T h e S i d n e y S u S S e x n e w S l e T T e r

26iSSue TwenTy-Six

Summer 2010

COnTenTSThank you to donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Honouring Donald Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Donald Green Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Engineering triumph at the May Ball . . . . . . 3Befriend the Sidney Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The Sidney Sussex Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Past and forthcoming events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Pass it On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Sidney Sussex Foundation was established in 1973, the brainchild of Sidney alumnus Christopher Stoneman (law, 1947). A Vermont and new hampshire attorney, Christopher has had a remarkably long association with Sidney, through four generations of his family.

The 1973 Sidney Sussex College Annual recorded the establishment of the Sidney Sussex Foundation, announcing that: ‘The five Directors (Founding Fathers) are: The Reverend Sewall Emerson (1928, Theology), President; dr ronald n. Bracewell (1946, Physics research), Vice-President; Christopher G. Stoneman (1947, law), Secretary and Treasurer); Peter G. Andrews (1938, Mechanical Sciences); and Howard L. Meyer (1957, Law).’ The Foundation was set up to support the College financially, and to assist alumni in need. It was conceived of as an organization that could bring Sidney’s American alumni together in support of the College and each other. This mission evolved over time; by the mid-1990s, the Foundation was raising substantial sums, and funding annual north American Fellowships to build links between Sidney and the uS.

in all this, the Sidney Sussex Foundation (cited by College historian C.W. Scott Giles as a highlight of Sidney’s modern period) was very much ahead of its time. in 1973, neither Cambridge nor Sidney had any organized fundraising or alumni activities, beyond the traditional Commemoration dinners. The five original Directors not only raised money for the College, but introduced Sidney to the concept of modern, American-style fundraising and alumni relations. Sidney took this lesson on board, becoming one of the first Colleges in Cambridge to recognize the need for alumni fundraising, and the first to launch an Annual Fund.

In 1995, Professor Anthony P French became the President of the Foundation. Howard Meyer (now sadly deceased) and Christopher Stoneman continued in their roles, together with John F Scott (1951) and Derek T Weatherill (1948) . When Christopher Stoneman retired in 2003, he was replaced by another attorney, the indefatigable Tom Viles (1992), an alumnus and former Fellow of the College. On the retirement of Derek Weatherill, David Smith (1958) joined the Board of Directors.

Over the years, the Sidney Sussex Foundation has hosted many visitors from Sidney, including Masters Gabriel Horn and Sandra Dawson, and Vice-Master Tony Badger. During their recent American tour, Andrew and Jo wallace hadrill met with Tony French and Tom Viles to discuss the future of the Foundation. Although Cambridge in America, with its modern offices and substantial, professional staff, is now better placed to fundraise in the uS on behalf of the College, the spirit and alumni connections created by the Sidney Sussex Foundation go far beyond legalities. Although the Foundation has now wound up its fundraising activities, the community of support created in 1973 has become a permanent part of Sidney’s history and future.

The Sidney Sussex Foundation

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Photograph: Zoe Swenson-W

right

Photograph: Ed Strauss

24 Sidney rowers and two coxes travelled to Philadelphia in late June for the independence day regatta, held between the 2nd–4th of July on the Schuylkill River. Hosted by a local club, the Sidney rowers trained hard and rowed well, staying on in Philadelphia for several extra days to see the sights.

The Sidney Boat Club is pleased to announce the 2010 SSBC Alumni Dinner, to be held in College on 6th November (booking form enclosed). All who rowed or coxed for Sidney are welcome to attend. There will be alumni outings during the day. The dinner two years ago was very well attended and by all accounts a great success; the dinner helped to fund a new boat for the 1st women and there have already been noticeable benefits across all levels of the women’s side of the boat club. This year the aim is to raise money for two new fours.

For more information, please contact the Captain of Boats, Sam Harrison, at captain@ssbc.org.uk or Elin Gosby at alumni-officer@ssbc.org.uk. If you would like to be kept informed of boat club events please return the relevant section of the form, even if you can’t attend the dinner.

Boat Club US travels and Alumni dinner

American ConnectionsIn March, the Master, Professor Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, travelled to the uS with his wife Jo to meet Sidney alumni in new york, Maryland and New England and to give public lectures on his project at Herculaneum at Yale and Washington and Lee Universities.

with the support of Cambridge in America, Andrew and Jo hosted a lively and enjoyable dinner at the Cornell Club in new york, following

“Cambridge in America day.” The evening was a very special opportunity

to meet Sidney Americans, including several Directors of the Sidney Sussex Foundation (described below) and to discuss future visits and plans. The Master was impressed by the loyalty and enthusiasm of Sidney’s American Members, and looks forward to hosting regular events in New York, San Francisco and other regions. A smaller alumni gathering in New Haven, CT was equally congenial.

One highlight of the Master’s US trip was an opportunity to meet Joseph Fox and to visit the Fox International Fellowship Program at Yale University. This student exchange partnership between Yale and eleven leading world universities offers talented graduates and post-graduates the chance to pursue academic research and to develop their leadership skills while experiencing the culture of another country.

Sidney Sussex is privileged to be the only Cambridge or UK College presently working in partnership with the Fox international Fellowship Program; the other partner institutions are Moscow State University, the Free University of Berlin, Fudan University in Shanghai, the University of Tokyo, Institut d’études de Politiques de Paris, Jawaraharlal Nehru University, El Colegio de Mexico, Bogazici University, Tel Aviv University and the University of Cape Town.

The Fox international Fellowship Program 2010–2011 Diary Dates

12 September 2010 reunion garden party for the matriculands of 1990, 1980, 1970, 1960 and all earlier years

16 October 2010 The annual John Thornely dinner in hall, all Sidney lawyers welcome

6 November 2010 SSBC Alumni dinner in College

20 November 2010 dinner in honour of donald Green, all Sidney engineers welcome

6 december 2010 The Sidney Sussex Society Christmas Party in london (details TBA)

5 February 2011 Arts at Sidney lecture and dinner

27 February 2011 Celebration of the Quatercentenary of the King James Bible

February 2011 The John Thornely lecture in london (details TBA)

14 May 2011 MA Graduation Dinner

21 June 2011 Sidney Sussex Society BA Graduands Party

8 October 2011 Sidney Sussex Society visit to Duxford

Commemoration of Benefactors Dates for 2010 – 2014

25 September 2010 1956–1960 (inclusive)

25 June 2011 1989–1991 (inclusive)

24 September 2011 1980–1982 (inclusive)

30 June 2012 1961–1962, 1964, 1950 & older

29 September 2012 2001–2003 inclusive

29 June 2013 1983–1985 inclusive

28 September 2013 1974–1976 inclusive

June 2014 1967–1970 inclusive

September 2014 1977–1979 inclusive

Forthcoming events are posted on the Sidney website at: www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni

Christopher Stoneman and Tony French

Sidney’s men’s quad on

Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River

Dinner at the Cornell Club

A-PDF Merger DEMO : Purchase from www.A-PDF.com to remove the watermark

Dr S Ahnert, 1998Professor J w Allen, 1946Mr N G Allen, 1971Mr I Anderson, 1986Mr J V R Anderson, 1955Mr P G Andrews, 1938Mr R G Andrews (in honour of P G Andrews)Mr S M Andrews, 1953Mr R A Angier, 1958The Ann d FoundationMrs G N G Appleton, 1995Dr M ArcherMiss M L Archer, 2000Mr S W Askew, 1966Mrs D A AtkinsonMiss P Atkinson, 1986Mr M K Ayers, 1964Mr J B Bairstow, 1952Dr K R Baker Aggarwal, 1997Mr C H Balch, 1971Mr S Baldock, 1999Dr P J Ball, 1952Dr S BannerjeeMr G G Bannerman, 1950The Estate of Mr R A Barber, 1935dr T J Barber, 1996Mr M P Basing, 1976Mr A V Bassili, 1952Mr G A Bazire, 1978Mr J R BealeMr M M Beber, 2000Sir Terence Beckett, 1981Mr J M M Bell, 1952Ms C L Bennett, 1996Mr C E Benson, 1947Mr C R Benson, 1992Mr J N Berry, 1970Dr S A Bew, 1981Mrs C L Bewick, 1984Dr E Biagini, 1985Professor h J B Birks, 1963Mr P Birnbaum, 1951Mr R H Birtwistle, 1961The Blackstone Charitable Foundation (Mr P A Melwani)Mr D M Blake, 1961Mr A C Bloom, 1989Professor Sir T L Blundell, 1995Mr J A W Boardman-Weston, 1973dr P A Bonnet, 2002Mr M Bouchard, 2000Mr and Mrs D C BowkerMr W R Bradford, 1949Mr S Braid, 1973Mr T J Bramley, 1959Dr R E Brigety, 1995Mr R G Broadie, 1959Mr J Brock, 1948lord and lady BroersMr D D Bromley-Challenor, 1949dr l BroughtonDr A K Brown, 1976Dr P V Brown, 1975Mrs B K BrowningMr C A Browning, 1953dr l F Brunt, 1947Mr J H Bryson, 1961dr J F Buchan, 1933Ms M J Buchanan, 1998Mr G W Buckley, 1948Mr M G Bullen, 1954Mr M P D BullockMr A M Burgess, 1946Dr J Burgess, 1957Mr and Mrs C L Calderwood, 1986Mr M CantorProfessor K J Carpenter, 1941dr l J Carter, 1967Professor P CartledgeRev’d J M Casement, 1985Dr M W Cemlyn-Jones, 1936Mr F W Cheesman, 1952Dr S ChebankovMr W G E Chilton, 1945dr r J Chisnall, 1970Mr P J Clare, 1968Mr D R Clegg, 1949Mr J H Clement, 1948

Thank you to all who have supported Sidney Sussex in 2009 & 2010The Master and Fellows of Sidney Sussex College are most grateful to all those members and friends of the College who have supported Sidney Sussex

between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2010, through gifts to the Annual Fund, gifts to funds and special projects and gifts-in-kind. We thank also those of you who have made your contributions anonymously. Although your names are not listed below, we are very grateful for your support.

Mr P J Coggan, 1977Ms L A Cohen, 1999Mr J R Collis, 1958Mr G E S Coltman, 1991Mr S R Coltman, 1954The Company of BiologistsMr W A Cook, 2004Mr A D CooperMr R B Cooper, 1977R G Copleston (1935) TrustMr F D Cousin, 1953Mrs S Coutu Mr R A Crabb, 1957Dr D E C Crean, 1957Dr J M Crossman, 1966Professor r T Curtis, 1964Mr D T K Dagg, 1987Mr Y R Dallal, 1989Mr G Darby, 1948Mrs S L DarkeProfessor A A Dashwood, 1995Mrs H C Dauris, 1985Professor dame Sandra dawson, 1999Cdr D Dawson-Taylor, 1953dr G de AndradeMr D E de Saxe, 1954Mrs N De SoysaMrs B P DeansMr M Deans, 1990Mr J D Derry, 1958The Alan and Sheila diamond Charitable TrustMiss K DickersMr R W Dingle, 1974Dr R H L Disney, 1959Miss C E Dixon, 1994The Shawn M Donnelley FundMr J Donnelly, 1988Dr J P Dougherty, 1953Mrs S J Downey, 1979dr A l downing, 1944Rev’d A J R Driver, 1963Rev’d R C Dunnett, 1951Miss A E EamesMr F A Eames, 1963Mr F R Edgar, 1957Mr E R P Edgcumbe, 1970Dr M E Edwards,1977Miss S V M Edwards, 2003Dr N S Elzeer, 1998Mr J C Emmerson, 1949Ernst & BarberMr P I Espenhahn, 1962Mr N O Essex, 1961Mr T M EthertonMr C D Evans, 1991Mr H M Evans, 1965Mrs J Evans, 2002Miss J T Evans, 1985Mr S J M Evans, 1976Mr C D S Ewart, 1956Mr R M Farahar, 1948Mrs H E Farmbrough, 1978dr e FaulkesMr M Fealy, 1991 Mr C A K Fenn-Smith, 1953Mr P N Fison, 1966dr A J Flewitt, 1999Mrs V S Flint, 1989Dr P D Flynn, 2005Mr M P Fogden, 1942Mrs H C Flewitt, 2002Mr M D Ford, 1955Mr J Fordham, 1981Mr I G Forman, 1949 Mr P G D Fox, 1963Mr R France, 1991Professor A P French, 1939Mr W French, 1935Mr K G Frey, 1960Mr R M Furber, 1959dr d Fyfe, 1963Sir William Gage, 1958Mr J W F Gardiner, 1938The Honorable Sir P N Garland, 1948dr r e B Garrod, 1964Mr D G Garton, 1982Mr J C Gaskell, 1936Mr R C H Genochio, 1964

Mrs J M GeorgeMr J W Gibbon, 1964Mr P A Gilbert, 1977Mr R Gilbert, 1975Mrs K Gill, 1952Mr A M Glinsman, 2002Mr N S Goddard, 1983Goldman Sachs & Company (C r Benson)Mr C C E Golis, 1964His Honour Judge Michael Goodman, 1949Mrs S L Gore, 1987Dr G H Gorrie, 1986Mr D J Gradwell, 1959Mr R Graham, 1966Mr A S Grant, 1946Mr and Mrs P R GrayMr D H Gray, 1958Mr D R Gray, 1954Mr N D F Gray, 1982Mr M S Green, 1961dr P C Green, 1947Mr and Mrs R D GreenMr N J Greenwood, 1966Professor N N Greenwood, 1948Dr S Guillard, 1998Mr G R Gunson, 1948Mr E A Hadfield, 1960Mr D C Haigh, 1963Mr C D C HaighMrs E HainesMr J S Hall, 1973Mr R L Hall, 1961Mr B Harrison, 1955Mr C M H Harrison, 1933Mr S C W Harrison, 1973Mr J A F Harvey, 1935Mrs K A Harvey, 1997Mr J J Hatt, 1957Mr R G Heaney, 1970Mr L Heller, 1953Sir James hennessy, 1946Mr N Heroys, 1957Mr C F Hertzberg, 1942Mr D R Hester, 1953Mr A J Hewitt, 1954Professor R D Hey, 1965Mr M N Higgin, 1968Mr P I Higham, 1973Mr R E Hildrew, 1959Professor J W Hill, 1968Mr R J Hill, 1953Mr T Hilton, 1998Mr G W Hirst, 1964Dr G A Hobbs, 1953Mr S D Hobbs, 1992Professor M Hobsley, 1945Mr R W Holland, 1944Mr G M Hollington, 1972Ms S A Holmes, 1976Professor r A hopeMr R F Horne, 1993Mr P E Hortor, 2000Mr H H Houghton, 1959Mr G P A Howe, 1955Mr J B Hoyle, 1939dr n P hudd, 1964Mr G B C Hughes, 1943Mr D J and Mrs L A HughesMr D J Humphrey, 1956Mr A J L Huns, 1966Mr A O D Hunt, 2000Mr L R Hunt, 1959Mr L HuntProfessor r h F hunter, 1961Mr J C Huntington, 1970Mr K T Huxley-Robinson, 1991Mr J J Hyde-Smith, 1955dr l V illing, 1939Mr L H Ingram, 2002Mr A R Iqbal, 2007Dr D R Ives, 1973Ms H Jabado, 1995Professor G d James, 1964His Honour Judge Jarman, 1978Mr J C Jeffery, 1957Mr J A Jefkins, 1959Mr J D Jemson, 1951

Mr P G Jenkins, 1964Mr R L Jenkinson, 1964Mr F B Johnson, 1941Mr C G G Johnstone, 1946Mr M A P JollyMr B E Jones, 1957dr J h Jones, 1946Miss M S Jones, 1979Dr Y Kallis and Ms D KhayattMr N E Kempton, 1984Dr J R KennMr R C Kernick, 1948Mr M E H Khan, 1983Mr C T K Khoo, 1966Rev’d S R Knapton, 1974Mr A W J Knight, 1952Mr S R Kverndal QC, 1977Dr J J Lagowski, 1957Mr A H Lancashire, 1945Dr R Lancaster, 1958dr S lang, 1970Professor J W Lauher, 2005The Estate of Dr Vivian Law, Lady ShackletonMr A S Lawson, 1950dr C w lawson, 1973Dr M J G Lee, 1960Professor A e lee Six, 1979Mr T J Lees, 2000Mr F LegrouxMr J M Lehman, 1972Professor S E Lehmberg, 1954Mr W Leslie, 1947Mr W F S Letten, 1949Mr D Lewis, 2000 Mr R G Lewney, 1977Ms H Lim, 2000Mr P W Lipscomb OBE, 1959Ms A S Lisulo, 1997Mrs J Ljunghammar, 1999Mr S A Lloyd, 1950Mrs A B Lomas, 1976Dr J Lowther, 1983Mr C C K Lucas, 1959Mr G M Luckraft, 1977Mr D R Luker, 1956Mr P G Lymbery, 1950Dr A D Macadam, 1951Ms S J MacKay, 1987Professor J D MacKenzie, 1956Dr S Mahapatra, 1968Her Honour Judge K J Marshall, 1977Mr D R MartinMr N Martin, 1956Professor R H Martin, 1937Mr M Mason–Jones, 1975Ms A Mather, 1978Professor J Mayall, 1957Mr W G McCosh, 1968Mr L J C McKinstry, 1982Miss M McLean, 1986T F W McMullan, 1989Mr J W McNeill, 1970Mr W J Medlicott, 1978Mr P A Melwani, 1977Dr D J Miller, 1971Dr J G Miller, 1988Professor J M Miller, 1964Commander T C C Millett, 1955Dr J S Minshull, 1982Mr C M Mitchell, 1943Rev’d G Mitchell, 1957Mr C M Mitchell, 1943Mr M J Mobbs, 1965Dr N J Moberly, 1996Lt Col W E M Morris, 1938Dr T J Morrow, 1984Mr S R Mostyn, 1992Mr G V R Moulding, 1950Mr G J Murnane, 1977Mr F G Murphy, 1955Mr S D Murphynasr Family Giftdr J A nelder, 1942Mr B M Newman, 1966Ms D Ngara, 1997Nichol Young Foundation (Rev’d J D Mitson, 1949)Mr K Nicholson, 1968

Mr K R Nightingale, 1958Miss H V North, 1994Mr J P Oakley, 1951Mr I R Oldcorn, 1961Ms N H Omar, 1995Professor M Onyszchuk, 1954Mr A H A Osborn, 1962Mr C N Osmond, 1953Mr E L Owen, 2002Mr R W Parker, 1948Mr T J R Parker, 1979Mrs S A Parkinson in memory of R H Parkinson, 1954Professor M Parrinello, 2005Mr A D Pavate, 1960Mr K D Pavate, 1951dr n Peacock, 1943Ms D J M Pengelly, 1978Dr J C T Pepperell, 1985Mr A D Percival, 1951Mr D F H Percival, 1967Ms C H Perry, 1996Mr B S Perryer, 1951Mr M F Pevsner, 1979Dr A J V Philp, 1988Mr R J Piggott, 1986Mr M R Platt, 1958Dr N Pohl, 1998Dr M Pore, 1999Professor D M Potts, 1954Mr M Prasad, 1964dr C e Preston, 1990Mr N J Priestnall, 1975Mr D J Pritchard, 1966Mr F J Proud, 1986Mr A J Pudden, 1957Mr D E Purchase, 1961Dr M Purshouse, 1970Ms K M Purver-Rake, 1983Mr C C J Pyatt, 1971Dr R D Pyrah, 1955Mr N J Raeburn, 1962Mr V K Rao, 1935Mr A N Ratcliffe, 1973Mr M S Rawlinson, 1976Mr M Raymond, 2004Mr D A Redfern, 1952Rev’d Canon D F Rees, 1945Mr R A Rees, 1954Dr J M Reid, 1957Mr J Reynolds, 1948Mr K Reynolds, 1943Mr L L Rich, 1966Mr A C Richards, 1974Miss I L Richards, 1999Dr J M Richards, 1993Mr J C P Ridgwell, 1999Mr S Riley, 1984Dr C M Roberts in memory of dr e F robertsMr D G M Roberts, 1943Mr S A Ross, 1958dr J h B roy, 1940Mr C A Rudd, 1999Mr B J T Rule, 1992Mr J M Rushton, 1969Dr S J E Russell-Wells, 1954Professor D M Ruthven, 1957Mr D V RutterMr J Ryding, 1977Mr D S Rymer, 1953Ms S T Sakhare, 2000Mr R A Salmon, 1984Mr D F Sanders, 1955Mr P D Sanderson, 1952Mr D R C Sandison, 1972Mr R L Savory, 1994Mr C M T Scholtes, 1993Professor dr h Schulze, 2000dr C d Scoble, 1976Mr E N Scott, 1949Mr J F Scott, 1951Mr M J J Scott, 1993Mr and Mrs J F Scott, 1951Mr G W Scott-Giles, 1951Mr J I Scrymgeour-WedderburnProfessor J d Seddon, 1961Dr A Segal, 1955Mr J M Sennett, 1953

Mrs J SharplesMr A G Sheard, 1975Mr J A Shepherd, 1949Mr N E Shepherd, 1949Mr C E Slater, 1958Mrs C C M Slaughter, 1984Mr N J H Small, 1969Dr R M SmallMr A R B Smith, 1987Mr I J Smith, 1950Mr J B Smith, 1949Dr R C Smith, 1965Mr P J Somerville, 1959Mrs A Sourry, 1981Mrs P M Spencer-ChapmanMr J Statham, 1968N M StechmanMs V J Steele, 2000Mr C StevensMr C L Stevenson, 1952Mr D W Steward, 1976Mr A H StoneMr A Strong, 1961Mr M A Styles, 1970Mr R J Sutcliffe, 1959Mr J J Sutton, 2005Dr K W Symons, 1939Mr K Tachibana, 1987Mr M J C Taite, 1931Mr M H Taylor, 1957Mr F D F Thoday, 1974Mr and Mrs O TholleyMr J Thorne, 1972Mr R G Thorne, 1957Mr M A Thorpe, 1956Dr D C Thrush, 1959Mr A N G Tibbits, 1962Mr J F D Tinston, 2001dr h Toprakcioglu, 1976Mr M Townsend, 1960Mr K D Tuffnell, 1978Mrs S E TyrrellMr Z Tyszkiewicz, 1952Mr S W Upton, 1965Mr M B G Van Ert, 1996Mr J Van Weyenbergh, 1952The estate of Mrs M E VarleyMr J M Vaughan, 1986Mr J O Veitch, 1945Mr R T F Wainwright, 1949Professor herman waldmann, 1963Mr M A Waldron, 1987Mr C P H Walker, 1964Mrs E J Warburton, 1983Mrs R S Ward, 1985Mr J P Warlow, 1956Mr A E D Watson, 1964Mr P G Watts, 1981dr T-h wei, 1947dr n J westcott, 1974Mr R D Whitaker, 1964Dr J E G White, 1957Mr P H L Wightman, 1961Mr R S Willbourn, 1972Mr D L WilliamsMrs A J Willmont, 1985Mr C M W Wilson, 1953His Honour Judge H Wilson, 1951Dr M P W Wilson, 1963Mr D M C Wong, 1983Mr D M Wong (1983) and Ms K B Limdr G h C wong, 1970Mr J A Wood, 1954Mr R T Wood, 1981Mr K J Woodrow, 1950Ms M S Woodruff, 1980Mr Q Wu, 1999Mrs E J Young, 1976Mr J T Young, 1975Mr M J Young, 1990Baroness young of Old Scone, 2003Mr P S J Zatz, 1958Professor J S Ziegel, 1972Mrs S J Zijderveld-Darke, 1989

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Engineering student Rob Weatherup and Natural Scientist Adam Lawrance-Owen, advised by alumnus Roland Trim (who first conceived of the idea punting at Sidney) designed and rigorously tested a wooden structure with a double-skinned waterproof lining, that could hold enough water for punting and withstand the jabs of punting poles. The result was a striking and newsworthy success!

On the 15 February 2009 Donald Green celebrated his 80th birthday in a packed College hall. donald has held many roles in college, perhaps best known to most of us are his appointments as director of Studies and as Senior Tutor. it was apparent to all present what a substantial contribution to the education and encouragement of generations of undergraduates in College and the University he has made throughout a period of over 40 years.

donald became director of Studies in Engineering in 1966 and officially retired from undergraduate supervisions in 1997 although he continued in this role until well after the turn of the millennium. He is still actively engaged in the Stephenson Society, the College Engineering Society, and is an invaluable support to the secretary and other officers. he has continued, despite his retirement, to encourage those who may benefit from it, to apply to Sidney to further their education.

It is very fitting that a Fund in support of engineering at Sidney is being established in the name of donald Green and in response to a suggestion from a number of past and present engineering students who hold donald in such high affection and gratitude for his influence on them.

Donald was born on 16th February 1928 in Manchester. He joined the army straight from Stand Grammar School in 1945 and was commissioned from R.M.A. Sandhurst. he came to Cambridge as a serving officer in 1950 to study the Mechanical Sciences Tripos, from which he graduated with distinction. he also had the good fortune to meet Jenifer, who was a student at newnham, and they were married on graduating in 1953. Looking at his matriculation photograph in the Departmental records he seems to have barely aged in the following sixty years!

