Univ Record 2017

through the good works of 1966’s Golden Reunion Committee (Rupert Bowen, Paul
Chellgren, Crispian Collins, Dan Coquillette, Andrew Greenwood, Deryk King, Julian
O’Halloran, Bill Todd). We thank them for putting together a full programme and a
fantastic barbecue in the sun-drenched Master’s Garden. The 1950s had their day not
long after the Golden Reunion weekend as the erstwhile Patrick Nobes (1953) and Rev.
John Duncan (1954) presided over the annual 1953/54 Class Moot. The 1953/54 Moot
brought together several vigorous members of the two classes to catch up, remember
those who passed away, and delight again in some old stories of College. Youth had its
day as September’s reunion programme ended with the Gaudy for 2007-2009. It had not
been too many years since this group had graced College in full, but they still came back
in droves to fill the College with their enthusiasm. We thank Josh Folkard (2008) for
taking up the mantle of delivering the College toast to close out the weekend’s formal
programme.
Later in March another well-attended Old Member reunion took place when the
College hosted members of Classes up to 1960 for a Gaudy. The College brimmed with
Old Members representing the Classes of the 1940s and 1950s and the participants
thoughtfully attended sessions on the history of the College libraries given by College
Librarian Elizabeth Adams and separate talks on Cosmology and Geology delivered by
Physics Lecturer Julian Merten and David Bell, Emeritus Fellow in Geology.
Events designed to make one think and understand more about the pressing issues
influencing our world featured prominently again in 2016-17. Two more editions of the
College’s Univ in the City programme, a speaker and networking series bringing together
our community of Old Members in the City, took place this past year. The fall version
saw Kevin Grassby (1980) host and Gillian Lord (1992) interview Imperial University
Professor and BoE Monetary Policy Committee member David Miles (1978) about
Brexit and its implications at the Law Society in London. The spring gathering had
Sian Fisher (1981) host and John Crompton (1981) facilitate a discussion on banking
regulation and the lessons learned from the global financial crisis with John Cummins
(1981), former Group Treasurer of RBS.
Brexit and how the UK Government will deal with its effects was the focus of the
College’s 12th Annual London Seminar. The Master chaired the panel forum in front
of a packed and concerned audience. The knowledgeable panel included Lord Butler
(1957), Julian Lindley-French (1976), Gillian Lord (1992), Anand Menon (1984), former
Univ Politics don, Professor Marc Stears. The College’s 13th London Dinner encouraged
participants to reflect on the role of the Press and its regulation as featured speaker Sir
Alan Moses (1964) discussed his role as Chairman of the Independent Press Standards
Organisation.
Univ has always been an institution which has believed in balancing intellectual
pursuits with appreciation of the benefits of physical activity. The 2016-17 events
programme echoed this sense of balance as a number of sport-related gatherings
featured prominently throughout the year. The members of the USPGA were treated
to challenging courses, but fun afternoons at the two meetings of the group. Special
thanks go out to Allan Kerr (1970) for making Goodwood Downs Golf Course in West
Sussex available for the Autumn meeting and to Head Porter Bob Maskell for organising
the Spring match at Drayton Park near Abingdon. There were multiple gatherings for
alumni of the UCBC in 2016-17. Former oarsmen and women came together in London
44
to imbibe and recall old times at the City of London Club in February. We thank
Stephen Cockburn (1959) for hosting and Neil Slinger (2001) and Helena White (2000)
for organising this relaxed and entertaining drinks reception. More relaxed alcoholic
intake and fun was had at the Master’s Summer VIIIs reception at the Boathouse which
encouraged rowers from across the generations to revisit the River Isis. Slightly more
formal, but no less festive were the two College dinners for Dinosaurs and Cassandrians
in January and for all members after the VIIIs. Those who believe that real sport only
takes place on the pitches of the University College Sports Ground were delighted to play
in the annual sports days for football, rugby, and cricket during the spring. Thanks to all
those intrepid Old Members who laced up their spikes and faced the current members’
teams. Special commendation goes to Andy Carroll (1977) and Matt Berry (1995) for
their organisational prowess and Groundskeeper Robbie Eason for his ability to keep the
grounds in such immaculate condition.
Dulcet tones and melodic strains were heard throughout the year at several special
musical events. The Director of Music Giles Underwood and his Martlet Ensemble
dazzled listeners in the College Chapel at their concerts. The Martlet Ensemble
integrates our own College instrumentalists with professional performers and this year
the Ensemble performed Bach Cantatas with the Chapel Choir in November and offered
a programme of French masters (Ravel, Chausson, Debussy) in May. The new Martlet
Voices which integrates the College’s vocalists with professionals held their inaugural
offering in April. The Martlet Voices had an ambitious first outing as they performed
beautifully works of Stravinsky, Barber, Wolf, and Cornysh as well as Three Prayers of
Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Philip Moore and Sacred and Profane by Benjamin Britten. Isobel
Rose (2014), winner of the 2nd Mendl-Schrama Music Prize, performed a special concert
to help inaugurate the new music space in 10 Merton Street. Izzy, accompanied by Julia
Sandros-Alper (2016), gave a recital of songs and arias by Handel, Schubert, Williams,
Chausson, Larsen, Smyth and Clarke. In the Easter Vacation the Chapel Choir toured
Florence and performed in front of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at St Mark’s English
Church. Special recognition must be given to William fforde (1975) for all of his behind
the scenes diplomacy to arrange this special trip and concert. The year’s music ended
fittingly at a special Chapel Choir reunion and Old Members’ evensong in May. This
gathering of former Chapel Choir members from years past was thoroughly enjoyed by
everyone involved as the different generations bonded over their mutual passion for Univ
and choral singing.
Two special alumni subject dinners were held in College focusing on Modern
Languages and Law. The centenary of the Russian Revolution was the stated focus of the
Modern Languages Dinner, but it could have just been the opportunity to hear Emeritus
Fellow Michael Nicholson speak that drew so many back to the Alington Room in
February. The Eldon Society revived its triennial dinner in April with a formal dinner in
Hall. The evening was full of style thanks to Master of Ceremonies Hugh Blaza (1971)
and to the engaging talk on the complicated and exciting world of International Sports
Law delivered by world expert Jonathan Taylor (1986).
Youth had its day or should I say days throughout 2016-17 as the Young Univ
programme held a series of diverse events throughout the year. The fine art of mindful
drinking was addressed by two tasting events involving a beer tasting at the CRATE
Brewery in Hackney Wick and a wine tasting led by Gabby Stone (née Savage) (2003).
45