Installation of 39th Master of TrinityCollege News

Installation of 39th Master of Trinity

On the afternoon of Tuesday 8 October Professor Dame Sally Davies DBE FRS FMedSci was installed as 39th Master of the College. Fellows, staff and students attended the traditional ceremony.

Proceedings opened with a brass quintet and welcome party greeting Dame Sally on the cobbles outside Great Gate. As the College clock struck 2.30pm, she knocked on the wicket gate to announce her arrival and to hand the Letters Patent from the Queen to Head Porter, Peter Windmill. It was carried to Chapel for inspection by Vice-Master Professor Grae Worster, who announced to Fellows that the document granting the vacant Mastership to Dame Sally was in order.

The Fellows processed from Chapel and assembled on Great Court’s lawns to join students and staff, before Great Gate was opened to admit Dame Sally. The Vice-Master presented her to the Fellows, who doffed their caps and bowed, with Dame Sally doffing her cap in reply. The procession then headed to Chapel for the installation service, which included a beautiful, specially commissioned Te Deum by composer, conductor and former organ scholar Owain Park (2013).

Looking to the future, Dame Sally said: ‘We are seen as a citadel of excellence. We need to continue that but be seen to be part of a broader community and show our relevance and our impact, scientific and cultural, on society at large. The research at Trinity does lead – often it takes many years – but it leads to changes and advances for society; and the education we give people makes them into potential future leaders across all areas of life.’

The Master and Vice-Master Professor Grae Worster lead the installation procession to Chapel.

@MasterSallyTrin