Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Chapel life in focus Page 3 An early high flier in Selwyn
Page 5 From a Dean’s Diary
Page 6 New Chapel Organ Inauguration
Edition Eight
Summer 2004
Selwyn
www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Selwyn is published bi-annually by the Development Office of Selwyn College Cambridge, for
View from the Lodge
the members, staff and friends
As I move to the backbenches, I reflect on just
Nowhere in the public sector, can the
of Selwyn. Suggestions and
how far Selwyn has come in the past generation.
administrative, clerical or support staff hold a
contributions from readers are
When the Arts and Humanities Research Board
candle to the standards that we perhaps take for
welcome.
transmuted into a Research Council and joined
granted and certainly need to celebrate here in
all the other research councils in the Sciences and
Selwyn. It’s great to go to a retirement party and
The editorial board wish to thank
the Social Sciences, the great concern was to find
to see so many former members of staff. At one
all those who have assisted in the
ways of establishing ‘parity of esteem’. I think
party recently, I counted four past and present
that was the task that faced Owen Chadwick in
head porters, to match four past and present
1956: how to turn the ‘public hostel known as
Masters!
production of this magazine.
Selwyn College’, as it was legally construed at
© Copyright
the time, into a College that had parity of esteem
As I said at Commemoration, we have no
with the older colleges. By the time I arrived in
problems that money would not solve. I hope I
1976, that process was well established, but there
am a very un-materialistic person, but I recall
was still some way to go. As recently as the late
that the wisdom of the ancients is “radix
1980s we were still trundling along near the
malorum est cupiditas” - the love of money is the
Sandra Stops
bottom of the official league tables; now we are
root of all evil. The need for money is a fact of life
Michael Good
regularly among the top ten colleges. We have
for many that pursue excellence as well as for
Sandy Couch
four Fellows of the British Academy on the
those who struggle to subsist. I like to think that
It doesn’t seem five minutes since I wrote to
Fellowship including a former President and a
there is about Selwyn College in 2004 something
Editorial Board:
announce that I was Acting Master while Richard
former Vice President, and until Alan Cook’s
that comes down to us from George Augustus
The Master
Bowring took a well-earned break. And now I
recent death, two Fellows of the Royal Society.
himself: a belief that the gifts and talents we have
am writing to say that I am about to hand over to
Through sound finance and careful husbandry
can be nurtured and developed uniquely in a
him again. In fact, for me the end of this period
we have risen to the middle ranks of colleges by
college environment, and then put at the service
as Acting Master is the end of an epoch. For I
wealth, and we have used our own resources to
of others in and across the world. That is why it
also retire as Vice Master and from continuous
modernise and enhance existing facilities while
is good to seek to excel at all that we do – as
membership of the Council that I have sat on in
calling on the exceptional generosity of our
every Fellow and every scholar of the college
one capacity or other since its introduction in the
alumni to enhance us with new facilities. It really
promises at their installation, to promote the
early 1980s. So it’s off to the backbenches ---
is a remarkable story.
usefulness of the college as a place of religion,
Selwyn College, Cambridge 2004 Editors:
Sandra Stops Design and production: Cameron Design & Marketing Ltd Telephone: 01353 860006 Photographs:
education, learning and research. May that
Selwyn’s equivalent of Ken Clarke, someone
Howard Beaumont
unkindly remarked. There is no doubting the
As Acting Master, I have come to understand
remain what we all strive for as long as Selwyn
Jean-Luc Benazet
strong pattern of both continuity and change; the
why and how we have become so much more
exists. The university is preparing for its 800th
Sarah MacDonald
latter marked by too many deaths in recent
successful: I have just come back from seeing
anniversary in 2008 and the college for its 125th
months, especially of some of our most
members of the college staff, showing pride in
anniversary in 2007, after all, and that makes me
prominent Fellows and Honorary Fellows. It is
their skills in reshaping the carved wood of the
expect that we are here to stay so long as we stay
poignant that the newly installed chapel organ,
original chapel to fit around the new organ. We
true to that promise.
as yet only partly tuned and voiced, should have
have a staff as dedicated to the well-being of the
Sandra Stops Ian Thompson Address:
been played for the first time at the funeral of Sir
college as are any other group, and with their
The Development Office
Alan Cook, who loved the chapel and its music
own skills that I marvel at -- in the gardens, in
Professor John Morrill
Selwyn College
so much.
the kitchens, in the workshops, in the offices.
Acting Master
Cambridge CB3 9DQ Telephone: 01223 741582/330403 Fax: 01223 471797 email: alumni-office@sel.cam.ac.uk website: www.sel.cam.ac.uk Front cover: An interesting angle on the Chapel
Development update The past year has been the busiest ever for the
enhanced web-based service for events,
increasing overall student numbers in the
Development and Alumni Office. We have
exchanges, contacts and bookings. This will
College. For the first time, Selwyn will be able
organised 16 events since October 2003, both in
take a few more months to bring to fruition so
to offer accommodation to its fourth year
and out of College. A total of almost 1,300 old
please bear with us.
students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. We are also investing in
members attended these events (equivalent to about a quarter of all Selwyn alumni). Our
Many of you will have noticed the launch of
improved disabled facilities around the College,
“roadshows” around the country, in London,
the 1882 Society, the College’s legacy campaign.
notably the Hall, the Library and the MCR.
York and Yeovilton, together with the
We have had a strong response to the campaign
Association lunch in Oxford, were all
in its early weeks, with almost 100 members so
We have made a great deal of progress in the
oversubscribed, and it is especially gratifying to
far indicating to us their intention to remember
two years I have been here. None of this would
see that up to a third of attendees of recent
the College in their Wills. In addition, we are
have been possible without the generosity of
events are back in touch with Selwyn for the
working on a number of new initiatives such as
the Selwyn alumni and the hard work and
first time in many years.
an Annual Fund to be launched later in the
dedication of the staff. This is a powerful
year and the early planning stages of the
combination that allows us to face the
Much has also gone on behind the scenes.
125th anniversary of the College, to be held
challenges of the future with a degree of
We have installed a completely new alumni
in 2007-08.
confidence. As ever, I am extremely grateful.
database that will improve our ability to keep you abreast of developments at the College.