In the army he served with the Royal Engineers in a variety of regimental, staff and research positions and when he retired from the army in 1965 he was appointed to a University lectureship in engineering bringing with him a wealth of engineering and other experience.

he was elected a Fellow and College lecturer in Engineering at Sidney in 1966. He joined robert Angus as the other engineering Fellow, but sadly robert died and donald found himself the sole engineering Fellow and was required to supervise across the whole Tripos with no notice. donald therefore became the Senior engineering Fellow almost on election and his influence on engineering at Sidney has been profound. An early intervention was when he observed that the Stephenson Society had become little more than a drinking society, so he hid the minute book and after a suitable fallow period he encouraged its resurrection as the only College-based engineering society. he ensured that it was a student-led society with support only as necessary and he has been a most regular attender and ‘uncle’ to this day and takes great pleasure from its continued success.

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honouring donald GreenHe has always been the ‘gold standard’ for supervisors, with his exemplary clarity of exposition but equally important no student left a supervision unclear about their progress and understanding – be it outstanding or awful. he could also immediately see when a student was having real difficulty coping, and was extraordinarily supportive in the pastoral aspects of Fellowship with many a struggler taken in by donald and Jenifer in their house in Millington Road.

Donald’s service to the College went well beyond engineering and he was Senior Tutor from 1975–85, a period which saw many changes in the College with the most significant being the arrival of women undergraduates in 1976. he was a Senior Tutor completely on top of the details without being buried beneath them, who had a very clear view on what mattered and was uniformly firm but fair. He was most concerned that all students benefit fully from their time at Cambridge, and at Sidney in particular, and was, for example, the Senior Treasurer of the Sidney Boat Club for seven years.

in the department of engineering donald was equally effective and renowned for his teaching and ability to organise ‘the troops’ – not at all routine in an academic environment! He served as Secretary of the Faculty Board from 1969–74, at a time when the department was essentially run on each Monday morning by the head of department together with donald and the Secretary of department. On one occasion, when the department was going round in circles on a particular issue and making no headway, at a meeting of the whole faculty in lT0, donald, as a young lecturer, stood up and said that they were all hopeless and told them what they should do, and carried the day. This was noted and led to him being appointed to the Council of the School of Physical Sciences for two years, perhaps to give the attending Heads of department similar feedback! On another occasion in the department, an unfortunate lecturer was subject to an end-of-term near-riot in lT0, and the head porter called donald for help. when donald walked in all became quiet and the malefactors departed. He has always had a commanding presence in any arena. While serving as Senior Tutor Donald also became deputy head of department

Introducing the Donald Green FundMessage from Richard Chisnall (1970)Immediate Past President, Stephenson Society

from 1980–85 with overall responsibility for the whole undergraduate teaching programme and its evolution. Another inimitable Donald legacy is the Surveying Field Course held in Scotland each long vacation, where students experience much more than the purely technical.

One word that is easily associated with Donald is ‘duty’ – to ensure that others do their duty while he always serves way beyond the call of duty.

Professor Keith Glover (1976)

This programme, the Outreach Programme, is designed to widen the awareness of Sidney as a place of education in its broadest sense.

What is obvious is the fondness in which he is held by all who have had the pleasure of being taught by him or whose lives he has touched. Even I, as an electrical engineer, can trace my knowledge of virtual work and constant reference to the ‘data book’ back to Donald’s insistence that I take civil engineering seriously!

you will know, directly or indirectly, that the costs of education are rising and are a factor that can weigh against the choice of reading engineering, especially at Cambridge where fees, currently £3000 p.a. but predicted to rise in 2011, are seen by some as daunting. Equally the College has increasingly to focus its own resources on direct needs and those extra-curricular activities that widen the scope of true education have justifiably to follow-on behind.

A number of engineers have persuaded donald to allow us to use his name to support the objectives that he himself has been espousing over the years. We propose to name a fund in his honour and look to him for leadership in its policy and direction for as long as wishes and is able to do so.

The intention of the fund, which welcomes both one-off and regular donations, is to support Sidney undergraduate engineering education through an endowed undergraduate tripos prize named in honour of Donald Green, and a flexible fund to support study-releated travel and other aspects of engineering education.

I was delighted to make the first contribution to this fund at the Engineers’ Dinner in 2009 and i strongly commend this appeal to you both for the value it should bring to future undergraduates and also in recognition of the exceptional talent that donald has shared with us in guiding us through our own undergraduate educations.

The 2010 Sidney Sussex May Ball made headline news around the world when a team of past and current engineering students successfully flooded a “lake” in hall Court for a romantic night of punting. The lake fed into a brilliantly-designed Venetian canal that looped through Chapel Court, passing by the Porters’ Lodge on one side and the Chapel on the other.

engineering triumph at Sidney Ball

As all who have heard a recent concert or Evensong in College will appreciate, the Sidney Choir has undergone a remarkable transformation, and now ranks among the very best mixed-voice choirs in Cambridge.

The new “Friends of the Sidney Choir” (membership form enclosed) will help to maintain our Choir at the highest level. Friends will receive regular news of Choir activities, an advance copy of the termly music list, reduced ticket prices and priority booking for concerts, exclusive invitations, and discounts on Choir recordings.

Your support will enable us to acquire new music (editions and commissions), plan domestic and international tours and recordings, provide singing lessons and ultimately to purchase a new organ and other essential instruments. we also hope to create a new Chapel administrative post.

Befriend the Sidney Choir

The Choir of Sidney Sussex CollegeThe Hall Court Lake

Photographs: David Beckingham

Photographs: Geoff Robinson

Entrance to the Chapel Court canal

Photograph: Donald Green in 1950, at the start of his Cambridge career

Drawing: Portrait of Donald Green by Michael Noakes, presented to the College on 23 May 1997

THE 2010 THORNELY DINNER All Sidney lawyers and law graduates are warmly invited to join Law Fellows and students for the annual John Thornely dinner on Saturday 16 October 2010 (booking form enclosed.)

Pass it on

If any College Member is willing to offer advice or assistance to fellow College Members and would like to publish details in Pheon, please write to the Editor with the relevant information.

Pheon aims to keep Members of Sidney Sussex informed about their College and about each other. Articles and photographs will be most welcome; they should be sent to:

The editor, PheonSidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3hu

Tel: 01223-338864 Fax: 01223-338884email: alumni@sid.cam.ac.uk

Forthcoming Events

THE SIDNEY SUSSEX SOCIETY ARTS DINNERThe Sidney Sussex Society would like to invite alumni to an Arts Dinner on 5 February 2011. The evening will include a concert in the Chapel given by the College Choir, who will present a varied programme of 16th- and 17th-century music, close harmony and jazz. Pre-dinner drinks will be followed by dinner in hall. dress will be black tie.

The dinner is open to graduates in Anglo-Saxon, norse and Celtic, Archaeology and Anthropology, Architecture, Art History, Classics, English, Modern and Medieval Languages, Music, Oriental Languages, Philosophy/Moral Sciences, and Theology.

For further information, please check the College website or contact the Membership and Development Office at alumni@sid.cam.ac.uk

CELEBRATION OF THE QUATERCENTENARY OF THE KING JAMES BIBLEOn 27 February 2011 Sidney will be celebrating 400 years of the Authorized Version as a cornerstone of worship and culture in the english-speaking world, and as a central part of the College’s early history. The day will bring together distinguished speakers addressing the significance and impact of the text and the role played by Sidney’s first and third Masters in its creation, as well as launching an exhibition of related treasures from the College Archive, and will be accompanied by readings from the Bible in languages ancient and modern. The event will be followed by a Grand Evensong. A booking form is attached.

Past Events800th GRAND FINALE LUNCHOn 16 January 2010, Sidney celebrated the Cambridge 800th Anniversary Year Grand Finale with a lunch preceding the stunning lightshow on the Senate house, Old Schools and other venues in the city.

THE 2010 THORNELY LECTUREThe 2010 Thornely lecture was held on Tuesday 16 March 2010 at at Lovells. The speaker was Her Honour Judge Katharine Marshall (Sidney Sussex, 1977, Natural Sciences/Law), a Circuit Judge . The topic of her very interesting and accessible lecture was:

“The Children Act is working.” The College was extremely grateful to Lovells for hosting this lecture and the generous reception that followed it.

THE 2010 SIDNEY SUSSEX SOCIETY DINNER, WITH A LECTURE BY THE MASTEROn 24 April, 2010, the Master gave a lecture to members of the Sidney Sussex Society about his project in Herculaneum. The talk was well-attended and enthusiastically-received. Afterwards alumni joined the Master and other members of College for an excellent dinner in hall.

The CenTenAry dinner OF The COnFrATerniTAS hiSTOriCAOn 1 May 2010, the Confraternitas Historica held a special celebratory banquet to mark 100 years since the founding of the Society in 1910.

VISITING CROMWELL’S HOUSEin June, 2010, the Sidney Sussex Society visited Oliver Cromwell’s recently restored house in ely. Cromwell was a resident of ely for ten years from 1636, having inherited from his uncle, Sir Thomas Seward both property and the position of Tithe Collector for ely Cathedral. The house shows how Cromwell and his family would have lived, and offers special exhibitions on the Civil War and the Fens.

Forthcoming Events

Emeritus Professor John W. Allen (1946) who has been awarded the degree of D.Sc. honoris causa by the University of St. Andrews.

David J Mabberley (1970) of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who has been awarded the IAPT’s prestigious Engler Medal in Silver for the most outstanding publication in monographic or floristic systematic botany published in 2007 or 2008. The medal was awarded for the third edition of his Plantbookpublished on 1 May 2008 by Cambridge University Press.

Professor Anthony Bebbington (1981) who in 2009 was elected to the uS national Academy of Sciences. He is currently at the University of Manchester.

Chris Lipscomb (1995) for competing in a triathlon to support the charity Born Too Soon, which raises money to purchase much needed equipment for the neonatal unit at Kingston Hospital, and to support the parents of pre-term babies. in June, he cycled 120km from Kingston Hospital to Portsmouth Harbour, swam 5km across the Solent dodging boats in one of Europe’s busiest shipping lanes and then ran 5km to a village called Seaview on the Isle of Wight. Support and view photos at http://www.justgiving.com/richmondtoseaview.

Nina von Groote-Lukas (1988) and her husband Philipp lukas on the birth of their daughter wilhelmina Johanna Fabia on 2 October 2009, a sister for emilia and Cosima.

Sarah Cochrane (2002) on her recent wedding to hughes hall alumnus Paul hunter (2002).

Victoria Mann (2003) who was married to Jack May on 1 May 2009 in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.

Congratulations to:

Professor Dashwood introduces the 2010 Thornely Lecturer, Her Honour Judge Katharine Marshall

SIDNEY SUSSEX SOCIETY CHRISTMAS RECEPTIONlast year, we held a well attended and enjoyable Christmas Party at the Arts Club. To demonstrate our lack of bias, this year we will be at the royal Society, which was founded 350 years ago “to promote and advance the understanding of science, mathematics, engineering, technology and medicine.” The reception (we are not allowed to call it a party) will be on Monday 6th december from 6.30 pm at 6–9 Carlton Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG. This

is a centrally located Grade 1 listed building (designed by John Nash) and is well served by public transport; so, Sidney contemporaries will be able to meet for a drink beforehand or for supper afterwards.

We are at the planning stage and one of our themes will be the strong scientific reputation of Sidney up to the present day. As in previous years, we are very keen to keep ticket prices down, particularly for recent graduates, and we would greatly appreciate any individual contributions towards the costs. Regrettably we will not be issuing certificates or blue plaques for the house(s) of any such benefactors, nor will they be given a special badge to wear at the Reception. However, they will be able to toast themselves with the wine that they have subsidised!

if you are able to support us with the costs please contact the organisers, wendy hedley (wah21@sid.cam.ac.uk) and/or Mike Styles (michael.styles2@btinternet.com) as it will help us enormously with our planning and pricing.

Guests at the Confrat Dinner

The Honourable Lord Asa Briggs speaking at the Confrat

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The Master with author Richard Humphreys at the 2009 Christmas Party

T h e S i d n e y S u S S e x n e w S l e T T e r

25ISSUE TWENTY-FIVE

Autumn 2009

CONTENTSSidney’s Bad Boys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Sidney Sussex College: A History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A Christmas Carol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Celebrating the 800th Anniversary Year . . . . . . 3The Sidney Sussex Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Sidney Sussex and the King James Bible . . . . . 3Forthcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Members’ Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Remembering Mero Manzano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4The Simon and Jill Campbell Foundation . . . 4Only Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Sidney’s Hall Staff compete again . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pass it On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2009 – 2010 Diary Dates

7 December 2009 Sidney Sussex SocietyChristmas Party, at the Arts Club, Mayfair

16 January 2010 800th Anniversary “Grand Finale” lunch in Hall

6 February 2010 Geographers’ & Geologists’ Lecture & Dinner

February 2010 The John Thornely Lecture

24 April 2010 Sidney Sussex Society Dinner, with Lecture by the Master

1 May 2010 Confraternitas Historica Centenary Dinner

8 May 2010 1596 Foundation Dinner

15 May 2010 MA Graduation dinner for 2003 matriculands

June 2010 Sidney Sussex Society visit to Cromwell’s House, Ely: tour and dinner.

12 September 2010 Reunion garden party for the matriculands of 1990, 1980, 1970, 1960 & all earlier years.

Commemoration of Benefactors Dates for 2009 – 2014

Forthcoming dinners For those who matriculated in:

26 June 2010 1951 – 1955 (inclusive)

25 September 2010 1956 – 1960 (inclusive)

25 June 2011 1989 – 1991 (inclusive)

24 September 2011 1980 – 1982 (inclusive)

30 June 2012 1961 – 1962, 1964, 1950 & older

29 September 2012 2001 – 2003 inclusive

29 June 2013 1983 – 1985 inclusive

28 September 2013 1974 – 1976 inclusive

June 2014 1967 – 1970 inclusive

September 2014 1977 – 1979 inclusive

Forthcoming events are posted on the Sidney website at www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni

Rome is notoriously an impossible place for anyone to leave, though a summer during which temperatures rarely dropped below the 90s and mosquitoes

flourished in swarms helped to remind us of the less romantic side of the eternal city, and speed our departure.

Sidney Sussex College, however, is an exceptionally attractive place in which to arrive, and despite the gloomy prognostications of our Italian friends about the British weather, the sun has shone every day since Jo and I landed, and the College gardens, spread beneath the windows of the Master’s Lodge, suffused with autumnal colours such as are never seen in the Borghese Gardens, challenge any spot on earth for beauty and tranquillity. Cambridge was the scene of the first phase of our married life, and has remained the home of many of our oldest friends. Although we were both Oxford graduates, we enjoyed our earlier move to Magdalene College, where for seven years I directed studies in Classics.

Sidney Sussex, not unlike Magdalene, has historical depth, beautiful, compact grounds and strong sense of community. In that sense it feels already very familiar. However, the spirit and warmth of Sidney are unique; I cannot think of many Cambridge or Oxford Colleges that could rival Sidney for friendliness.

Jo and I have come to Sidney from Rome, where we spent fourteen happy years at the British School. Like Sidney, the School is one of those extraordinary British institutions that exist, and survive, against all the odds, more by the passion and enthusiasm of those who love it than by the adequacy of any public support behind it. One of the unique cluster of twenty-two foreign research institutes in Rome, it receives only a tiny fraction of the government funding that its French or German equivalents enjoy. Founded in 1901, it has been housed since 1916 in a magnificent building designed by Edwin Lutyens on the edge of the Borghese Gardens, one that started its life as a pavilion for the Great Exhibition of 1911. Its character is determined by the unusual, and exceptionally fruitful, combination of

disciplines which constitute its scholars and residents: on the one hand, academics, normally at postgraduate level, in the many disciplines for which Rome and Italy supply essential materials (archaeologists, historians, specialists in ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern and contemporary history, culture, art and architecture), and on the other, fine artists, whether painters, sculptors, photographers, mixed media or conceptual, and architects. The excitement and reward of the School lies in the interaction between these varied specialists, living and eating together for up to a year: the challenge for the Director is to ensure a happy crew and foster interactions and crossovers.

Over the last decade, we were able to bring in significant improvements in the physical environment, modernizing the fabric and services, and adding new facilities, especially a new lecture theatre and a library extension. Therein lay a challenge both of fundraising and of organization. Finding support for new scholarships was an essential part of increasing the range and diversity of the resident scholars. But the School also lives on its projects, and new initiatives in the Tiber Valley, in the imperial port of Rome, in Pompeii and in Herculaneum generated not only new results, but a focus of interest for the whole community. Only in the context of this exceptional institution could a conservation project on an ancient city (Herculaneum) inspire an artist to project a film of laundry drying in the streets of the modern city upon the ancient walls.

Sidney has impressed me with more than its friendliness. One of the somewhat awesome privileges of the Master is custody of the location of Cromwell’s head. Several Cambridge Colleges can boast iconic figures among their alumni – Newton at Trinity, Milton at Christ’s, Pepys at Magdalene. Oliver Cromwell is a more controversial figure than any of these, and his reputation has been fiercely debated ever since his death: yet there is no doubt that he was one of those gigantic figures who have a transformational effect on the world around them. To read his letters and speeches, as I have done over recent months, is to encounter an extraordinary figure – no mere general or religious zealot, but a thinker of real passion. ‘The mind is the man’ is his apophthegm, and to encounter him is to meet a great mind.

Sidney is far from being content to coast on the distinction of its past reputation. In recent decades it has shown itself willing to move forward, to the front of the pack. In electing Sandra Dawson ten years ago, the College showed the lead among mixed colleges in recognising the leading role of women. Sandra has set the highest standards, and with conspicuous success. The College can boast an unusually impressive team of women Fellows, including three in Engineering, with Professor Dame Anne Dowling setting an outstanding model. It has also a record in widening access of which to be proud, admitting one of the largest cohorts in Cambridge from State schools. At the same time, it can boast what is arguably the best kitchen in Cambridge, and a Choir that is pioneering the revival of renaissance music.

At the end of our first week in the Master’s Lodge, struggling still to emerge from beneath the 413 numbered cardboard boxes and packages brought over from Rome, caught in a cross-traffic of decorators, maintenance men, IT specialists and College porters struggling manfully to save the College’s ancestral portraits from imminent redecoration, but soothed all the while by the kind attentions of Jane the Master’s housekeeper and Kay, the Master’s PA, and the cheerful supportiveness of all members of the College staff, I cannot help reflecting simultaneously on what a big transition it is from Rome to Cambridge, and how lucky I have been in my experiences at both ends.

I look forward intensely to the next decade, and to ensuring that Sidney reaches new heights, continuing to achieve the highest standards in a friendly atmosphere.

Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Master

Sidney: a view from Rome

Andrew Wallace-Hadrill OBE, Master of Sidney Sussex College

— Sidney Sussex Celebrates 800 Years —1

Photograph: Stephen Bond

‘Outragious Insolences’: Sidney’s Bad BoysAn excerpt from Sidney Sussex: A History by Richard Humphreys

SidneY SuSSex College: A HiStorY

This December, we will publish the first fully illustrated history of Sidney Sussex College from its Elizabethan foundation to the present day. Richard Humphreys, an alumnus of Sidney and an enthusiast for all aspects of its history, has unearthed fascinating facts, people and connections that present the life of an extraordinary community through four hundred years of English history. The book brings to life the people of Sidney Sussex, from the pious and much-maligned Lady Frances Sidney and the young Oliver Cromwell, to the Nobel Prizewinners and Bletchley Park code breakers of the recent past. Thoroughly researched, immensely readable and

beautifully illustrated and designed, this lively account of Sidney Sussex College is published in 2009, the 800th anniversary of the founding of the University, to mark Sidney’s remarkable role in the history of Cambridge.

Please use the enclosed order form to order copies of the new CD, A Christmas Carol (available now) and to preorder Sidney Sussex College: A History. Copies of the book will be mailed to all purchasers and sponsors in December, 2009.

The nightclimbers and drug takers of the 1960s had a notable ancestry. From

its foundation, Sidney, like all Cambridge colleges, was a place of education and discipline. its purpose was not only to instill knowledge and understanding but to reform manners. Most boys would go on to become priests, when their pastoral duties would be far more ‘directive’ than they are now, and they needed to learn for themselves the pitfalls of improper conduct before encouraging others to avoid them. Many early 17th-century parents favoured Sidney for its stern approach to student discipline. tutors could access all rooms to ensure the best behaviour and miscreants could be fined, deprived of meals, made to read out confessions in latin, or expelled. the youngest ones, often no more than 14, could even be flogged in the Hall in front of their peers. the early masters, such as James Montague and Samuel Ward, were renowned for their firm control over undergraduates. Following the Civil War and republic, however, Sidney, following trends in wider society, became a place of much looser morals and discipline. the seemingly weak master, richard Minshull, struggled to control his often drunken, violent, whoring young men, in particular during the 1670s, as this passage shows.

When we were met I declar’d unto them the cause of my calling them, which was this. A discovery was made to me of a robbery that was committed in Sr [Sophister] Charles Pym’s chamber by Thornton and Huggins: Woodall (as he confessed to his Tutor) knew of the same. Thornton also by the confession

of Huggins told Berry that Thornton had been with him severall times to attempt the same on the Mr; but he would never consent to him nor for the world endeavour it. Likewise Berry and Taylor senior were told by Avis the Joyner last week that Thornton and Woodall had been with him now and then above a quarter of a yeare to assist them in the same, but he denied them; whereupon (as Woodall confessed to his Tutor) Thornton and Woodall endeavoured the breaking open of my doore and cut the holes which were found there, and Woodall told them since that Thornton gave him money to buy the instrument with which they did it. – Acta Collegii, January 1681

By 1680 Sidney was not alone in seeing a great collapse of manners and discipline during a period notorious for its licentious and chaotic social mores. Nevertheless, the College, formerly known as a great centre of moral rectitude and sober behaviour, was under intense pressure from many of its members, both undergraduates and fellows. Daniel Naylor, later a vicar at Exton, was one of a number admonished or deprived of their fellowships. Naylor, ‘having been diverse times statutably admonished and not reforming his manners’, was expelled in 1663 for ‘ill manners’.

In 1669 there is a long minute in the Order Book detailing the severe problems posed by a dangerously unruly graduate:

‘April 15th, 1669. Memorandum. That William Butler Bach: Arts of the Second Year and Schollar of Mr. Peter Blundell’s foundation having been divers times statutably admonished and not reforming his ill manners and having on the day of the date hereof for high misdemeanours then committed been summon’d to appear before the Master and Fellowes and refusing to come, and with his sword and pistol threatening some and assaulting others, was by the unanimous consent of the Master and Fellowes deprived of his Schollarship and expelled the Colledge.’

Butler, whose father had been at Sidney in the 1620s, was supported by the Yorkshireman John Burgess, who expressed his solidarity with his fellow student in memorable fashion. He ‘distempered himself with drinks and committed outrageous insolences against

the Dean in breaking his Windowes with Brick-batts’ and ‘publickly defied all the censures of the Society by throwing off his gown’. Unlike his comrade, Burgess actually took his BA in 1668 – 9.

In the mid- to late-1670s the situation seems to have got out of control, and not only among students. Minshull wrote in 1674 that

‘William Beale our Cooke had an admonition given by me in the Hall after dinner before the Society for going away without leave and staying eleven dayes wandring whither we know not’. Beale was at it again soon after for ‘misbehaving in ye Mill Inne’, and again in 1676. In 1681 he ‘had a publicke and his last admonition for his intolerable extravagancies’, and in 1683 he was given

‘another ultimate admonition’. Presumably this really was his last: either Minshull was a very weak man, or Beale was a very fine cook.

Students easily matched Beale’s excesses. The year of the Popish Plot, 1678, proved especially troublesome. In 1677, Thomas Walker, Richard Payton and Francis Browne had been admonished for ‘being chief sticklers in an assault made upon ye B.A.s in the buttries’. The Londoner Browne got his BA shortly after and became a doctor. Walker was admonished again in 1678 for drunkenness and ‘telling lies to the Dean’. He was later elected a Sidney Fellow and became a rector in Buckinghamshire. Payton, son of a Berkshire yeoman, was obviously a major problem, facing admonition in 1678 for

‘drunkenness, intolerable Impudence, making a disturbance in the Town, coming in after twelve o’clock and then making a disturbance in the Colledge, and very seldom in his chamber when the Dean visited’. He got his BA that year, however, and became a priest.

