THE CHADSIAN
November 2008
From The Principal Welcome to our new‐look Chadsian. It should give you a fine sense of some of the things that have been happening in your old College. Some of the highlights of the year for me have been the arrival of the Policy Research Group with a nucleus of seven staff in College and with a half‐dozen regional collaborators. It’s been a bold initiative for the College – one that ensures that our commitment to regional development and economic justice is not just pie‐in‐the‐sky, but is down‐to‐earth and engaged with government, business and local communities. Our Ruth First Scholar, Peter Okeno Ong’are, was a real star in the community this past year. Not only was he able to undertake an MA in Ethno‐musicology, but he formed a local African music group that grabbed people’s ears and hearts. This link with Africa is reinforced by our media work with Traidcraft, by our support of the Traidcraft Fellow, and by a new project we are undertaking to rebuild key secondary schools in South Africa that were closed during the apartheid years. But more on that next issue.... Academically, though the number of firsts was down last year, our College had the highest percentage of firsts and upper seconds in the University. And, in terms of applications per place, we’re still second only to Castle on that barometer of popularity. Those of you who were here decades ago will realise just how different such statistics are! This year, we were delighted to open Epiphany House (no 5 N Bailey), which houses seven staff, eight freshers, and six postgrads in en‐suite accommodation. This reflects a growing commitment to supporting more academic staff and more postgrads. Postgrads now make up more than a quarter of our student body. On a darker note, you might have heard about the fraud committed by our former Bursar. The amount stolen was not as high as has been reported, and there is a very realistic chance that we will be able to recover all the stolen funds. Fortunately, we discovered the fraud ourselves and we were the ones to call in the forensic auditors. We had been vulnerable because we had only one person managing the accounts, and you cannot separate duties with only one financial staff member, and such a separation is key to fraud‐prevention. We have now hired an accountant to work alongside the Bursar, and our fraud‐prevention procedures are now as robust as possible. It is a testament to the College and to the rest of the staff that our finances were strong enough to weather this storm. Indeed the fraud was only possible because we had been uncommonly successful in recent years. That said, it has been difficult to come to grips with such a huge betrayal of trust. I very much want to thank the hundreds of alumni and other supporters who have rallied around the College over the past several months. Such support only confirms the value of the College’s work, and it gives us good reason to redouble our efforts to ensure that we can all be proud of our association with St Chad’s. I wish you all the very best. I hope you continue to regard the College with great affection, as we do you. Canon Dr Joseph Cassidy New Senior Man: Ali Smith Iʹm Alistair Smith, the Senior Man for 2008/09. Not only do I share a name with my predecessor Ali, but also a degree course as I am also studying Economics! Before taking on the role of Senior Man I was the Bar Treasurer, and I also captained the college squash team to another mediocre year! I enjoy playing for the college rugby team and singing in the choir, for which I was awarded a choral scholarship. I am very lucky this year to have an extremely strong Exec. working with me, and I am thoroughly enjoying the role so far. Thanks must go to Ali and his team for all the hard work they put in and improvements they made to college in the past year. All the best to those who have graduated this year, we will see you at Returnersʹ Weekend, and we are always happy to see alumni, especially in the bar!
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JCR Review This academic year started with us welcoming our largest ever intake of Freshers, all of whom immediately settled into College life and will no doubt help shape and direct the Junior Common Room in years to come. The usual traditions and frivolities of Freshers’ Week were upheld with an action packed programme of events and activities devised for the new Chadsians, ranging from a ceilidh to an evening in Sunderland watching the Greyhound racing! Thanks must go to Kate Banks (JCR Vice President) and George Dowse Brenan (JCR Social Secretary), for without their effort, enthusiasm and attention to detail, the Week would not have been the success that it was. Michaelmas brought with it the Winter Ball, the Hope Ball and the now traditional pantomime, featuring a cameo appearance from the Principal! The term was rounded off in style with the time honoured Christmas Mega Formal. The Epiphany term saw College transformed into a medieval Camelot as part of the Candlemas Ball. The evening itself was a magnificent occasion and a huge thank you must go to Natasha Muszanskyj and her committee who put so much effort into what was a truly great night. A month later, 18 North Bailey bathed in its self‐proclaimed glory for the annual Chad’s Day celebrations. The day also saw the Northern Reunion of Chad’s alumni and it was a pleasure to meet many of you who have helped over the years to make Chad’s the special place that it is. The success of events such as Candlemas and Chad’s Day are largely down to the dedication and drive of many individuals within the JCR. As a whole, we are fortunate in having one of the most active and participative JCRs in Durham with students taking part in academic, sports and social activities both within College and the University. This year’s results are a great reward to all those who have put so much effort into their studies. However, Chad’s students have shown that their talent is not just confined to lecture theatres and seminar rooms. It has been a good year for sport with many notable achievements: men’s hockey won promotion to the Premiership; the men’s rugby team won the 7s tournament at the inaugural Festival of Sport; and the Men’s I crew de‐noviced at the Durham regatta – a remarkable achievement indeed! Despite our size, a number of Chadsians have represented the College at University level. James Dodd, Alex Clayton, Andy Stephenson and Naomi Mackintosh have all gained University colours in rowing. Freshers Kat Alexander, Laurie Drake and Jon Richardson have also represented Durham in hockey, cross‐country and cricket respectively. In addition, four members of the JCR were heavily involved in the 3rd Annual Hill vs. Bailey rugby match which this year raised £10,000 for the charity Aspire. Josh Harman and Lucy Moulsdale captained both the men’s and women’s teams to victory. (The women’s Bailey squad was also coached by former Chad’s rugby captain James Plaistowe.) A special mention must be reserved for fourth year Jake Motion who undertook much of the organisation of the match and turned out for the Bailey team on the evening itself. Arts have also prospered within College this year. The building of a new art room in Ramsey House has led to many students expressing themselves day (and night) in a way not previously possible. Such facilities have allowed the College, and consequently many members of the JCR, to be involved with the Durham Arts Festival. Furthermore, the creation of a new theatre company within Chad’s, Green Door Productions, has proved extremely successful. Their first production, Julius Caesar, was highly acclaimed. On reflection, it has been a very successful year for the JCR. There are so many people who contribute in so many different ways to the student body. I would like to thank all alumni for your contributions to College whether that be in terms of finance, personal support or the offering of work placements and internships to current students. I would like to wish all of those graduating this year the best of luck post‐Chad’s. This College has given many of us a solid grounding for the rest of our lives and I’m sure that the friends and relationships that have been made will last for many years to come. I close in wishing all good luck to the new exec, headed by Senior Man Ali Smith – I’m sure the JCR will continue to flourish under his stewardship. Ali Gordon (Senior Man 2007‐2008)
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MCR Report It is hard to believe that only eight months have passed since the start of this academic year. It has been another full and busy year for the Middle Common Room – a reflection of the College as a whole. As a common room we represent a diverse community of nationalities, ages, backgrounds, and academic fields. Whilst challenging, it presents many great opportunities to bring these people together in different ways.. Socially we have maintained our record of hosting the best parties in College. This year the costumes at Halloween pushed all previous boundaries, and the Christmas decorations were simply stunning. Mardi Gras was suitably celebrated, and our recent Midsummer Night’s Garden Party was a festival of food and light. As well as having a strong presence at all of the major special formals throughout the year, we have also held a number of MCR formals with invitations extended to postgraduates from other colleges. As the number of postgraduates in Durham grows so more opportunities arise to work with other MCRs. In addition to playing host at Chad’s, we have been guests at events in several other colleges, and have worked together to put on the Postgraduate Ball, held in the Castle. Balancing out the frivolities we have also held a number of loosely educational activities. Our upper‐level behind‐the‐ scenes tour of the Cathedral was a great success, and we were grateful to former Chadsman Nils Chittenden for navigating us safely across the icy rooftops! One of the highlights of the year was our reception in January for all those graduating at the winter congregation ceremonies. It was a pleasure to welcome back to Durham so many former members and to celebrate their achievements with them and their families. It is always nice to see old faces again, to reflect on memories of College life, and to share visions for the future. The termly postgraduate forums, initiated last year, have given members the chance to present their research, with this year’s topics ranging from medieval history to woodland burials! As well as demonstrating the individual ability of our members, they have provided great opportunities for those of different academic disciplines to come together and engage with each other. Such occasions are important at postgraduate level, and we are grateful to Rob MacSwain for his work