The Ann’s Court crane now towers over
Selwyn College, Cambridge, is
There is a review of the provision of IT services
Cambridge and the building is growing rapidly.
an Exempt Charity (Inland
going on in the College and once this is
We are on schedule for completion in October
complete, we hope to offer a substantially
2005 and the new rooms will be filled without
Revenue number X3634)
Page 1
Nick Downer Bursar/Development Director
development-director@sel.cam.ac.uk.
@
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Admissions:
Myths and Realities Old members who read any British daily paper will be aware that the admissions process continues to
probing. We have a vested interest in seeing each and every candidate at his or her best. We do find
cause controversy and confusion and alumni frequently ask questions related to the admissions process.
ourselves in the position of turning down some candidates with predictions of straight A grades. The same applies to some with ten or more A* grades at GCSE. It does not mean that those receiving offers
Myths abound. Some of those myths are reinforced by authors and organisations who parade
will have lower grades.ii
themselves as experts who, for a price, will reveal the “secrets” or “the real rules” of Oxbridge admissions.i This is much regretted by Admissions Tutors from both Universities, who provide more reliable information at no charge but who are regularly asked questions which reveal their origins in
• If grades are not enough, does that mean the interviews are about extra-curricular breadth rather than scholarly depth?
the myths. Such advice for students and teachers can be found through http://www.cam.ac.uk/ cambuniv/undergrad/ and College prospectuses or contacts.
No. Extra-curricular activities are emphatically not a substitute for scholarly aptitude. We welcome candidates whose commitment to their subject and academic excellence mean that their personal
What are the main myths and what are our answers?
statements and interviews are centred upon their subject(s), their desire to read their chosen degree, and their capacity to work and think beyond the confines of the A Level curriculum. We want people
• Cambridge admissions are a process of social engineering where we deliberately favour certain types of students.
with passion for their subjects. If they also bring passion for other activities, that is great. But the days
No. We look for those, from whatever background, who will thrive on our courses and who we think
We work hard to make our process transparent and understandable and are happy to field questions
have the potential to achieve excellent results by the end of their degree. We do not operate quotas,
from candidates and schools. The College and University web sites provide a wealth of detail about
nor do we ‘score’ candidates differently according to their educational or other circumstances. What
courses and Cambridge life. Selwyn, and all Colleges, have changed in recent decades; but we retain
matters is their academic ability and potential. Selwyn, like all Colleges and the University centrally,
our commitment to providing the best possible education for those best qualified to benefit from it,
works hard to widen participation. That does not mean special favours for some. It means
whatever their background.
are long gone when Selwyn, or other Colleges, would privilege the extra-curricular over the academic.
encouraging suitably qualified candidates to apply from all sorts of backgrounds rather than be put off by the image that the University has had and may, in some eyes, retain.
• For a review by the Director of Admissions for the Colleges of one such work, and Cambridge responses to recent major consultations on post-14 education and on admissions to HE, see
• Cambridge admissions interviews are a test of social skills. No. What we are looking for in the interviews is evidence of academic potential, and to this end most interviews are ‘technical’ rather than chit-chat. The interviews exist to provide us with extra
http://www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/undergrad/responses/
• http://www.cam.ac.uk/cambuniv/undergrad/interview/ provides details on what we are looking for and tips about preparing for interviews.
information to help us to select fairly from fields of applicants virtually all of whom have achieved and are predicted top grades. Dress, accent, manner, and retentive memory are not what we are
Dr Mike Sewell and Dr James Keeler (Admissions Tutors)
Selwyn’s 125th Anniversary I remember when . . .
Please send your contribution to:
In the academical year 2007-08 Selwyn will be celebrating 125 years since it admitted its first undergraduates. This milestone will be
125 Anniversary Book
marked in a number of ways, and details will be published as they
Alumni Office
become available.
Selwyn College Cambridge
One way in which we hope to celebrate is by publishing an
CB3 9DQ
Anniversary Book which will reflect on the past 125 years in pictures and anecdotal comments from members past and present. Do you have
or e-mail: alumni-office@sel.cam.ac.uk marked 125 Anniversary Book
any particular memories of the College and your time here that you would like to contribute? Did you attend a particularly memorable
Please include your name, the year you came up to Selwyn, a brief
concert, play or dinner? Were you in a winning team on the river? Do
description of the memory (in no more than 150 words) and indicate
you have any stories to share of heated tutorial debates or long
whether or not you own a photograph that marks the occasion. (Please
evenings in the Hat and Feathers? Do you recall your room being cold
do not send photographs at this stage.)
Selwyn
enough to freeze milk? If so, we would like to hear from you.
Page 2
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
An early high flier in Selwyn A chance find by a holiday-maker at a car
Wales and Shropshire, he died on 29 December
1794. The athletics meeting it records would
boot sale in Moreton, near Birkenhead, in
1934; further details may be found in the brief
probably have taken place on the College’s
1987, has provided us with a direct link to the
obituary, which appeared in the 1935-6 Calendar
original sports ground, off the Grantchester
earliest years of Selwyn. Back home in
under the now-hyphenated name of Francis
Road (near the present Cambridge RUFC
Australia, her home since 1969, Julie Dyke
Barry-Roberts. Over forty years a parish priest
premises), leased from King’s in 1883. It was
cleaned and polished the tarnished silver
would have preached several thousand sermons:
far from ideal, suffering from poor drainage in
sports cup (acquired for £1) to reveal an
one likes to think of Francis occasionally
winter – not the best track for a high jump
inscription embellished by worn decorative
working in some Pauline athletic metaphors.
competition in February - and developing
bands of athletic laurels: ‘Selwyn College
cracks once it dried out in the long hot
Athletic Sports High Jump, won by F.B.
