Hatfield Senior Common Room Due to the national lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, events since March 2020 have been severely restricted, but we have been creative in finding ways to join together to keep the Hatfield spirit alive. We held our first virtual Hatfield SCR pre-dinner drinks on 5 June 2020 via Zoom, from 6.30 to 7.00pm, when under normal circumstances we might have been gathering in the SCR sitting room before Formal. SCR members were able to meet online for cheerful conversation and to share ideas and experiences, along with our own gin and tonic! Our weekly virtual pre-dinner drinks proved popular, and so they have continued, hosted by Sophie Philipson, Andrew Jackson and Christine Kent. Professor Tim Burt, former Master, kindly gave a presentation of his “Memories of Hatfield” at one of these events in February 2021. The SCR Book Club continues with enthusiasm. Seven regular members meet online every third Thursday to discuss the latest book. We read what are described as “modern classics” which have been recommended by members of the group. Although the virtual meetings have served us well throughout the pandemic and have allowed us to continue to include members from far and wide, we hope to meet in person in College again once restrictions are lifted. During the summer we also set up a Media Club, taking advantage of the free screening of plays by the National Theatre, available on YouTube. Six SCR members discussed four productions via Zoom,
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President Sophie Philipson Social Secretary Christine Kent Secretary Andrew Jackson Treasurer Julian Hatton including The Madness of George III; Small Island; A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Les Blancs. One thing we can’t do online is the SCR walks! However a small group met up on 15 May for a six mile walk from Sunderland Bridge, visiting Croxdale and stopping for an alfresco packed lunch on the village green at Hett. Despite not being able to offer the normal benefits of SCR membership, I would like to thank members for their engagement whenever it has been possible and for also supporting our initiative to use the subscription income for 2020-21 as a donation to the Hatfield Trust to support Hatfield students from lower-income households who have been impacted by the pandemic and most in need. We look forward to welcoming you back into College to take part in face to face events again soon.
Sophie Philipson SCR President