in organising these over the last two years. Of course, the year may have ended for undergraduates, but for us it goes on over the summer. The MCR will be making to most of the weather and trips to the cricket and the beach are already being planned. As well as attempting to organise a great year of events, we have also tried to pave the way for future years to develop the MCR ‐ to see it go from strength to strength in contributing to the best college in Durham. This year has presented many opportunities to this end, none more so perhaps than the decision taken to move the common room itself from its current location (the Horsfall Room) to the Fellow’s Flat in Main College. This move will give postgraduates their own dedicated space in the heart of College, better facilities, and encourage greater levels of participation in all areas of College life. Indeed, it is our desire to give as many opportunities as possible for MCR members to contribute to College. Our recent creation of a new Charities Representative is a sign of this intent to further the aims and activities of the MCR. We have also welcomed a number of 4th year undergraduates as associate members this year. They have brought an added dimension to our community, helped to strengthen our ties with the JCR, and is certainly something we shall continue to encourage. Next year will mark an important time for the MCR. With more members resident in College than ever before, and our largest membership overall, we hope that we can continue to bring together the diverse community that we represent – drawing on the very best of our members, of Chad’s, and of Durham to support and entertain. We have many more exciting plans for the Middle Common Room, but that’s enough for now ‐ we’ll share the results of them with you next year! Robert Eaton (MCR President, 2007‐8)
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SCR Report The SCR has continued to function in a non‐spectacular way over the last academic year; we have no big events such as the Candlemas Ball organised by the JCR but things happen at a quieter level. The membership changes from year to year. We welcome new visitors and tutors to the college as members, we elect academics in Durham as members and we have a steady flow of newly elected members who are not involved in the academic world, some of whom are alumni. We extended the membership brief slightly by allowing overseas members or those returning home after a period in Durham to retain their membership of the SCR but dispensing them from the obligation of meetings and attendance at high table. Among the alumni elected to membership are David Lickess, Barnaby Huish, Richard Davison and Richard Monk. We also welcomed some of their staff as new members and The Durham Regional Development Group relocated to Epiphany House. As usual the artist in residence, Eleanor Moreton, joined the SCR during her year’s residency. We were also pleased to have with us for part of the year the Richardson Fellow, Jean Porter, John A O’Brian Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame and her husband, Joseph Blenkinsopp, Professor Emeritus of Theology at Notre Dame. At the Annual Meeting in May Dr Liz Burd retired as Treasurer of the SCR, having completed her maximum term of office. We offer Liz warm thanks for the work she has put in as Treasurer over the years. We lost some members who moved away from Durham and accepted the resignation of two elderly members who could no longer attend the SCR through infirmity. We were extremely sad to hear of the death of one of our members, Marilyn Hird, a few months ago. Pre‐ dinner talks have taken place as usual though the year. These have often been attended by members of the other common rooms in the college. We have heard Paul Chandler give a very informative talk on Traidcraft which dispelled quite a few misconceptions of what fair trade was. John‐Bede Pauley OSB spoke on the voice and the ear. Alex Standish who had spent several months seconded to the UN in Kosovo gave us an insight into the most recent ‘Balkan Question’ as the Albanians in Serbia prepared to declare independence. Trevor Wishart allowed us to enter the world of the voice as music. Eleanor Moreton gave us two talks about her work as this year’s artist in residence, the second one accompanied by the chance to visit her studio and later to join in discussion in the SCR under the extremely competent chairmanship of Thomas Brumby, one of our first year undergraduates. Members also attended various events in college put on by other organisations and departments, in particular poetry readings and, towards the end of the Easter term a brilliant display of the talent amongst some of our degree finalists as they gave fascinating short accounts of their dissertations, some of which had us floundering in uncharted waters ‐ a whole gamut from naked Quaker ladies to Polylogarithms! As usual the Special Formals have been well‐supported and occasions of great bonhomie. Our Sri Lanka project commitment finally got under way and in the course of the year we learned the names of the two children we were supporting and were able to send them some personal gifts in addition to the cost of their basic education which will continue until they leave school. So far as we know we are the first and only SCR to support this project. The SCR has continued to make scholarships available to the undergraduates and this year we were happy to make an award to two ‘unsung heroes.’ The Candlemas Ball Committee also approached us requesting financial aid as they had fallen foul of yet more stringent requirements about fireproofing of their decorations for the ball. An appeal, primarily to alumni members of the SCR, produced enough to help them out of their difficulties. The Senior Common Room would like to thank all those who have contributed their talents, time and money to make this an enjoyable academic year. Ann Loades (President of the SCR)
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Valete: Revd Robert MacSwain 1. Why are you leaving? I came to Durham in September 2004 to study for a PhD on Austin Farrer (1904‐1968) with Professor David Brown in the Department of Theology and Religion. In September 2005 I became Chaplain of St Chad’s College, and so continued my PhD part‐time. But then, in September 2007, David moved to a new post at the University of St Andrews. I therefore had to make the choice, either to change universities or change supervisors. I decided to compromise and enrolled at St Andrews in September 2007, while continuing as Chaplain of Chad’s for one more year. But now, in September 2008, I am actually moving up to St Andrews to complete the final year of my PhD as a full‐time student. 2. How is your PhD developing? Have you made changes to it along the way? My PhD was initially a theological look at Austin Farrer as an ‘Anglican divine.’ It has since become more philosophical, focussing on the development of his religious epistemology from his undergraduate days in the 1920s until his death in 1968. I have been looking at Farrer’s thinking on the relationship between faith and reason, not only from his various books, but analysing letters held in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, published and unpublished, that he wrote to his father over many years. 3. Talking of publishing, have you had any of your work published? Yes, along with Professor Ann Loades I published a book in 2006: The Truth‐Seeking Heart: Austin Farrer and His Writings (Canterbury Press). I have also had two articles published, one in the Journal of Anglican Studies and another in Anglican Theological Review, along with a chapter in a book of essays in honour of Ann that will be published later this year: Exchanges of Grace (SCM Press). Finally, I’ve also written several book reviews for St Chad’s Foundation, Studies in Christian Ethics, International Journal of Systematic Theology, and New Blackfriars. 4. Have you had any involvement in the Department of Theology and Religion (aside of your PhD)? I have led three undergraduate seminars: ‘God and the World’, ‘Christ in the Christian Tradition’, and ‘Systematic Theology I’. This has mainly involved chairing presentations and discussions among small groups of undergraduates. A great experience! 5. How would you describe the character of your Chaplaincy? I have tried to have a ministry of presence, to be a Chaplain familiar in College, approachable and available to any one at any time about any thing. I have also tried to convey an open‐minded, non‐ dogmatic, questioning approach to the Christian life. 6. What do you think people will remember you for the most? My hat! (See photo)
7. Your support of the College Choir has been evident. Are you a musician yourself? Is the Choir something that you will miss? I am not a musician, I don’t sing or play an instrument, and I can’t read music. However, I will certainly miss the College Choir, which
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College Librarian and Libraries Jane Manley (College Librarian) As a mature student, Jane studied English Literature and Language in Hull and then came to Durham to do a re‐ search MA on the Icelandic family sagas. Jane has been with the University for the past sixteen years, initially with the Department for Adult and Continuing Education. Jane came to the College in May 2007 from the University Main Library, where she had worked for three years. The College Libraries The new Fenton Library continues to be popular with students both as a library and study area. We have started a comprehensive weeding process of the theology in the Wetherall Library in order to create space for more up to date stock. The Research Library now houses the basis of a new Reserve Collection of books which have been bought in over the past six months to improve our holdings of core texts. We were fortunate to receive a generous donation of 600 (200 history/sociology, 400 theology) up to date books from Professor Philip Sheldrake and these are currently being catalogued. The majority of college library books are now on the University’s online catalogue and by next term we hope to have online circulation facilities for the Reserve Collection. We have had an interna‐ tional group of student librarians this year – postgraduates from USA, China and Kenya – they have all contrib‐ uted to the smooth running of the college library. Jane Manley, College Librarian has been my primary musical experience on Sundays and of course I will miss the Durham Cathedral Choir, as I have regularly attended Evensong at the Cathedral during the week. No matter where I live the rest of my life, the standard of vocal music in Durham will be hard to find elsewhere. St Andrews does have a University Chapel but I am not sure what the music is like there!