It is worth pointing out that the High Jump
summers of those years. The lease expired in
Roberts, 5ft 21/2 in, Feb 1885’ (illustrated
benchmark of six feet was cleared for the first
1939, and the ground was finally vacated in
below). Years later, she found Selwyn College
time only in the 1870s, having been thought by
1938 for the present field shared with King’s.
through the Internet, and left a message on the
some to be an unattainable barrier, like the next
Since the Archives contain no surviving
JCR website, which was eventually forwarded
century’s much-vaunted four-minute mile; so
photographs or other records of field sports in
to our archivist Elizabeth Stratton.
an effort of nearly five and a quarter feet was
those years, Julie’s silver cup may constitute a
no mean achievement for a twenty-year-old
unique link with the athletic side of College life
Elizabeth had no trouble in identifying the
theology student in the mid 1880s. It would
in its earliest days. As such, the fact that it
recipient as Francis Barry Roberts, born 20
presumably have needed a tall man to straddle
found an interested and historically-minded
November 1864. He was in the college’s first-
such a height. The cup, appropriately enough,
buyer in 1987 is something that we should all
year intake, coming up on 10 October 1882 to
is not unlike a small communion chalice in
be grateful for.
read Theology, and his name appears on page
appearance, modest in design, without
three of the first Admissions Register. He took
handles, and just over 5 inches high. On the
his BA in 1886 and his MA in 1890; he was
reverse side are the college arms, and under its
ordained deacon in 1887 and priest in 1889. After
base there is a stamp with a small shield
forty-five years of ministry, divided between
containing a winged archer and the number
Michael Good and Sandra Stops
Cambridge University
Technology and Enterprise Club Selwyn Graduates co-found CUTEC which
The conference also featured an exclusive
launched its First Annual Venture
technology showcase, an opportunity to meet
Capital Conference in June 2004.
the finalists from the Cambridge University Entrepreneurs £50K and 3P business plan
The Cambridge University Technology and
competitions and the Massachusetts Institute of
Enterprise Club (CUTEC) announces the 1st
Technology (MIT) $50K business plan
Annual Venture Capital Conference devoted to
competition finalists.
innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Cambridge. CUTEC
After the launch of its successful First Annual
was sparked off at a Selwyn Garden Party in
Conference, CUTEC is now a thriving club with
Summer 2003 by two Selwyn College PhD
more than 20 active members, including four
Students, Matthias Christandl (SE 2002) and
Selwyn College Graduate Students.
Alessandro Rospigliosi (SE 2001), together with their friends from the MIT. CUTEC’s First
For more information about CUTEC and its
Annual Venture Capital conference, which was
annual conferences and events, please visit:
held on June 10, 2004 at the Guildhall, London, provided a forum for discussion among
www.cutec.org
technology innovators, venture capitalists and others interested in high technology enterprise.
Matthias Christandl (SE 2002)
@
The gathering of students and business leaders affords an unmatched opportunity to share ideas and concepts concerning cutting-edge technology and funding for entrepreneurial organisations. The conference’s general session and in-depth panel discussions featured world leaders in high technology and investment such as the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Sir Alec Broers, and Paul Harvey, co-
Wes Streeting (SE 2001) Wes Streeting recently graduated with a 2.1
the staff were wearing my stickers!’
in History in June 2004 and has since moved on to become sabbatical President of
Wes Streeting had previously been JCR
Cambridge University Students’ Union
President and Ents Officer during his time at
(CUSU) following university-wide elections
Selwyn, as well as President of the 2002
in March. CUSU is the representative body
Selwyn Snowball. “I probably didn’t spend
for the University’s 18,000 postgraduate and
enough time on my History but I did throw
undergraduate community. He has also been
a lot of my time into the College and it was
elected as Chair of the Aldwych Group;
well worth it.” Wes tells us, “I may be
students’ unions of the Russell Group of the
working with the University next year, but
UK’s top 19 research institutions.
Selwyn is still very much my home!”
founder of Abbey Road Ventures, and former Upon his election The Cambridge Student
To find out more about CUSU, visit
Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs. Panel
Newspaper carried the headline ‘It Was My
www.cusu.cam.ac.uk or e-mail Wes on
speakers came from world-class institutions such
College Wot Won It’ and Wes attributes his
president@cusu.cam.ac.uk.
Managing Director of European Technology
as GlaxoSmithKline, nCipher, the European
L-R: Pierre Far, Alessandro Rospigliosi (SE 2001),
election success to the support of the
NanoBusiness Association, and Microsoft
Sir Paul Judge, Matthias Christandl (SE 2002),
College: ‘The whole College really rallied
Wes Streeting former JCR President
Research.
Ken Morse (MIT Entrepreneurship Center)
round to support me; even the Porters and
CUSU President 2004–05
Page 3
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Tobias Billström (SE 2001) When I got elected to the Swedish Parliament (the Riksdag) in
such highly invaluable possessions as toothbrushes and chargers for
September 2002 as an MP for the City of Malmö, the first advice I got
mobile phones.
from a colleague was to take command over my agenda – or someone else was bound to do it. This was certainly well-spoken advice. I have
One of the important issues occupying space in my calendar is the task
never before experienced an occupation that varies so much from day
of travelling the world to promote training courses in democracy. These
to day.
courses, funded by the Swedish International Development Association, are an important contribution in spreading the word of democracy on a
In the Riksdag, the members work in different committees, where they
global scale. So far it has brought me to such varied places as Poland,
represent their respective party groups and the positions these have
Serbia, Singapore and Mongolia. During the autumn and next spring
agreed upon. As a Member of the Committee on Education, I’m dealing
I’m scheduled to visit South Korea and Indonesia.
with everything from kindergarten to frontier research on the various fields that Sweden can offer, as well as everything in between. Much of
My time at Selwyn has certainly been of great help to me in my daily
my time is devoted to meetings with representatives of different
work, not least the experience of being President of the MCR. I do miss
organisations, lobbyists and visits to different parts of Sweden as well
the opportunities of sitting with a group of people from different
as abroad. I am also a Deputy Member of the Committees on the
continents and different backgrounds discussing various subjects. A
Labour Market and on Cultural Affairs and thus I follow the
Parliamentary debate may well reach the heights of rhetoric, but it is
development in these as well.
very seldom gifted with the unlimited space that an academic discussion offers. I also have to promote the excellent reputation that a
Much time is spent on travelling. Commuting between Malmö and
Cambridge degree offers internationally – I consider my time at Selwyn
Stockholm (a one-hour flight) is a challenge in itself, both in terms of
as a truly valuable possession.
being in the right place at the right time but also carrying the right equipment. This includes manuscripts and computers, not to mention
Tobias Billström, MP
The Brock Challenge What can you recall about Selwyn? Here Professor William
6.
Who was head of Marks & Spencer in the early 1980s?
iv A former head of IBM (UK)
Brock (SE 1947), sets a challenge, so do take a few minutes to test
7.