Matthew Munday, son of a Devon clothier and a Blundell’s pensioner, was a notable miscreant. He excelled himself in the same year ‘at ye Dolphin where he distempered himself by excessive drinking and came not into ye Coll. till 12 of ye Clock at night to ye disturbance of ye same: as also yt ye next night he was at ye same place till nine of ye clock and came into ye Coll. distempered and did swear divers oaths yt were publickly heard; for which fault he was solemnly admonished by ye Master in the

presence of the sen: fellow and Dean; and ordered at the same time to read a publick Recantation in the Hall’. This humiliation did not prevent Munday from getting drunk and ‘assaulting Wilson, senr Sophister of the Coll., and other misdemeanours’, nor, three months later, throwing a stone ‘which came in at Mr. Alston’s window and was likely to have done him a mischief’. In assaulting the unfortunate Wilson, Munday was assisted by the future Suffolk rector Henry Bee, the Rutland-born sizar John Allen, the 20-year-old Theodore Parker, previously thrown out of Balliol, Oxford, and another Blundell’s boy, Joseph Pridham. Munday took his BA the next year, followed that with an MA and became a rector in Somerset.

At ‘The Dolphin’ the Somerset yeoman’s son Charles Creed distempered himself in December 1677, as did the Yorkshireman Thomas Myers the same night. However, such drunken larks paled into insignificance when compared with a dastardly attempt to break into the Master’s Lodge by John Huggins, a London shoemaker’s son, the Yorkshireman Robert Thornton and the farmer’s son John Woodall in January 1681. Minshull gave a detailed account of the emergency College meeting in the Lodge to discuss the matter with the fellows. ‘Upon this information the Society proceeded to the expulsion of Huggins, Thornton and Woodall, and expell’d they were the day above written by unanimous consent’. Thornton, a pensioner, took an MA at University College, Oxford, became a Fellow of Magdalen and was a naval chaplain. The sizars Huggins and Woodall are not heard of again.

A fascinating further postscript to this story is that Sir Charles Pym, whose room the three villains first broke into, was the grandson of the great parliamentarian John Pym, and was killed by a rapier thrust in a brawl in the Swan Tavern on Fish Street Hill, London in 1688, just before the Glorious Revolution. The trial of his three attackers (no Sidney connections as far as we know) at the Old Bailey was a sensational story in its time, the jury being instructed by the judge to deliver a verdict of manslaughter during what he called ‘an ungoverned storm’.

Page of admonishments from Acta Collegii, 1678

— Sidney Sussex Celebrates 800 Years —2

A CHriStMAS CArolA selection of traditional Victorian Christmas carols sung by The Sidney Sussex Choir with passages from Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL, read by Sir Gabriel Horn, former Master of the College.

“The performances glow, as does one’s spirit after hearing them ... they sing with as much sensitivity and soul as many more famous rivals.”

– the gramophone (Cd of the Month & editor’s Choice), thomas tomkins ‘these distracted times’

GENEVA IN NICE

— Sidney Sussex Celebrates 800 Years —3

Christmas Party and Book Launch 7 december 2009

At 6:30 on Monday 7 December, the Sidney Sussex Society will be hosting a Christmas party at a new venue, the Arts Club in Mayfair, London.

We will be launching the new book: Sidney Sussex College: A History, written by Richard Humphreys. Come celebrate the 800th anniversary year with us!

All Sidney alumni and their guests are very welcome.

Geologists’ and Geographers’ Dinner 6 February 2010

On 6 February 2010, Sidney Sussex will hold its second dinner for alumni in Geography and Geology. The evening will include a talk, and many opportunities

for alumni in a variety of professions to meet and talk to recent graduates and the current Directors of Studies in Geography.

800th Grand Finale Lunch 16 January 2010

Cambridge will celebrate its 800th Anniversary Year Grand Finale on the weekend of 16/17 January.

To help Sidney alumni enjoy the festivities, we’ll be holding an alumni lunch in Hall on Saturday 16 January.

In the evening, there will be a stunning lightshow on the Senate House, Old Schools and other venues in the city – other weekend events are still under wraps...

Sidney Sussex Society Dinner, with a Lecture by the Master, Andrew Wallace-Hadrill 24 April 2010

To welcome Andrew Wallace-Hadrill and his wife Jo to Sidney, the Sidney Sussex Society is delighted to invite all Sidney Members and their guests to a special dinner in College. The evening will include a talk by the Master, who is an expert on Roman

social and cultural history and directs the Herculaneum Conservation Project.

Guests will enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the Audit Room, a 4-course dinner with wine, and a nightcap in the Senior Combination Room. Price and further details to be announced.

The Centenary Dinner of the Confraternitas Historica 1 May 2010

On 1 May 2010, the Confraternitas Historica will hold a special celebratory banquet to mark 100 years since the founding of the Society in 1910. To ensure that you receive an invitation please send us your most up-to-date postal and email addresses.

Choral Services

Sidney members and their families and friends are warmly invited to attend all regular Choral Services performed in the Sidney Chapel during the academic year. The full schedule of Evensong and Latin Vespers and Communion Services for 2009-2010 is online at: http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/life/chapel/choir/

FortHCoMing eventS (for further information, see enclosed booking forms)

Sidney Sussex College and the 1611 King James BibleWe are fast approaching the four-hundredth anniversary of the most influential book in our language: the Authorised Version of the Bible. First published in 1611, the ‘King James’ (as it is widely known) has proved to be not only a source of religious and moral teaching but also an enduring work of literature that has rooted itself in the hearts and memories of English-speaking people during four centuries. This great book has helped to determine the character of our language as written and spoken today. It has exerted a profound influence upon literature and music. In spite of historic differences in matters of religion, it has for nearly four centuries provided a linguistic and cultural bond between Britain and the United States. The ‘King James’ has helped to shape the British establishment, yet it has also given a voice to the poor and the radical. It has united people who were otherwise divided. Even today, when it has begun to fall out of general use, it remains the best-known and most quotable version of scripture in the English tongue.

The first Master of Sidney Sussex College, James Montagu, and the third Master, Montagu’s protégé Samuel Ward, were both members of the committees that laboured for nine years to produce the Authorised Version. They may well have been responsible for phrases familiar to anyone who speaks the English language, and they certainly participated in the creation of a poetic and economical prose style, without which the beauty and flexibility of later English would be unimaginable.

In 2011 there will be national celebrations for the four-hundredth anniversary of the book’s publication. Parliament and Westminster Abbey (where much of the work of translation was done) have together founded the 2011 Trust to co-ordinate these events. Sidney Sussex will take part in the national effort with a distinctive celebration focusing on our own close connection to the Authorised Version of the Bible. We have started planning a conference on the ‘King James’ and its influence, to be held in College on 23 February 2011, the birthday of one of the greatest of all Anglicans, the poet and priest George Herbert. There will be four distinguished speakers and the day will end with a Sung Eucharist to be addressed by the Rt. Rev. Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham. To add splendour to our reflections, the College Choir will perform famous musical settings of texts from the book we shall be celebrating.

We are hoping to attract support and sponsorship for this event from any alumni or friends of the College with an interest in Sidney’s history or the King James Bible. Although 2011 is still some time off, we hope you will save the date!

Clive Wilmer, Fellow in English

Sidney Sussex celebrates the 800th anniversary of the founding of Cambridge University

THE SIDNEY SUSSEX SOCIETY VISIT TO PENSHURST PLACEOn 12 September 2009, the Sidney Sussex Society enjoyed a beautiful day at Penshurst Place in Kent, seat of the Sidney family since 1552 and home to the Vistor of Sidney Sussex, Philip Sidney, Viscount De L’Isle and his family. Alumni joined the Viscount and Viscountess De L’Isle and the Master and Mrs Wallace-Hadrill for a fascinating tour and delicious lunch.

The Sidney Sussex Society lunching at Penshurst Place

THE SIDNEY SUSSEX 800 ARTS FESTIVAL On 20 June 2009, alumni came back to Sidney for the 800 Arts Festival, an afternoon and evening of music, drama, food and drink in the College gardens. Hosted and organised by the student music and drama societies, the day featured wonderful performances.

Alumni enjoying student performances at the 800 Arts Festival

The Sidney Club of Geneva celebrated the University’s 800th Anniversary with a weekend visit to Nice. Brilliantly organised by Elisa Aurelia Warbington (née Gatto, 1997), a group of members assembled at the Hotel Le Meurice, just off the Promeade des Anglais on 18 September. Between a succession of serious meals – and monsoon-like showers – they set out to establish the College’s links with the Côte d’Azur during La Belle Epoque, or indeed at any other time. Their researches extended to the city’s flower market, the Chagall and Matisse museums, the medieval villages of St Paul de Vence and Eze, the Maeght Fondation and the Musée Masséna. Finally, over possibly the most expensive cocktail in the western world at the Hotel Negresco (and pending further research by our historian Richard Humphreys to whom the matter has been referred) they were forced to the conclusion that theirs was most probably the first link to be forged between the College and Nice. Oliver Cromwell might not have approved, but let us hope it is not the last.

BRINGING SIDNEY TO CALIFORNIAJust a week after performing in the 800 Arts Festival, members of the Sidney Choir flew to California, where they sang to large and enthusiastic audiences at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, Stanford University’s Memorial Church, the Old Missions at San Luis Obispo and other concert venues. Fittingly, in the 800th anniversary year, one audience numbered nearly 800 people!

The Sidney Choir rehearsing in California.

Photos by richard Phillips (1966)

MeMBerS’ FACilitieSThis term, we have opened up for alumni as well as Fellows the newly-renovated

“New Parlour” on K staircase in Cloister Court, where there are comfortable chairs, newspapers, washrooms and a coffee machine. If you are visiting College, please let us know if you would like to use this room; the Porters’ will be happy to admit you. After lunch, you will find Sidney Fellows reading and talking; at other times of day the room is likely to be empty.

We are adding a new alumni reunion to our schedule of events. From 2010, we will be inviting alumni back to College for a garden party, on the 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th and all subsequent anniversaries of their year of matriculation. The first such event (listed on the front page of Pheon) will be on 12 September 2010, for those who matriculated in 1990, 1980, 1970, 1960 and all earlier years. Partners are welcome, numbers permitting.

Your relationship with Sidney can be as important and rewarding as you would like it to be. We hope you will take advantage of some of the other opportunities listed below.

Sidney Reunions

We will invite you back to a Sidney Reunion at least once every ten years, with the rest of your year group. If you or a Sidney friend has not been receiving Pheon or the College Annual, please send the Membership and Development Office your correct mailing address! Every year, in every class there are a few Sidney members we can’t get in touch with to invite.

You are welcome to organize your own Sidney reunion. It is easy and less expensive than you may imagine to hold a private dinner or event in College. If you would like to come back to Sidney with a group of friends, our Conference and Events Manager, Mrs. Marianne Oyler (conference@sid.cam.ac.uk, Tel. +44 (0)1223 338850) will be able to guide you through the booking process and suggest a menu that fits your budget. She can also assist with weddings, garden parties and other private events. Other Alumni Gatherings

All Sidney alumni are members of the Sidney Sussex Society, which organises a number of events each year, including:

• Dinners in College and in London• Special trips and visits (most recently

to Penshurst Place in Kent)• An annual Christmas Party in London• Subject dinners, for those subjects that,

unlike Law, History and Engineering, do not have their own College societies

• MA graduation dinners • Informal get-togethers for younger

Sidney Members in London.

We are happy to support the formation of smaller regional and special interest alumni groups. Currently, the Boat Club Association takes part in rowing events and supports the student society. The US-based Sidney Sussex Foundation has hosted dinners in New York, while the Sidney Club of Geneva has an active programme of events and welcomes new members.

Visiting and Dining at High Table

Sidney has three single guest-rooms and two double guest-rooms available for alumni visiting Cambridge. You may book a room with the Housekeeping Manager, Mrs Karolyn Duke (housekeeper@sid.cam.ac.uk, Tel. +44 (0)1223 338880) or online, through the new University Rooms website: http://www.cambridgerooms.co.uk.

Alumni who hold an MA or equivalent status have the right to dine at High Table free of charge three times a year on a Wednesday or Sunday during Full Term. To sign in, please contact the Human Resources Manager, Mrs Diana Stanton (dgs34@cam.ac.uk, Tel. +44 (0)1223 338814).

Researching Sidney Ancestors

If you are researching a relative who went to Sidney, the College Archivist, Nicholas Rogers (archivist@sid.cam.ac.uk, Tel. 01223 338824) will be happy to help. It is also possible to make an appointment to view a book or manuscript in the Archive.

Using Library and Computing Facilities

Alumni are welcome to use the Richard Powell Library by contacting the Librarian, Mr Stewart Tiley (librarian@sid.cam.ac.uk, Tel. +44 (0)1223 338852) To use the Computer Suite, please contact the I.T. Manager, Patrick Gates (computer@sid.cam.ac.uk, Tel. +44 1223 339520).

Find Us Online

Additional information and networking opportunities for Sidney alumni are available:

• On the College website: www.sid.cam.ac.uk• On Facebook (Sidney Sussex Alumni)• On Twitter: http://twitter.com/SidneySussex• On LinkedIn: Sidney Sussex

College, Cambridge Alumni

University Benefits

Cambridge University offers additional alumni benefits, including:

• Email forwarding• Careers Service advice • The alumni membership card giving

you free entrance to all Colleges, and membership of the University Centre.

• Additional copies of your degree certificate or transcript

The Simon and Jill Campbell Foundation

In the donor list that appeared in the last issue of Pheon, we failed to properly acknowledge one of Sidney’s most significant benefactors, The

Simon and Jill Campbell Foundation, which provides generous bursaries for students from state schools across the UK who have gained admission to Sidney Sussex to study natural sciences or mathematics.

These access bursaries were among the first at Sidney to offer significant financial help to students with limited financial resources. In the six years since the establishment of this fund at Sidney and at Christ’s College Cambridge, many young scientists and mathematicians have been given the best possible start in life.

We are deeply grateful to Jill and Simon Campbell for the support they continue to give to students at Sidney Sussex.

Pass it onCongratulations to:

Dr Eric W. Brooman (Metallurgy postgraduate, 1963), who in 2008, received the highest scientific honour given by the National Association for Surface Finishing: its Scientific Achievement Award. As a result, he presented the William Blum Lecture on: nickel in Surface Finishing: A glorious Past – an uncertain Future

– at the SUR/FIN 2009 International Conference and Exhibition in Lousville, Kentucky, USA on 15 June, 2009.

Jonathan McLeod (1991) and Alice McLeod (nee Coe, 1991) on the birth of their son Montgomery on 29 May 2009, brother to Archie, Billy and Herbie.

Professor Paul Torgerson (Medical and Natural Sciences, 1980), who has recently been appointed to the “Lehrstuhl” of Veterinary Epidemiology at the University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty. His Professorship in Zurich follows a career as a veterinarian and researcher.

Professor Dame Ann Dowling, who has been named Head of the Cambridge University Department of Engineering. She takes over the role from another Sidney Sussex Engineer, Professor Keith Glover.

If any College Member is willing to offer advice or assistance to fellow College Members and would like to publish details in Pheon, please write to the Assistant Editor with the relevant information.

Pheon aims to keep Members of Sidney Sussex informed about their College and about each other. Articles and photographs will be most welcome; they should be sent to:

Zoe Swenson-Wright, Assistant Editor, PheonSidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HUTel: 01223-338864 Fax: 01223-338884Email: alumni@sid.cam.ac.uk

Front of HouseThis November, for the second time, Sidney Sussex will enter a “Front of House” team in the Cambridge Culinary Competition, in which the chefs and Hall staff of the Cambridge Colleges have a chance to demonstrate their skills. Last year, every member of Sidney’s team, coached by Senior Hall Manager, Solly Cham, received a gold medal.

Competitors must set a table with four covers in 20 minutes, demonstrating a full knowledge of the menu, dishes and selected wines. This year’s theme will be Cambridge university at 800, and competitors will need to produce a themed centre piece for the table.

Sidney’s team is excited at the prospect of competing again. As Dining Hall Assistant Lucy Tarrant says, “The competition is a lot larger than last year, so it will be even more of a challenge”

Mrs Jill Campbell and Dr Simon Campbell CBE

Only ConnectSidney researcher Dr Paul Beecher became a household face and name this summer when he and two colleagues from the Cambridge

University Quiz Society made it to the final of the BBC Four quiz show, “Only Connect,” which tests not only knowledge but patience and lateral thinking.

Paul is a research engineer based at the new Nokia Research Centre in West Cambridge, where he works to develop nanotechnologies for mobile communications. Cambridge University is a UK leader in nanotechnology research.

Those interested in watching clips of Paul’s match, or following the exploits of the Cambridge University Quiz Society will enjoy this website:

www.srcf.ucam.org/~quizsoc/index.html

Dr Paul Beecher

Sidney’s Front of House team after its 2008 win, with coach Solly Cham (bottom left).

— Sidney Sussex Celebrates 800 Years —4

Remembering Mero Manzano (1941 – 2009)

All who have attended or visited Sidney Sussex in the past will be saddened to learn of the death of Fellows’ Butler Baldomero Manzano, known as “Mero.”

Born in Spain, Mero was a well-travelled and cultured man: a linguist, and an expert in wines. He served and assisted many generations of Sidney Fellows, students and staff and did a great deal to keep the College running smoothly and happily.

He is survived by his wife Ann and daughter Natalie, a large family and friends around the world as well as at Sidney. Pr

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24ISSUE TWENTY FOUR

MARCH 2009

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

1

And still she governs with the mildest swayJohn Keats, Sleep and Poetry (1817)

A conversation with John Osborn . . . . . . 2A Bursar�s Thoughts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Sidney Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3The best chefs in Cambridge . . . . . . . . . . 3The Dorothy Larkum Reading Prize . . . 3Booking a guestroom online . . . . . . . . . . . 3Sidney Reunions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A new map of Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Thank you to our donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4The Sidney Sussex Society . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Sidney History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Pass it On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Wherever you are in the world on 19thAugust, 2009, pause for a moment and thinkof Sidney. On that day, Þxed by the terms ofthe College Statutes, the Mastership ofProfessor Dame Sandra Dawson will endafter ten years whose many successes crowdinto the mind.

Professor Dame Sandra Dawson,Master of Sidney Sussex College 1999�2009

The Fellowship of the College grewconsiderably, and there were times whenSidney outperformed all other colleges of theUniversity in certain subjects, includingNatural Sciences, History and English. Manynew student bursaries were endowed, contactswith alumni and alumnae throughout theworld were enhanced, and the 1596Foundation, with the Master as the ex ofÞcio President, became an establishedpart of College life. The Fellows weremindful of such achievements, and of theneed to carry them forward when, lastMichaelmas Term, they elected as theirtwenty-sixth Master Professor AndrewWallace-Hadrill.

Although Sandra�s tenure is by no meansover, this issue of Pheon offers an opportunityto glance brießy back and forth through theyears. By careful planning and consultationwith her various Senior Tutors, she helped theCollege recruit Fellows in subjects longunder-staffed, with results that can already bemeasured in terms of Tripos success. Manynew Fellows were attracted to Sidney duringSandra�s decade. These appointments are inpart a tribute to the College�s fame for goodhumour, but that reputation is founded on thewisdom and hospitality of the Masters.Sandra, ably assisted by her husband Henry,has maintained the tradition withunimpeachable care. Her advice is as keen asthe fresh grapefruit that sustains her throughthe morning, while the warmth of herwelcome will be known to many readers ofPheon, as it is to all Fellows and students,

notably to the undergraduate and graduateofÞce-holders who are now regularly invitedto receptions in the Lodge.

Sandra�s remarkable relationship with theCollege's junior members has been built upona foundation of committed, sustained interestin the personal and academic welfare of eachindividual student: from the Freshers� buffetsuppers of their Þrst term, to the individualAcademic Reviews that the Master conductsfor third and fourth-year students. On theadmissions front, it is good to be able toreport that applications to Sidney from stateschools since 2000 have risen to a levelcomfortably above the University average.The graduates are now more involved in the day-to-day activities of the college,improving on Sidney�s established reputationfor being a happy college for graduates tobelong to. They are now looked after by twograduate tutors, one in arts and one insciences, assisted by a full-time PA.

Sandra has successfully combined theleadership of the Sidney community withextensive commitments in the University,notably her Directorship of the JudgeBusiness School (1995�2006) and her workin the wider world. The scope of hercontribution to academic and public life wasrecognised by the award of a DBE in 2004and by her induction into the Hall of Fame ofthe International Women�s Forum in 2006.Sandra has even succeeded in maintaining avigorous programme of research onleadership, innovation and healthmanagement; as I write, she has justcollaborated with Z. S. Morris to edit avolume of essays entitled Future PublicHealth: Burdens, Challenges andOpportunities (Palgrave, 2009). Whether it be a major restructuring of the Collegeadministration, the commissioning andoversight of a new (and profusely illustrated)history of the College scheduled forpublication this year, or the inception of thenew Gledhill skyline which adds interest tothe College�s roofscape, Sandra has done herwork with extraordinary energy. At some timeor other, every principal ofÞcer of the Collegehas risen in the morning, switched on thecomputer with the Þrst morning kettle, andfound half a dozen emails sent by Sandrabefore the sky had begun to redden over EastRoad. Of the two blessings named in the titleof John Keats� Sleep and Poetry it seems thatSandra needs only one. Since she presidedover the election of two major poets to theFellowship, Stephen Romer and CliveWilmer, there is no doubt which one she canrelinquish.

Sandra will not be leaving us completely, as itis likely she will follow the example of ourprevious Master, Gabriel Horn, taking roomsin College and remaining an active member

of our community. It is easy to see how herresearch, her involvement with Oxfam andher work to enhance the management of the NHS will Þll her time. We wish her and Henry all the best for the next stage intheir life.

The new Master from August 2009, ProfessorAndrew Wallace-Hadrill, has had adistinguished academic career in Oxford,Cambridge, Leicester and Reading.

Professor Andrew Wallace-Hadrill OBE,Master Elect

He has been editor of the leading journal inhis Þeld, the Journal of Roman Studies, andwas Visiting Professor at Princeton in 1991.Since 1995 he has been Director of the BritishSchool at Rome. His major books and articlesinclude a social history of the Roman house,and his new book, Rome�s CulturalRevolution, just published by CambridgeUniversity Press, is already attracting muchinterest and admiration. He is currentlydirecting the Herculaneum ConservationProject that has involved new excavation andnew discoveries. Andrew has made hiscommitment to Sidney clear. He hasemphasized the necessity for the full supportand involvement of the Master in all theCollege�s endeavours and his understandingof the role of a Master to be �at the heart ofCollege life, to generate the self conÞdence ofan institution, to promote and build on aconvincing shared vision, and to lead asustained team effort�. We look forward towelcoming him and his wife Jo to Sidney inthe Autumn. As Keats says:

Go glad and smilingly�Some looking back, and somewith upward gaze.

Christopher PageVice-Master

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Diary Dates 200925 April 2009 Sidney Sussex Society

Farewell to the MasterDinner

9 May 2009 1596 Foundation dinner

16 May 2009 Sidney Sussex SocietyMA Graduation Dinner

20 June 2009 Sidney Arts and MusicDay

23 June 2009 Sidney Sussex Society BAGraduands� Garden Party

26 June�11 July Sidney Choir on tour in California

12 September 2009 Sidney Sussex Society visit to Penshurst Place and Gardens

17 October 2009 Thornely Society dinner

20�22 November University Festival of Lights2009

December 2009 Sidney Sussex SocietyChristmas Party

Commemoration of BenefactorsDates for 2009�2010Forthcoming For those who dinners matriculated in:

27 June 2009 1986, 1987, 1988

26 September 2009 1963, 1964, 1999, 2000

26 June 2010 1951�1955 (inclusive)

25 September 2010 1956�1960 (inclusive)

25 June 2011 1989�1991(inclusive)

24 September 2011 1980�1982 (inclusive)

30 June 2012 1961�1963, 1950 and older

29 September 2012 2001�2003 (inclusive)

29 June 2013 1983�1985 (inclusive)

28 September 2013 1974�1976 (inclusive)

Forthcoming events are posted

on the Sidney website at

www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni

2

Interview with Sidney Benefactor John Osborn (Classics, 1962)

A Bursar�s Thoughts in Turbulent Times

John Osborn (Classics, 1962) will go down in Sidney history asa benefactor whose generosity helped to shape the aspirationsand achievements of the College. As the Þnancial situation ofUK undergraduate and graduate students began to deteriorate,he stepped in to provide bursaries for students who could nototherwise afford to come to Sidney. He has enabled the Collegeto endow the permanent Osborn Fellowship in MedievalHistory, and most recently has transformed a promising butßedgling initiative to enhance college music by endowing thefull-time post of Osborn Director of Music, now held by Dr David Skinner.

John Osborn�s career in industry was completed when heretired in June 2008 as Chief Executive of Alexon Group PLC.We asked him how he got his start in life and what brought himback to Sidney.

I went to King Edward�s School in Birmingham and came up toSidney on what was then called a minor open scholarship. Myfather had been to Oxford, but it was my Classics Master,Reverend F. J. Williams (1929), who encouraged me to apply to Sidney Sussex; he was a Sidney graduate himself. It wouldprobably be fair to say that my three years at the College were atime of personal growth and academic decline. Classics was anatural choice for me, since I�d studied Latin from the age ofÞve and Greek from the age of six, but it didn�t really suit me.If I could turn the clock back, I would choose early-medieval

history or art history. I was not very academic � I was toopragmatic and liked to cut corners. Pragmatism is useful inbusiness, but less so in academia. I liked the Senior Tutor,Malcolm Willcox, but I can�t say he was an inspiration. I wasbeyond inspiration academically.

