Somewhere along the coach ride from Durham to Tynemouth Longsands, I heard my friend Poppy remarking that a fellow second-year, Nathan, looked like a typical British dad dressed for a day at the beach: Hawaiian shorts, Christmas socks, with Scotch eggs and pork pies in hand. He couldn’t have sounded more like a typical British child, incessantly nagging Polly, the ever patient social sec, with the age-old question of ‘are we there yet?’. We all felt his impatience though, so when the coach finally did arrive, we nodded along to the warnings that the coach would leave at 3:45pm sharp and descended upon the welcoming swathes of sand with the fervour of those too long enclosed in the Durham Bubble.
The morning quickly passed with digging, paddling and exploring. In the early afternoon barefooted students swarmed the town’s fish and chip shops, the smell of salty frying fish deliciously mingling with briny sea breezes. A luxurious laziness settled over us all as the day warmed and people either took up casual games of rounders or football, dipped into the water or contented themselves with watching. The time for departure came around all too soon. We packed up and left as quickly as we came, already longing for next year. Naturally, it was a group of fourth years who only just made it back to the coach as the driver revved the engine. As a foreigner, I could not have been more delighted than to be part of this perennial British ritual. Most entertaining of all was seeing the number of pasty white bodies shining incandescently in the year’s first mild sun – evidence of a long rainy winter just past, and of many more summer days to come.
On a sunny bank holiday, Monday 30th May, Durham geared up for the third annual Pride in the city’s history, and Durham colleges were eager to be involved. To get into the spirit of the day, as well as to learn some of the history of the Pride movement, Chadsians attended a screening of the 2014 film “Pride” on the Saturday before the big day, where popcorn and pizza were served in the Chapel and the film shown on the big screen. Those who attended all had good things to say about the film and there has already been talk of another such event. On the day itself, a group of Chad’s students gathered for the morning parade, where rainbow face paint was applied and the brand new Chad’s banner, created by Adam Robinson and a few helpers, was proudly flown. The parade was a great success, with almost double the number of supporters this year than in 2015, and even the Chad’s goat came along!
In the afternoon, some Chadsians went to the Main Stage to watch a variety of special guest musicians, including Basshunter and the Cheeky Girls, while others attended the first ever Pole with Pride competition, featuring Chad’s own Izzy Niner, which bowled us all over with the high standard of performances. In the evening, an afterparty at Loveshack was also a great success. This year it was amazing to see far more Chadsians attending Pride than in recent years, and also to finally have a Chad’s banner to confirm the fact that Chad’s really is a proud college. I am really looking forward to attending both next year’s Durham Pride and a brand new programme of college Pride events throughout the year.
The first Research Forum of Easter Term on 12 May saw a very good turnout, with members from all three common rooms present.
The evening began with a talk by Jiahao Guo (Department of Modern Languages), who presented on English translations of Chinese literature. Exploring how Chinese idioms in Mo Yan’s works have been lost in the English translation, Jiahao demonstrated how these omissions result in less-rounded characters. Moreover, the translator had embellished the critique of the Chinese political system when compared to Yan’s original texts. Jiahao’s findings suggest that the focus of Yan’s translator was not actually to transmit Chinese culture to an English-speaking audience. Instead, the translations seem to be carefully tailored to the expectations of the intended Western audience. This opens the question of whether the translations are Chinese literature in English, or whether the texts are, in fact, English literature.
Afterwards, Samuel Lindan (Department of Classics) gave his talk on the architectural studies and designs of Italian polymath Leon Battista Alberti, particularly his seminal work De re aedificatoria, finished in 1452 and published in 1485. This work established Alberti’s theory of architecture, and its influence on later Renaissance architects is difficult to over-estimate. Through a visual analysis of a sample of Alberti’s architectural designs, Samuel showed the audience that although Alberti clearly drew heavily on inspiration from the classics, he nevertheless had a keen sense of incorporating contemporary architecture into his works.
This Research Forum was followed by a wine reception, which gave members of the audience a chance to ask the speakers any lingering questions. It was such a success that we plan to continue in future.
Be sure to turn up for the next Research Forum, on 2 June at 6pm in the Williams Library. Lan Dong will present on the influence of music on English child choristers’ lives, while Sam Fearn’s talk will explore how discoveries in physics can sometimes drive mathematical research. All are welcome.
Over the May bank holiday weekend our men’s first crew were busy taking York Spring Regatta by storm. The occasion marked the maiden voyage of our new four, Anna Roots, donated in memory of the late Chadsian who went on to row at the Commonwealth Games.
Racing started with a dramatic first round against John Snow College Boat Club, ending in their sudden disqualification after they veered across the river forcing our crew to perform an emergency stop.