During the 1970s certain compulsions and restraints for
v
undergraduates ceased to operate. How many can you recall
vi An Archbishop
your knowledge; the answers can be found on page 9
and what were they?
A former Ambassador to Italy
vii A female Canon of St Paul’s 12. At which of the following places did or will the choir
PAST
perform in 2003 and 2004?
1.
Where would you look for a Master’s ashes?
2.
One Master since 1947 has no portrait in the Hall. Can you
PRESENT
Aberdeen
Helsinki
Canterbury London (St Paul’s)
name him?
8.
Lavenham
Tallinn
Bruges
3.
undergraduates who obtained First Class Honours in 2003?
Can you identify the following former Fellows? i
He discovered much by looking down from a height.
ii
He was known to most Natural Scientists as an author while they were still at school.
Which of these figures is nearest to the number of Selwyn 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
9.
Given a random selection of 100 resident Selwyn students, how many would you expect to be graduate students? 15 20 25 30 35 40
iii The”Footlights man” iv Known to Boat Club friends as “Peter” though that was not his name. v
10. Which Fellows including those in Class E (retired), are entitled to put the following initials after their names? FRS, F.ENG
If he had been a judge he would have lived up to his name.
11. Can you identify the following Selwyn graduates?
vi He made his name with work on animal camouflage.
i
Author of The Year 1000
4.
Why is “The Trevelyan Fellowship” so named?
ii
A long serving Lib Dem MP
5.
A KBE but you must not call him “Sir” – who is he and why?
iii Author of Enigma
Edinburgh
York
13. What event, of significance for Selwyn, occurred in Jerusalem in 2000? 14. The present Fellowship covers a wide range of subjects. Which of the following are represented? Egyptology Materials Science
Zoology
Geography
Modern Greek
Ancient Greece
Experimental Psychology
Pharmacology
American Literature
Linguistics 15. The present Master is a Professor of? Answers on page 9
Page 4
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
From a Dean’s Diary 0950am
Master’s Lodge. I don’t know what
moment on the ‘shop floor’,
hour talking through a number of
I’d do without the secretarial help
discuss arrangements for the tour
fairly difficult issues that he is
that she gives me. Head back to D7
to Scotland in the summer and
facing. I think he found it helpful
but stop to chat to Paul, the Head
begin to look ahead to events for
to talk but I will need to keep an
Gardener on the way. I’m sure he
next year. Plans are afoot to visit
eye on him. Have told him to
despairs about my ignorance of
New Zealand for Choir Tour 2005.
come back or call me anytime. Will
things horticultural!!
It is a great idea – I just worry
probably need to alert his Tutor if
about financing it!
things begin to affect his revision.
E-mail from two students who want to talk over a couple of things
10.00am
5.15pm
The Scholar on ‘Grace’ duty in Hall
10.15pm
Make out list of things that need to
that are bothering them. Arrange
tonight arrives to learn how to say
be done tomorrow, respond to a
to see them at 11.15am.
it. It is never an easy task to try
few of the e-mails that I’ve been
and bring those with no
meaning to deal with all day and
Dash over to my room in
background in Latin up to speed in
then decide that it’s about time to
Newnham where I’m to give a
time for Hall – and today is no
call it a day. Porter phones to tell
revision supervision to my New
exception. I wish that they
me that a student has been taken
One of the joys (and the frustrations!) of life as
Testament Greek students. I’m
wouldn’t leave it so late! Mind
off to Addenbrooke’s, on advice
the Dean of Chapel at Selwyn is that no two
sure that they’ll both be fine but,
you, thanks to Dr Thompson and
from CamDoc. Not much that I
days are ever the same and so it is difficult to
with only three weeks to the exam,
the wonders of modern technology,
can do at this stage; the Tutor has
describe what a typical day might be. I never
they do need to work hard on their
I can now e-mail them a computer
been informed and the student has
know quite what is going to happen next!
translation. Understanding the
recording of a Classicist reading
a friend with her. I tell the porter
What follows is, however, an account of one of
biblical languages is, I think, a vital
Grace for them to listen to!
to call me in the night if he needs
my average days in the Easter Term.
tool to being able to handle the Bible intelligently – but getting
0530am
0645am
to but, otherwise, tell him that I’ll 5.30pm
Across to Chapel to check all is
check things out in the morning
ready for Choral Evensong.
and see how she is.
Wake up, as usual, to the sound of
students to accept that is not
the radio four theme tune, make
always easy! I remember one of
tea, shower etc and then tune into
these girls saying to me at the start
the Today programme and catch up
of the year, “Go on, convince me
message from another student
enjoy the most relaxing fifteen
on the news.
this is interesting!”
looking to see me as soon as
minutes or so of the day – in my
possible. No information about
armchair with a glass of single
Back to Selwyn for meeting with
what but at this time of the year it
malt! Say Night Prayer and then to
Night Porter that all is well and
students. They are clearly very
is likely to be exam-stress related.
bed – the alarm will soon be
then time for private prayer and
concerned and worried but don’t
E-mail back explaining I’m not
sounding heralding another day.
reflection in D7 before the demands
quite know how to handle the
available until later and suggest
of the day set in.
situations they are facing. I agree
that he comes round about 9pm.
Arrive at College, check with the
11.00am
5.45pm
Another e-mail check and a
11.00pm
Cycle home and settle down to
The Revd Ian Thompson (Dean of Chapel SE1999 –)
to do what I can to help and to talk 0730am
Prepare details for Chapel service
to one or two people for them.
sheets for printing and send
Advise them not to take too much
Evensong. There has been no
e-mails to lesson readers for the
on themselves.
organ in the Chapel this Term and
6.15pm
week’s services.
so everything has been sung 12.15pm
0750am
Check e-mail and deal with phone
unaccompanied. Quite a difficult
To Chapel for the daily celebration
messages before midday prayer.
discipline, but the choir has coped
of the Eucharist – the most
Head to lunch.
with it well. I think that we will all
important part of my day. It is this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving
0830am
be glad when the new organ 2.00pm
Another revision supervision, this
arrives though – especially the
that provides the foundation for
time on the Shaping of Modern
Organ Scholars: they’re being made
everything I do and is at the heart
Theology paper. Student had
to sing this Term!
of the life and witness of the
prepared well and we spent an
Chapel.
interesting and, for me, stimulating
Breakfast in Hall provides a chance stragglers who are putting off
Former Master Sir Alan Cook (SE 1983) A Memorial Service for Sir Alan Cook will be held at 2.30pm in Selwyn College Chapel on Saturday 23 October 2004. Refreshments will be served after the
hour discussing the roots of non-
SCR before we go into Hall. I enjoy
service. Please let the Alumni Office
realism.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at
know if you will be attending.