8. What do the letters OGS after your name stand for? That’s a good question! It stands for ‘Oratory of the Good Shepherd,’ an Anglican religious society founded in 1913 by three Cambridge college chaplains. It aims to be a tertium quid (a third thing), a life between a monastic order and a parish priest. Essentially it is a dispersed, or non‐residential, religious society with a rule of life. 9. What are your future plans and aspirations? God willing, I will finish my PhD in 2009! After that, I am not sure. I am interested in finding a post‐doctoral research post for a few years, or more likely, a teaching position at a college, university, or theological college back in the United States. But I would certainly consider remaining in the UK a bit longer. I’m open to suggestions! Basically, I will be looking for the right job, rather being too fussed about location. 10. How will you remember Durham and St Chad’s? Always fondly. Durham is a beautiful, historic, and deeply spiritual place. And St Chad’s is a community overflowing with life, energy, and enthusiasm. I feel very privileged to have lived and belonged here for the past four years. 11. Finally, I hear that you have joined Facebook! Do you have another way that people can keep in touch with you when you move across the border? My St Andrews email address, good at least until June 2009, is: rcm47@st‐andrews.ac.uk KW: Thank you very much Rob.
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Policy Research Group at St Chad’s College The Policy Research Group (PRG) produces high quality independent research to support public policy development and implementation at national and local levels. The team of social scientists focuses upon three principal research areas: (1) Community and Third Sector, (2) Employment, Skills and Enterprise and (3) Regional Development. Their evaluation and analysis work is strongly rooted in the regeneration and development of disadvantaged places, people and businesses, directed at tackling economic and social exclusion and shaping policy options in order to achieve social justice. The Group brings together experienced researchers from the College, and from within and outside Durham University. Professor Fred Robinson joined St Chad’s in 2002 and has undertaken research on social and economic change in the North East for many years. Fred is an expert on policy evaluation and Third Sector research. Professor Ian Stone is an economist and joined the College from Durham Business School in 2007, together with longstanding research team members Gordon Allinson, Paul Braidford, Maxine Houston and Andrew Hunt. The teamʹs capabilities are further strengthened by being able to call upon the skills and experience of Dr Kath Smith (also director of St Chadʹs CSP programme), and Ian Zass Ogilvie, as well as a number of researchers and practitioners from outside the University. Together team members undertake applied work regionally and nationally on labour markets and employment, their approach shaped by a sound understanding of supply and demand side factors associated with unemployment, skills and education. The team carries out research into small business and enterprise and have developed particular expertise in the area of womenʹs enterprise. The PRG is also responsible for the North East Regional Economy Model, a robust tool for economic analysis, developed by Andrew Hunt (also a lecturer at Durham Business School) and operated by PRG on behalf of ONE NorthEast. PRG also publishes The Northern Economic Review, a peer‐edited journal which focuses on economic, social and political issues of relevance to the North East. Originally launched by Fred Robinson in 1981 and currently edited by Paul Braidford, the journal is now published from within St Chad’s and has a wide circulation. As well as producing high quality policy research and providing advice and consultancy, the team publishes in academic journals, organises seminars, undertakes teaching and supervision and presents conference papers on their work. The PRG has carried out work for a wide range of organisations, including the UK Treasury, the Cabinet Office, the DTI (now DBERR) and DfES, the European Commission, the Low Pay Commission, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Millfield House Foundation, numerous local authorities , sector skills organisations and social enterprise groups. Paul Braidford
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Festschrift for Professor Ann Loades In Exchanges of Grace, a range of distinguished contributors attend to areas of thought to which Ann Loades Professor Emeritus of Durham University, has made vital contributions. These include the testing of the vitality of the Christian tradition, resulting variously in affirmation and/or critique of its resources and relevance for contemporary life; the appreciation of the manifold interconnections between Christian spirituality and Christian theology; and The Dance of Grace’, reflecting Ann’s consistent concern with the possibility – and costs ‐ of the embodied generosity that can result from a sacramental imagination. Exchanges of Grace: Essays in Honour of Ann Loades London: SCM Press, September 2008 Paperback £40.00 Editors: Dr Natalie K Watson is a theologian, writer and editor based in Peterborough, UK. The Revd Dr Stephen Burns is Research Fellow in Public and Contextual Theology at the Charles Sturt University School of Theology in Sydney, Australia. Contributors: David W. Brown (St Andrews), Elaine Wainwright (Auckland, NZ), Kenneth Stevenson (Bishop of Portsmouth), Tina Beattie (Roehampton), Jeff Astley (Durham), George Pattison (Oxford), Isabel Wollaston (Birmingham), Elizabeth Galbraith (St Paul, MN), Peter Selby (Isle of Wight), Brian Hebblethwaite (Cambridge), Robert MacSwain (Durham), John Inge (Worcester), Daniel Hardy (Princeton), Vincent Brümmer (Utrecht), Fergus Kerr (Oxford), Stanley Hauerwas and Samuel Wells (Duke), Bridget Nichols (Ely), David Jasper (Glasgow), Paul Murray (Durham), Alan Suggate (Durham) and Janet Soskice (Cambridge). Order from www.scm‐canterburypress.co.uk
CONFERENCES & PILGRIMAGES AT ST CHAD’S The days are gone when the College could survive on government funding alone. Hence, during the vacations, we open our doors to conference trade. Through conferences the College is able to generate significant funds which are used to fund our building and renovation projects. If you are a member of an organisation or an academic body that holds conferences and meetings, please consider using St Chad’s College as your venue. Our rates are very attractive and the College can cater for all conference needs. You would also be supporting your College financially by bringing your business to us! Situated directly opposite Durham Cathedral, St Chad’s College is an ideal base for a pilgrimage to the many sites of Celtic North East England. The College has considerable experience in organising pilgrimages on behalf of visiting groups, and can do so to suit any particular length of stay and budget. In addition to the Cathedral itself, which contains the tombs of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede, Durham is ideally suited for visits to many of the other key sites in the region including Lindisfarne, Jarrow and Hexham. If your parish, organisation, or school group is interested in visiting the North East for a retreat or pilgrimage, we would be delighted if you chose to make St Chad’s your base. We can either lead your pilgrimage for you and arrange visits to important sites or leave the design of your itinerary up to you. Our full board rates are very competitive, and we can cater for any group large or small. To enquire about arranging a conference or pilgrimage at St Chad’s, please contact the Commercial Director by email j.d.randle@durham.ac.uk or telephone 0191 334 3344, or take a look at the College’s website.