My extracurricular activities were rugby, drinking andsocialising with young ladies who were mostly imported fromSaffron Walden Teacher Training College. University is afrightening time for young people. You strut your stuff on thestage and within minutes, you�re forgotten, replaced by the nextgeneration. I think we were generally more wet behind the earsthan modern students are � certainly more than my ownchildren were in university.

I did hope that my daughter would go to Sidney. It was an all-male College in my time and quite a few of the daughters of mySidney contemporaries followed their fathers to Sidney. But mychildren all wanted to choose their own universities; they wentto Liverpool and Leeds and were more than happy there.

Greek and Latin are wonderful tools, especially forunderstanding English, but my Cambridge degree (like those ofmany of my friends) was pretty irrelevant when it came toÞnding a job. A classicist running a rag trade business � fromthe sublime to the ridiculous or vice versa.

So my career after Sidney was a series of happy accidents. MyÞrst jobs were in Personnel at various organisations includingDutch Philips and the National Coal Board. While I wasworking for the clothing retailer, Wallis, I had an opportunity tomove into line management, and that proved to be a better Þt. Iwas fortunate to have this chance. When you are young, it isdifÞcult to know what you want to do. It�s easy to put up withwhat you�ve got, rather than choosing what you really want.

I turned out to be quite good at running businesses that were ina mess, and that is what I did for the rest of my working life.

Then four or Þve years ago, my wife and I got an amicabledivorce. My ex-wife was extremely undemanding in terms of a Þnancial settlement � in fact she positively resisted beinglooked after. I had been reasonably successful and live fairlyfrugally, so I had some money to spare. I don�t believe inheaping cash on your kids � do too much and you are, in my view, in real danger of tampering with their lives.I admire the relationship that American alumni have with their

Colleges � they are more responsive than we are here. I love thenotion that when a child from a poorer background applies toHarvard, he or she is accepted without any concern aboutpayment; funding is a secondary consideration. I read an articleby Sidney�s Admissions Tutor at the time, Richard Partington,encouraging comprehensive students to apply to the College,and I thought: that�s terriÞc. So I started funding studentbursaries at Sidney.

Then I met Charles Larkum, the Bursar at the time, and he wassuch a lovely man. We got on well, and talked about my interestin early-medieval history, so I decided to fund a MedievalFellowship. For me, Romanesque buildings are among the mostbeautiful in the world (I Þnd the Gothic too stylised) and I havetravelled all over Europe to see them, with France and Spain asspecial favourites. So at Þrst I wanted the Fellowship to be inRomanesque Art History, but Charles felt that this was toonarrow and restrictive, so we agreed that it should be aFellowship in Medieval History with a preference for the earlyMiddle Ages.

Just before Charles Larkum died he helped to create the post ofDirector of Music. It was initially a very part-time post. I metDavid Skinner through a mutual friend, at the launch ofSidney�s Thomas Tomkins CD, and I was impressed with hisenergy and enthusiasm. So I decided to fund the OsbornDirectorship of Music, to make it a full-time endowed post.That has been rewarding in a very tangible way � I get free CDsand even accompanied the Choir on its tour to Regensburg, toperform and record the new Ludwig Senß CD.

I really should pay tribute to the Master, Dame Sandra Dawson,who has been very inßuential. Her personality, enthusiasm andprofessionalism are of the highest order, and she has greatcapacity for donor care. I would be embarrassed by too muchfuss, but I do enjoy being acknowledged and never a monthgoes by without some contact from her, and this gives me a lotof pleasure.

Perhaps the last point I would like to make is that being abenefactor is, in fact, hugely enjoyable and I do hope that manyother Sidney alumni will follow suit in the future.

My Þrst year as Sidney�s Bursar has certainlybeen an interesting and challenging one. Wehave all had to give much thought to theCollege�s future during the next few years.

Seen from my perspective as Bursar, threeunderlying factors drive the economics of aCambridge college. First, there are the feesthat colleges receive for the education theyprovide; these cover only about 40% of theactual cost, so we rely upon our endowment,and the generosity of alumni, to fund thepersonalised teaching that is an essential part of the Cambridge education. Second, it is part of any college�s mission to supportthe research of Fellows, for this makes theacademic community broader and improvesthe quality of teaching. Thirdly, a College hasa responsibility to be a good steward of itsheritage, in our case accumulated during fourhundred years, by taking care of buildings,artefacts and books. This adds a furtherburden of expense. These costs cannot be met from the fees we charge for education,accommodation and catering. Instead, theyhave to be funded by our endowment, by trustfunds and by the generous support of alumniand friends.

With these factors in mind, I have beenthinking about our development priorities forthe next Þve to ten years:

1. The College needs to expand its endowmentand trust funds in order to Þnance its teachingand to widen access as far as possible. TheUniversity has increasingly channelled itsresources into research, with the result thatcolleges must provide more of the teaching.I believe this trend will continue.

2. The College is also expanding its commitmentto music. Through the generosity of JohnOsborn, we now have an endowed and full-time Director of Music. In addition, manygenerous gifts to the Charles Larkum MusicFund will help to create a new practice-room and to support student activities. Thisexcellent beginning encourages us to betruly ambitious for the Chapel, which willcontinue to be the main performance spacein College. We should aim to improve thelighting for the choir, to provide a chamberorgan for exploring new repertoire and, intime, we should strive to replace the mainorgan with a much more versatile instrument.

3. The lease on the houses we use for studentaccommodation in Portugal Street expiresin 2018. Before then, the College needs toÞnd forty-four replacement rooms. This is amajor undertaking, but we already have anumber of alternative plans for achieving itin the immediate vicinity of the College.

4. College needs to modernise some of itsfacilities and accommodation. We also needto complete the programme of installingmodern Þre protection. Many of the studentkitchens and bathrooms need upgrading.The Z staircase rooms I was assigned in1971 are still great, but the kitchen andbathroom have not been improved sincethen, and possibly not since the War. (Ileave you to decide which War I mean). TheCollege kitchen has not been upgraded forover forty years and our award-winningchefs deserve something better. Lastly, weneed to improve how we archive ourhistoric documents and artefacts, especiallymaking them easier to use.

5. There is a wonderful opportunity to build amulti-purpose facility for students on thesite of the current JCR bar in BlundellCourt. This could include a JCR and anMCR, a bar, coffee shop and practicerooms, in addition to areas for performanceand seminars. Ideally, this would be a trulyßexible and informal space enabling us tooffer Þrst-class facilities to our students andto conferences. The new building wouldalso release space elsewhere in College,allowing us to create more teaching rooms,to build a decent gym and develop thePorters� Lodge so it could be a moreeffective �front door� to the College.

This is not a good time to have such ambitiousthoughts! True, Sidney Sussex will be here ina hundred years� time, unlike many companiesand organisations; yet we must weather theeconomic climate like everyone else. Lastyear the College suffered capital losses in itsendowment, and the next phase will be a sharpdecline in our income. Over the long term weexpect to earn 4% on our endowment and trustfunds, whereas in recent years we have earnedmore. For the next couple of years we mayearn less than 2%, with reduced dividends,very low interest rates and a depressed rentalincome from our commercial properties. TheCollege and some of the trust funds will run ata deÞcit and that means drawing uponreserves. Clearly, we need to strive to be asefÞcient as possible, and we may have topostpone some of our more far-reaching plansand projects.

The downturn in the economy is having animpact on us all, so this is not the best time forthe College to be raising funds. Nonetheless, Iwould like to end with two positive thoughts.First, we should not give up on our ambitiousplans; instead, we should implement themcautiously, and over time. Second, I am trulygrateful to those who make gifts to theCollege, and I ask those who cannot give atthe present time to remain in contact and dowhat you can, when you can. We love to hearfrom you, to see you and to listen to yourideas on how your College should cope withwhat are turbulent times for us all.

Nick Allen (1971)

Bursar

3

On 7 March Sidney�s alumni rugby playerswill once again take on the students tocompete for �Dashwood Cup.� Last year,experience triumphed over youth, so watchthis space for 2009 results.

The 2008 Dashwood Cup match

Sidney members who were student athletesrecently received a letter from ProfessorDashwood and Dr Andrew Flewitt, with the captains of Sidney Sussex sports clubs,announcing the establishment of a new SportsFund. Sport is an important part of studentlife, and Sidney encourages all students to getinvolved. For some time, Sidney has needed a fund that can help to cover equipment andcompetition expenses for Sports Clubs. The Sidney Sussex College Students� Union(SSCSU) does the best it can to supportSidney athletes, but many students now have to pay their own entry fees and clothingand equipment costs. For some students, the cost of participating in sport can be asigniÞcant worry.

We are therefore appealing for support fromthose Sidney alumni who may have been athletesthemselves, and who would like to helpcurrent students participate in sports acticities.To help in achieving this, a gift of any amount,however small, will be gratefully received.However, to ensure the longer-term viabilityof the General Sports Fund, our preferencewould be for contributions to be in the form ofgift aid by instalments, with a suggestion of£100 per annum as a standard amount.

If you would like to help, please contact theMembership and Development OfÞce on01223-338864 or alumni@sid.cam.ac.uk for a Gift Aid form.

The Dorothy LarkumReading Prize

Winners of the 2008 Dorothy Larkum Reading Prize: Þrst prize Sallie Godwin(centre), sharing the second prize were IonaBlair and Livvy Hanks, left and right of Sallie. Runners up were Mark Taylor andAbigail Parton

The competition was judged by SidneyFellows and former Fellows: Clive Wilmer,Chris Page, Edward Wilson-Lee, StephenRomer, and by the Master. Penny Price-Larkum was also in attendance.

This Prize was established in memory ofDorothy Larkum (until her death in 2004, the wife of our late Bursar) in part through a generous gift from the Alan and SheilaDiamond Charitable Trust.

More Colleges than ever before wererepresented at this year�s Cambridge culinarycompetition at Christ�s College on Thursday30 October 2008. The judging panel includedtop chefs including Peter GrifÞths and RichardMcGloin.

Nevertheless, Sidney�s small 8-person teamsuccessfully defended its title to the Steward�sCup against teams from Robinson, St John�s,St Catharine�s, Queens�, Girton, Trinity Hall,Christ�s, Emmanuel, Homerton andMadingley Hall, and a team from theUniversity Centre.

Chefs were tested through 7 different events to assess the full range of their culinary skills.Judges looked for dishes that were appetising,with a good balance of ßavour and coloursdemonstrating excellent technical skills.Sidney Sussex won �best in class� in 5 of the 7 events giving them a commanding leadagainst strong competition.

For the Þrst time this year�s competitionincluded a �front of house� competition forfood service staff. This competition was alsowon by the team from Sidney Sussex.

Sidney Sussex�s Head Chef, Stephen Matherwho trained and coached the winning teamssaid �This event is a brilliant way ofdeveloping and improving craft skills in allColleges and the beneÞts can be seen in thestandard of food on student�s plates both atformal events and on everyday cafeteria.�

The best chefs in Cambridge

The best �front of house� team in Cambridge

Stay at Sidney! You can now book one of ourguestrooms online through the new UniversityRooms website.

This new system offers a simple means ofbooking and paying for B&B during out ofterm periods.

Our Easter break offer for Sidney Membersincludes superior en-suite rooms in Blundelland standard rooms in Cromwell Court(recently refurbished and upgraded).Discounted rates will be available foralumni during the summer break.

In 2009, our Commemoration of Benefactorsdinners were renamed Sidney Reunions andseparated from the Commemoration ofBenefactors Chapel service, which has nowbecome an annual College event. In everyother way, these formal dinners remain thesame. (For those wishing to attend Chapel,there will always be a Holy Communion onthe Sunday morning following the dinner.)

On the dates listed below, the followingmatriculation classes are invited to Reunions:

. 27 June 2009: classes of 1986�1988inclusive.

. 26 September 2009: classes of 1963, 1964,1999 and 2000.

. 26 June 2010: classes of 1951�1955inclusive.

. 25 September 2010: classes of 1956�1960inclusive.

. 25 June 2011: classes of 1989�1991inclusive.

. 24 September 2011: classes of 1980�1982inclusive.

. 30 June 2012: classes of 1961 and 1963inclusive, and the matriculands of 1950and all older year groups.

. 29 September 2012: classes of 2000�2003inclusive.

. 29 June 2013: classes of 1983�1985inclusive.

. 28 September 2013: classes of 1974�1976inclusive.

In 2010, we plan to create additional reunionsto mark special anniversaries (for example, the 10th, 20th or 30th year from matriculation).We hope to include spouses and partners of returning Members on many of theseoccasions. Members who have reached their50th reunion years will be welcome to attendall such occasions with their spouses orpartners.

In 2010, we will welcome back thematriculands of 1990, 1980, 1970, 1960 andall earlier years. In 2011, we will welcomeback the matriculands of �91, �81,�71, �61 and all earlier years. Similar plans exist forfuture dates.

GRADUATE REUNIONSWe are also considering special reunions for those who joined (or rejoined) Sidney as graduate students. Hitherto graduatealumni have been invited back with theirundergraduate colleagues in subject andmatriculation year groupings.

If you are a former Sidney graduate student,we would love your feedback! We�ve encloseda questionnaire, and hope that you will let usknow what sort of reunions you would prefer.

Our new alumni events are still in theplanning stages, and many details remain to be decided. We would love to hear yoursuggestions or responses! Please sendfeedback to the Membership andDevelopment OfÞce, or email us atalumni@sid.cam.ac.uk.

A Sidney Reunion

MESSAGE FROM THECHAPLAINAll members and friends of the College will be warmly invited to join in our AnnualServices of Commemoration of Benefactors in Chapel. This year marks an exciting change in the College's way of gratefullyremembering the people who made it, withour wonderful Choir and many currentstudents present at the service for the Þrst time in many years. It promises to be asplendid occasion, and all are most welcome.

Please contact the Chaplain, the Rev�d Dr.Peter Waddell on 01223-338837 or via emailat chaplain@sid.cam.ac.uk for any furtherinformation.

Getting involved in Sidney Sports

Cambridge�s best SIDNEY REUNIONS

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The College website features a new pictorial map of the College (http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk./visitors/sidmap.html.) The map was produced by artist Jeremy Bays who said that he particulary enjoyed the project as his Þrst job onleaving school was as a part-time waiter in the Hall.

4

Thank you to all who have supported Sidney Sussex in 2007�8We are most grateful to all Members and friends of the College who have supported Sidney during the Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaign.Your gifts have sustained the College during a period of Þnancial difÞculty, helping us to maintain academic excellence and to support our studentsthrough named and general bursaries, the Thornely Fund and the Charles Larkum Fund for Music, among other key projects.

Thanks also to those who have made special gifts � for access bursaries or study awards, or for the upkeep of a particular subject or activity.

To those who have given anonymously, your names may not be listed here but we thank you wholeheartedly. All whose gifts were received after30 June 2008 will be thanked in a future issue of Pheon.

In 2007�8, we aredeeply grateful to

Ms V M AlvarezLandaluce, 2001

Dr S E Ahnert, 1998Dr W G Allaway, 1962Professor J W Allen,1946

Mr I P Allnutt, 1935Mr I Anderson, 1986Mr J V R Anderson, 1955

Miss E D Andreeva,2002

Mr P G Andrews, 1938Mr G R Angell, 1960Mrs G N Appleton,1995

Mr L J Ashford, 1931Mr S W Askew, 1966Mr and Mrs R AtkinMrs D A AtkinsonDr G Avison Miss J BaileyMr J B Bairstow, 1952Mr C H Balch, 1971Dr P J Ball, 1952Miss S Banerjee, 1993Mr G G Bannerman,1950

The estate of Mr R ABarber, 1935

Dr T J Barber, 1996Mr J H Barker, 1988Mr J P Barton, 1974Mr T J R Barty, 1945Mr M P Basing, 1976Mr G A Bazire, 1978Professor A JBebbington, 1981

Mr M M Beber, 2000Sir Terence Beckett,1981

Mrs P B W BeggMr J M M Bell, 1952Miss C L Bennett,1996

Mr C R Benson, 1992Dr S A Bew, 1981Mrs C L Bewick, 1984Mr R BieberDr J S G Biggs, 1994Mr P Birnbaum, 1951Professor D EBlackwell, 1940

Mr C S Blake, 1962Mr M J BlakeProfessor T C WBlanning, 1960

Professor Sir TomBlundell, 1995

Mr O R M BolithoMr M Bouchard, 2000Sir Derek Bradbeer,1952

Mr T J Bramley, 1959Mr P M Bricknell,1988

Mr J Brock, 1948Mr D D Bromley-Challenor, 1949Dr A K Brown, 1976The Estate of Ms R MBrown

Mr C A Browning, 1953

Dr L F Brunt, 1947Mr J H A Bryson, 1961Mr G W Buckley, 1948Mr M G Bullen, 1954Mr A M Burgess, 1946Dr J Burgess, 1957Mr K M Butt, 1955Mr A J F Caie, 1966Mr D J F Cameron,1967

Colonel M J ACampbell, 1948

Dr S CampbellProfessor K JCarpenter, 1941

Dr L J Carter, 1967Dr P F B Carter, 1968Rev�d J M Casement,1985

Sir Geoffrey CassMr E J Chandler, 1972Professor WChristianson, 2006

Mr P J Clare, 1968Mr J H Clement, 1948Lord T F Clement-Jones

Dr G B Clements, 1962Dr P C Clemmow,1940

Dr M W Cemlyn-Jones1936

Mr P J Coggan, 1977Miss L A Cohen, 1999Mr J R Collis, 1958Mr S R Coltman, 1954Dr J G W Conlin, 2002Mr A D CooperMr R B Cooper, 1977Professor S ECorbridge, 1975

Mr S T Cowan, 1951Professor T M Cox,1990

Dr D E C Crean, 1957Mr M J Cross, 1968Mr E A Crowe, 1966Dr A R D Curtis, 1979Professor R T Curtis,1964

Mr D T K Dagg, 1987Mr G Darby, 1948Mrs H C Dauris, 1985Professor Dame SandraDawson, 1999

Commander D Dawson-Taylor, 1953

Mr G F de Andrade,2004

The Viscount De L�IsleMr D E de Saxe, 1954Mr J Deans, 1959Mr M Deans, 1990Mrs B P DeansThe Rev�d I MDelinger, 2002

Mrs J V J DenyerThe Alan and SheilaDiamond Charitable Trust

Mr M DiamondMr R W Dingle, 1974Dr R H L Disney, 1959Mr M F Dixon, 1975The Ann D FoundationDr C E Dodds

Dr J P Dougherty, 1953Professor Dame Ann Dowling, 1979

Mr A G Downey, 1978Mrs S J Downey, 1979Dr A L Downing, 1944Lord J E DrummondYoung, 1968

The Rev�d R C Dunnett, 1951

Mr F A Eames, 1963Mr H H I Easterling,1950

Mr F R Edgar, 1957Mr P R Ellis, 1945Mr J C Emmerson,1949

Mr E W Espenhahn,1934

Miss J T Evans, 1985Mr H M Evans, 1965Dr I S EvansMr C D S Ewart, 1956Ms M A Farlow, 1983His Honour Judge E JFaulks, 1964

Mrs J M Fisher, 1991Mr P N Fison, 1966Mrs H C Flewitt, 2002Mr M G Flint, 1980Mrs S V Flint, 1980Mr M P Fogden, 1942Mr G D FordMr J Fordham, 1981Mr I G Forman, 1949Mr P G D Fox, 1963Mr J C Fox, 2001Mrs A B FoxMrs N Franklin, 1999Revd Canon A J SFreeman, 1945

Mr W French, 1935Mr K G Frey, 1960Mr R M Furber, 1959The Hon Sir PatrickGarland, 1948

Dr R E B Garrod, 1964Mr D G Garton, 1982Mr R C H Genochio,1964

Mr M GerstenhaberMr J W Gibbon, 1964Mr R Gilbert, 1975Mr T J Gilbert, 1972Mr A J Gilderson, 1951Mr G M Gill, 1952Mrs K Gill, 1977Mrs J GillespieMr R G GillespieMrs K GledhillProfessor K Glover, 1976

Goldman Sachs & Company

Mr C C E Golis, 1964His Honour Judge M BGoodman, 1949

Mrs S L Gore, 1987Mr D J Gradwell 1959Mr P W R Gratton, 1981Mr D H Gray, 1958Mr D R Gray, 1954Mr N D F Gray, 1982Mr M S Green, 1961Dr P C Green, 1947Mr and Mrs M Green

Mr R GrifÞthsMr R HackworthMr D C Haigh, 1963Mr R L Hall, 1961Dr H A R Hamad-Elneil, 1962

Mr G R H Hampshire,1977

Mr R H Hanworth,1950

Mr R HarbourMr B Harrison, 1955Mr C M H Harrison,1933

Mr J B Harrison, 1938Mr S C W Harrison,1973

Mr D Hart [Huck FinnClub]

Mr M R Hartley, 1974Mr J A F Harvey, 1935Mr D A Haxby, 1953Mr L Heller, 1953Professor P J GHenderson, 1975

Sir James Hennessy,1946

Mr N Heroys, 1957Mr C F Herzberg, 1942Mr D R Hester, 1953Mr A J Hewitt, 1954Mr M N Higgin, 1968Mr P I Higham, 1973Mr R E Hildrew, 1959Professor J W Hill,1968

Mr R J Hill, 1953Professor C J Hill,1955

Mr R K HinkleyMr S D Hobbs, 1992Sir Ronald HobsonMr G M Hollington,1972

Mr H W Holmes, 2003Ms S A Holmes, 1976Professor Sir Gabriel Horn, 1958

Mr P E Hortor, 2000Mr H H Houghton,1959

Mr D R Howard, 1942Mr D I Howie, 1974Mrs S HowleyMr J B Hoyle, 1939Dr N P Hudd, 1964Mr G B C Hughes,1943

Mr T B Hughes, 1945Mr L HughesLuke Hughes andCompany

Mr A J L Huns, 1966Mr L R Hunt, 1959Dr P V Hunt, 1952Mr J C Huntington,1970

Mr J S Hurst, 1965Dr L V Illing, 1939Dr D R Ives, 1973Mrs S D JamesMr J M Jarman, 1978Mr J C Jeffery, 1957Mr J A Jefkins, 1959Professor D A Jenkins,1930

Mr P G Jenkins, 1964Mrs G JenningsMr F B Johnson, 1941Dr J H Jones, 1946Professor W Jones,1980

Mr A KayeMr S C Keating, 1985Dr J R Kemm, 1962Mr N E Kempton,1984

Mr P D Kennerley,1975

Professor J T Kent,1972

Mr R C Kernick, 1948Mr C T K Khoo, 1966Professor C C Kibbler,1973

The Revd S RKnapton, 1974

Mr R M Knight, 1959Mr T Kreule, 1978Mr J KropmanProfessor J JLagowski, 1957

Mr A H Lancashire,1945

The Rt Hon Lord Langof Monkton, 1959

Mr P C LarkumProfessor A W D Larkum

Professor J W Lauher,2005

The estate of Dr V ALaw, 1980

Mr A S Lawson, 1950Dr C W Lawson, 1973Dr M J G Lee, 1960Professor A E Lee Six,1979

Professor S ELehmberg, 1954

Mr W Leslie, 1947Mrs B LevyThe Rt Hon Lord Lewis of Newnham,1970

Mr R G Lewney, 1977Miss X H Lim, 1999Sir John Lindsay, 1956Mr P F T Linford, 1953Mr P W Lipscomb,1959

Miss A S Lisulo, 1997Mrs A B Lomas, 1976Ms K LoveMr D R Luker, 1956Dr A D MacAdam,1951

Professor J D MacKenzie, 1956

Professor Sir RavinderMaini, 1956

Ms C J Mance, 2000Mr A MargoProfessor C G Marks,1961

Mr N Martin, 1956Mr R H McClean, 1983Mr D B McKenna,1960

Mrs C H McKieProfessor R D McKitterick 2008

Mr W J Medlicott, 1978Dr J G Miller, 1988Professor J M Miller,1964

Commander T C CMillett, 1955

Ms K J Minogue 1928Mr C M Mitchell, 1943Mr M J Mobbs, 1965Mr N J Moberly, 1996Mr B J Moody, 1962Mr M R Moore, 1960Mr A L Morris, 1971Mr G V R Moulding,1950

Mr S D Murphy, 1984Miss R J Murray, 1994Dr J C Newell-Price,1947

Miss D Ngara, 1997Dr K M Nicholls, 1978Mr C J NichollsProfessor H B Nisbet,1982

Mr A A NixDr C L Nohre, 1978Miss H V North, 1994Mr R Price Lewis,1973

Mr J P Oakley, 1951Mr I R Oldcorn, 1961Mr A H A Osborn,1962

Mr C N Osmond, 1953Mr and Mrs M B OwenProfessor B E J Pagel,1947

Mr R H Parkinson,1954

Professor M Parrinello,2005

Mr S M Parry, 1975Mr S PatelDr N Peacock, 1943Mr A J Peeler, 1945Dr N PeelingDr J C T Pepperell,1985

Mr D F H Percival,1967

Miss C H Perry, 1996Mr B S Perryer, 1951Mr T W J Phillips,1968

Dr A J V Philp, 1988Mr R J Piggott, 1986Mr H J Pilling, 1965Pleasance, Hookham &Nix

Dr N Pohl, 1998Mr R M K Pope, 1980The estate of Mr J APorter, 1934

The estate of Lt-ColN C Porter, 1948

Mr A R Pratt, 1955Mrs P Price-LarkumMr F J Proud, 1986Mr A J Pudden, 1957Mr D E Purchase, 1961Dr M Purshouse, 1970Dr R D Pyrah, 1955Mr H T Randolph,1955

Mr V K Rao, 1935Mr A N Ratcliffe, 1973

Mr M S Rawlinson,1976

Dr J M Reid, 1957Mr G A ReidMr J Reynolds, 1948Mr K Reynolds, 1943Mr L L Rich, 1966Mr P J R Riddell, 1966Mr D G M Roberts,1943

Mr P RodneyDr S C M Romer, 2002Mr J T L Ross, 2003Dr K Roussopoulos,1990

Mr E N Rowley, 1968Dr J H B Roy, 1940Mr C A Rudd, 1999Mr B J T Rule, 1992Mr J RussellDr S J E Russell-Wells,1954

Professor D MRuthven, 1957

Mr D V RutterMr J Ryding, 1977Miss S T Sakhare,2000

Mr R A Salmon, 1984Dr E J Salter, 1963Professor Dr HagenSchulze, 2000

Mr E N Scott, 1949Dr P F Scott, 1957Dr M J J Scott, 1993Mr G W Scott-Giles,1951

Professor J D Seddon,1961

Mr C W J Seldon, 1961Mr S Shah, 1982Dr M J SharaÞ, 1996Mr A G Sheard, 1975Mr N E Shepherd,1949

Mr J M SinclairMr A R B Smith, 1987Mr I J Smith, 1950Mr J B Smith, 1949Professor A K-L So,1971

Mr I C Solomon, 1996Mr P J Somerville,1959

Mr D Sookun, 1989Mr D B Sorensen,2006

Ms G C Sparks, 2002Dr C Spottiswoode,2005

Mr N M StechmanDr R J Steiner, 1971Mr I B M Stephen,1962

Mr C L Stevenson,1952

Professor I G Stewart,1954

Mrs J E Still, 1982Mr D M D Strong,1960

Mr M A Styles, 1970Mr J M Sutcliffe, 1958Mr J F Q Switzer, 1944Mr K Tachibana, 1987Mr J A Taggart, 1973

Dr D B Tayler, 1955Mr M H Taylor, 1957Mr K R Teare, 1954The Company ofBiologists Limited

Mr F D F Thoday,1974

Dr M G Thompson,2002

Mr J Thorne, 1972Mr G A Thorp, 1964Mr M A Thorpe, 1956Dr D C Thrush, 1959Rear Admiral I P GTibbitt, 1973

Mr B A Timbs, 1936Mr C T Tindal-Robertson, 1994

Mr M Townsend, 1960Mr K D Tuffnell, 1978Mr K Tugnait, 1981Dr C J G Turner, 1956Mrs S E TyrrellMr Z J A Tyszkiewicz,1952

Unilever United StatesFoundation, Inc.