High Table (well, most of the time!). Sermon preparation for Sunday
High Table provides a good
getting on with revision! I like
morning. I do wonder what was in
opportunity to spend time catching
Former Organ Scholar Dr Percy Young
Easter Term – it’s the only time of
the minds of the people who
up with one or two colleagues and,
(SE 1930)
the year that there is full cooked
selected the readings for each
hopefully, avoiding too much
breakfast available!
Sunday of the year. They seem to
conversation about College. I
A Memorial Service for Dr Percy Young
be a really random selection
3.00pm
especially enjoy the cheese and
will be held at 2pm in Selwyn College
sometimes!
biscuits in the New SCR after dinner
Chapel on Saturday 30 October 2004.
Weekly ‘tea-meeting’ with the
– not to mention the claret!
Refreshments will be served after the
Collect and deal with mail, finish preparing Chapel material and
Page 5
IN MEMORIAM
Join those dining for a drink in the
7.20pm
to catch up with the undergraduate
0900am
Back to Chapel for Choral
4.30pm
other letters and take these, along
Director of Music in Chapel, the
with some College Council
Organ Scholars and, this week, the
business (I’m also secretary to the
elected choir representatives.
back to D7 to see if my student
Council) across to Heather in the
Chance to catch up with matters of
appears. He does and we spend an
service. Please let the Alumni Office 9.00pm
Slip out of the New SCR and head
know if you will be attending.
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
New Chapel Organ
Inauguration Sunday 30th January 2005 at 8.45pm
Selwyn College is very much looking forward
prize for performance at the international
to the installation of Cambridge’s first
organ competitions at Haarlem, Beauvais,
Canadian organ, Opus 95 of the renowned
Lyon, Nuremberg, St Albans, Strasbourg, and
firm, Orgues Létourneau Ltée. The organ has
Rennes, and for composition in the “Amis de
30 stops over three manuals and pedal
l’Orgue” competition, the International
(Grande-Orgue, Récit, and Positif de dos),
Competition for Organ Composition, and the
mechanical key action, and electric stop
Académie des Beaux-Arts. His works include
action, with a full combination capture
instrumental, symphonic, and vocal pieces,
system. Although built to be liturgically and
and are published mainly by UMP and Leduc.
musically flexible, the organ definitely has a
He was the organist of the Basilique du Sacré-
French (Canadian) accent, with a blaze of
Coeur, Paris, from 1985 until 1993, when he
colourful Cavaillé-Coll-style reeds
succeeded Olivier Messiaen at l’Eglise de la
(Létourneau is a direct descendent of the
Trinité. He is much in demand as a recitalist,
French voicing school, via Casavant Frères).
improviser, and teacher, with engagements for
After a visit to play the instrument in the
concerts and masterclasses taking him all over
Quebec workshop (shortly before it was
the world. He is also Professor of Musical
dismantled for shipping) Selwyn’s Director of
Analysis at the Boulogne-Billancourt
Music, Sarah MacDonald, was able to confirm
Conservatoire, visiting professor at the Royal
in glowing terms that it will be one of the
Academy of Music, London, and Composer in
most exciting new instruments in the city, if
Residence at Trinity College of Music, London.
not the country.
The programme for the concert will feature works by Bach, Tournemire and de Grigny.
In order to celebrate the arrival of the organ at Selwyn, an inuagural concert is planned for
Alumni who wish to attend the concert may
Sunday 30th January, 2005. We are fortunate
order tickets using the separate order form
to have Naji Hakim playing for us. For the last
enclosed with this newsletter. Places in the
20 years he has been one of the most
chapel are limited so please submit your order
important representatives of the great French
early to avoid disappointment. If you no
tradition of organist-composer-improvisers.
longer have the order form, please contact the
Born in Beirut in 1955, he studied with Jean
Alumni Office on 01223 330403/741582 and we
Langlais, and at the Paris Conservatoire, where
will arrange for you to receive another one.
he obtained first prizes in harmony, counterpoint, fugue, organ, improvisation,
Sarah MacDonald –
analysis, and orchestration. He received first
Director of Music in Chapel
Page 6
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Selwyn Events
The Master, Charlie Craig (SE1972-74) and Dean Paul Armstrong of Brown University, Providence Rhode
The Master, Heather Kilpatrick, Sandra Stops and Charlie Craig (SE1972-74) at the New York Reception held at
Island, sign the new Selwyn-Brown Exchange agreement at Brown University on 29 March 2004.
The Racquet and Tennis Club, New York, on 30 March 2004.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford and Bob Price (SE1966-69) host Selwyn
The Mayor of Cambridge, David White (SE1950-54), hosts members at
Former Master Professor Owen Chadwick (SE1956-83) joins Paul Rowe
members at Oxford Town Hall after the Oxford Lunch on 15 May 2004.
Cambridge Town Hall before the May Week Lunch on 12 June 2004.
(SE1970-73) and the 1972/73 Rugby Teams for their Rugby Uppers Reunion Dinner at Selwyn on 2 March 2004.
Selwyn members at the start of their tour around York Minster, part of the York Event held on 30 April 2004.
The Ordination of The Revd Philip Raymont L-R: The Revd Ian Thompson (Dean of Selwyn College Chapel), Canon John Morgan (Warden St John’s College Brisbane), The Revd Philip Raymont (SE 2000), The Right Revd Anthony Russell (Bishop of Ely), The Revd John Yates Jnr (Decani Scholar Clare College), The Revd John Yates Snr, The Revd Roger Greeves (The Dean, Clare College Chapel)
Page 7
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Donors’ Garden Party
Fears about a deluge proved groundless as hundreds of alumni enjoyed a warm and sunny afternoon at the second Donors’ Garden Party held on Saturday 17 July 2004. One hundred balloons in College colours captivated the dozens of children who came with their parents, as did the face painting and the Punch and Judy. The catering staff provided a glorious spread of food in the marquee and guests were entertained once more by the Selwyn String Quartet and a strolling magician.
