.
Unique one-of-a-kind celebrations increasingly dotted the diary in 2017-18. Special
Dinners in College filled the Hall and the Winter Common Room with warm memories
as the College honoured influential Univ professors in special settings. The retirement
of Professor Nick Rawlins (1968, PPP) as the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for
Development brought together many of his former charges and colleagues. Professor
David Clark reminded the appreciative audience of Nick’s remarkable talents both
intellectual and personal. A dinner to honour the establishment of the College’s first
studentship in Law named for Professor John Finnis, Emeritus Fellow of Law, was
another upbeat occasion. It was matched by the gathering of the 1977 Univ Historians
organised by James Rogers (1977, Education and History) and brought back Emeriti
Fellows Dr Leslie Mitchell, FRHistS and Professor Hartmut Pogge von Strandmann.
The stories told at these three tributes were a reflection of the importance of Univ’s
Fellows to the lives and development of our graduates. The Chalet is a place that evokes
fond memories for those students who participated in the annual reading parties over the
years. Chaletites are a special mixture of intrepid walkers and voracious readers. They also
reflect a true cross section of the College, drawing from all of the academic disciplines.
They gathered together in the Hall for a fun tribute to the Chalet and Chaletites. Dr
Stephen Golding, Emeritus Fellow, Dr Keith Dorrington, current Medical Fellow, and
Dr Jack Matthews (2011, Earth Sciences) organised the evening masterfully and deserve
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