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Candlemas 2008 Candlemas, always the highlight of Chad’s social calendar, hopefully did not disappoint this year as Arthurian legend descended upon the college. After nine months of secretly plotting and planning away in the Bettenson Room, and our fair share of ups and downs, the theme, ‘Camelot’ was finally announced by a very keen James Wallace and Colin Ferguson (what is it about men and tights?!) at the launch party. Madness can be the only word to describe the week leading up to the ball as everyone pitched in (it was literally ‘all hands to decks’) led by a very eager Lucy Lennon Brown, Kayleigh Fuller, and their team of merry helpers as the college was transformed. This was not without its problems, as our biggest challenge this year was new fire regulations which meant that new and innovative ways had to be found to decorate the college to its usual standard, both in terms of practicalities and budget! With the help of kind donations from members of the SCR and fundraising efforts, including the lucrative and ingenious production of college underwear, led by our Sponsorship Officer, Melanie Froude, and Deputy Head Steward, Jennie Donkin, the committee were able to work around these restrictions, and provide decks to remember! If you had kept your eyes peeled during Michaelmas Term, you might have seen a few suspicious characters lurking around the halls of Main College; trying to show a rather too realistic Medieval Troupe around an ever curious college is no easy feat, but it was managed, and they were unleashed on unsuspecting guests at the meal as they entertained between courses. Following the meal, guests were entertained by a range of Ents; a Medieval Dance led by our troupe of players, inflatable fun as the marquee and dining hall were turned into a Knight training school, Pop Corn and Candy Floss; a beautiful Vodka Fountain Ice Sculpture of the Chad’s Crest, traditional ale and wine provided by local companies, a midnight Hog and Lamb roast, and of course that well known Medieval entertainment, Karaoke and a disco! As 3am approached, all those who survived collected their well earned breakfast and took their place in the Survivor’s Photo as the 51st Candlemas Ball drew to a close, providing all those who had been a part of it, whether in the planning beforehand or at the ball itself with memories to cherish, and a night to remember. It would be difficult to include all the funny moments, and do justice to the blood, sweat and tears of the committee this year, but heartfelt thanks must be given to the following people, without whom the night just would not have been possible… Firstly, the committee – Claire Curry, Colin Ferguson, Ed Eaton, Emma Brittain, James Wallace, Johanna Maughan, Kayleigh Fuller, Lucy Lennon Brown, Melanie Froude, Sophie Bicknell, and the Mini‐Decs Committee. Further thanks go to the Exec 2007‐08 whose support was unfaltering and greatly appreciated. Lastly, to all the college staff and everyone who had picked up a paintbrush or supported committee fundraising efforts, in particular the kind donations of SCR members. Natasha Jane Muszanskyj (Head Steward, Candlemas Ball 2008)
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Durham Media Academy During the last academic year The Media Academy has continued to develop its work in a number of ways. Within the College we’ve run an introductory video making workshop and a small group are now working on a College video which, we hope, will show Chad’s in a realistic but innovative way to prospective freshers. A good deal of what the Academy does has a research / professional practice focus ‐ something that’s illustrated by a highly innovative DVD / CD package featuring an outstanding performance of Elgar’s Sonata for Organ, Opus 28 performed by College Fellow and the Organist of Durham Cathedral, James Lancelot. This work, which was produced in association with the Elgar Birthplace Trust, has been well received with excellent reviews and also contains a wealth of additional material ‐ including an investigation into organ manufacture; a virtual conversation between leading Elgar scholars and a masterclass on the work. It’s available from College reception and, outside College, through the Elgar Birthplace Trust (www.elgarfoundation.org). However, much of this academic year has been devoted to working with Traidcraft (the fair trade organisation based in Gateshead) with whom the College already has strong links. Last autumn I travelled to Chile to document the work of the Apicoop who are embarking on an ambitious programme to diversify from their successful honey production into the cultivation of blueberries. I was able to visit a number of families where fair trade has had a significant impact on individual lives. No meeting was more emotional than that with eleven year old twins Richard and Jonathan Inostroza. Supported by Apicoop, their parents, Juan and Maria have created and developed the nursery which will supply all the blueberry bushes the co‐operative needs. But of more immediate concern to the lads was seeing their father on the packaging of Traidcraft’s Geobars. Trying to suppress tears of joy Jonathan exclaimed, ‘It’s my Dad and it’s amazing that he’s known in other countries while here in Chile nobody recognises him!’; whilst Richard added, ‘I feel proud because it’s the first person in my family who has appeared abroad…. And it’s my Dad!’ Earlier in the year I’d met Joyce Chibouro from the Kasinthula Cane Growers in Malawi. Kasinthula is an association of farmers in the very disadvantaged southern region of Malawi, prone to both drought and flooding at different times of the year. Its sugar became Fairtrade certified in 2003 and they have since received significant orders. The Fairtrade premium is enabling farmers to install boreholes in their villages, which have relied, until recently, on contaminated water supplies from the crocodile‐infested Shire River. It has also enabled farmers to adequately prepare for the recent food shortages and continue to feed their families. If you buy one of the Traidcraft FairBreak cookies it’s her picture that features on this wrapper. Now the Fairtrade premium is paying for the community to have access to electricity for the first time. And for Joyce it means she should be able to pay for her own child to go to school. What’s most memorable about these journeys ‐ where both video and still images are recorded for a wide variety of purposes ‐ is not just meeting people whose lives are little by little improving, but also being invited into their homes; sharing meals with them and getting to know and understand something of them as individuals. That is a genuine privilege. Richard Else (Director of Durham Media Academy)
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A Portrait of Chad’s: Tom Bradley ‘A photographic exhibition about college life’. This is the tagline that describes a collection of 42 images that will hang in the quad of St. Chad’s College in the final week of academic year 07/08 coinciding with the first Durham Arts Festival. I suppose it’s pretty accurate, though not very specific. A great deal of thought was given to the content of the exhibition – which photos I should take, and of the photos that I had already taken, which photos I should include. You could describe the collection as a ‘photo essay’ I suppose. Wikipedia states that Photo essays often attempt to capture the character of places and events. Perhaps it’s telling of the modern – albeit lazy ‐ student that I’m looking up definitions on Wikipedia and not in a book in the library. However, I believe that Wikipedia may be correct on this occasion, and I hope the photos do capture the character of the places and events, and most importantly the people in Chad’s. It is the students that I’m most interested in. It can be hard to capture a person’s personality in a photo. Emotions can be immediately recognisable, though by no means do they necessarily convey personality. In some photos in the exhibition people are looking shocked, or grinning wildly, or even looking slightly irritated. However this doesn’t mean these people are permanently surprised by life, deliriously happy, or grumpy the whole time. Emotions aren’t always superficial, so I ask you when you see a photo of someone, not to just to observe the immediately recognisable. Saying ‘look deeper into it’ may sound pretentious, but the more you look, the more details will reveal themselves which your brain translates as