Sandy Couch
Page 8
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Selwyn
Selwyn
Merchandise
Christmas cards
Anniversary Porcelain Mug
£7.00*
Anniversary T Shirts Classic T Shirt
£9.50
(UK postage £1.00) Selwyn Cut Glass Tumbler (singles)
£19.50*
Selwyn Cut Glass Tumbler (doubles)
£35.00*
Selwyn Lapel Pin
Following the huge success of last year’s sale of Xmas cards, we are pleased to be able to offer 3 new images for this year. We have limited stock so please order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. All cards are in full colour and are 105mm x 148mm with the message “Season’s Greetings” inside.
£6.75
(UK postage 50p) Selwyn Cuff Links
£16.95
(UK postage 50p) Selwyn College Port Selwyn College Note Pad
£10.75 £3.00
(UK postage 50p) Selwyn College – A History
£10.00
(UK postage 50p) Selwyn College Choir CDs: “Howells Evening Canticles”
£12.00
“The Complete New English Hymnal” £12.00 (UK postage 50p) Selwyn After Dinner Mints
£3.00
(UK postage 50p) Tie slide with college crest in full colour. Presented in a gift box.
£11.25
(UK postage 50p)
Name: _____________________________
Please enter your choice of cards below by indicating the number of each design required (packs can be made up from mixed designs):
___________________________________ Single cards
___________________________________
@ 89p each * Delivery of porcelain, cut glass goods and
Address: ___________________________
port will be delivered by Parcel Force – postage starts from £5.00. Please contact Sandra Stops for a quote. Selwyn College, Cambridge CB3 9DQ
___________________________________ ___________________________________
Packs of cards (6, 10 or 20 in a pack) 6 @ £5.00
10 @ £8.40
20 @ 16.30
Chapel in the Snow Hall in the Snow Bikes in the Snow TOTAL
£
___________________________________
Tel: 01223 741582 Fax: 01223 471797
___________________________________
Email: alumni-office@sel.cam.ac.uk
___________________________________
New Conference Accommodation From October 2005, Selwyn College can offer 44 new en-suite rooms to its conference market. For full details on prices and availability please contact the Conference and Catering Manager, Bill Simmonett, Tel: 01223 335855, Email: catering@sel.cam.ac.uk
*UK P&P is included in price. Overseas alumni will be invoiced for the cost of P&P at time of mailing. Cheques should be made payable to Selwyn College.
All merchandise is also available for purchase from the Porters’ Lodge.
Please send this order form to Development Office, Selwyn College, Cambridge CB3 9DQ
Post Code: _________________________
Orders will be accepted up to 1 December 2004.
The Brock Challenge Answers -
8.
First Class Honours in 2003, nearest number is 60
9.
Graduate Students: between 35 and 40.
10. FRS: Professor Jeremy Sanders. F.ENG: Sir David Harrison, Donald Welbourn, Ken Wallace.
PAST
11. i
Robert Lacey
1.
In the garden, east end of Chapel, Bishop G A Chase
2.
William Telfer, who vetoed expenditure on an oil painting.
ii
Simon Hughes
3.
i
J K St Joseph, a pioneer in aerial photography.
iii
Robert Harris
ii
P J Durant, for his Inorganic Chemistry
iv
Sir Edwin Nixon
iii
Harry Porter
v
Sir John Shepherd
iv
The Revd A C Blyth
vi
The Most Revd B C Morgan (of Wales)
v
Paul Fairest, a Fellow in Law
vii The Revd Lucy Winkett
vi
Hugh Cott
4.
5.
12. All, except Bruges and York
As a contribution to the Centenary Appeal Trinity gave money to
13. The Choir performed here.
endow a Research Fellowship. The name was chosen because G.M
14. All, except Zoology and Geography
Trevelyan, a former Master of Trinity, lived at 23 West Road.
15. Professor of Japanese.
The Revd W O Chadwick: as a priest he cannot bear arms or be addressed as “Sir”. A foolish survival from medieval times.
6.
Lord [Derek] Rayner
7.
Gowns no longer to be worn outside the College after dark; Dinners ceased to be compulsory; College gates no longer closed at 10pm.
Page 9
PRESENT
Selwyn www.sel.cam.ac.uk
Letters and News
from you . . . After nearly 50 years it is gratifying to learn
It was good to read Terry’s letter. I am the
from Terry Jones’ letter (Selwyn Edition 7,
gemmologist; the “Aberdeen University
Spring 2004) that as Chaplain I provided such
professor” was Michael (Mick) Lyon (SE 1956-
entertainment for him and his contemporaries,
59). We got together, fresh from the Services on
as I progressed across the then sunken lawn
our first afternoon. Apart from bricklaying one
from D Staircase to the Chapel. Although at
sport was towing a bicycle behind a motor-
13 1/2 stone and a mere shadow of my former
bike; Grange Road was very well suited to this.
self, I doubt whether I could perform such feats
Bystanders who had not seen the combination
today at 83.
coming were taken aback. Mick and I (later) became addicted to motor cycles – I still miss
Edmund Randall
my BSA.
(Fellow 1952-57, Chaplain 1953-57) Michael O’Donoghue (SE 1956-59)
Selwyn’s Educational Link With St Albans
Selwyn Stamp In the Spring 2003 edition of Selwyn there was
The imminent departure of Graham Yapp (SE 1975–79) from the headship of Beaumont School brings an unusual Selwyn connection with St Albans to an end, at least for the time being. Of the 9 state secondary schools in St Albans, Selwyn alumni were running 3 of them. Graham’s fellow conspirators were Tony Bartlett (SE 1963), the headteacher of Marlborough School and Bob Hawkes (SE 1961), the headteacher of Verulam School.