Mr S W Upton, 1965Mr R T F Wainwright,1949

Mr D L Walker, 1941Sir John Walker, 1998Mrs E J Warburton,1983

Ms C J Wedderburn,2003

Mr R L Westwood,1992

Mr R D Whitaker,1964

Mr J E G White, 1957Prof H B Whittington,1966

Mr P H L Wightman,1961

Mr R S Willbourn,1972

Mr A J Williams, 1966Mr D L WilliamsMr G H W Williamson,1957

Mrs A J Willmont,1985

Mr C M W Wilson,1953

His Honour Judge HWilson, 1951

Mr V S Winslow, 1966Dr D M C Wong, 1983Mr R T Wood, 1981Mr K J Woodrow, 1950Miss M S Woodruff,1980

Mr P M Wrench, 1964Dr N Wright, 1950Mr B J Yankowitz,1980

Mrs E J Young, 1976Mr J T Young, 1975Mr P S J Zatz, 1958Mrs S L Zijderveld-Darke, 1989

Mrs M van Dijk

5

THE THORNELYSOCIETY 2009As Pheon goes to press, Sidney lawyers areattending the 2009 John Thornely Lecture,generously hosted by Linklaters LLP.

This year�s Lecture is being given byProfessor Margaret Wilson, Professor of Lawat the University of Waikato, New Zealand,who was until December 2008 the Speaker ofthe Parliament of New Zealand. Her topic willbe �Establishing a Supreme Court�, in thelight of her close involvement in the creationof the New Zealand Supreme Court, whichwas undertaken in parallel with the similardevelopment in the judicial system of theUnited Kingdom. We will report on this eventin the next issue of Pheon!

Sidney lawyers should save the followingdates for their diaries:. The 2009 Thornely Society Dinner will be

held in College on Saturday 17th October2009

. The 2010 Thornely Society Dinner will takeplace on Saturday 16th October 2010.

The 2008 Thornely Lecture

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

California Choir TourThe award-winning Choir of SidneySussex College will tour California insummer 2009.

The Choir will perform in San Francisco atthe end of June, and then travel down thecoast through Carmel, Monterey, and SantaBarbara, giving three or four additionalconcerts and Þnishing with an event in LosAngeles.

We would love to hear from Church groupsor music societies willing to host studentsingers overnight! If you�d be happy to getinvolved, please contact Dr David Skinnerat director.music@sid.cam.ac.uk.

Rehearsing the music of Ludwig Senß

The Choir�s new CD of music of Ludwig Senß has just been released byObsidian, and is available through theCollege. Senß (1486�1543) was a leading composer in Europe during theReformation and a favourite musician ofMartin Luther. The CD was recorded onlocation in Bavaria. A student performance

ARTS AND MUSIC DAYOn Saturday 20 June, Sidney Members andtheir guests are warmly invited back toCollege for an afternoon of music and arts,showcasing the talents of our studentmusicians, actors, poets and artists.

The day will involve a range of performancesand activities, including a main theatricalevent and a dinner in College.

All Sidney members and their guests arewelcome! Details will be posted online, andsent to all interested alumni. To ensure thatyou receive an invitation by post, pleasecontact us at alumni@sid.cam.ac.uk or01223-338881.

Visit to Penshurst PlaceOn 12 September 2009, the Sidney SussexSociety is hosting a trip to Penshurst Place inKent, seat of the Sidney Family since 1552and home to the Visitor of Sidney SussexCollege, Philip Sidney Viscount De L�Isleand his family.

The day is likely to include a guided tour ofthe House, lunch in the Sunderland Roomand a walk through the estate gardens.

All wishing to reserve a place should contactWendy Hedley on 01223-338881 oralumni@sid.cam.ac.uk.

RECENT EVENTSCROMWELL DAY�None climbs so high��

On 11 October 2008, to mark the 350thanniversary of the death of the College�s mostfamous alumnus, Oliver Cromwell, the SidneySussex Society held an exciting day of events inCambridge and Huntingdon.

At Sidney, alumni enjoyed a buffet lunch andtwo interesting talks. Professor Derek Bealesdescribed Cromwell�s association with theCollege, including the reburial of the head in theCollege grounds which he is now the only livingperson to have witnessed. Roy Sherwood(1966) then delivered a fascinating illustratedtalk entitled ��With more than regal pomp�: themagniÞcent state funeral of Oliver Cromwell�.Roy is an historian who has made a special studyof Cromwell. His books include The Court ofOliver Cromwell and Oliver Cromwell King InAll But Name 1653�1658.

In the afternoon, the group travelled toHuntingdon, where Cromwell was born andwent to school. John Goldsmith, Curator of theCromwell museum gave an introductory talkduring the group�s visit; at the HuntingtonRecord OfÞce, Archivists Alan and LesleyAkeroyd, had set up a wonderful display ofCromwell and Sidney-related documents. Thegroup had tea and another interestingpresentation at the All Saints Church.

At the end of a full day, the group returned toSidney for an exhibition of Cromwell artefactsowned by the College, presented by the CollegeArchivist, Nicholas Rogers. This was followedby drinks and dinner in the Old Library.

The beautiful photographs accompanying thisreport were taken by Mr A J Etheridge.

Sidney guests inspecting manuscripts at the Record

OfÞce.

In the Cromwell Museum

The Master speaking at the Christmas Party

London Christmas Party2008A lively gathering of alumni at HMSPresident, the Royal Naval Reserve ShoreEstablishment, enjoyed excellent food anddrink, lively conversation and views of TowerBridge over the water.

BOAT CLUB DINNEROn 1 November 2008, the Sidney SussexBoat Club held a very successful fundraisingdinner for the College�s rowing alumni. Thedinner was well attended and a great success,raising funds for a new women�s VIII.

To all who came and supported this event,many thanks. Your enthusiasm andcommitment are greatly appreciated!

ENGINEERS� DINNER

Professor Keith Glover speaks at theEngineering Dinner

The Sidney Sussex Society�s third triennialEngineers� Dinner was held in College onSaturday, 7th February 2009.

The evening began with a talk by ProfessorDame Ann Dowling entitled Silent Aircraftand Other Challenges. The Silent AircraftInitiative is a collaboration between 40researchers at the University of Cambridgeand MIT, and a community of diversestake-holders from industry, governmentand academia. The Initiative aims todevelop a conceptual design for an aircraftwhose noise would be almostimperceptible outside the perimeter of anurban airport. The emerging conceptualdesign, SAX40, is predicted to achieve aradical reduction in noise and to use 25%less fuel per passenger mile than the bestof current aircraft.

After this talk, which was very wellreceived, guests enjoyed a wonderfuldinner, courtesy of Sidney�s outstandingkitchens.

MASTER�SFAREWELL DINNERTo mark the end of her Mastership in 2009,the Sidney Sussex Society is delighted toinvite all Sidney Members to a special dinneron Saturday 25 April in honour of ProfessorDame Sandra Dawson.

Please join us for a wonderful evening oftributes, and for a feast prepared by Sidney'sprizewinning team of top chefs!

A booking form is enclosed with this issue ofPheon, and is also available via the SidneySussex website.

Sandra and Henry Dawson

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This year sees the publication, in December,of a major new fully illustrated history ofSidney which puts the College Þrmly on thehistorical map of Cambridge, Britain, theWorld and, given our astronomical prowessover the centuries, even the Universe!Written by former Sidney English studentRichard Humphreys (1972), it will make amarvellous pride-inducing book for theshelves of all Sidneians as well as a perfectpresent for those with an interest in historyor those who simply enjoy great anecdotesand fascinating images. A leaßetaccompanying this edition of Pheon givesyou an opportunity of supporting thepublication.

�Passing Sidney Sussex by, which has nothingto detain us....� So began an early twentiethcentury architectural tour of Cambridge.Sidney teachers and students know this isarrant nonsense. From nobles to Nobels andPuritans to partying, Richard Humphreys�history of our college tells us why.

Portrait of the 1st Lord Harington

Sidney was founded by a noble, educated andembittered widow who wanted to preserve hergood name and to promote Protestantism andlearning in England. Lady Frances Sidney hadno idea what she had started.

From its foundation in 1596 until the EnglishCivil War half a century later, Sidney attracted

an extraordinary range of Fellows andstudents to its brand-new buildings andgardens in the heart of Cambridge. Cromwell,the Earl of Manchester and Sir RogerL�Estrange were just a few of the great men of action of their times, Þghting in Parliamentor on the battleÞelds. A notorious hotbed ofPuritanism and dissent, Sidney also had its fairshare of Royalists, High Church fanatics andeven Catholic converts such as WalterMontagu, immortalised in Alexandre Dumas�The Three Musketeers.

From the Restoration, Sidney was no longer apolitical and religious hotspot but a place ofscholarship and intellectual debate. It stillproduced controversy, though, from Voltaire�sfavourite denier of miracles, ThomasWoolston, to evangelical pioneers of theabolition of slavery like John Venn, spiritualleader of the Clapham Sect.

The later eighteenth century saw Sidney riseto intellectual prominence with its professorialFellows in astronomy, botany and divinity,attracting Dr Johnson to a few days ofdrunken discourse and pleasure in 1765.

Under William Chafy�s eccentric mastership,Sidney became what has often beenconsidered neo-Gothic architectural disaster,extravagant parties in the garden and Regencybounders such as Henry Mathew, the originalof Thackeray�s gambling ne�er-do-wellBloundell-Bloundell in Pendennis.

However, with the university reforms of 1860those days came to an end. Sidney rapidlyexpanded from a tiny college with a fewprivileged Fellows and undergraduates to acompact modern powerhouse ofmathematicians, physicists, geologists,lawyers, doctors and even � so Dorothy L.Sayers claimed � Sherlock Holmes!

Twentieth-century developments academicallyand architecturally have simply reinforced thisnew spirit. From an undergraduate with Scottof the Antarctic to Gordon Welchman�sremarkable group of undergraduates atBletchley Park in the Second World War,Sidney members have shown that there is nosubstitute for talent, optimism and hard work.One student even won the Grand National in1928.

With the arrival of women in 1976 Sidneyentered a new era, one Lady Frances and hergodly early Masters and Fellows would havethought unimaginable. This era not only sawwomen entering all walks of life, but also theproduction of football club chairmen,newspaper editors, Þlm directors, quiz showcelebrities, lager magnates and chart-toppingpop stars. Add those to the scientists,politicians and historians Sidney has alwaysproduced and you have a truly remarkableinstitution.

EXTRACT FROMTHE NEW SIDNEYHISTORY:

Gunpowder, Treason and Sidney

�Sidney was closely connected with thedrama of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Acentral, if confused, aim of the plotters wasto replace King James with his nine-year-olddaughter Princess Elizabeth, which theyattempted to do on 5 November, after theirbid to blow up the King and his Parliamentwas thwarted. Elizabeth was living atCombe Abbey under the care of her guardianSir John Harington, Lord Exton, a foundingexecutor of Sidney. On 7 November Sir John was forewarned of a bid to snatch thePrincess from his house and with only twohours to spare he took her to Coventry,where she was placed under armed guard.

6

Sidney Sussex: From Cromwell to Countdown Pass it On

Colorado skiing holiday:Dr Alison Brown, Honorary Fellow ofSidney Sussex College invites all Sidneymembers to join with alumni from StJohn�s Cambridge and Fettes School for aColorado, USA ski holiday from 3-5 April2009. To receive a brochure describing theholiday and how to book a place, pleasecontact the Membership and DevelopmentOfÞce at 01223-338864 oralumni@sid.cam.ac.uk.

Congratulations and Apologies to:Brigadier E M (Ted) Flint (1979) on hispromotion in 2004 from LieutenantColonel to Brigadier. He has also beenappointed Director of Logistic Informationin the Defence Logistics Organisation, tooka BSc with the Open University and is nowembarked on a second MSc, inmathematics. We apologise forinadvertently omitting this item in the 2008Sidney Sussex College Annual.

Congratulations to:Warren Bennett (2000), Co-Founder andManaging Director and Lara O�Shea(1998), Marketing Manager of the onlinehand-tailored suit-making company A SuitThat Fits (www.aSuitThatFits.com) for animpressive range of awards, being namedas the Small to Medium sized business ofthe year at the National Business awards,as a Þnalist for both �Online Business ofthe Year� and �Young Entrepreneur of the Year.�

Hannah Flewitt, née Fogg (2002) andSidney Fellow Dr Andrew Flewitt (1999)who were married in the College Chapel on 26 July 2008, with many Sidney friendsand former members of the Choir amongsttheir guests.

Dr Heinz Fuchs (Fellow, 1997) who hasbeen invited by the Vice-Chancellor to join the newly established CambridgeUniversity Alumni Relations AdvisoryBoard.

Dr Andrew Groves (1985), who has movedwith his wife to Houston as an AssociateProfessor of Neuroscience and Molecularand Human Genetics at the University of Texas.

Rachel Howlett (2002) and her husbandChristopher who married in Marlboroughin 2005, and have written to announce thebirth of their daughter Annabel Amy Roseon 6 November 2008.

Sir John then set off to Holbeach inWarwickshire with Sir Fulke Greville tobesiege Robert Catesby, the mastermindbehind the plot. Catesby was killed in theÞghting that ensued on 8 November. Sir Johnwrote about the �late devilish conspiracy� tohis cousin, the writer Sir John Harington ofKelston, asking for his vigilance against thedesigns of �evil-minded catholics� in his owncounty:�I am not yet recovered from the feveroccasioned by these disturbances� was outÞve days in peril of death, in fear for the greatcharge I left at home� This poor lady hathnot yet recovered the surprise, and is very illand troubled� May Heaven guard this realmfrom all such future designs and keep us inpeace and safety.�

One member of the Combe Abbey householdwho removed to Coventry with the Princessfor their own safety was Daniel Dyke, aSidney MA, chaplain to the Haringtons andtheir royal ward. The following year Dyke

was made a Fellow of Sidney. In the sameyear he dedicated his sermon of thanksgivingon deliverance from the plot to PrincessElizabeth, of whose virtues he said he hadbeen �a daily eye-witness�.

James Montagu�s brother, the Sidneybenefactor Sir Edward Montagu ofBoughton, then a Northamptonshire MP, wasa staunch puritan who supported the Þght ofmany godly ministers and preachers in hiscounty against drunkenness, clericalpluralism and avoidance of the Sabbath. Heis best known, however, for initiating the billthat was passed in 1606 for a publicthanksgiving on 5 November for thedeliverance of the King and nation from theGunpowder Plot. Sidney can thus claim tohave had a part in the establishment of oneof England�s greatest annual festivals �BonÞre Night.�

If any College Member is willing to offeradvice or assistance to fellow CollegeMembers and would like to publish detailsin Pheon, please write to the Editor withthe relevant information.

Pheon aims to keep Members of SidneySussex informed about their College andabout each other. Articles and photographswill be most welcome; they should be sent to:

Zoe Swenson-Wright, Assistant Editor, PheonSidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HUTel: 01223-338864 Fax: 01223-338884Email: alumni@sid.cam.ac.uk

The Master hosting Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, HisExcellency The High Commissioner of India, at alunch meeting to discuss Cambridge links withIndia.

The print by Samuel Ward of Ipswich

23ISSUE TWENTY THREE

Summer 2008

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

1

Achievements and Prospects

In remembrance of Arthur Herder . . . . . . . 2

The Thornely Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Admissions at Sidney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Thank you to all donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cromwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Sidney Sussex Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Travels in Greece and Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sidney is Top of the Pops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Pass it On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Had anyone suggested at the end of the 1950s,when your Editor was serving his time as aSidney undergraduate, that the College wouldwin not one but three culinary awards, no onewould have believed it. In those far off days ofovercooked cabbage and under dressed lettuce,amongst its many virtues Sidney did not counthaute or for that matter any other kind ofcuisine. There were a few Indian restaurants butotherwise a trip to Lyons Corner House onoccasional trips to London was about as daringas most undergraduates were likely to be. So weowe a huge debt of gratitude to Stephen Matherand his team, who have completely turnedthings round, making Sidney the gastronomicenvy of the rest of Cambridge. Congratulationsgo to Stephen himself who won a gold medal at

Diary Dates 2008

11 October 2008 Cromwell Day

1 November 2008 Boat Club alumni dinner

8 December 2008 Sidney Sussex Society Christmas Party

Diary Dates 2009

7 February 2009 Sidney Sussex SocietyEngineers’ Reunion Dinner

February 2009 John Thornely Lecture

25 April 2009 Sidney Sussex Society Spring Dinner

16 May 2009 Sidney Sussex SocietyMA Graduation Dinner

23 June 2009 BA Graduands’Garden Party

17 October 2009 Thornely Society dinner

December 2009 Sidney Sussex SocietyChristmas Party

Commemoration of BenefactorsDates for 2008–2009

Forthcoming For those who dinners matriculated in:

28 June 2008 1964–1966

27 September 2008 1996–1997

27 June 2009 1986–1988

26 September 2009 1963, 1999, 2000

Forthcoming events are posted on the Sidney website at www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni

Please send your email address toalumni@sid.cam.ac.uk to make sure that youreceive invitations

Nick Allen (1971) is Sidney’s new Senior Bursar

the TUCO Chef of the Year event in January inLondon with a menu to die for that isreproduced on the College website, and also tohis team of seven chefs which had previouslywon the Steward’s cup for the best team effortin the Cambridge College Chefs competitionlast October and scooped a further eightindividual medals as well. To top it off, twojunior chefs, Sara Delgardo and BrianGirdlestone, were awarded a gold medal and‘best in class’ at the British Culinary Food andDrink Expo in Birmingham on 7 April 2008.

You will find other Sidney achievementsfeatured in this number of Pheon.We are againbasking in Ann Dowling’s reflected glory afterher election, close on the heels of her DBE, asa Foreign Associate of the US NationalAcademy of Engineering for advances inacoustics and steady flow and for leadership incollaborative research between industry anduniversities. She is now one of only 193foreign associates in Academy, which has anational membership of 2227.

The growth of the College’s musicalreputation, under our dynamic Director ofMusic, David Skinner also continues apace.The Choir’s recent award and forthcomingtours are described below.

In welcoming our new Senior Bursar, NickAllen, everyone connected with Sidney willwant to express our sincere thanks to GeorgeReid for so splendidly guiding us through theinterregnum following Charles Larkum’sdeath last year and ensuring that his legacywas not squandered.

We also welcome our new Admissions’Director, Kirsten Dickers. As we often receivequestions from Sidney members about howthe Cambridge admissions process haschanged since they applied, we thought itmight be useful to ask Kirsten how the processworks now, and what sort of students Sidneycurrently recruits. You’ll find her interestingresponses on page 3.

In 2009, we will celebrate both theUniversity’s 800th birthday, and the last yearof Sandra’s Mastership; we are planning somecelebrations and will keep people posted. TheSidney website always has up-to-date detailsof forthcoming alumni events, so check inoften! The address is www.sid.cam.ac.uk.

Professor James MayallEditor

Introducing Sidney’s new Bursar

On 1 March 2008, Sidney Sussex welcomedNick Allen (Geography, 1971) as SeniorBursar. Nick comes to Sidney following asuccessful business career, most recently asManaging Director of Unilever’s VenturesGroup. He hopes to guide the College towardadopting some of the best practices of a well-run business, while keeping its focus onacademic excellence and the well-being andhappiness of students and staff.

At a personal level, coming back to Sidney isboth a return to his beginnings, and arejuvenating professional challenge. Nick’s

‘These Distracted Times’, featuring the musicof Thomas Tomkins, received one of thehighest accolades in the music industry when itwas chosen ‘Editor’s Choice and CD of theMonth’ in the February 2008 issue of theprestigious music magazine, Gramophone.Sidney is the first choir in Oxford andCambridge to receive both these accolades.

The disc was recorded in the Sidney Chapeland features the distinguished viol consort,‘Fretwork’ and members of the professionalearly music ensemble ‘Alamire.’ It presentsthe music of Thomas Tomkins, last of the

Chef of the Year Steven Mather and his winningteam

connection with Sidney is a long one, as bothhis father, the statistician Sir Roy Allen, andhis brother Jeremy Allen (1961) were Sidneymembers before him. Nick’s academic mentorat Sidney was the brilliant Geographer DickChorley, and he also remembers fondly theBursar, Roger Andrew, who was “alwaysapproachable” and willing to help studentswith whatever they were doing.

Nick is looking forward to meeting both oldfriends from the 1970s, and Sidney alumnifrom other decades.

great Jacobean composers and a contemporaryof Oliver Cromwell.

This is the first major recording by the SidneyChoir. As the Editor of Gramophone comments‘the Choir of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge,is new to me… they sing with as much sensitivityand soul as many more famous rivals’.

This summer the Sidney Choir will tour Austriaand Germany, performing in Salzburg on the7th, Augsburg on the 8th, and Regensburg onthe 9th of July. The Choir will then record theirnext CD for Obsidian Records

(www.obsidianrecord.co.uk): the music ofLudwig Senfl, a Swiss German composer ofthe early 16th century, who was a favourite ofMartin Luther and employed in the householdof Emperor Maximilian I. The Choir will bejoined by the cornett and sackbut ensembleQuintEssential and the 2008 Lady FrancesMusician in Residence, Andrew Lawrence-King (gothic harp). The CD will be released inAutumn 2008.

An order form for both cds is enclosed

Sidney Choir voted Gramophone’s CD of the Month

2

It was one of those situations, where one wastempted to say “why bother - it was so longago – no one really cares.” But that attitudewould have flown in the face of what we wereactually doing in France and England in lateJune and early July 2006.

My wife Gail and I decided to join a group of“Friends of the Regiment” and travel toFrance with the modern day RoyalNewfoundland Regiment to commemorate the90th Anniversary of the Battle of BeaumontHamel, which was the first day of the Battle ofthe Somme, and where the Regiment sufferedterrible losses on 1st July 1916.