The second round was facing St Mary’s College Boat Club where our crew cruised to an easy victory, ahead too many lengths to count, placing the Chad’s crew into the final against Grey College Boat Club.
Having had a flawless day thus far, GCBC were going to be tough opposition. The Chad’s boat had a great start and settled into an early rhythm to slowly pull away from the Grey crew, sitting comfortably three-quarters of a length ahead for the first 800 metres. However upon reaching the final bridge GCBC began pulling back, prompting a sprint for the finish. Neither of the crews could tell who had won upon crossing the finish line, but Chads were elated after it was announced they won by just over a foot.
Congratulations to (left to right) Jake Greenwood, James Channer, Lorna Howie (cox), Nick Crook, Alastair Breeze.
The crew finally won some well-deserved points along with tankards to drink their victory from, all in the maiden regatta for our new boat.
After such an amazing start to the SCCBC regatta season and a strong freshers squad this year, the club is ready for what we are hoping will be one of our strongest years yet.
We look forward to seeing Anna cruise to many more victories in the coming years.
Benedict O’Donovan, second year St Chad’s economics undergraduate, and managing director of DART (Durham Applied Robotics & Technologies), was runner up in the final of this year’s Durham University Business School ‘Dragons’ Den’ competition.
Benedict and his co-directors (also Durham students) impressed the panel of business industry judges with their pitch and their concept.
DART is developing ‘Dionysus’, a mobile robotic bartender system which will mix and serve drinks and cocktails “through an intuitive touchscreen interface” from a standard bar menu or crafted from scratch”. Bar staff input will not be necessary as customers will be able to “pay at the point of service through the inbuilt card or cash reader.” The drink is then made before their eyes.”
Benedict and the DART team is currently building the prototype of Dionysus, making sure that the final product lives up to its potential.
About coming second in the Dragons’ Den final Benedict said: “We were very happy with the way it turned out; although we didn’t win, the feedback we received couldn’t have been any more positive.”
The other five finalists’ products were either web or app-based concepts. DART was the only team in this year’s final developing a physical engineered solution.
Chadsians past and present fill the nave of Durham Cathedral
The nave of Durham’s majestic Cathedral was packed with the members and friends of St. Chad’s College on Sunday night. Chadsians past and present came from around the world to celebrate the formal installation of Dr. Margaret Masson as the College’s tenth Principal. It was an incredibly poignant and moving service, heralding the beginning of a new chapter in the College’s history.
Dr. Masson was appointed in March, and is the first woman in the College’s 112 year history to become Principal. She selected the hymns, readings and music to be used in this special service. The College Choir were in superb voice, accompanying all of the hymns, and began the service with a subtle and gentle Introit from John Rutter (God be in my Head), and closing the Service with a rousing rendition of Parry’s mighty Coronation anthem I Was Glad (a setting of Psalm 122).
Talented trumpeter, and first year Economics student, Tom Rickard accompanied postgraduate Millie Lawrence with a moving recital of Handel’s Eternal Source of Light Divine; and former JCR Vice-President Jordan Smith (a Chad’s student from 2012 – 2015) returned to his spiritual home to play his saxophone.
Former JCR Vice-President Jordan Smith returned to play his saxophone
He chose to perform Vienna by Billy Joel, and introduced his piece by saying how it reflects upon our new Principal, and the College community as a whole. He said that Dr. Masson always finds the time to support Chad’s students in whatever they are doing, and that she embodied the Chad’s spirit of community, respect and looking out for one another.
These sentiments were echoed by the sermon (which can be read here). Delivered by the Baroness Sherlock (an Honorary Fellow of the College, and a close personal friend of Dr. Masson), she spoke about how our new Principal would “step up and lead a community of learning”.
Baroness Maeve Sherlock emphasised the importance of the College community
The theme of community – which all Chadsians hold dear – ran throughout the sermon. Lady Sherlock emphasised the way Dr. Masson will play a key role in helping all of its members flourish, develop, care for the wider world and become better citizens. Her sermon epitomised the very ethos and vision of the College, and it was incredibly powerful.
The formal installation process was led by Professor Jonathan Blackie, the Chairman of the Governing Body. He asked Dr. Masson to “affirm the mission of St. Chad’s College” and to “accept the commission to… lead the College community”.
Professor Blackie formally installs Dr. Masson as Principal
Once this was completed, representatives from the JCR, MCR, SCR, alumni, College staff, the Cathedral and the wider University all officially welcomed Dr. Masson to her post, followed by the entire congregation with an enormously loud acclamation of “Margaret, we welcome you!”