an aspect of understanding of the subject. Now I’ve obviously chosen St. Chad’s College students as my subject because I’m part of the college and have three years of experience understanding the people in it. People from Chad’s (Chadsians) often say that our college is the best – as some of the photos convey – however, I’m sure students from other colleges may also say the same. There is no comparison to other colleges in the photos, and the idea is not to say we are better or worse than them. We are, though, the smallest college in Durham and as such we are a very close community; everyone knows each other. Hopefully this comes across to an extent in some of the larger group photos, especially from Chad’s day. It has certainly meant that thinking of who to take photos of and what they should be doing has been a much more relaxing and facile process for me. The images are a mix of candid shots and set‐up shots. Notice I avoid the use of the word “pose”. Although I may arrange to take a shot of someone from a certain view, or of a group of friends in their living room, it has usually been their ideas and choice of where to take photo and what to do. This in itself lends to a greater understanding of the people involved. For group shots, there are obviously limitations from a technical point of view, but in most cases they would be in the room they hang out in together or have the fondest memories from. The candid shots are a bit different. I think it helped that I take my camera with me almost everywhere and people are used to seeing me with it. As a result they ignore the fact they’re having a photo taken and it is a much more natural shot. These shots I find are very important in trying to capture the atmosphere of the college that we all know, but few can describe. Quite simply this exhibition is my way of describing the ‘Chad’s spirit’. Tom Bradley
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Artist in Residence: Eleanor Moreton Yesterday I had to sort out images of some of the work that I’ve done since coming to Durham in October. There must have been over a hundred images, forming, as I laid them out on the floor, a ‘family tree’ of ideas. I have sometimes written about the clusters of ideas that I work with ‐ historical sources, literary, folkloric, psychoanalytic, the natural world ‐ and how difficult it is to contain them. How precarious it all feels, trying to keep disparate ideas together, but with a light touch, when I rely on intuition to guide me towards what those ideas might be. Neither do I want to be required to spell out what links the ideas. There is a quotation from Horace, ‘ut pictura poesis’ (‘as is painting, so is poetry’). The connection between painting and poetry works two ways, and ‘poetic’ might describe my wish to leave things unsaid in my work. One of my earliest recollections of my residency is meeting a student who told me to account for my work and was very frustrated when I refused. A major problem for me was that the work wasn’t there ‐ the student had never seen it. There can be no place where ideas are more important than in academia, but, equally, there are some times when ideas are insufficient and, possibly, misleading. Some years ago I realised that I wanted to make paintings in the way that I thought. I did not want to be committed to one idea, when I have many, or to a linear development that feels like a straight‐jacket. One of the reasons I am an artist is because of the sense of freedom it gives me. The artist’s life can be a hard one in many ways. So the studio has to be, for me, a place of playfulness and freedom. Otherwise I could never have survived the self‐discipline it takes to go there everyday. I may not have fulfilled the hopes of the Cathedral who provide me with a studio. The Cathedral’s influence was certainly there, but obliquely. I have always preferred looking at it from outside. I called its architecture masculine and handsome, but oppressive. But that set me wondering why I would necessarily find the masculine oppressive and whether this might reflect something of my own experience of my father. The houses and colleges around the Cathedral have always been a delight: the colours of the stone and the brick; the beautiful subtle colours of the paintwork. The woods and the river too have never stopped captivating me. Am I imagining that the birds in these woods are unusually tame? I have sometimes almost fallen over them as I walk to and from the studio. I may not have yet made paintings of Durham yet but I quite likely will. I rarely work with what’s at hand because I paint about our memory of things, our imagining of them, or longing for them, not our immediate experience. I have only 2 months left in Durham and I’m aware that many at St Chad’s will have never met me, or even known that an Artist Fellow exists. I’m sorry that this is so. I hope that some will have seen the exhibitions at the end of the residency. But my solitary studio time has been enormously beneficial. I cannot specifically say what the influence of Durham has been on my work (I don’t understand it), but there have been some significant shifts and quite possibly these would not have happened had I not come here. Eleanor Moreton (Artist in Residence 2007‐8)
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Julius Caesar Summertime, and the livin’ should be easy, right? Not if St Chad’s College’s new theatre company, Green Door Productions, is involved. Set up to provide Chad’s students with the opportunity to explore and develop talents in the performing arts, we decided to test the waters and asked to produce the college Summer Play. Worried to a degree about our lack of experience, I took the opportunity of asking a seasoned producer for her advice: ‘A first play?’ she replied, ‘whatever you do, keep it simple – choose a play, preferably a contemporary comedy, requiring only a small cast and make the set and tech as minimalist as possible’. Looking back, I think we may have forgotten her wise words. We decided upon Julius Caesar ‐ a lengthy tragedy with principally male parts, to be put on in a college, which is currently predominantly female. It needed to be produced in two weeks, with two elaborate sets, one in the Quad and the other in the Garden, and in a month where three other Shakespeare plays were being performed in Durham, and on the same weekend as the Durham Regatta! But as the saying goes, ‘idle hands are the devil’s tools’ and there certainly weren’t any of the former in the production team in the weeks running up to the end of term. One of the key issues was finding good actors to take on the parts, a challenge at a time in the University year when whiling away the hours sunbathing on the croquet lawn seems much more tempting option than learning lengthy speeches, even famous ones beginning ‘Friends, Romans, countrymen…’ We were very lucky, however, and found a lot of talented and enthusiastic thesps amongst the Chad’s population, as well as some gifted actors from other colleges. Many of the cast had never acted before, let alone in a challenging Shakespeare play, but they accepted the daily rehearsals and line‐learning uncomplainingly, and you would never would have be able to guess their inexperience from seeing the final product. The cast would agree with me that this was due, in a large part, to having such a talented director in Tom Lyons, whose vision and energy never faltered. The actors also gained a lot of useful advice from a workshop run by Giles Ramsay, Chad’s visiting Theatre Mentor, to whom we are very grateful. Such a complex production requires a strong backstage team and in this we were most blessed, especially as they had to struggle with difficulties and tasks that would have others running for the hills. Such issues included the logistics of carrying big terracotta pots and urns 10 miles across Durham using only manpower, and the transforming of our Quad into a realistic Roman market square. The latter involved the making of market stalls (bamboo sticks and string) and a bust of Pompey (a single balloon and mod rock) among other things and I am extremely thankful that we had Rose Jones as our prop mistress, for she could easily take on any Blue Peter presenter! Elly Berry and Jane Lascelles must also receive special mention for the toga‐making sweatshop they set up, fuelled only by M & S biscuits. The costumes were beautiful and received many compliments in the press reviews. Eventually the weekend rolled around and the normal pre‐production panic set in. Would