an article about the Selwyn College Stamp. The College still held some of these in the archives and offered to sell them to alumni at £45.00 – 10% below catalogue price. Those of you who know something about stamps may well have thought that the price asked was too high, since it is true that one can obtain stamps of adequate quality at, say 40%-60% below catalogue price. The catalogue price is for stamps in perfect condition, flawless and as
CONCERTS TO MARK THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INSTRUMENTAL AWARDS SCHEME
The Instrumental Awards Scheme has been one of the most outstanding success stories on the Cambridge musical scene in recent years. Founded in 1979 by Peter le Huray in collaboration with Andrew Jones and Tim Brown, it has grown steadily over the years so that now all twenty-five undergraduate Colleges participate in the Scheme. Its purpose is to channel the energies of the most gifted undergraduate instrumentalists into chamber music, to provide them with coaching by professional musicians, and to raise the standard of chamber music performance in Cambridge. To mark the 25th anniversary of the IAS, a series of concerts is being given in the Michaelmas Term 2004 in the West Road Concert Hall by former Award-holders who are now established in professional careers. 15 October Mozart: Quintet for piano and wind in E flat major, K. 452; Poulenc: Trio for oboe, bassoon, piano; Messiaen: Quatuor pour la fin du temps Holly Fawcett, Peter Sparks, Siona Crosdale, Alexia Cammish, Iain Farrington, Maya Magub, Rosie Biss, Matthew Schellhorn 22 October Schubert: Six songs; Schumann: Fünf Lieder, op. 40, to words by Hans Christian Anderson; Henze: Sechs Gesänge aus dem Arabischen Mark Padmore, Andrew West 29 October String Quartets: Beethoven: C major, op. 59 no. 3; Janácek: ‘Intimate Letters’; Schubert: D minor, D. 810 (‘Death and the Maiden’) Kathryn Parry, Paul Jourdan, Kathryn Jourdan, Juliet Welchman 5 November Debussy: Sonata for ’cello and piano; Dvorák: Piano Quintet in A major, op. 81; Schubert: String Quintet in C major Ursula Gough, Helen Cox, Maxine Moore, Sarah Suckling, Zoë Martlew, Tom Poster
fresh as if they had just left the printer. The three Selwyn men were well known for frequently reminding local colleagues of their common background. Those days, alas, will shortly come to an end as Graham leaves his post at Beaumont School to take on his new
Obviously, it is rare for stamps to meet this condition – particularly classic stamps of the Victorian Age – but the Selwyn ones do: they are still in their original envelopes and have never been handled.
role as a County Adviser. He joins Tony Bartlett, who is already in post. Bob Hawkes continues to enjoy his retirement.
The response to the offer was positive and the Development Fund has benefited by almost £1400. Those who bought them will be pleased
So Selwyn’s link with the historic town of St Albans finally draws to a close – or does it? The three heads have set a challenge to all Selwyn graduates; to follow in their footsteps and take on the mantle of headship again in
to know that the catalogue price has risen by 10% (Stanley Gibbons’ Specialised 1 – Queen Victoria) and those of you who hesitated about buying any may like to know that there are still some available.
St Albans. The stamps are not only part of our College’s history, but they may well prove to be a good investment, and you would also have the satisfaction of knowing that you had contributed towards our College’s continuing prominence in the University.
12 November Haydn: String Quartets: op. 17 no. 2 in F major; op. 20 no 5 in F minor; op. 42 in D minor; op. 76 no. 6 in E flat major The London Haydn Quartet: Catherine Manson, Margaret Faultless, James Boyd, Jonathan Cohen 19 November Beethoven: Sonata for violin and piano in G major, op. 30 no. 3; Hugh Wood: Poem; Kreisler: Syncopation, Schön Rosmarin, Tambourin Chinois; Brahms: Sonata for violin and piano in G major, op. 78 Alexandra Wood, Huw Watkins 26 November Piano Trios: Haydn: E flat major, Hob. XV/30; Martin Suckling (première); Beethoven: B flat major, op. 97 (the ‘Archduke’) The le Huray Piano Trio: Marcus Barcham-Stevens, Christopher Suckling, Roderick Chadwick 3 December Beethoven: Sonata for horn and piano in F major, op. 17; Stravinsky: Duo Concertante for violin and piano; Mozart: Sonata in E minor for violin and piano, K. 304; Brahms: Horn Trio in E flat major, op. 40 Lesley Hatfield, David Pyatt, Katharine Durran
Mr David Nicoll Griffith (SE 1948-52) To obtain your stamp: The College is pleased to be able to offer these
Tickets: £9 (students: £2); reductions on four or more; available at the door or from the Cambridge Arts Theatre Box Office (01223 503 333) or Elisabeth Fleming (01954 210 810; ekf20@cam.ac.uk).
stamps to alumni at £45 each. To purchase one of these stamps please forward a cheque The three Selwyn Heads of St Albans are, from left to
payable to Selwyn College to Alumni Office,
right, Tony Bartlett (Marlborough School), Bob
Selwyn College, Cambridge, CB3 9DQ. All
Hawkes (Verulam School) and Graham Yapp
money will be donated to the Development
(Beaumont School).
Project.
Page 10
Selwyn
www.sel.cam.ac.uk
future events for 2004-2005 Saturday 11 September
Thursday 11 November
Year Group Representatives
USA
Reunion Garden Party and Lunch for the year
Highlights@High Table
1959 Alfred Waller
For our alumni in the USA Ruth Saunders (SE
alfredwaller@fawley.fsbusiness.co.uk
of 1991. For details contact Sian Walters Email: walterssian@hotmail.com
Monday 15 November Reception at the British Academy for alumni in
Saturday 25 September Reunion Lunch for the year of 1964
London and the South East.
1960 James Trevelyan 1962 David Denton 1963 Andrew Millinger
A date for the diary! This lunch is being
2005 Sunday 30 January
organised by Roger Le Clercq. Please contact
Inauguration of the New Chapel Organ.
1964 Roger Le Clerq
Roger direct for details. Email:
Playing by Naji Hakim. Booking form
roger@leclercq.fsnet.co.uk Booking forms will
enclosed with this newsletter.
Saturday 5 March Reunion for the year of 1994
120th Anniversary Boat Club Reunion Dinner
Mary Clegg & Liz Ross Martyn and Charlotte
The Dinner is organised to coincide with the
Dalton are organising a reunion to celebrate 10
Saturday of the Lent bumps.
years since matriculation. This reunion will take
For further information please contact Alastair
place at the Annual Diner on 25 September.
