College Record 2017

Tibetan New Year (Losar)
Losar means ‘New Year’ in Tibetan, and 2017 according to the Tibetan Calendar
is the ‘Female Fire Bird’ year of 2144. Losar was celebrated for the third time in
Wolfson on 3 March, where it is growing into a popular multicultural event.
The Haldane Room was decorated as usual in traditional Tibetan and Buddhist
style, giving our guests the opportunity to learn more about the paintings and their
meaning. The event began with an auspicious chant by visiting monks from Tibet
and Nepal, followed by traditional snacks (‘momo’ dumplings and ‘chang’ drinks)
and more music and dancing, first by the professional Tibetan band and then by our
very own Wolfsonians: students of Tibetan Studies showed their skills in singing
and poetry, and the Indian Dance group gave an amazing show of traditional Indian
dances. After the snacks, everyone joined in round dancing, singing and an open
mic session. Many Wolfsonians brought their children to this family-friendly event.
May the Tibetan Female Fire Bird year be auspicious for all members of the College.
Our thanks to everyone who joined us in celebration, and we hope to see you at the
next Losar in 2018.
Güzin Yener
Wine Society
The Society continued to organize its popular and successful tastings, three in each
term. They were booked up within hours, late-comers being turned away or held in
waiting-lists. Each tasting had its theme, bottles being introduced by an account of
the grape variety, region and quality. Typically there would be some ten carefully
chosen wines, accompanied by cheese and nibbles, and food in special cases.
Michaelmas Term began with a Bordeaux tasting in mid-October. This was followed
by a South American wine tasting, and the last in Michaelmas was fortified wines
with a Christmas theme. In Hilary Term, we celebrated ‘Exploring Spain’ for Spanish
wines, and Italian wines at a tasting served with pizza. On 4 November, the Society
proudly presented the Wine Society Dinner 2016. This was an inaugural dinner, a
great success which we hope will become a yearly tradition. After a champagne
reception, we served seven wines with a three-course dinner, the catering being
provided by Wolfson. Trinity Term began with a tasting of Riesling and Pinot Noir,
continued with ‘Terroirs of Burgundy and Beaujolais’, and ended with a tasting of
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