Dr. Masson accepts the call to “lead a community of learning”
The poet Anne Stevenson read her work An Even Shorter History of Nearly Everything (for Bill Bryson) which was inspired by the Cathedral and the surrounding area; and Durham University’s African Drumming Society welcomed Dr. Masson to her post with an uplifting rendition of Kembo Alleluia by Ngoma Vuma Uropa.
Following closing prayers and hymns, Dr. Masson led the procession out of Durham Cathedral to the soaring chords of Widor’s Toccata, brilliantly played by College Organist Dr. Peter Swift. The official celebration may have concluded, but the congregation descended upon St. Chad’s College’s Cassidy Quad and the specially built marquee to continue the celebration with refreshments. This informal party was a fantastic opportunity for old Chadsians to catch-up with their contemporaries and for the current generation of Chadsians to meet their predecessors.
Chadsians continued the festivities in the Cassidy Quad
The evening was a great success, and a brilliant way to formally welcome Dr. Masson to the post of Principal. Everyone wishes Dr. Margaret Masson the best of luck for the future.
“Margaret, we welcome you!”
Photography courtesy of Ruthie Brooks (Second year, English and Education) and Poppy Kelham (Third year, Anthropology)
The postgraduate research forums of Epiphany Term were well attended, and as always, the presentations generated exciting discussions.
Fuel of the Past and Teaching Phonics
The first research forum of Epiphany Term was held in January. A great success, it featured Indra Werthmann (Department of Archaeology) and Man ‘Abby’ Liu (Department of Education).
Indra presented on the material (and delicious) discoveries of Anglo-Saxon food consumption and how food was not only important as a source of energy, but also had cultural implications as an integral part of social activities. Abby told us about the use of phonics in teaching English as a second language, drawing on her wealth of experience as an English teacher in rural China.
Diasporic Rilke
February’s research forum saw Megumi Chou (Department of English) present on German poet Rainer Maria Rilke and the sense of homelessness in his literature. Megumi’s talk sparked an inspiring debate about diasporas and belonging in the twentieth-century nation-state.
Sarah Lovell (Department of English) was also scheduled to speak at this forum about Friedrich Nietzsche and how his works can be disentangled from the later appropriation by extreme-right movements. Unfortunately, Sarah fell ill and could not present but we hope to reschedule her talk for Easter Term.
Kosovan Networks and Mythic Jihadism
The third and final research forum of term was held in March with Chris Diming (Department of Anthropology) and Owen Stenner-Matthews (School of Government and International Affairs) speaking.
Chris showcased his deep knowledge of political networks in Pristina, reflecting a year’s fieldwork in the capital of Kosovo. Owen presented his research into jihadist discourse, questioning what is myth and what is fact in the ‘globalist’ agenda of jihadist groups in the Middle East.
What Research Forums Are
The postgraduate research forums take place once a month during term time, offering an exciting opportunity for postgraduate students in St Chad’s College to present their current research. The research forums also enable presenters to engage with a non-specialist audience and receive feedback on their work.
Usually, topics of different disciplines are juxtaposed to create an interdisciplinary space for collegiate academic debate, which often brings in unforeseen parallels between related fields of study. Research forums typically feature two 20-minute presentations, each followed by ten minutes for questions. All members of College are welcome to hear their fellow collegians talk and ask questions. Refreshments are usually provided.
In Easter Term, we look forward to two research forums (12 May and 2 June). We will also have an event where Master’s students can present their dissertation topics (6 June). Additionally, we will have an event where a number of undergraduate finalists will present their research (13 June).
One of the events which dominated St. Chad’s during Epiphany Term was the Junior Common Room (JCR) Elections.
The election season began on 15th February with the hustings for Senior Man and Bar President, and concluded on 13th March, with the hustings for the Officer’s Committee, which includes the Careers and Alumni Officer, the Sponsorship Office, the Outreach Officer, and Governing Body Representative.
With compulsory jokes, and impersonations of the outgoing office-holder in each of the hustings, the month of democracy was accompanied by the occasional opportunity for much-welcomed light-hearted humour.
The month of elections also saw the opportunity for members of the Junior Common Room to engage with the democratic process, whether standing for positions themselves, proposing others for positions, or seconding nominations.
PressComm has exclusively spoken with new Senior Man, Jack Angers, to gauge his views on the process, which he described as both “incredibly rewarding and quite exhausting”. Speaking about his election, he told us that he thought that it was “an honour” and that he “cannot wait to start the job”. In elaboration, Jack told us that: “standing in front of your peers to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the role is a great experience but certainly a long one.” He also claimed how it is a “pleasure to see so many first year’s going for positions.” He concluded, saying that; “Chad’s is lucky to have a group wanting to get so involved in college life.”