Rimmer, (Email: alastair.rimmer@uk.pwc.com)
Invitations will be mailed in August.
or for help locating former crew members Gemma Endean (gle@ca.ac.uk)
Selwyn Association Annual Dinner and AGM
Saturday 2 April
All alumni are welcome to attend the Selwyn
MA congregation Dinner
Association Annual Dinner, in particular we would like to welcome back those who came
Saturday 9 April
up in 1964, 1979 and 1994.
Alumni Reunion for those who came up in 19661975. Booking forms will be mailed in January.
All Alumni are welcome to bring
For further details please contact the Alumni
spouses/partners. Remember, if you have
Office. Email: aumni-office@sel.cam.ac.uk
graduated from Selwyn you are a member of the Selwyn Association.
Law Society Dinner Booking forms will be mailed in August to all alumni. For further details please contact the Alumni Office: 01223 741582/330403, email:
Highlights @ High Table
Alumni Weekend 2004 24-26 September Along with the varied programme of events on
Roger@leclercq.fsnet.co.uk 1967 Michael Rowles michael.rowles@bristows.com nhirst@hadenfreeman.com 1976 Charlotte Matts Ccareymatts@aol.com 1978 Gareth Quarry gdquarry@yahoo.co.uk 1981 Catherine Wightwick catherine@wightwick.co.uk
Plans are now being made for the next production by the Cambridge Handel Opera
offer, the following will be offering open days,
Group. The performances will take place on
English Faculty, Divinity Faculty, Philosophy
4, 5, 7, and 8 May 2005. If you would like to
and the Judge Institute.
receive further information in January 2005, please write to Elisabeth Fleming, the
For details on the Alumni Weekend please
Company Manager of CHOG, c/o Dr A. V.
contact 10 Trumpington Street, Cambridge,
Jones, Selwyn College, Cambridge, CB3 9DQ;
CB2 1QA. Tel: 01223 339268, Fax: 01223 301710
she can also provide information about the
or to check current availability please go to:
Friends and Benefactors Scheme, one of the
http://www.foundation.cam.ac.uk/pages/
advantages of which is priority booking.
representatives expand. If you have a college anniversary coming up, becoming a year group rep will enable you to renew contact with your contemporaries. If you feel that you can represent your year with support from the Alumni Office, please contact Sandra Stops, email: alumni-office@sel.cam.ac.uk.
Dining Rights, Selwyn MAs You may dine on three occasions per year as College guests. (Current Fellows must also be present, minimum 6 dining). Guests are welcome at your own expense. To book, please contact the Catering and Conference Office, Tel: 01223 335855, email: catering@sel.cam.ac.uk
1982 Stephen Speak Stephen@speakfamily.com 1985 Vanessa Webster Vanessa@vanessawebster.com
Mitre Players . . . brilliant . . . fantastic
1986 Mark Carey mark.carey@vodafone.com 1991 Sian Walters walterssian@hotmail.com karen_knighton@hotmail.com 1993 Graeme Daykin 1994 Mary Clegg & Liz Ross Martyn, Charlotte Dalton Mary.Clegg@st-marys.nhs.uk
Cambridge Handel Opera Group
We are keen to see the number of Year Group
1974 Nigel Hirst
graeme.daykin@btinternet.com
Thursday 12 May
alumni-office@sel.cam.ac.uk
andrew.millinger@virgin.net
1992 Karen Knighton
Saturday 23 April
contacted at ruthsaunders@yahoo.com.
jwitrevelyan@onetel.net.uk ddenton@ddunlopd.freeserve.co.uk
be mailed for the reunion lunch in August.
1978) is happy to hear from you. She can be
Charlottedalton@hotmail.com Liz.RossMartyn@jcdecaux.co.uk 1995 Jonathan Halliwell hallisax@yahoo.com 1996 Ruth Longmaid ruthlongmaid@hotmail.com 1997 Claire Wood cw@rapidcharge.co.uk
Mitre Players, Selwyn College’s Theatre Society came strikingly to life in late April with a week long season of Peter Shaffer’s critically acclaimed and popular psychological drama, Equus. Performed in town in the intimate L-shaped Play Room in St Edward’s Passage, the brilliant production played to very good houses. Though the cast came from several colleges, the leading female role of Hester Salomon saw a convincing portrayal of this repressed workaholic magistrate by a Selwyn first year English student, Amelia Worsley. Nearly all of the production crew were from Selwyn ably led by final year Modern Languages student Ms Charlie Masding as producer. Special mention must be made of Stage Manager Lara Crow and in particular for her simple but stunning horse masks.
1999 Dominic Ashcroft dominic.ashcroft@GS.com 2000 David Cockayne david.cockayne@cantab.net 2001 Jack Butler, James Thomson &
The play represented the directorial debut of both Daisy Black and Lucy Barnes, again first year English students. Even the ever hard to please student press of Cambridge was effusive
Amit Bhola
with praise, Varsity declaring the production,
Keeping in Touch
j.butler.01@cantab.net
“a mature performance of an amazing but
Saturday 23 October
We are always pleased to hear from you so do
James.Thompson44@hotmail.com
difficult script”, and describing it as, “excellent
stay in touch.
and a fantastic debut for
1882 Society Lunch. By invitation only.
bhola18@hotmail.com
Saturday 30 October
For change of details, news or any other
page02_1_1.cfm
Reunion Dinner for the year of 1985. For details contact Vanessa Webster, Email: Vanessa@vanessawebster.com
Alumni enquiry please contact Sandra Stops at the Alumni Office or by Email: alumnioffice@sel.cam.ac.uk
both directors”. USA Alumni on the East Coast Ruth Saunders (SE 1978)
All members of Selwyn should look forward to
ruthsaunders@yahoo.com
a sustained period of theatrical brilliance and
John Whitehead (SE 1972)
innovation from our own Mitre Players.
j_whitehead@bellsouth.net
Revd Philip Raymont (SE 2000)
Selwyn Volume VIII Summer 2004 Published by: The Development Office, Selwyn College, Cambridge CB3 9DQ Telephone: 01223 741582 Fax: 01223 471797 email: alumni-office@sel.cam.ac.uk Design and production: Cameron Design & Marketing Limited. 01353 860006 www.cameron.uk.com
Page 11
website: www.sel.cam.ac.uk