Three of my uncles went “over the top” thatday. Hubert Herder was killed and is buried atBeaumont Hamel. Ralph was wounded andsurvived many battles during the duration ofthe War. He died in 1955 after a successfulnewspaper career.

This article is about my third uncle who foughtthat day, their brother Arthur, a 1905 graduate ofSidney Sussex, the eldest of the three. It is alsoabout the journey that Gail and I were proud toundertake to see that he is remembered, for hedied at Cambrai, France on 1st December 1917,

James and Gail Herder in the Sidney Chapel

A J Herder remembered

In Remembrance of Arthur Herder – after 102 years

and to our knowledge no member of our familyhad ever visited his grave.

Arthur was the eldest of twelve children born toWilliam James Herder and his wife Elizabeth.He was born 28th January 1883, just a fewyears after his father founded The EveningTelegram in 1879, a daily newspaper –Newfoundland’s first – which is still publishedin St. John’s but now is known as The Telegram.

Arthur was educated in St. John’s at theMethodist College where he excelled inacademics and athletics. After his death it waswritten about him that “he was a footballer ofthe first rank and a foremost figure in the earlydays of hockey in Newfoundland. In the latterrespect there was nothing surprising, for hewas but the first of a family which has sinceproduced almost a full team of hockeyists ofchampionship calibre.”

While still a boy, Arthur displayed anextraordinary talent at the St. John’s School ofArt. His original watercolour sketch of

“The Light Tower on Queen’s Road”, whichhe painted at the age of twelve, was featuredin London at an 1896 exhibition of The RoyalDrawing Society of Great Britain & Ireland.

In October 1902, having completed highschool, he entered Sidney Sussex College atCambridge to study law and graduated with aBA and LLB in December, 1905. Here again heexcelled in athletics, prominent on the runningtrack and playing rugby for his College.However his chief distinction in athletics wasin rowing where he represented Sidney from1903 to 1905 in just about every competitionheld. In his final year he missed the covetedBlue by one place, being the first reserve of theCambridge University Varsity crew.

Returning to Newfoundland he practised law,first with a partner in their own small firm, andlater in Western Canada. A plaque ofremembrance in the Supreme Court Buildingin St. John’s is dedicated to Arthur and twoother members of the Newfoundland Bar whowere killed in World War I.

When we were in France, and when thecommemorative services were completed, wewent with friends to find Arthur’s grave. It waslate that Sunday afternoon, 2nd July, when wefinally found Tincourt New British Cemeterywhere only a handful of Newfoundlanders areburied amongst thousands of others. Arthur’sgravestone is barely legible, and I felt sad tothink he was forgotten for all these years. Wehave high hopes the Commonwealth GravesCommission will consider its replacement.

We had scheduled a few days in London andGail said “We must go up to Cambridge.” Iwas dubious because I knew from earlierenquiries that Arthur’s name was not on theWar dead plaque at the College – but she wasinsistent, and I am forever in her debt.

At Sidney, we had lunch in the same diningroom where Arthur took his – an experience Ifound profoundly moving – and the food wasexcellent too! Sidney’s Chaplain, Dr. PeterWaddell, understood our concern that Arthur’s

Arthur J Herder (1902)

“The Light Tower on Queen’s Road”

Dr Jillaine Seymour delivers the Thornely Lecture

Reception at Clifford Chance

RECENT EVENTS

The fourth annual John Thornely Lecture washeld on Thursday 7 February 2008 at theoffices of Clifford Chance LLP, 10 UpperBank Street, London. Thornely Fellow DrJillaine Seymour addressed a large and well-briefed audience on the subject of “AnimalRights and Civil Wrongs: injunctive reliefagainst non-parties.” The lecture was precededby the AGM of the Thornely Society, andfollowed by a wonderful reception, hosted byClifford Chance.

Clifford Chance also hosted a special “speednetworking” event for Sidney Law students, tointroduce them to the firm and to answer anyquestions they might have. Sidney Sussex

name was not on the commemorative wallremembering graduates of the college who hadgiven the supreme sacrifice for King andCountry. As there was space at the very bottomof the wall, he arranged for a stonemason toadd the name of Arthur J. Herder.

While Gail and I could not attend theRemembrance Day ceremony when Peter readArthur’s name for the first time, we returnedto Sidney in October 2007 to commemoratethe 90th anniversary of Arthur’s death, 102years after his graduation.

William James HerderSt. Andrew’s CollegeAurora, ON, Canada

College and the Thornely Society areextremely grateful to Clifford Chance for sogenerously hosting these events.

The Thornely Society annual dinner was heldin College on 14 April. All Sidney lawyers areencouraged to attend the next such dinner,which will be on Saturday 17 October 2009.

THORNELY BURSARIES IN LAW

At the AGM of the Thornely Society on 7 February 2008, the Members who werepresent expressed enthusiasm for a proposalthat the fund-raising efforts of the Society,now that the JWA Thornely Fellowship in Lawhas been financed, be concentrated on

The Thornely Societyestablishing a number of Bursaries for Lawstudents at Sidney Sussex. It was recognisedthat potential students, especially those whosefamily circumstances are difficult, may bedeterred from applying to read Law atCambridge by the amount of debt they areliable to incur during an undergraduate course.

The availability of Bursaries, even of quitemodest size, can help to overcome this veryreal disincentive, while giving the College anadvantage in the competition to attract theablest Law applicants. With your help, wehave raised enough to support a Law studentin 2009. Your gifts and membershipcontributions to the Thornely Society willbuild this fund to help Sidney law students.

MEMBERSHIP OF THE THORNELYSOCIETY

The Thornely Society now has three classes ofMembers:

Foundation MembersFoundation Members of the Society are thosewho have made gifts of £5000 or more towardsthe funding of the JWA Thornely Fellowship inLaw; or who, once the funding of theFellowship has been completed, contribute asimilar sum towards other projects to further

the teaching of Law at Sidney Sussex. TheirFoundation Membership continues for life. Thecontribution made by Foundation Memberswill be publicly recognised by the College.From time to time, events will be organised thatare restricted to Foundation Members.

MembersMembers of the Society are those who havemade gifts of £500 or more towards the fundingof the Fellowship or towards other projects tofurther the teaching of Law at Sidney Sussex.Their Membership continues for life or untilthey meet the condition for becomingFoundation Members. Members are invited toall activities of the Thornely Society, exceptthose that are restricted to Foundation Members.

Associate MembersAll College Members who graduate in Lawfrom Sidney Sussex or subsequently qualify aslawyers are entitled to Associate Membershipof the Society. Their Associate Membershipcontinues for life or until they meet theconditions for one of the other categories ofmembership. Associate Members are invitedto the Annual Lecture and the Annual Dinnerand, at the discretion of the Committee, toother Society activities. They may attend theAGM of the Society as observers.

3

Q: How does the Admissions process work?

Kirsten: The first step is for prospective studentsto fill in the online UCAS application form, by15 October. Once we have received this, we willask them to provide some additional information,via an online supplementary questionnaire. Weuse this to make sure we have complete, detailedinformation on all our applicants, so that we canassess everyone on the same criteria.

In previous years, students also had to fill in aseparate Cambridge Application Form (CAF).The University has now abolished this form forUK and EU students, along with the associated£10 application fee.

Depending on the subject they are applying for, aprospective student might also be asked to take apre-interview test, or to send us some writtenwork.

Interviews take place in early December. Allapplicants with a realistic chance of getting aplace are interviewed. We deselect people beforeinterview for two reasons: either their academicrecord is significantly below the standard of atypical applicant, with no mitigating personal oreducational circumstances that may have affectedtheir performance; or they have not taken asuitable combination of A Level or equivalentsubjects for their choice of course. Students canfind more information about the requirements forparticular courses at http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/requirements/index.html.

Q: What happens during the interview process?

Sarah: Most applicants have two interviews,lasting about 20 to 30 minutes each. They areconducted by academics in the candidate’ssubject or a related area, usually with twointerviewers in each interview. Interviews aresubject-focused discussions, designed to find outabout a candidate’s academic ability andpotential, as well as their interest and enthusiasmfor their chosen course. In some subjects, thereare also written tests during the interview period.

Most students receive a decision on theirapplication in early January. In some cases though,we don’t reach a final decision at this stage – theapplication is put into the Intercollegiate Pool, sothat other Colleges can consider the student. ThePool is Cambridge’s way of making sure that theCollege a student applies to does not affect theirchances of getting a place. As a result, an excellentapplicant won’t be rejected just because theyhappen to apply to a College that is oversubscribedin their particular subject.

One relatively recent change, that may be new toalumni, is that candidates can now only apply toone College, rather than giving a preference liston their application form.

Q: How should applicants choosea College to maximise theirchances of being successful?

Kirsten: In terms of thestatistical chances of getting aplace, there is no ‘right’ Collegeto apply to – students certainlyshouldn’t waste their time tryingto work this out! Teachers willsometimes look at statistics andtell their students to apply to a

particular College because it receives fewerapplicants. I would advise against this – allColleges would rather take a good applicant fromthe Pool than a weaker direct applicant.

In my opinion, the best way to choose a College isto think about the environment and atmosphere thatwill suit you best. Colleges vary in size, age,location and atmosphere, and most students try tochoose one where they will feel at home, andwhere there is a vibrant atmosphere in which tostudy their chosen subject.

Q: So how should an applicant explore thevarious Colleges to make the decision aboutwhere to apply?

Sarah: Open Days are the best way of findingout about Colleges. You have the opportunity tomeet the Directors of Studies – the people whowill actually be responsible for your teaching –as well as current students and Admissions staff.At the University Open Days in July there aretalks and stands for all the subjects, and all theColleges are open at some point during the day.

Kirsten: Sidney has several Open Daysthroughout the year. Prospective students can finddetails of these, as well as a lot of usefulinformation about the College, on our website.We also have a College prospectus, and ourstudents write their own “alternative prospectus.”

If a student has absolutely no preference aboutwhich College they attend, they can submit anOpen application. Once all applications have beenreceived in October, Open applicants are allocatedto a College that has received fewer than averageapplicants per place in that particular subject.

Q: How do you work to promote Sidney toapplicants?

Sarah: As well as producing a prospectus and anAdmissions website, and running Open Days, weencourage schools to visit us at Sidney. Anyschool is welcome, whether or not they are inour “target area.” Every Cambridge College hasan allocated area in the UK where they focustheir outreach activities. At Sidney we areresponsible for the Northwest of England, incollaboration with Fitzwilliam College and NewHall. However, we are happy to visit schools inany part of the country – Kirsten has alreadyvisited schools in London, Farnborough,Sheffield and Grimsby, as well as many parts ofthe Northwest. And if a school would like to visitus here, and has a particular interest, we canorganise a suitable talk or activity for them.

Q: When you look at applications, does it make adifference whether the applicant chose SidneySussex or submitted an Open application?

Kirsten: It makes no difference whatsoever.Once an application is allocated to a College, it istreated exactly the same as a direct application.

Sarah: At interview, we don’t even ask “why didyou apply to this College?” any more, so thatOpen applicants don’t feel at a disadvantage.

Q: Do you feel that, once the students arrive, theones who chose Sidney Sussex are happier herethan those who didn’t?

Kirsten: I don’t think it makes any difference.We know that people who come to us via Openapplications or the Pool do just as well at Sidneyas those who chose the College. Our studentssettle in and make friends so quickly that withina few days of arriving at Sidney, it doesn’tmatter where they applied.

Q: Do you think that in 20 years, the Collegeswill be really regionalised – and that Sidney willbe one of the Northwest Colleges?

Kirsten: No! It is important to have a mix ofstudents. You do get a good mix in the Colleges– at Sidney we have students from all over theUK and all over the world – including Europe,the US, China, Singapore, Malaysia and India.

Q: Are there any problems associated withapplying from abroad?

Kirsten: No – the University is very used todealing with and assessing internationalapplications, and we make many offers on theInternational, European and Frenchbaccalaureates, the German Abitur, US AdvancedPlacements and a wide range of otherexaminations. We welcome overseas applications.

Q: What sort of students is Sidney looking for?

Kirsten: There is no typical student; we wantpeople who are very academically capable, andwho are going to enjoy a degree course that isintensive and challenging. We want students whoreally, really enjoy the subject they have chosento do. Other than that, we have absolutely nopreference about your background, where youwere educated, or anything else.

Q: Are some subjects stronger than others, orwould you advise applicants in every subject tocome here?

Kirsten: Of course, we’d like everyone to applyhere! We’re lucky at Sidney to have a largeteaching Fellowship, with a good balancebetween Arts and Science subjects. For all majorsubjects, we have at least one teaching Fellow inthe College, so we are able to provide excellentacademic support through our Directors ofStudies. In the few subjects where we have noFellows, our students are well looked after by anexternal Director of Studies from anotherCollege. In this way we can cater very well forstudents studying any subject. The only coursewe don’t admit students for is Education Studies.

Q: Is it easier for students from UK state orindependent schools to get a place at Sidney?And does either group perform better?

Kirsten: In terms of your chance of obtaining aplace, there is absolutely no difference, and wehave no preference for state or private schoolstudents. The only thing we do look at isinformation about the school’s academicperformance at GCSE and A level. It doesn’tmatter to us whether the school is private or state,but if a student with good results has come from aschool that is performing very badly, thenobviously that tells us something about their workethic and how motivated they are. This year, 70%of the offers we made to home students were tostate school leavers. Examination performancestatistics show that students from all educationalbackgrounds do equally well at Cambridge.

Q: I know that the government has set targets forincreasing applications from state schools. Howdo you keep your process completely fair, whilestill increasing state school applications?

Kirsten: The only fair way of doing it is to try toincrease our number of good applicants fromstate schools. Often the very good students fromstate schools don’t apply to us, so we try toencourage them.

Q: The Sutton Trust has found that schoolteachers are often misinformed about Cambridge.Do you see that when you talk to students?

Kirsten: That is certainly true, yes. I thinkthings are improving but there are still a lot ofmisconceptions among teachers and parents. Insome cases, I think teachers have an idea thattheir students will not get through the interview,and don’t want them to be disappointed. This is aproblem we often encounter. Schools that are notused to sending people to Cambridge or Oxfordmay only have one or two applications a year. Itcan be very difficult for teachers who’vepersuaded students to apply if those students arethen rejected. So it is very important that wetarget the right applicants; we don’t want to raisestudents’ aspirations unrealistically.

I think it’s also important to tell students that theinterview is only one part of the applicationprocess – we look at a whole range of informationabout a candidate, including their academicrecord, references, personal statement and testscores, as well as their interview performance.

Q: How does it affect an applicant if his or herparents are Cambridge alumni?

Sarah: In most cases, we wouldn’t even knowand would prefer not to. Applicants may beasked for a parent’s name on their applicationquestionnaire, but we are both reasonably new toSidney and wouldn’t recognise most names. Inany case, it certainly would make no differencein our selection decision.

Q: If an applicant mentions having alumni parents,does that have an effect on his or her chances?

Kirsten: No! We are completely neutral. Wewant to know about the student – his or herabilities and interests – and not anything else. Sothere is no harm, but also no benefit, inmentioning alumni parents. Of course, if a childor relative of a Sidney Member is admitted, weare always thrilled, and celebrate thatrelationship. However, we feel that the importantthing is for the student to choose their Collegeon the basis of where they will feel at home.

We are very conscious of Sidney’s great strengths,distinctive features and cherished traditions. It hasa very special role to play for our current andprospective students, as it did for our alumni.Through our work in the Admissions Office, weplay our part in ensuring that Sidney continues tobe a vibrant scholarly community of which we canall be proud.

Admissions at Sidney SussexIn 2007, Sidney welcomed Dr Kirsten Dickers as its new Director ofUndergraduate Admissions. Here she, and her colleague, Admissions OfficerSarah Nathoo, explain to Zoe Swenson-Wright how the Sidney Admissionsprocess works, and what sort of students the College is working to attract.

Prospective students on a tour of the College

Pho

to: A

dam

Nal

l

Sarah Nathoo (left) and Kirsten Dickers

4

Thank you to all who have supported Sidney Sussex in 2006–2007We are very grateful to all Members and friends of the College who have supported the Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaign with a gift toSidney, to support the College’s Annual Fund, Thornely Fund, Charles Larkum Fund for Music, the College Library and its students.

Thanks also to those who have made special gifts – for access bursaries or study awards, or for the upkeep of a particular subject or activity.

To those who have given anonymously, your names may not be listed here but we thank you wholeheartedly. All whose gifts were received after30 June 2007 will be thanked in a future issue of Pheon.

We are deeply grateful to

Friends of SidneySussex College

Mrs D A AtkinsonMrs P B W BeggMr M J BlakeProfessor H R BoltonDr L BroughtonMrs B K BrowningMs A V R BugdenMrs D J Clarke Mr A D CooperThe Ann D FoundationThe Alan and Sheila Diamond CharitableTrust

Estate of Mrs M GDibden

Dr I S EvansMrs K GledhillMr & Mrs K HaithMr R HarbourProfessor J M Harrison

Mrs S HowleyDr D J KnightMr and Mrs A LeggMiss P MorrisMr A NealDr E M NorthcoteMr and Mrs M B OwenMr L M C ParkerMr I RussellMr D V RutterMrs H SalemohamedMr J Scrymgeour-Wedderburn

Mrs E H SealyDrs G & R SouthgateMr J H A ThornelyMrs M TurnerMrs S E TyrrellMr P W WarrenBaroness Young of Old Scone

MembersMatriculated in orbefore 1940

Lieutenant Colonel E C Alderton

Mr I P Allnutt OBEMr P G AndrewsMr L J AshfordMr R A BarberProfessor D E Blackwell

Dr J F BuchanEstate of Mr G PBugden

Mr J CatlowDr M W Cemlyn-JonesMr E W EspenhahnMr W FrenchMr J W F GardinerMr J C GaskellThe Revd G H Gillespie

Mr D H Griffiths OBEMr C M H HarrisonMr J B HarrisonMr F C Herd

Mr J B HoyleDr L V IllingProfessor D A JenkinsDr A I MacLeodMr D R MatherMr S V MeinhardtThe Revd M B PerkinsMr J A PorterMr V K RaoThe Estate of SirRichard Powell

Dr J H B Roy Dr J M W Sedgwick Professor C T Shaw CBE

Lt-Colonel D R Stenhouse

Dr K W Symons Mr B A Timbs The Estate of Dr A LYoxall

1941 – 1950

Professor J W AllenMr G G BannermanDr R B BennetProfessor R N Bracewell

Mr J BrockMr D D Bromley-Challenor

Mr A T BrownDr L F BruntMr G W BuckleyMr A M BurgessMr D E ButterfieldProfessor K J Carpenter

Mr W G E ChiltonEstate of I C K ClarkeMr J H ClementMr G DarbyMr B G P DobsonDr A L DowningMr H H I EasterlingMr G J EdwardsMr P R EllisMr J C EmmersonMr M L FenwickMr M P FogdenMr I G FormanRevd Canon A J S Freeman

The Hon Sir P N Garland

Mr D R Gilbert TDHis Honour Judge M B Goodman

Mr A S Grant Mr C F HerzbergProfessor M HobsleyMr D R HowardMr G B C HughesMr F B JohnsonMr C G G JohnstoneDr J H JonesDr L C LamingMr A H LancashireMr A S LawsonMr W LeslieMr W F S LettenMr C M Mitchell

Mr G V R MouldingProfessor D J NewellDr J C Newell-PriceProfessor B E J PagelDr N PeacockMr A J PeelerRevd Canon D F ReesDr C M ReevesMr K ReynoldsMr J ReynoldsMr D G M RobertsThe Rt Revd J H G Ruston

Mr E N ScottMr J A ShepherdMr N E ShepherdMr J B SmithMr I J SmithMr R L StokerMr I B UrquhartMr R T F Wainwright Mr D L WalkerMr K J WoodrowDr N Wright

1951 – 1960

Mr J V R Anderson OBE

The Very Rev’d W R TAnderson

Mr G R AngellMr J B BairstowDr P J BallDr D A Barr Mr A V Bassili Mr J M M Bell Mr P Birnbaum The Revd J ABowering

Sir Derek Bradbeer OBE TD DL

Mr T J Bramley Mr R G BroadieMr C A Browning Mr M G Bullen Dr J Burgess Mr A R CatchpoleMr F W Cheesman Mr J R CollisMr S R Coltman Mr F D Cousin Mr S T CowanMr R A Crabb Commander D Dawson-Taylor

Mr D E de SaxeMr J D DerryDr R H L Disney Mr F R Edgar Mr C D S EwartMr B K FinnimoreMr K G FreyMr R M Furber Mr G M GillMr P R GoddardMr D R GrayMr D H Gray Mr M E GubbinsMr R L C Hartley QCMr D A HaxbyMr L HellerMr N Heroys

Mr D R Hester Mr A J Hewitt Mr R E HildrewMr R J HillDr C E Hoare Dr G A Hobbs Mr K Hopper Mr H H Houghton Mr D J Humphrey Mr L R HuntDr P V Hunt Mr J C Jeffery Mr J A Jefkins Mr J D JemsonMr M G W KettlewellDr D KleppnerMr R M KnightProfessor J J LagowskiMr T G LawrenceProfessor S E Lehmberg

Revd N K Leiper Mr P F T LinfordMr P W Lipscomb OBE

Mr C C K LucasMr D R LukerDr A D MacAdamMr D B McKennaDr G E S McDonaldCommander T C C Millett

Mr J P OakleyMr L D OgdenMr C N Osmond Mr C V Nicholls QCMr H W PackhamMr R H Parkinson Mr B S Perryer Mr A R PrattMr A J Pudden Dr R D Pyrah Mr H T Randolph Mr D A RedfernDr J M Reid OBEMr S A Ross Dr S J E Russell-WellsProfessor D M Ruthven

Mr N R Sachdev Mr P D Sanderson Mr G W Scott-Giles Dr A Segal Mr J M SennettMr F J Silvester The Rev’d Canon J L Simpson

Mr D J SlimmonMr D J Smith The Rt Hon Lord D R Stevens

Mr C L Stevenson Mr R C G StrickMr D M D Strong Mr J M Sutcliffe Mr K R TeareMr R G Thorne Mr M A Thorpe Dr D C Thrush Mr M TownsendDr M S A TownsendMr Z J A Tyszkiewicz Mr J Van Weyenbergh

The Venerable M I Williams

Mr G H W WilliamsonMr S W Williamson QCMr C M W WilsonHis Honour Judge H Wilson

Mr W S WittsMr J A WoodMr A J L WorthMr P S J Zatz

1961 – 1970

Mr S W AskewMr V J BakerMr R H BirtwistleMr C S Blake Mr C R Broadie Mr J W Brown Mr J H A BrysonMr A J F Caie Mr D J F Cameron Dr L J CarterMr P J Clare Dr G B ClementsMr E A CroweProfessor R T CurtisMr F A EamesMr P I Espenhahn Mr N O EssexMr H M Evans His Honour Judge E J Faulks

Mr P N FisonMr P G D FoxMr T FrenchDr R E B GarrodMr R C H GenochioMr J W GibbonMr W GibsonMr N J GreenwoodMr D C HaighDr H A R Hamad-Elneil

Mr M W HeathMr M N Higgin Professor J W HillDr N P HuddMr A J L HunsProfessor R H F HunterMr J S HurstMr P G JenkinsDr J R KemmProfessor C G MarksMr J W McNeill QCProfessor J M MillerMr M J MobbsMr B J MoodyMr K NicholsonMr R C NorthMr D F H PercivalMr R C J PhillipsMr T W J PhillipsMr H J PillingMr D J PritchardMr D E PurchaseDr M Purshouse The Rt Hon W R N Raynsford

Mr L L RichMr P J R RiddellMr S G Rider

Mr E N RowleyMr J M RushtonDr E J Salter Dr A J Searle Mr C W J Seldon Mr P R SpeerMr I B M Stephen Mr M W Story Mr M A Styles Mr G A Thorp Mr S W Upton Mr R D WhitakerMr P P White Prof H B Whittington Mr A J Williams Mr P M Wrench

1971 – 1980

Mr J H Allen Mr D P BannisterMr J P BartonMr M P BasingMr M W E BaylissMr G A BazireMrs A C BeckettMr S Braid Dr A K BrownThe Rev’d Dr A S Browne

Mr M J ClaysonMr P J CogganMr R B CooperMs M Craig Dr A R D CurtisMr R W DingleMr M F DixonMr A G DowneyMrs S J DowneyDr M E EdwardsMr R W FalconMrs H E FarmbroughMr M G FlintMrs S V FlintMr R GilbertMr P A GilbertMr T J GilbertMrs K GillMr J S HallMr G R H HampshireDr C H G Harrison Mrs E L HarrisonMr P M HieldProfessor P J G Henderson

Mr G M HollingtonMs S A HolmesDr D R IvesMr J M Jarman QCDr A P Jepson Professor J T KentThe Revd S R KnaptonMr T KreuleMr S R Kverndal QCDr C W LawsonMr A T Lawson-Cruttenden

Professor A E Lee SixMr J M LehmanMr R P LewisMr R G LewneyDr D R LidingtonMrs A B Lomas

Mr K S R MacbeathMrs D J MedlicottMr W J MedlicottMs K J MinogueMr A L MorrisMr R D MorrisonMrs N G MyersonMr O A NasrDr P NichollsDr C L NohreMrs J H PennellsMs J C PerseyMr A J Rafferty Mrs R A RaffertyMr A N RatcliffeMr M S RawlinsonMs R C RuetschMr J RydingMr A G SheardMr N J ShepherdMr C N SherwoodProfessor A K-L SoMr T J StirlingMr F D F ThodayMr J ThorneRear Admiral I P G Tibbitt CBE

Mr G P TranterMr K D TuffnellMr R S WillbournMiss M S WoodruffMr J T YoungMrs E J YoungProfessor J S Ziegel

1981 – 1990

Mr I Anderson Mr J H Barker Sir Terence Beckett Dr S A Bew Mrs C L BewickMrs C L CalderwoodRev’d J M CasementMr A M R ClarkeMr C F O’ConnellMr D T K Dagg Mr Y R Dallal Mrs H C DaurisMr M DeansMs A Emmans DeanMr J DonnellyMiss J T EvansMs M A FarlowMr T FurusawaMrs Y FurusawaMr D G Garton Mrs S L GoreMr N D F GrayMrs H M GysslerMrs C L HockingMr N E KemptonDr C C LeeDr J J H LowtherMr R H McCleanDr W W Meyer Dr J G MillerDr J S Minshull Mr S D MurphyMr C F O’ConnellMr A G PackwoodDr J C T Pepperell Dr A J V Philp

Mr R J Piggott Mr F J ProudDr C Proukakis Mr R A SalmonMr S ShahDr J R Smallwood Mr A R B SmithMr D SookunMrs J A Sourry KnoxMr K TachibanaMr R M Trachok, II Mr K Tugnait Mrs E J WarburtonDr C A White Mr I R Wilton Dr D M C WongMr R T Wood Mrs S L Zijderveld-Darke

1991 and after

Mr G F de Andrade Mrs G N AppletonMiss S BanerjeeProfessor J G BaskerMiss C L BennettDr J S G Biggs Mr J D BlakeMr M BouchardDr R E BrigetyMr M R BurcherMiss L J CatonMr K Y ChouMiss L A CohenMr G E S ColtmanMr T M CreaseProfessor Dame Sandra Dawson

Reverend I M DelingerMrs J M FisherMiss H C FoggMr B W Fox Miss A M GrahamMr S D Hobbs Mr M A HorleyMr K T Huxley-Robinson

Mr B G KilpatrickProfessor J W LauherMiss A S LisuloMs C J ManceMr G J Martindale Mr S P McDermottMiss D NgaraMiss H V NorthMr R P OsbornMr E L OwenMiss C H PerryDr J M RichardsMr C A RuddMiss S T SakhareMiss N SalemohamedMr S J SaljiProfessor Hagen Schulze

Professor and Mrs M S Scott Morton

Dr D S TawfikMrs M A ThorburnMr M J TownsendDr T C VilesMr R B Williams

5

CROMWELL DAY,11 OCTOBER 2008

“None climbs so high…”To mark the 350th anniversary of the death ofthe College’s most famous alumnus, OliverCromwell, the Society has organized a day ofevents to which all members are warmly invited.