the set be ready in time? Would the weather hold? Would people even turn up? By 7.30pm, however, our fears were quieted for everything was in place, including the little finishing touches – the smell of incense wafting through the halls and the sand on the floor, to name a couple. Everything came together to create an evocative image of Ancient Rome – though one that was probably more pleasant than the original! The audience poured in, for Chad’s community spirit had not failed us and many Durham residents and tourists also came along, curiosity sparked by the eye‐catching posters around town. And so the play began – with its prophecies and plotting, and ever so pertinent themes, brought across so effectively by our talented actors. Iain Hamiltonʹs Caesar radiated grandeur, his first entrance with confetti falling from above received spontaneous applause from the audience. He must also be commended for his death scene, especially as his ʹcorpseʹ was left on stage throughout the interval, to be tormented by some unkind members of the audience! Ghassan al‐Sammariʹs brooding Brutus must also receive commendation, along with Emmanuel Chaoʹs Mark Antony, whose speeches at Caesarʹs funeral were so intelligently delivered that they had the audience on the edge of their seats, as with him as the Crowd of Citizens. After the interval the audience was ushered into the garden, which had been converted into a battleground, complete with tented camps and flaming torches. Every window and wall of the college were made use of as the play reached its denouement, including a somewhat frightening appearance of Caesarʹs Ghost on the roof of the JCR! All in all, Julius Caesar was a success. The audience was almost full on the first night and just got bigger and bigger, as we squeezed as many seats into the Quad as we could. Compliments from many of the audience cheered us incredibly, including one from a 70 year old man who said that he had seen four productions of Julius Caesar in the last thirty years, but that none had moved him so much as ours. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the cast and backstage
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Chapel crew, as well as the College, JCR and Bar Com for all their help, and to add that it would be lovely to see some of Chadʹs alumni at our productions in the coming year. Naomi Sklar (Producer)
Chapel Report This year has seen the introduction of an informal Evening Service. Following this service, the Discussion Group has been studying The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. This has been the biggest group we have had so far, and has contained a diverse variety of beliefs and perspectives, making the resulting debates and discussions very interesting. Some of our thoughts on the book are going to be published in the next edition of the St Chad’s journal Foundation. We have also been very privileged to have some inspiring guest speakers in the form of Rabbi Lionel Blue and Brother Samuel of the Society of St Francis. We have been fortunate to be able to welcome a variety of preachers this year, including Stephen Fagbemi, Robert Song, Ben Quash, Lindsay Adam, Julie Lunn, Fred Robinson, Catherine Fox, Margaret Masson, the Dean of Durham, Canon Rosalind Brown, Revd Max Wood, Revd Robert Lawrence, and Bishop Alan Chester, who preached a memorable sermon at Chad’s Day. One of our Chapel Clerks, Sarah Nohavicka, revived the venerable tradition of a Chapel Clerk preaching in the last term, and did a wonderful job of it. This wide range of speakers has given us much food for thought and each has offered something different spiritually and intellectually. At the end of every academic year many of the regular members of the Chapel congregation leave. This year we also say farewell to our Chaplain, Rob MacSwain, who is leaving us to go across the border to St Andrews. Good luck to you all! And we hope that the Chapel goes from strength to strength in the next part of its history. Sarah Nohavicka (Chapel Clerk) and Revd Rob MacSwain (Chaplain)
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Choir This has been another busy and productive for the Choir. In October 2007 we were again fortunate to welcome a large number of new members to the Choir, who quickly fitted in and have already made massive contributions to our music making. Catherine Mackintosh, Rachael Bainbridge and Jonathan Geoghegan were appointed as Choral Scholars to join the continuing Scholars; and Amy Rodgers was awarded a Choral Bursary. Throughout the year we have continued to sing at services in the College Chapel on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings. Highlights of the Michaelmas Term included the singing of Faure’s Requiem on All Souls’ Day and the Advent Procession in Durham Cathedral in December, where we were joined by the Durham Cathedral Young Singers (DCYS). At the end of term we were privileged to be part of the Friends of Durham Cathedral Christmas Celebrations, where we shared the stage with Durham Johnston Comprehensive School and the DCYS. The College choir is also involved in an outreach singing project to local schools, where it gives concerts and master classes and works at developing singing in schools that are trying to build their own choirs. In February the Choir visited Blackburn Cathedral, where we sang the Sunday services, and in March we sang Evensong in Durham Cathedral as part of the celebrations surrounding St Chad’s Day. After the exams finished the Choir sang all three Sunday services in Durham Cathedral, including the Civic Evensong attended by the Mayor and City Council, after which we were invited to a reception in the Town Hall. The Mayor thanked the Choir for our work both here in Durham and for representing the city so well when we tour, both in the UK and abroad. The following day we visited York Minster to sing Evensong on Sir Edward Elgar’s birthday, which we marked by the singing of The Spirit of the Lord is upon me – the prologue to his great work The Apostles. I would like to thank the entire Choir for their enthusiasm, dedication and hard work over the past year. We will be sad to say farewell this year to those who are graduating and leaving the choir. Very special thanks must, as always, also go to our Sub‐Organist, Peter Swift. James Randle (Director of Music) St Chad’s College Choir Tour 2007: New York City, Philadelphia and Princeton. Following a successful Canadian Tour in 2006, the Choir of St Chad’s College received invitations to sing in the USA. After the exams in the Easter term they departed for New York City where they sang the Sunday morning Eucharist at the Church of the Heavenly Rest (at the top of Fifth Avenue next to the Guggenheim), and then two days later, a memorial concert at St Paul’s Chapel, Ground Zero (a beautiful building in the financial district that miraculously survived the 9‐11 terror attacks). A train journey took the Choir west to Philadelphia, where they spent a day sightseeing before singing Choral Evensong in the Episcopalian Cathedral in sweltering heat. That evening they continued their journey to Princeton where they were resident at Westminster Choir College (part of Ryder University) and sang a concert to a full house at All Saints’ Church (where their Chaplain, Rob MacSwain, had previously worked during his time at the Princeton Theological Seminary). A pleasant day was spent sightseeing in Princeton before the group returned to New York City where they were hosted by St Thomas’ Church Choir School (an arrangement which St Chad’s College were pleased to reciprocate when the Choir of St Thomas’ visited Durham the following month). After a day of rest the Choir sang the Sunday Eucharist at St Thomasʹ Church, Fifth Avenue (which was broadcast live on the web), followed by Choral Evensong at the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine. Led by the Director of Music at St Chad’s, James Randle, Sub‐Organist, Peter Swift, and Chaplain, Rob MacSwain this tour provided an excellent opportunity for the students to visit the USA and to share their music in the communities they visited; as well as generating some very positive publicity for the University. The Choir are incredibly grateful to
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Choir Association the members of St Chad’s College Choir Association who made financial contributions towards the costs of the tour and especially to the Alumni who through the University’s Support for the Arts Committee made a very generous grant to the Choir.
