Week 4, Trinity Term

It seems we may need to wait for the glorious English summer that I mentioned in the last blog – but the gardens of Oxford and beyond are undoubtedly grateful for a little rain.

Home

Continuing the occasional series ‘Rosie visits’, we introduced her to Boars Hill recently, which met with her whole-hearted approval.

We also had a lovely afternoon in Abingdon, where I could not help but notice the Heritage Lottery Fund acknowledgement boards around the place – my past is ever present.

The biggest domestic effort of the past couple of weeks went into a great house concert by the folk musician Ray Cooper, which raised over £800 for the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal. David made food for over 30 guests and we now have proof of concept for future events of this kind.

I’m thinking that a poetry event might be good next time, but all ideas are welcome.

College

On 10 May alumnus Chad Frischmann gave a great lecture on Project Drawdown, an initiative with which he’s involved which challenges us not just to limit, but to reverse, climate change by taking carbon out of the atmosphere. A mixed audience of students, staff, Fellows and others with no direct link to College listened intently, asked questions and continued the conversation over drinks and a book-signing. The event worked really well and we’re keen to offer such opportunities to other members of College. We’d love to hear from alumni who are passing through Oxford and have something to say, as well as from current members.

Saturday’s degree day was another opportunity to meet St Cross students from all over the world with their families and friends on a celebratory day. Luckily, the rain held off, and everyone was able to enjoy the College’s hospitality before and after the ceremony. Lunch was, as always, terrific and it certainly seemed that a good time was had by all.

We have also been considering where to place artwork in the West Quad building: you will be able to see the pictures going up very soon now.

Dr Dan Hicks, our very own Junior Proctor, along with his Senior colleague, Ed Bispham, ran the Oxford Town and Gown 10k in aid of the Jan-Georg Deutsch Memorial Fund. They have raised just over £2,000 and are well on the way to their £2,500 target. Great work – and their giving page is still live: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PROCTORS.

I was delighted and overwhelmed to be nominated for a Special Recognition Award at OUSU's Teaching Awards 2017. Many congratulations to Dr Proochista Ariana, Course Director for the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine, who received the award at a ceremony last week. 

And finally, a question for you: where can you find this unlikely plaque?