The first part of the programme will start withcoffee and biscuits in College in the MongRoom from 10.30. Ian Stephen will introducethe day at 11.00. There will then be two talksfollowed by a buffet lunch. The first talk, byProfessor Derek Beales, will be aboutCromwell’s association with the College,including the reburial of the head in the Collegegrounds, which Derek is the only person stillliving to have witnessed. There will then followan illustrated talk by Roy Sherwood (1966)entitled “With more than regal pomp”: themagnificent state funeral of Oliver Cromwell’.Roy is an historian who has made a specialstudy of Cromwell. His books include TheCourt of Oliver Cromwell and Oliver CromwellKing In All But Name 1653–1658.

The second part of the programme will be areturn coach trip from the College toHuntingdon, where Cromwell was born andwent to school. Our party has been given specialaccess to the Cromwell Museum, the RecordOffice and All Saints Church. At the museum,the Curator, John Goldsmith, has kindly agreedto be on hand and give us a short introductorytalk. At the Record Office, the Archivists Alanand Lesley Akeroyd, have generously agreed toput on a display of Cromwell documents andanything they have with a connection to theCollege. They will say a few words about what’son show. At All Saints Church, tea will beprovided. The Church Secretary, Richard Hough,will then welcome us and give a short talk aboutthe church. The Museum and the Record Officecan only handle 25 people at one time, so wewill split into two groups for these visits.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Christmas with St John’s,OxfordThe Sidney Sussex Society’s 2008Christmas Party will again be held at theRoyal Naval Reserve Shore Establishment,HMS President, in December, 2008.

This year alumni from our Oxford sisterCollege, St. John’s, will also be invited.

Sidney alumni at the 2007 Christmas Party, atHMS President

Lord David Owen with the Master, ProfessorGabriel Horn, Sidney Sussex Society ChairmanIan Stephen and medical alumni of the College.

Alumni dine with members of the Choir

Club members in front of the ParliamentBuilding, with MP Mme Maria Roth-Bernasconi

Cromwell in NîmesCromwell has been wintering in the South of France. More precisely, the plasterbust of Cromwell that normally glares atmeetings in the Old Library and JohnCranch’s Gothick painting of the WilkinsonHead were on loan to the exhibition ‘Tête àTête’ at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nîmesfrom 15 November 2007 to 13 February2008. This display, curated by Barry Barkerand Peter Seddon of the University ofBrighton, was based round Delaroche’s 1831 painting Cromwell découvrant lecercueil de Charles Ier, and examined theiconography of the executed King and theposthumously beheaded Protector, as well asmore general issues relating to regicide andrepublicanism. In conjunction with theexhibition a bilingual volume of essays waspublished. Pascal Trarieux, in his preface,noted that it was appropriate that Nîmesshould host the exhibition since in 1657Cromwell had interceded successfully withCardinal Mazarin on behalf of the city, atthat time a Protestant stronghold in theLanguedoc.

RECENT EVENTSSpring Dinner atArmourers’ Hall

On 24 April 2008, the Sidney Sussex Societyheld its Spring Dinner in the historic setting ofArmourer’s Hall, London. The group was joinedby the Master of the Armourers’ & Brasiers’Company, Prof. William Bonfield, CBE, FRS,FREng (also Cambridge Emeritus Professor ofMedical Materials) and former Master of theCompany, Richard Crabb (Sidney, 1957).

A Concert of EnglishChurch MusicOn 9 November, the Choir of Sidney SussexCollege gave a wonderful concert of EnglishChurch Music from the 17th to 21st centuries.Director of Music David Skinner introducedthe programme, and conducted the Choir.After the concert, members of the Choirjoined alumni for a buffet dinner in the MongBuilding.

The Sidney Club of GenevaDinner and Parliament visitThe 2007 Sidney Club of Geneva AnnualDinner was held on 9 June at the 4-star Hoteldu Lac, Coppet on the shores of LakeGeneva. The Master gave the keynote speech:“Business education in the global economy.”

In March 2008, the group visited the SwissFederal Parliament in session, for a guidedtour and discussion, followed by a tour ofthe old town of Berne and dinner in a localrestaurant frequented by MPs. The membersof the Club and their guests were receivedby the Conseillère Nationale (Mme Roth-Bernasconi) of the Swiss Federal Parliament.

Sidney Sussex Society members wishing tofind out more about Geneva Club events areencouraged to contact Dr Ajit Bhalla,Telfax: +4122 776 1487.Email: abhalla33@windowslive.com

Medical and VeterinarySociety Reunion Dinner Alumni working as doctors and veterinariansgathered in College on 2 February 2008 for alecture entitled “In Sickness and in Power” by theRight Honourable the Lord David Owen (1956),alumnus and Honorary Fellow of the College.

The Lecture was followed by a black-tiedinner in Hall.

Alumni Rugby and the“Dashwood Cup”For the first time in living memory, SidneySussex College was witness to a clash ofmind and body on the rugby field betweenits very best past and present Rugby Unionplayers. The match was played hard andfast, with impressive displays of staminaand skill from both sides, resulting in aconvincing win for the Old Boys team, with 24 points to 5.

The two sides were competing for thenewly inaugurated Dashwood Cup, inhonour of the highly respected Law Fellowand Patron of the Porcupines, ProfessorAlan Dashwood. The trophy was presentedto the victors by Professor Dashwoodhimself, as a large crowd of Sidneyites –including the Master and Dr. Tim BaylissSmith, a Sidney Captain from the late 60’sand now a Geography fellow at St. Johns –looked on.

Divisions were quickly forgotten, and bothsides celebrated together late into the night,retelling memories of rugby games longgone and hopes of victories to come. Thewhole day was a great success, with allpromising to return next year and for aslong as their joints would allow them.

I hope that next year the response will beeven greater from alumni. Even if yourplaying days are over, heed the wise wordsof John Dickenson: “The pub is as much apart of rugby as the playing field.”

I hope to see you there next year, for whatpromises to be another great day out.

Alex Bescoby, SSRUFC Captain 2007-8and SSRUFC President 2008-09 email: ab675@cam.ac.uk.

PLEASE NOTE, THIS MEANS THATNUMBERS GOING TO HUNTINGDON ARELIMITED TO 50, SO PLEASE BOOKEARLY! There is no limit on numbers for anyother part of the day.

The third part of the programme will takeplace back in College and will start with anexhibition of Cromwell artefacts owned by theCollege which will be displayed in the Library(Garden Court) where the College Archivist,Nicholas Rogers, will say a few words abouteach item. This will be followed by drinks anda three course dinner in the Old Library. Note:The display will be open to all, whether or notattending the drinks and dinner. A bookingform is enclosed.

ENGINEERS’ DINNERSidney engineers will want to note nowSaturday, 7 February 2009, as the night of thenext triennial dinner for engineers beingorganised by the Sidney Sussex Society. It will be held in Hall as usual. All who havestudied, or are studying, Engineering atSidney will be welcome. Application formswill be circulated in the autumn.

In a desperate attempt to escape the 2007summer floods, a friend and I packed ourrucksacks and headed for Athens, little knowingthat we would be swapping floods for fires!After landing at the International Airport, wereluctantly left the cool of its air-conditionedfoyer to negotiate the thirty-five kilometrejourney to the city itself – and so began ourfortnight of travelling around Greece and Italy.For someone who had never been further souththan the Lizard in Cornwall, it was quite astruggle to adjust to Mediterranean temperaturesin excess of forty degrees, but with theAcropolis as a backdrop and fortified by frappé,we set about exploring the Greek capital.

The ancient world that centred on theMediterranean is generally regarded as thebedrock of Western civilisation, and I havealways been fascinated by its history, art andarchitecture. Although I studied Latin, art andhistory at GCSE level, following a scientificroute with my A levels meant that I was unableto study this area in any real depth. However, Ihad always wanted to visit the sites themselvesand experience the Mediterranean culture at firsthand. With the help of the Otto Smail travelaward, this trip gave me the opportunity to do so.

Despite turning up a year too early to visit thecontroversial New Acropolis Museum, ourwhistle-stop tour of the various cultural sites inAthens made a great introduction to the area.The next day, we decided to move on from thecapital, making a scarily early start (particularlywhen you factor in the time difference) in orderto catch a ferry from the port of Piraeus toSantorini, a small circular archipelago ofvolcanic islands and the southernmost memberof the Cyclades. Approaching the massivecaldera by sea was one of the highlights of thetrip, with its brooding black cliffs looming up infront of the ferry. The next few days were spentexploring Santorini’s archaeology, whitewashedclifftop villages and hidden coves – and prayingthat the dilapidated buses would make it roundthe next precipitous corner! My friend alsodecided to go sea-cave diving (presumably insearch of the fabled city of Atlantis, which isrumoured to have once been on Santorini…) AsI am not a trained diver, I declined to join himand picked what I thought was the safer optionof visiting the modern volcano in the centre ofthe caldera. Although it has remained dormantsince the last eruption in 1950, there are plentyof hot springs and fumaroles to act as a reminderof the magma chambers just a few kilometres

Sidney is top of the pops!For Sidneyites, the names Al Doyle andFelix Martin bring memories of two formerEnglish students, but for dance fanseverywhere these names constitute two fifthsof the British band Hot Chip.

In recent years Hot Chip have ascended tobecome one of Britain’s foremostdance/indie groups. Their latest album,Made In The Dark charted in January atnumber 4 in the UK, while Ready For TheFloor, the first single released from Made InThe Dark, reached number 6 in the single’schart. This mainstream success is coupledwith critical praise from the music press.They have received numerous accoladesfrom many sources but notably their secondalbum, The Warning, was nominated for the

6

below the surface – plus a rather worryingsentence in the guidebook, which reads: ‘Afterthe last eruption of Nea Kameni in 1950, theSantorini volcano remains dormant until today.’Next time, I think I’ll go cave diving!

Time to leave Santorini, and we discovered thatall the ferries back to Piraeus were fullybooked. This forced us to take a plane toAthens from the main island’s tiny airport – myfriend narrowly escaping ‘the bends’ after hisdive the day before! From Athens, we caughtthe next coach to Delphi and embarked on ajourney that took us through some stunningmountain scenery – so stunning, in fact, that wemissed our stop and had to persuade a ratherirritated driver to let us off so that we couldwalk back to the town. Both the modern townand the archaeological site are perched on thesouth-western spur of Mount Parnassus in adramatic, eagle’s eyrie location. Delphi was thesite of the Delphic oracle, the most importantoracle in the classical Greek world. It was alsothe location of the Pythian Games, one of theforerunners of the modern Olympic Games.

From Delphi, we travelled around the Gulf ofCorinth to the Peloponnese Peninsula andstayed in Olympia, the site of the classicalOlympic Games. The games were held everyOlympiad, or four years, but were abolished in394 AD by Emperor Theodosius I as theywere reminiscent of paganism. However, themodern Olympic torch is still lit here, usingthe reflection of sunlight in a mirror. Little didwe know, sitting in the idyllic calm of thelandscaped grounds, that only a fewkilometres away, the devastating forest fireswere beginning to rage…

It was only once we were on the ferry to Barithat footage began to flood in of fire-fighterstackling the conflagration in Olympia. Thedramatic images showed the places we hadbeen standing in only the day before, thefierce flames reflected in the marble. The firesturned out to be the largest wildfires in thehistory of Europe, and arguably the largest

Greece and Southern Italy

environmental disaster in Greek history. Theday after we left Olympia, the town wasevacuated with many of the transport systemsacross the Peloponnese grinding to a halt.

Our arrival in Italy was somewhatovershadowed by being sold an ‘impossible’train ticket to Pompeii. After trying (very hard)to make connections at various stations betweenBari and Pompeii, we found ourselves stranded,at midnight, somewhere north of Naples. Facedwith a night on the station platform we made ourdecision and in true backpacking style … caughta taxi to our next hostel! As we approachedPompeii at one in the morning, the darksilhouette of Mount Vesuvius loomed above us,an even more imposing sight than the cliffs ofSantorini. The next day, we climbed to itssummit for spectacular views of the Gulf ofNaples, with the city and its suburbs sprawlingdisturbingly close to the edge of the volcanoitself. One sprained ankle later (my companion,not me) and we were back in the town, walking(or hobbling) around the site of Pompeii’sancient settlement. It was amazing to see thedevastation that took place here. Even thoughthe destruction of Pompeii took place so longago, the stark reminder of what happened isever-present and it is shocking to see howdensely populated the whole region still is today.

After two nights in Pompeii, we moved northto Rome and spent the remainder of our timeexploring this beautiful city. Although we‘did’ the ancient sites, I had not expected tofind the Renaissance art and architecture sobreathtaking. It would take another thousandwords to even begin to express how much Iloved Rome, and two days were certainly notenough. I plan to go back as soon as possibleto linger, soak in the atmosphere, continuesampling the Roman pizzerias and then headup north to explore the Renaissance art andarchitecture of Florence and Venice.

Joe White (2007)

Pantheon, in Rome

Pass it OnCalling all Sidney ex-rowers:

Sidney Sussex Boat Club will be holding adinner for the college’s ex-rowing alumnion 1 November to help raise funds for anew women’s VIII. Please come! Detailsfrom the Boat Club Captain, MichaelMarsh, at mrm42@cam.ac.uk.

Congratulations to:

Her Honour Judge Katharine Marshall(1977), who became a Circuit Judge on 14 April 2008. She has been assigned to theWestern Circuit, and will be working inPortsmouth.

Professor Henderson (1950), who has beenmade an Honorary Fellow of CardiffUniversity, following the integration/fusionof what used to be the University of WalesCollege of Medicine with CardiffUniversity – in recognition of“international excellence in research andcontribution to the development of cardiacservices in Wales”.

Dr John Murton (1991) who has moved toMauritius as British High Commissioner,covering Mauritius, Madagascar andComoros.

Mark Russell (1996), now AssociateProfessor in the Liberal Arts College ofConcordia University, Montreal, haspublished “Between Tradition andModernity: Aby Warburg and the PublicPurposes of Art in Hamburg, 1896–1918”(New York: Berghahn Books, 2007).

Simon Taylor (1980) has published“Privatisation and Financial Collapse in the Nuclear Industry – the Origins andCauses of the British Energy FinancialCrisis of 2002” (Routledge) based on hisexperience advising the government on theprivatisation of the British nuclear powerindustry in 1996. In April 2007, he alsobecame a University Lecturer in Finance atthe Judge Business School.

In his Otto Smail Prize Essay, Joe White (2007) gives an account of a journey through Greece and Southern Italy

Mercury Music Prize in 2006, and wonMixmag’s Album of the Year award.

The Warning was the breakthrough for theband, and their first release on a major label(EMI). However, even before the release ofthis album, they had attracted the attention ofmany discerning music fans through internetwebsites, specialist radio programmes, wordof mouth and their incredible live shows. Eversince releasing their first LP in 2004, theyhave had a loyal and ever growing fan base,on both sides of the Atlantic.

Hot Chip are part of a small (but increasing)number of British bands that are achievingsuccess in America. This is partly due to theirAmerican label DFA, and partly due to theinternet- especially sites like the Chicago-basedPitchforkmedia.com. This American interestwas evident when, in 2006, Hot Chip were

one of the “buzz-tips” for the Texasfestival/industry showcase South-By-Southwest, and attracted 500 metre queuesfrom fans, journalists and music scouts, alleager to see them play live.

Their live shows are a key weapon in theband’s armoury. Their sets are musicallyvery tight and the songs never fail to get theclub dancing but they also have an intensestage presence and are able to rework, orcover songs that demonstrate the band’s vastand eclectic knowledge of popular musicfrom the last 50 years. Hot Chip shows areseldom forgotten in a hurry.

With the new album released, and a slew ofdates in Europe and America coming up,things are looking very bright for the boysfrom Sidney Sussex.

Daniel Sargeant (2007)

If any College member is willing to offeradvice or assistance to fellow CollegeMembers and would like to publish detailsin Pheon, please write to the Editor withthe relevant information.

Pheon aims to keep Members of SidneySussex informed about their College andabout each other. Articles and photographswill be most welcome; they should beforwarded to:

Zoe Swenson-Wright, Assistant Editor, PheonSidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU

Tel: 01223-338864 Fax: 01223-338884Email: zs205@sid.cam.ac.uk

Delphi

Stock up early on Sidney Sussex Christmas cards!Phone Wendy Hedley (01223-338881) for a selection.

The new ultra-high-bypass engines will bedesigned for low noise and be located overthe wings of the plane, so that sound can be shielded by the body of the plane fromlisteners on the ground. Long engineexhaust ducts with acoustic liners will also help by absorbing noise.

The engines have variable area exit nozzleswhich enable them to operate with quiet low-speed exhaust jets at take-off and duringthe climb, and then burn minimal fuel whilecruising.

The airframe is designed for lower approachspeeds, which means lower noise. Also the design has no flaps or slats, therebyeliminating the two largest airframe noisesources, and the undercarriage has fairings,which reduces its noise.

22ISSUE TWENTY TWO

June 2007

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

Professor Dame Ann Dowling’s Silent Aircraft Initiative Diary Dates for 20079 June Sidney Club of Geneva

Annual Dinner, Hotel duLac, Coppet

11 June Evensong for Voices andViols: the Sidney Choir and viol consort Fretwork.

18 June May Week Concert

15 October Thornely Society Celebration

9 November Sidney Sussex Society Choir Concert

17 November 1596 Foundation event

10 December Sidney Sussex SocietyChristmas Party – HMS President

Diary Dates for 2008February (TBA) Thornely Society Lecture

2 February Sidney Sussex SocietyMedical and VeterinaryDinner: Speaker Lord David Owen

April (TBA) Thornely Society Dinner

24 April Sidney Sussex Society Spring Dinner,Armourers’ Hall

10 May Sidney Sussex Society – MA Graduation Dinner

11 October (TBC) Cromwell Day

Commemoration of BenefactorsDates for 2007–2008Forthcoming dinners for those who matriculated in:

30 June 2007 1994–1995

22 September 2007 1971–1973

28 June 2008 1964–1966

27 September 2008 1996–1997

Forthcoming events are posted on the College website at:http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni/events/events.html

1

Fellowship in Law. He would also have beendelighted at the growing range of excitingevents organised by the Sidney Sussex and theThornley Societies, reported on pp. 2 and 3.

The vitality of the wider Sidney community is also evident in alumni contributions to thisissue, which include an edited version of thetalk on Sidney women that Sally Simmons gaveat this year’s Society Christmas Party, AlexMassie’s account of his work in Kenya and thefirst in a series of profiles of historic Collegecharacters by Richard Humphreys, who iswriting a history of the College.

In January, Sidney became a two-Dame Collegewhen Ann Dowling joined the Master as aDame of the British Empire, for her Services toScience. She was honoured in the New Year’sList for her work on aeronautics and energy.Since then we have all been basking in herreflected glory, and by way of appreciation wepublish here a short account of her pioneeringwork on designing a silent aircraft.

With Charles Larkum’s death in November last year, Pheon lost an Editor who brought to the role both enthusiasm and flair. His is a hard act to follow; he will be fondlyremembered at Sidney for many years to come. Among his many other kindnesses,Charles made a final gift to the College that has allowed us to establish the Charles LarkumFund for Music, following on from the DorothyLarkum Reading Prize set up in 2005. As themusic programme at Sidney Sussex continuesto grow and to take centre stage, we hope thatthe Charles Larkum Fund for Music will be alasting source of support.

You will find enclosed with this edition ofPheon a brochure introducing the CharlesLarkum Fund for Music, and inviting you tocontribute in memory of Charles.

Charles played a major part in attracting newfunds to the College, and would have beenparticularly pleased with the successfulcompletion of the endowment of the Thornely

Finally, as I am now acting as Editor of both Pheon and the Annual, can I take thisopportunity to appeal for any information about yourselves, or other Sidney alumni, thatyou think would be of interest to readers of theannual. My email address is jblm2@cam.ac.uk.

James MayallEditor

Remembering Charles

Charles with Freddie

Professor Dame Ann Dowling came to Sidneyas the Robert Angus Research Fellow in 1977and was elected to an Official Fellowship in1979, when she became University AssistantLecturer in Engineering.

She is now Head of the Energy, FluidMechanics & Turbomachinery Division of the Engineering Department, with morehonours and academic distinctions to her name than could easily fit into this issue of Pheon! In 2003, she was much in the news as Chair of the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering study onnanotechnology, an in-depth investigation of the potential benefits and the health,

environmental and social consequences of nanotechnologies.

The Silent Aircraft InitiativeAnn Dowling is currently UK head of the Silent Aircraft Initiative, a collaborationbetween researchers at Cambridge Universityand MIT which recently released theconceptual design of an ultra-low noise and fuel efficient aircraft, the SAX40(http://silentaircraft.org/SAX40/).

At take-off, most of the noise of a conventionalaircraft is due to its engines, particularly thefans and high speed propulsive jets. Atapproach, however, the airframe generates as

Sidney’s “Distrest Poet” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Thornely Society Success! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The first Women in College . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Forthcoming Musical Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Organ Scholars’ Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Sidney Sussex Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Students in Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Master’s new Portrait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Sidney’s Prize-winning Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pass it On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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We congratulate Professor Dame Ann Dowlingboth on her very well-deserved honour, and onher contribution to the SAX40 and many otherinnovative engineering projects designed toimprove the quality of life for all of us.

Ann Dowling with a model of the SAX40

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much noise as the engines, as air rushes overthe flaps, slats and undercarriage.

The SAX40 will be virtually silent – emittingsound so faint it can hardly be heard outside theperimeter of an airport in a day-time urbanenvironment. Professor Dowling’s groupbelieves that this can be achieved not through asingle new design feature, but by analysing allof the sources of noise in current aircraft, andtaking steps to dramatically reduce each one.

