University College Oxford Record 2020

THE CHALET
2020 was a strange year for us
all in so many ways. We learned
to manage without some things,
so it was no surprise when the
Chalet’s trustees from the three
colleges decided that the 2020
season must be cancelled on
grounds of safety. Since Giles
Alington re-opened the Chalet in
1952 and so secured Univ’s place
in this unique institution there has
been only one year, 1956, when
there was no party from any
college. However, four years were
vacant during the First World
War and the Chalet managed a
rest of fourteen years from the
outbreak of the Second World
War, so perhaps 2020 is best seen
from the perspective of the reading
parties’ 130-year history.
That said, the Chalet itself has not been idle
(nor was it during World War Two but that, as
they say, is another story). Univ remains in charge
of maintenance and the Chalet’s carpenter, Jean-
Luc Gobbo, has been able to install new shutters
and a new front door for the salle à manger.
Jean-Luc works to a standard of authenticity:
the new shutters are hung on cast iron, as they
were in 1909, and internally they are secured
with traditional espagnolettes. He has also carried
out furniture repairs and added to our stock of
bedsteads. We are looking forward to enjoying
these amenities when reading parties reassemble
next year.
Other essential work was carried out by a
small group visit including Old Members Jack
Matthews, Jessica Ward and Andrew Ward. The
Chalet was found in good condition, the frontage
resplendent following Jean-Luc’s
recent work. As well as ensuring
the continued functionality of
fire alarms and extinguishers (an
ever-present risk in the minds of
Chalet trustees following the fire
of 1906 that burned down the
first Chalet), work was carried out
to clear the gutters, improve overwinter
storage, and other general
maintenance.
Fortunately for the small group,
having been previously cooped up
during lockdown, opportunities
were also found for a number
of walks. The now traditional
first walk across the rope-bridge
to the Col de Tricot reset hikers’
constitutions to the thinner air
of the Mont-Blanc massif. This was
followed by walks to Servoz and the Buet
valley. Inspired by the Old Members’ party in
2019 (see The Martlet Issue 11), a very enjoyable
hike up the old Roman road at Notre Dame de
la Gorge wrapped up the trip before some final
DIY and closing the Chalet down for the year, in
the expectation of a successful 2021 season. We
very much look forward to welcoming students
and Old Members back to the Chalet next year.
STEPHEN GOLDING,
KEITH DORRINGTON
AND JACK MATTHEWS
University College Record | October 2020 53