The new JCR Treasurer, Dan Bateson, and Senior Man, Jack Angers
The elections also gave Chadsians the opportunity to propose, and second, fellow Chadsians.
First year psychologist, Charlotte Hall, who also took part in the elections by seconding one of the candidates, has also spoken with PressComm. Charlotte told us; “as a fresher I think it’s easy to forget that the JCR is made up of elected representatives, so I think it was really important that so many of us got involved with the elections, whether that was by standing, seconding someone, or just turning up to husts”.
Cormac Frazer, who is a languages student and stood for Careers and Alumni Officer in the elections, told us that the role is “an important but potentially overlooked one”. Cormac said that he looks forward to continuing the work that has been done over the last year.
As of Monday, the newly-elected Executive Committee, and JCR Officers, have taken office.
The end of Epiphany term brought a morning of both celebration and reflection for college, and in particular, the boat club. On the final Friday, amid dissertation deadlines, lectures, and trains home, members of all three common rooms gathered at the riverbank outside the boathouse to launch the new boat kindly donated by the family of a Chad’s alumna.
Anna Roots (née Townsend) had started her sparkling rowing career at St Chad’s in 1998 whilst studying geography, going on to win gold at the Commonwealth Rowing Championships in Canada, but was tragically killed during a charity cycling trip from John O’Groats to Lands’ End for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
In her memory, Anna’s family donated a new IV to the boat club, and travelled to Durham to take part in its blessing, naming, and launch. Dr Masson spoke of the impact news of Anna’s passing had had on her predecessor, Dr Cassidy, followed by one of Anna’s friends who described their time at Chad’s and how much they had both loved it.
Current students present were pleased to confirm that the sense of community and enthusiasm are still just as strong. The boat was then blessed by the Chaplain, and named by Anna’s husband, Ian Roots, with the traditional bottle of champagne poured over the bow where lettering spells out her name. A mixed crew from the boat club proceeded to take ‘Anna’ for her maiden voyage to applause from the audience on the bank.
Over lunch and coffee, tales of college life from then and now were shared, ending with a tour for the friends who were eager to see if the bar was just as they remembered it. Anna’s friends and family heard about the boat club’s hopes for the future, strengthened by the beautiful new IV which will help the booming numbers make waves this regatta season, and hopefully for many, many more to come.
The 5th of March brought what many of the members of St Chad’s consider to be the social pinnacle of the year, St Chad’s Day, which forces the pens to be put down and the laptops to be shut for one day just before the Easter break.
As is customary, the day began with a Bailey parade around the other colleges within the historic city walls. Despite the local constabulary making an early morning visit and delaying festivities by an hour, College still awoke early to a short drinks reception before setting off.The 7am reception before the Bailey Parade
As the rabble of horns and pots and pans approached the sore heads of Hatfield, you couldn’t help but feel only pity, as they had just finished their Lion in Winter Ball celebrations the night before. The parade then proceeded to Castle, John’s and finally Cuth’s before returning to main college for a very green breakfast. I can gladly report our Senior Man fended off all opposition in the traditional speed-drinking competition against each JCR President, although J₂O at that time in the morning was somewhat nausea-inducing, apparently.
After the green coloured breakfast, the College convened at the Cathedral for the annual St Chad’s Day Service. Representatives of various aspects of college life placed items to represent their them on the altar, after which followed readings, hymns and reflection on both the College and the part it plays in the lives of everyone associated with it. A special thank you must be extended to everyone for their musical contributions!
The race around the Palace Green at 12 noon was won by David Fairbairn, who now has the honour of dressing as the College goat mascot for the next year.
Midday run around Palace Green to determine the new Keeper of the GoatChazz Band performed during the Cathedral serviceThe JCR Social Sec at the start line of the midday run
The early afternoon of Chad’s Day normally provides a lull in an otherwise frantic day, however, the Social Committee had brought some pandemonium to the back garden with the addition of a Holi Festival-style powder paint party shortly after lunch. Once everyone was dusted off, the evening’s festivities began with Family fortunes, Take Me Out and Mr & Mrs Chad’s taking place in the Quad. Our new Mr and Mrs Chad’s are Ollie Griffiths and Helena Morgan – congratulations!
Heated competition during Mr and Mrs Chad’sThe inaugural paint party in the College garden
As everyone tucked into their evening meal, the College was transformed once again, with Laser Quest and a ball pit appearing in the back garden, a photo booth in the front foyer and a silent disco in the Quad.
The disco went on until the early hours of the morning, resulting in a very poorly attended breakfast the next day, a sign of another successful Chad’s Day! Roll on 2017!
The annual silent disco bop never fails to entertain