St Chad’s College Choir Association St Chad’s College Choir Association has been formed to: • Provide a mechanism for former singers to keep in contact with the Choir. It will also enable them to keep in contact with the Choir and take part in reunion events. • Allow friends and family of current singers to offer support for the Choir and its work, both within the College and through the various outreach projects. • Enable members of the wider College community to give their support to the Choir and its development. • Give those people with whom the College works regularly the chance to contribute to the continuation and development of the College Choir. Benefits of Membership Membership of St Chad’s College Choir Association is designed to allow our friends and supporters to show their commitment and appreciation of our work in various ways. Friends may join the Association for £30 per annum, in return for which they will receive regular updates of the Choir’s work and the termly music list, in addition to their name being listed in all programmes and on the website. Patrons may join the Association for £100 per annum and in addition to the benefits received by Friends will receive complimentary tickets to a concert in the Easter Term followed by a drinks reception and an opportunity to meet the Choir. The names of Patrons will be listed inside future CD recordings. Members who wish to support the work of the Choir in a very special way might consider becoming a Benefactor and providing the funding (currently £300 per annum) for a named Choral Scholarship. Corporate Patrons who wish to make a substantial gift will receive all of the benefits noted above in addition to a private concert or carol service sung by the Choir in the College Chapel for up to 70 associates, friends and clients, with a complimentary drinks reception and a chance to meet the Choir. Membership forms may be obtained from the Director of Music (j.d.randle@durham.ac.uk) or downloaded from the Choir’s website: http://durham.ac.uk/chads/choir
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Collegiate Studies Programme It is always good to be offered a chance to look back on a year’s work and this is my opportunity. You may notice that the name of the programme has changed. ‘Collegiate Studies’ reflects the broader range of interests that the programme now has, in addition to its skills based activities. We still offer all the standard events such as interview training and CV development but we’re aiming to be more dynamic in the way the programme evolves, particularly through the input of students. This brings me to my reflection on the year. For the first time the programme had a student representative on the JCR with the initial remit of acting as liaison between CSP and student activities generally. Lorna Taylor filled this role wonderfully well and was a great help in organising events and also suggesting new areas of work. Lorna has now graduated and is continuing in Durham as manager of Student Community Action. We wish her well for the coming year. We welcomed Maurice Condie, Chief Executive of Byker Bridge Housing Association to speak to students in the Michaelmas term. His description of the work BBHA does with homeless people was inspiring and led to the Charities Committee adopting BBHA as their charity for the year ‐ another example of Chad’s students reaching out to local people and causes. There were successful trips to Lindisfarne, Hadrian’s Wall, Middlesbrough and Beamish, all with tales to tell. Suffice to say that if I said ‘haddock’ to Ben Cooper he would know what I meant! One of the most special trips is the visit to our friends at Southbank Mosque, Middlesbrough, where the reception is always warm and welcoming. As a result of this visit we were delighted to welcome Oz Sadiq, a member of the Mosque, back to Chad’s to talk to visiting GCSE students on ‘building bridges of understanding’. Many thanks Oz, you did a wonderful job. At the moment I’m working on the programme for next year, which will have some new events. I’m getting ready to welcome Jennie Donkin as the new CSP rep for 2008. Our first event is the mammoth freshers’ trip to Newcastle, so wish us luck. Kath Smith (Director of CSP)
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Sports Review Over the past year I have witnessed, in my capacity as Sports Rep for St Chad’s JCR exec, stellar dedication and boundless enthusiasm shown in countless sports, with some truly sparkling individual performances and – ever present – that trademark Chad’s team spirit, manifesting itself in the committed solidarity of our teams sometimes fighting tooth and nail through ankle‐ deep mud and driving sleet; other times though the loyal yells of packed (and often numb!) sideline supporters cheering on the energetic efforts of their college’s best. I shall detail the highlights over the past year for the teams, in which I hope to do justice to the frequently outstanding leadership of our captains this year and the incredibly high standard of sport that our tiny college reaches. It has been a relatively rewarding year for men’s rugby which saw the team strengthen with practice, despite the loss of many key players from the previous year. They enjoyed several convincing wins – particularly the 20‐8 victory against Aidan’s in the first round of the Cup, and subsequently beating Van Mildert 19‐10. The match against bitter rivals Collingwood ended in an honourable loss of 10‐19 which nevertheless showed a solid improvement on last year’s result. Furthermore, the 7s season has witnessed excellent performances by Chad’s A team which succeeded in winning the entire Festival of Sport tournament, in addition to the triumphs enjoyed by the ‘St Chad’s Barbarians’. This year once again, the men lent their time and talent in coaching the women’s rugby team each week, training up the new hoard of enthusiastic Freshers – whose inexperience was counter‐balanced by the return of a few key fourth year players. The season was a mixed one; however the team is able to boast several successes against Hatfield B, Grey, Collingwood & Hild Bede B. Performance has been facilitated by the close team friendships, the fun always had during practice (the inspiring line‐out calls!) and the legendary socials. Despite superb individual performances in the men’s football this season (including James Plaistowe’s hat‐trick), which saw victories achieved over Hatfield and Aidans, the team’s progress was hampered by the lack of a goalie and various injuries, unfortunately resulting in relegation after the next three games were lost. The women’s team won and lost matches in equal proportion this year, benefiting from the help of Fresher Ashley Farrell coaching, as well as the enthusiastic participation of the second year players. Captained by Sébastien Hine, the men’s hockey team enjoyed a frankly exceptional season, ending in promotion to the premiership from a highly competitive first division. One of the highlights was the 13‐0 annihilation of Josephine Butler, when virtually the whole team scored in an outrageous variety of ways. Throughout the year, there has been an outstanding team effort from a tiny squad of twelve players, of which eight will be graduating this summer, and all of whom contributed to making the team by far the most successful in Chad’s this year. With such a hard act to follow, the women had a less successful season, winning only two of the fourteen matches played, and drawing four. They nevertheless triumphed over John Snow with a 7‐0 win, and were one of the few teams to achieve victory during the Chad’s‐John’s sports tournament. This year I have been proud to have helped establish the all‐new and highly successful Chad’s mixed lacrosse team. Led by second year Kate Ross, and aided by a few other experienced Freshers, the team has enjoyed quite a number of victories – particularly against Aidan’s and Hild Bede who, despite being represented by several university‐standard players, were no match for the speed and natural talent of many of our sportsmen and women – most of whom had never previously picked up a stick! The future looks promising for the team, particularly with the plans for a university coach to lend a hand with the training of college teams next year. The men’s squash enjoyed two fortunate 5‐0 whitewashes against Hild Bede A and George Stephenson A amid various defeats, ending on a high by beating Mary’s A team 3‐2. With regards to both the badminton and basketball teams,
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Sports Review spectacular amounts of enthusiasm were shown, which unfortunately did not result in any specific triumphs, but which future captains are trying to build on for next year. Chad’s netball team has had a highly enjoyable year, both on and off the courts. With a huge intake of new and committed Freshers, the team really bonded to produce some impressive wins against some of the bigger colleges. A special mention must go to Chad’s table tennis B‐team whose indefatigable commitment and boundless passion for the game (known for their sprinting warm‐ups in The Quad clad in personalised stash), have provided college with a source of continual amusement and in‐house entertainment this year. With an initially excellent start to the year, thrashing Aidan’s, John’s and Grey, the team were later forced to concede two disappointing defeats, resulting in a second place finish in the league. They nevertheless have grand plans for the year ahead (following a recent team tour to Prague) and remain proud of their meteoric ascent, giving rise to the affirmation by pleased Fresher captain James Ufland, that the team has “redefined how the sport should be played”. Although only winning one out of the five matches played, the tennis team has seen the emergence of some very promising players, with several particularly exciting performances on the grass courts, such as a mixed doubles match against Josephine Butler when the Chad’s pair fought back from 2‐5 down to snatch the tiebreak 7‐6 just before sunset. The cricket team enjoyed two clean victories at the start of the season, with some impressive bowling shown, particularly by the Freshers, before unfortunately following them with two losses and finishing the season in third place in the league. Despite often termed merely a social pastime, Chad’s croquet has resolutely maintained its status as an established college team, by means of the flourishing performances in the inaugural summer tournament, and a great deal of ‘roquet action’. Daily circuit practice has apparently been rife, with huge potential talent shown, according to Croquet President, Sophie Hunt, who will be sorely missed next year. However, the team shall be well maintained by Philip Duncan Alexander and his squad, who will continue the lawn antics with style and sophistication. All in all, the sheer variety and standard of sport played by a huge number Chadsians this year has been one to reflect on with pride and satisfaction. Many teams have gone from strength to strength resulting in the stunning triumphs their performances merited; others conceded their defeat with honour and dignity as ever – never compromising their enthusiasm or perseverance. The contribution by the new Freshers has been monumental, and this participation has undoubtedly cemented their easy integration into college life and spirit. My thanks go to the captains for all of their co‐operation this year, and to every single player whether with years of experience behind them or just throwing themselves into Chad’s sport for the first time, for making this thriving part of college life so memorable this year. Hannah Arnold, Sport’s Representative 2007‐8
