King's College London newsletter
KING'S CHOIR HAS IT TAPED The College Chapel Choir, the King's College Singers, has broken new ground by making its first ever recording. Available on CD or cassette Carols in Advent is of the complete Advent Carol Service and encapsulates the essence of Advent in traditional and modern carols, readings, prayers and the Advent Antiphons (The Great 'O's). The Advent Carol Service, first held in 1945 by Eric Abbott (then Dean of King's and later Dean of Westminster) is an important tradition in the College calendar. A popular occasion, it is repeated three times before Christmas so as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend. The Choir, composed of students of the College, and directed by Ernie Warrell, the College Organist, already enjoys a high reputation and has performed publicly on many occasions, including recently to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Mayor of London. It is fitting that at last their talents have been recognised and put on disc. To mark this unique occasion, a reception
was held in the Committee Room after the first of this year's Advent Services, which took place in the College Chapel. The reception was attended by past and present choristers, the recording producer and members of the College. The Principal, Dr John Beynon, said a few words to mark the event. He warmly congratulated the Choir on their recording - he hoped it would not be their last and wished them great success. Thanking them and Ernie WarreU for the splendid contribution they made to the life of King's, he noted how, while working in his office, he frequently enjoyed the sounds of the Choir rehearsing. The recording is of outstanding quality and a top producer, Gary Cole, was used to ensure that the highest standards were obtained. It was actually made in July, which was a little disconcerting for all involved to be singing carols when the sun was blazing down outside! The CD at £8.50 and cassette at £4.50 can be purchased from the AJurnnus Office - an ideal Christmas gift.
SERC FUNDING DIFFICULTIES The Science and Engineering Research Council at a recent meeting reviewed its fmancial position. It was estimated that there would be a short-fall of approximately £40m for 199112. This will obviously have an impact upon the support it gives for research and postgraduate training in universities and polytechnics. Announcing this Sir Mark Richmond, Chairman of SERC, said that this had 'led to the need for a sharp cutback on our activities next year' and 'that much excellent work will be jeopardised.' The situation has arisen due to higher than expected inflation, exchange rate effects on international subscriptions, and inadequate compensation for salary increases. A preliminary series of cost-cutting measures right across the Council's activities has been agreed and further measures are being considered. Immediate savings will be made by freezing recruitment and delaying the announcement of research grants, suspending the 'Instant' students hips scheme and deferring a number of substantial projects. For further information please contact SERC directly on (0793) 41125617.