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Rowing
During the past year the boat club has gone from strength to strength, catering for those who want to row in a competi‐ tive crew, and those who enjoy the more leisurely aspects of rowing. With a lack of experienced rowers in the club – no one had really been rowing for more than a year — I had no idea how we were going to cope with the influx of enthusi‐ astic fresher’s, let alone train them up to compete in the novice cup. Train them we did, and the club had a very success‐ ful first term. The Novice Cup and York Small boats head fell this year on the same day. The performance of the club surpassed all of my expectations – whilst the men’s 1st IV won novice coxed fours in York, back in Durham the fresher’s put in an amazing effort to win the men’s cup, reach the final of the men’s plate, and the semi final of the women’s cup. A week later, the 1st IV went on to win novice IV’s in the senate cup, and posted the 6th fastest time of the day ‐ beating a number of other college 1st IV’s – who have a lot more experience than our rowers. The next term, I’m afraid to say that much of the competitive rowing took a back seat to Chad’s social events. But none‐ theless a great performance was put in by both the men’s and women’s squad at Tyne Head, and the men’s squad fielded an eight for Head of The River Race, coming a respectable 387th ‐ especially considering the fact that most of the crew had been rowing for only 2 terms and there was a distinct lack of training in an eight (we were reliant on borrow‐ ing one of Hatfield’s eights when they weren’t using it). The summer term got off to a slow start, with a less than convincing performance at Chester le Street regatta – partly due to mechanical failure and partly due to a lack of training. This spurred the club on to train hard for Durham Regatta. The training paid off and resulted in yet another successful weekend for the club. The men’s 2nd IV convincingly beat Mary’s and narrowly lost to Leeds uni after being ahead for most of the race, whilst the 1st IV had a successful day, beat‐ ing many other college crews and winning the men’s novice IV+ category. Plans are currently afoot for a large new boat house to be built on the paddock, which will provide greatly needed space for Chad’s boats and a considerable income for the club through the renting of racking space to other colleges. The new boat house will also be long enough to keep eights which will greatly benefit the clubs tideway training. This is an excit‐ ing time for the club, and I wish next years exec the best of luck. David Collings Captain of Boats (2007‐8)
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Rugby After losing so many key players it was always going to be difficult to emulate our strong performance last season. However we were fortunate to be blessed with a large intake of good rugby players this year who have been able to fill the void left by the leavers. The only downside to this was that it meant we were a relatively new inexperienced team as many of us had not played with each other before. Our first match of the season was against our close rivals St John’s where our inexperienced showed. After a strong start to the game we lost to an experienced John’s teams 28‐8. Despite losing our first game of the season, we came together and started to gel as a team, with the help of Gutters and some carrots. This was shown in our next game against one of the bigger colleges in the university Grey. It was a close game with Chad’s being victorious for the first time in the season in a close fought 8‐7 victory. We took this momentum into the next game against Cuth’s B team securing our second win of the season 34‐12 with a solid performance. Our next game was against Collingwood who beat us by a considerable margin last year and are always one of the strongest teams in the league. Although we lost 19‐10 it was a huge improvement on last years result against Collingwood, and it was then we realised how strong a squad we’d become. This knowledge stopped the loss knocking our confidence and went into our first Floodlit match of the season raring to go. It was a nervous start against Aidan’s in the first round of the cup, but we came through with a solid 20‐8 victory. We started 2008 against our first round Floodlit cup victims Aidan’s and once again put in a good performance to win 21 ‐0. We had to wait a whole month before our next game against Van Mildert (Team Durham proving how organised they are!), which left us a bit rusty. However Chad’s came out with a 19‐10 victory which left us in a strong position to finish as one of the top 4 in the league like last season. Next came the quarter‐finals of the Floodlit Cup against Queens Campus Stockton. This was a replay of last seasons’ epic encounter in the quarter finals against Stockton which resulted in an emphatic win for Chad’s 8‐7. Unfortunately this year we were unable to defeat a strong Stockton side on a night when the conditions played into their hands: the final score was 29‐0 to Stockton. Our last game of the season came against Hatfield who were fighting to avoid relegation. It was a hard game and unfortunately Chad’s lost 24‐0. It was a disappointing end to the season but we managed to finish in 6th place which is still a good result, especially as we did not play all our games due to cancellations which could have resulted in a higher finish. This wasn’t the end for Chad’s rugby this year as the 3rd term saw the start of the 7s season where Chad’s always perform well. The Sports Festival was the first tournament in which Chad’s entered 2 teams. Chad’s A team managed to go all the way and win the tournament with some outstanding performances against Butler and Mary’s in the semi‐ final and final, despite Durcan’s efforts. Even though the A team managed to win the tournament they were left in the shadow of other 7s team entered by Chad’s, The St Chad’s Barbarians. Lead by the fearless George Hodge they managed to beat Grey B, Trevs A and Castle A, with the try of the tournament going to Mzwandile “Teddy” Sibanda. Even Ali Gordon finally made his triumphant return to Chad’s rugby and scored a great try of his own for the Barbarians. Next we entered the Gown 7s tournament but we unable to do the double and we were knocked out in the group stages after some poor handling errors cost us dearly. These two tournaments weren’t the only 7s tournaments Chad’s entered. We also entered a side into a tournament early on in the season where we narrowly lost in the final to John’s, which clearly was a sign of good things to come for the 7s season. All in all this has been a good season which has seen some new talents emerge in the side. A special mention has to be said for all the finalists this year, who despite this being an important year for them put in 100% effort into the team and helped it develop into a stronger more experienced side. Also I think a special mention has to go to the Barbarians captain George Hodge who will be leaving us this year after 5 years of dedication to Chad’s rugby. He is a great character in the team and his presence will be greatly missed on and off the pitch. He should be extremely proud of his outstanding Barbarians team performance in the 7s and he finally got his first try for Chad’s rugby team this season after 5 years of waiting. Matt Durcan takes over as captain for next year and I have every confidence in him doing an excellent job. However, as with this year, we must hope to enjoy a strong intake next year to fill the void left by all the leavers, who will be greatly missed both on and off the pitch. Josh Harman (Rugby Captain 2007‐8)
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Alumni Reunions 2008-2009 The following reunions and Foundation meetings are planned for the current academic year: Southern Reunion: Thursday 19th February 2009 5.00pm Attend Evensong at Westminster Abbey 6.00pm Meeting in the Old Library, Cheyneygates (at the Abbey) for members of St Chad’s College Foundation 7.00pm Alumni Reception – wine and nibbles Northern Reunion: Saturday 28th February 2009 12.30pm St Chad’s Day Eucharist – College Chapel Celebrant & Preacher: The Very Revd Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster 1.45pm Alumni Lunch 2.45pm Meeting for members of St Chad’s College Foundation Why not come along to support the work of the College and meet old friends? If you wish to attend please contact Ashley Wilson (College Chaplain) – either by email (please include the words “Alumni Reunion” in the subject line) to ashley.wilson@durham.ac.uk or in writing to the College: The Revd Dr Ashley P Wilson BA PhD Chaplain & Postgraduate Director St Chadʹs College 18 North Bailey Durham DH1 3RH
NEW CHOIR CD The College Choir’s latest CD recording ‘Journey’ is available for purchase from the College. To order your copy please send your name and address with a cheque for £12 (which includes UK P&P) made payable to ‘St Chad’s College’ to: The Director of Music St Chad’s College 18 North Bailey Durham DH1 3RH
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© Eleanor Moreton
St Chad’s College 18 North Bailey Durham DH1 3RH 0191 334 3358 chads@durham.ac.uk http://www.durham.ac.uk/chads