2

The Progress of a Sidney Rake – William Pattison“So died in the twenty-first year this talentedbut reckless young man…. From the extremelicentiousness of his poetry the world was againer by his death, and Sussex can take littlecredit for having given him birth. Most of hispoems were written before he was nineteen,and they show a moral depravity quiteremarkable for that early period of life…”

Thus wrote Mark Antony Lower in his ‘TheWorthies of Sussex’ (1865). The ‘reckless’young man was William Pattison (1706–1727),a native of Peasmarsh in Sussex, who arrived at Sidney in July 1724. He left two years laterhaving excised his name from the Collegeregister and left on his cut-up gown thefollowing verses:

Whoever gives himself the pains to Stoop,And take my venerable tatters up;To his presuming Inquisition I,In Loco Pattisoni thus reply:Tir’d with the senseless jargon of the Gown,My Master left the College, for the Town;He laughs at Follies he once endur’d;And scorns his precious minutes to regale,With wretched College-Wit, and College Ale;Far nobler Pleasures open to his View,Pleasures for ever Sweet! For ever New!

Pattison had fallen out with his disciplinarianSidney Tutor, John Bell, and, fearing that hemight be sent down, left of his own accord tolead the life of a poet in London. The reasonsfor his dispute with Bell seem to be that he was,as his biographer wrote, more likely, at the veryleast, to be found ‘Versifying at Sidney College,or Angling on the Banks of the River Cam’,than undertaking his scholarly studies and the ‘public disputations’ he so loathed. Afascinating correspondence between Pattisonand his Cambridge friends survives whichshows that they and some of the Fellows were keen for him to return, but that Pattison’sown love of London’s literary life and Bell’shostility prevented this happening. Amongthose Fellows who supported his return werethe future Master John Adams and thedistinguished philosopher John Gay.

Pattison was addicted to sex and his letters andpoetry are full of carnal matters. He wrote tohis Sidney friend Benjamin Wase: ‘Yesterday I fell in Love with a Lady in the Park; I took theFreedom of the Place, offered my Addresses,which at first she received coily, but awaitingupon her to her Lodgings, I found after somemodest struggles of Honour, that, to speakpoetically…’ and he goes on in verse todescribe his successful seduction and theresulting ‘vast sea of Extacy’ he and his loveobject enjoyed. Many of his poems describe indetail his amorous exploits and fantasies, withtheir ‘panting Bubbies’, ‘pretty dying eyes’ and‘fierce Transfusion of exchanging Hearts’.

The likely nature of those activities inCambridge which led to Bell’s disapproval areperhaps best indicated by his poem, ‘NancyThe Bed-Maker’:

‘Twas once upon a summer’s day,As on my downy bed I lay:All over in tedious sweat,To ease my limbs, and cool the heat;When pretty Nancy gently came,Nancy the object of my flame!So soft she looked, so sweet, so fair,With such a winning, yielding air;With such an easy comely pride,She seemed a lovely, longing bride! Obedient to her eyes’ command,I seized her warm consenting hand;

Upon the downy bed displayed,The unmurmuring, panting, struggling maid.There ravished, feasted on her charms,Her heaving breast, her twining arms,Her Ivory neck, her roguish eyes,Her slender waist, her taper thighs,With magic beauties these betweenToo soft; too dazzling to be seen.Melting, I clasped them close to mine,And in a moment grew divine!

Pattison’s career in London was at first verypromising and he seems to have gained theadmiration of Alexander Pope, a subscriber tohis posthumous ‘Poetical Works’ of 1728, andwhose ‘Abelard to Heloise’ he imitated veryskilfully. Within a year, however, his lettersshow a broken young man, reduced to povertyand writing in desperation to Lord Burlington:‘Sir, What I am, my Proposals will inform you;What I have been, Sidney College, in

The first women at Sidney SussexA speech given at the Sidney Sussex

Society’s 2006 Christmas Party

In 2001, Sandra Dawson wrote to all of us,pointing out that it was 25 years since the first 25 women had come up to Sidney,that she was the 25th and first female Master,and that she thought we deserved a party. It was probably at that party that I first began to appreciate the significance of the arrival of women to Sidney’s history and development. My own arrival at Sidneyseems, with hindsight, to have been the result of a mixture of cowardice and naivety. I applied to Cambridge when I realised I would never be able to handle life as astudent in London, which was where I washeaded. And I more or less picked Sidneyfrom a catalogue. When you applied toCambridge in the 1970s you received two prospectuses, the official one and analternative prospectus written by students. I sat in the kitchen with my parents and read out the students’ descriptions of all the colleges I could apply to and when Ireached Sidney Sussex they both said at once, “That one sounds nice”. It was small,friendly, and none of us had heard of it. It seemed the perfect place for me.

If I had known then that only 25 womenwould be admitted, and that we would all have to be at least exhibition standard,I would have given up at that point. But I didn’t know anything, and so I found myself blazing a trail of which I was totally unaware.

The Choir of Sidney Sussex CollegeDirected by Dr David SkinnerJamal Sutton, Organ Scholar

Forthcoming Dates for the Diary

Monday, 11 June 2007, 6.30pmSidney Sussex ChapelFestival Evensong with Viol Consort Fretwork(http://www.fretwork.co.uk) & ConsortSingers Alamire (http://www.alamire.co.uk)

Thomas Tomkins: Fifth Service and ConsortAnthems

Sunday, 1 July 2007, 6.30pmThetford Parish ChurchPre-tour Concert

Italian Riviera Tour

Thursday, 5 July 2007, 3pmOpen rehearsal in Choistro del MuseoDiocesano, Genova

Friday, 6 July 2007, 9pmConcert in Chiesa di S. Pietro, Savignone

Sunday, 8 July 2007, 9.15pmConcert in Chiesa di S. Andrea, Levanto

Monday, 9 July 2007, 9.15pmConcert in Chiesa di S. Maria, La Spezia

Sidney Sussex alumni are warmlyencouraged to attend these events!

Additional details will be available on theCollege website, and via the Director ofMusic, Dr David Skinner on +44 (0)1223761563 (director.music@sid.cam.ac.uk).

Sidney Sussex Society Concert

Friday, 9 November 2007, 8.30pmSidney Sussex ChapelEnglish church music from the 17th to 20th centuries

Contact Wendy Hedley on 01223–338881 or wah21@cam.ac.uk if you would like toreceive further information about this or otherforthcoming Sidney Sussex Society events.

To pre-order a new recording by the SidneySussex Chapel Choir, These DistractedTimes, due to be released in Autumn 2007 on Obsidian Records, please complete andreturn the enclosed flyer.

When I think back to that time now, and howridiculously easy it all seemed, I find myselfthinking more and more about another kind of trail. My four grandparents were all born in the first five years of the last century, tooyoung to be involved in the First World Warand too old to be active in the second. They all left school at 13. One grandmother wentinto service and the other worked in the Peek Frean’s biscuit factory in the East End,knocking the dents out of biscuit tins. Mygrandfathers, both highly intelligent boys,spent their last year at school helping to teachthe smaller children. My paternal grandfatherwanted to be a doctor, but that was out of thequestion. He became a village milkman inKent, and later worked as a clerk at theArsenal. My mother’s father went to the docks in the East End where he worked as astevedore. Then the Second World War shookeverything up; my father emerged from it afledgling naval officer and my family foundthemselves in a completely different socialposition. It was my place at the end of that trail that brought me to Sidney. Thatprocess of educational emancipation overthree generations has enormous personalsignificance for me: being one of the firstwomen at Sidney Sussex is rather a lesserwonder than the fact that the opportunity to go to Cambridge was open to me at all. (Thefourth generation, of course, is supremelyindifferent to all of this. For my sons Sidney isthe place they slip into to eat their sandwicheswhen they’re in town on Saturday.)

Sally Simmons (1976)

Thornely Society Success!At the 2007 Thornely Society AGM and Lecture,held on 8 February at the London offices ofMayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, Professor AlanDashwood CBE was delighted to announce thatthe Society had reached its fundraising target,and that the Thornely Fellowship in Law wasfully funded. The Thornely Society will continueto hold its successful annual events, to supportthe College’s Law students and Fellows, and to build a strong and sustaining network ofSidney lawyers.

Clive Nicholls QC (1955) gave the 2007Thornely Lecture, entitled “Extradition and theprotection of Human Rights: Striking the RightBalance.” Clive Nicholls is Head of Chambers at Three Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, and a specialist in international criminal law, inparticular extradition, terrorism, and humanrights. His talk will be reprinted in the 2007College Annual.

Cambridge, can witness; but what I shall besome few hours hence, I tremble to think….’He goes on to describe sleeping on benches in St James’s Park and his fears for his health.He eventually succumbed to ‘small pox’, diedin the famous publisher James Curll’s house in the Strand in July 1727, and was buried at StClement Dane’s, according to his sister, ‘in thebest part of the Upper Church Yard’. Her ownfinal judgement on her brother was a counsel of pity for a wasted talent: ‘We ought to draw a veil of Forgiveness over his Imprudencies;and it is to be hoped, that the Fatality of hisExample, will have some influence over allsuch Youth who… let their Heat get the betterof their Judgement.’ Pattison was a true child ofthe ‘Age of Hogarth’, whose famous print ‘TheDistrest Poet’ might have been based on ourunfortunate Sidneian literary hero.

Richard Humphreys (1972)

William Hogarth: The Distrest Poet

Thornely Lecture reception at Mayer, Brown, Rowe and Mawe

On Saturday 21 October 2006, SidneySussex held an Organ Scholars’ Day tocelebrate 50 years of Sidney Sussex OrganScholars and their continuing achievements.Thirteen organ scholars were present, ofwhom nine performed in a wonderful recitalof classical and modern pieces. The seniororgan scholar John Hastie (1958) togetherwith Laura Brown (1982) conducted thechoir at Evensong, when a specially-composed Introit by Alec Crowe (1966) was sung. Professor David Baker (1970) haswritten a review of this event in The Organ,(www.theorgan.mag), Issue 338, November2006.

3

The Organ Scholars’Day

A record number of Sidney members, just shortof one hundred, came to the Sidney SussexSociety’s 2006 Christmas Party, held in aspacious and comfortable set of rooms at HMSPresident, the Royal Naval Reserve ShoreEstablishment near St Katharine’s Docks.

The party had a special focus this year: tocelebrate the 30th anniversary of the admissionof women to the College, Sally Simmons (1976)recalled the early years of women in theCollege; her talk is reprinted on p. 2.

The 2006 Christmas Party

On 21 April, nearly sixty Sidney membersenjoyed a visit to the Scott Polar ResearchInstitute. They were treated to a tour, and adiscussion of the work of the Institute byglaciologist Charles Swithinbank and theInstitute’s Librarian, Heather Lane, whomSidney members will remember from her time as the Sidney Sussex College Librarian. The group then heard a fascinating talk on the Lava Lakes of Mount Erebus by Dr CliveOppenheimer (1994), University Reader inVolcanology and Remote Sensing in theDepartment of Geography. This stimulating daywas followed by drinks and dinner in College.

A Visit to the Scott PolarResearch Institute

Originally set up in the early 1990s tosupport Sidney rowing and allow rowingalumni to get together, the BCA has recentlyemerged from a quiet period with a numberof successful events in 2006/7.

Boat Race Day 2006 found SSBCA membersconvening to watch the race in the perfectly-placed venue of Furnivall Sculling Club, closeby Hammersmith Bridge and with matchlessviews of the course as well as an excellent barand a very welcoming atmosphere (although apreponderance of support for the Dark Sidewas evident in the clubroom).

Unfortunately the race itself is best forgotten,but a good time was had by all nonetheless.SSBCA members also attended the MayBumps breakfast organised by SSBC, joiningSSBC members and their families for a veryenjoyable start to the last day of the Bumps,followed by an afternoon supporting theSidney crews on the river.

Boat Race Day 2007 found us at FurnivallSculling Club once more, hoping to havemore to celebrate this time, and we were notdisappointed. The hospitality was as warm asever, and this time both the weather and theresult were perfect.

Future events planned include a May Bumpsevent, starting in college and moving on to theriver, on Saturday 16th June 2007, and the LentBumps Dinner on Saturday 1st March 2008.

SSBCA is currently providing financialsupport to SSBC for training equipment suchas heart rate monitors, and aims to supportcoaching, training and racing by the club.

Sidney Sussex Boat Club Association – A Successful Year

The Geographers’and Geologists’dinner

In February 2007 Sidney Sussex held its firstdinner for alumni in Geography and Geology.It attracted a very enthusiastic response, withthirty people attending the whole programmeand a still larger number attending part of it.

Professor John Birks, who was undergraduate,graduate, Junior Research Fellow and OfficialFellow in Sidney and now holds the chair of Palaeoecology at the University of Bergenin Norway, gave an extremely interesting pre-dinner lecture on “Palaeoecology andCurrent Environmental Problems – Ispalaeoecology still a ‘quaint but irrelevantspeciality’?” This was attended, amongothers, by Professor Birks’ former Sidneycolleague and neighbour, Emeritus ProfessorHarry Whittington, who is now approachinghis 91st birthday in sovereign style.

Sidney was delighted to welcome back for thisoccasion such a dynamic and distinguishedgroup, ranging from senior civil servants,professors, educationalists, and journalists torecent graduates and the current Directors ofStudies in Geography. Presiding over one ofthe five tables at dinner was Dr RosemaryChorley, the widow and collaborator ofProfessor Dick Chorley whose achievement itwas to build Geography at Sidney into thestrong subject it remains today.

In response to the wishes of those attending,the second dinner will take place in threeyears’ time.

Dr Janice Stargardt (2002)Fellow in Archaeology and Anthropology

Past and present Sidney Organ Scholars

SSBCA members are also actively workingwith the current SSBC committee to seeksponsorship for SSBC.

The SSBCA is open to all members ofcollege who ever rowed, coxed, or justsupported Sidney rowing, and there is nomembership fee. All those who joined theBCA in its earlier incarnation are still on thelist of members, and we are keen to welcomemany more to our mailing list and to futureevents. All you need to do to join is to emailthe Committee Secretary Emma Weisblatt(1983) (ejw44@cam.ac.uk) and/or WendyHedley (wah21@cam.ac.uk) and we will addyou to our contact list. You may telephoneWendy Hedley on 01223–338881, but we’d particularly like to encourage emailcorrespondence, as this enables us to build a mailing list for forthcoming events.

Hoping to see some of you at the May Bumps!

Dr Emma Weisblatt (1983)Boat Club Association Committee Secretary

Members of the SSBCA watch the 2006 Boat Race

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Heather Lane speaking to Society guests at the Scott Polar Institute

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Conversations at the 2006 Christmas Party

1981 Rowing Reunion

Very nearly made that 8 am start; caught no crabs;hit no swans; suffered no seizures, drownings orcoronaries – even managed not to trash the boat.

After a 26-year sabbatical, the vintage ‘81 crew andcoach congratulate themselves on a highly satisfactory

reprise. Back row: Paul Rawlinson, Sue Smith (née Jones, heroically standing in for Alan Curtis),

Paul Bethell, Chris Lloyd; Centre: Murray Clayson,Tim Kreule, Grant Philpott, William Medlicott,

Simon Robinson; Front: Diane Pengelly.

Another successful evening for the “YoungerGeneration” group

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The 2007 Sidney Club of Geneva AnnualDinner will be held on 9 June, 2007, at the 4-star Hotel du Lac, Coppet (on the shores ofLake Geneva about 12 km from the centre ofGeneva towards Lausanne). The Master willbe this year’s speaker. On 28 April 2007,members of the Sidney Club of Genevaenjoyed a fascinating visit to the EcolePolytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)which included lunch at the UniversityRestaurant, presentations by senior academicsand convivial drinks at the end of astimulating day. Sidney Members attendingthe event are pictured below:

Sidney Sussex Society members wishing tofind out more about Geneva Club events areencouraged to contact the President:

Dr Ajit Bhalla29, route de Genève,Commugny, CH-1211SwitzerlandTelfax: +4122 776 1487Email: abhalla22@hotmail.com

The Sidney Club ofGeneva 2007 dinner

Members of the Sidney Club of Geneva at EPFL

The“Younger Generation”London gatheringOn Thursday 21 September 2006, between100 and 150 “younger generation” Sidneyalumni convened at the Pitcher & Piano Pubfor a very successful party.

The Younger Generation group includes all Sidney graduates from 1990 to currentgraduates, although the young-at-heart fromthe 1980s are also encouraged to attendevents!

Every September the group organises a get-together at a London pub or restaurant.Please come and join us.

These events are very informal, and peopleturn up at different times throughout theevening. It is a great opportunity to catch upwith old friends and see people from yourown and other year groups.

If you join the email list for the youngergeneration group, we’ll make sure that youreceive information about forthcomingevents.

Just send an email to Wendy Hedley at theMembership and Development Office, andshe’ll forward your message on to your ownYear Representative. Her email address iswah21@cam.ac.uk.

Julian Blake (2000)

4

Sustainable Development of Kenyan Education

The Master in Stereo

Pass it on

It is quite a leap from the manicured courts and grumpy cats of Cambridge to the plainsand highlands of Africa with their elephantsand antelope. The contrast between educationhere in Cambridge and that found in Kenyansecondary schools is even greater. Manyorganisations and projects are run from the UK and other developed countries to try andaddress disparities such as this. One suchorganisation is Kenya Education Partnerships(KEP), a small charity founded by Cambridgealumni. This summer two Sidney students,Melissa Conboy and myself, will be headingout to work with the project. Alongside eightothers from Cambridge, we will work in pairsat local secondary schools in the rural Kisiiregion. Our joint objective is to improve localeducation through well managed investment.

KEP aims to improve education in Kenya byworking in direct partnership with secondaryschools, developing their capacity for self-led

2007 sees a number of new Sidneypublications:

Dr Niall Johnson (1996) has published abook on influenza pandemics based on hisSidney PhD work: Britain and the 1918–19Influenza Pandemic: A Dark Epilogue(Routledge Studies in the Social History of Medicine).

Nicholas Shaxson (1985) has publishedPoisoned Wells: The Dirty Politics ofAfrician Oil (Palgrave Macmillan).

Sally Simmons (1976) with Ros Hortonhas published Women who Changed theWorld (Quercus Publishing).

We have also been told of new websites,from Dr Christopher Whitby (1971)who has launched an international sonnetcompetition on www.sonnetcompetion.comand from Mark Baczoni (2000) who hasset up a new antiquarian book website atwww.polygraphrarebooks.co.uk.

Congratulations to:

Andrew and Peta Cooke (2001), whobecame engaged to be married lastSeptember in the Sidney Sussex gardens.The couple were married in Sydney,Australia on 16 December 2006, with many Sidney LLM programme alumni in attendance, including Fabio Carvalho(2001), Tanya Bowes (2001), Niall Collins(2001) Matt Coull (2001), Gareth Kenny(2001), Richard Watts (2001) and BradHaines (2001). Peta is now a SeniorAssociate at the law firm Mallesons, inSydney, while Andrew has just finished acourse in medicine at Sydney University.

Alec Peschlow, (2000) who was awarded a Young Solicitors Group Pro Bono awardfor developing an advice service for smallbusinesses during his time as a student onthe Legal Practice Course at NottinghamLaw School.

growth. Basic resources which are often entirelymissing from classrooms, such as books andtest tubes, are purchased for the school. Inaddition, a wider programme is implementedthat addresses the management of the school,the health and welfare of the students and theinteraction of the school and community. Thework is tailored to each school so that it mosteffectively aids them and their community.

KEP’s core philosophy is its standout factor:it emphasises that investing in developingcommunities should enhance their ability tosupport themselves, not encourage dependenceon external intervention.

I believe wholeheartedly in this project and inthe opportunities it gives to young Kenyans.Furthermore it is an extraordinary opportunityfor all us project workers to be able to live in a different culture, learn about ourselves andbring back experiences to Britain. Personally as I am aiming to work in development in the long term, this will provide a wonderfulopportunity for me to learn how developmentcan be sustainable and resources targetedefficiently and effectively.

In order to invest in the schools, each of thestudents involved needs to raise £2000. Themoney will buy books (£3 provides a textbookin Kenya), science equipment (£10 provides a whole class with enough to prepare for andtake their science exams) and other investmentwe feel our schools require (a water tank wassupplied in one school to remove the need for children to walk miles to fetch water atlunchtime). The impact of our work whereresources are scarce is enormous, with excitedchildren swarming around displays of newlyarrived textbooks. This is a hard scene toimagine here in Britain and it shows just howmuch the Kenyan children appreciate theopportunities that education gives them.

To this extent we have held a number offundraising events during the past months. In February we held a bop during One WorldWeek, and we packed out a local venue for amusical event in early March. There was alsotalk of stocks and rotten tomatoes, but the event I approached with most trepidation was a halfmarathon at Reading on 25th March. Hopefully,along with other fundraising ventures, we will be able to achieve our targets.

If you would like any further informationregarding KEP and our work in Kenya, pleasecontact me using my email address below. Any support would be much appreciated,both by Melissa and me and the schools andchildren in Kenya.

Alex Massie (2003)ahm30@cam.ac.uk

Crystal Tumblers and Tot GlassesWe are introducing crystal tumblers and tot glasses engraved with the Sidney Sussexlozenge. The glasses come in sets of two;traditional skills of engraving are employed to produce the fine detail and pleasing finish.Each glass is decorated using sandblastengraving techniques before hand finishing.All glasses will arrive in a satin-linedpresentation box.

To order, please fill out the attached form and return it to:The Membership & Development Office, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU

Name Phone

Address

I would like to order

Item Price How many? Postage & Packing Total

Pair Square Crystal Tumblers £25 £5.25Decorated with the Sidney lozenge Height 90 mm

Pair Square Crystal Tot Glasses £19 £5.00Decorated with the Sidney lozenge Height 60 mm

I enclose payment of

My cheque payable to Sidney Sussex College is attached

I would like to pay by credit card. Please charge my:

VISA Mastercard Eurocard Delta JCB card

Card #

Expiry date: / Name as it appears on card

Signature Date

On 27 April, the Sidney community celebratedthe unveiling of a new portrait of the 25th

Master by the distinguished artist Annabel Cullen.

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Gekonge Mixed Secondary School 2005. “Whenwe arrived at the School the Head Teacher said

that we were seated in a library, yet there were nobooks. Similarly, we were shown the laboratory,yet there were no benches, no gas, no scientific

equipment and no chemicals”

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If any College member is willing to offeradvice or assistance to fellow CollegeMembers and would like to publish detailsin Pheon, please write to the Editor with therelevant information.

Pheon aims to keep Members of Sidney Sussexinformed about their College and about eachother. Articles and photographs will be mostwelcome; they should be forwarded to:

Zoe Swenson-Wright, Assistant Editor, Pheon,Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU

Tel: 01223–338864 Fax: 01223–338884Email: zs205@cam.ac.uk

The corner of King Street and Malcolm Street in1965, (before the construction of Blundell Court).

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Sidney’s Deputy Head Chef, Nigel Tumber,headed a “Cambridge Chefs” Team that won the Highly Commended Award in thedessert category at this years TUCO Chefs’Challenge (the national universities culinarycompetition) in Blackpool. The standard ofcuisine was reported to be very high, and togain such an award is a splendid achievement.

Sidney’s prizewinning cuisine

Nigel Tumber (centre) and his team ofCambridge chefs

3 digit security number

(on reverse of card)

21ISSUE TWENTY ONE

August 2006

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

Please don’t think that our plans to raise Sidney’smusical profile mean that we have taken our eyeoff the academic ball. Very far from it! Our firsttask will always be to make sure that studentscoming to Sidney fulfil their academic potential.

And, we’re pleased to report that we’re gettingbetter at it. Tripos results this summer were thebest for the past decade, continuing an improvingtrend and lifting us back where we want to be –in the top ten Colleges in the performance leaguetables. In 2005 72.8% of Sidney students gainedfirsts or 2.1s compared with the university-wideaverage of 72.1%. This year Sidney’s percentagehas risen sharply to 76.7%. We don’t know theuniversity figure yet, but expect it to be onlymodestly different from last year’s.

Particularly good performances were achieved byNatural Sciences, after much hard work to raisestandards, and our results in Medicine have alsoimproved noticeably. We have tended to do betteron the arts side in recent years, and this continuedwith a particularly good result in English.

Back in the Top Ten Our new Directorof Music

Diary Dates for 2006/0721 October 2006 Organ Scholars’ Day

11 November 2006 1596 Foundation dinner

4 December 2006 Society’s Christmas Party

10 February 2007 Geographers/Geologists Reunion Dinner

February 2007 Thornely Society Lecture

5 April 2007 Spring Dinner / Visit to ScottPolar Research Institute

14 April 2007 Thornely Society Dinner

12 May 2007 MA Graduation dinner

19 May 2007 1596 Foundation dinner

Commemoration of Benefactors Dinners in 2006–2008Dates for those who matriculated in:

23 September 2006 1977–1979

30 June 2007 1994–1995

22 September 2007 1971–1973

28 June 2008 1964–1966

27 September 2008 1996–1997

1

and then making a more substantial giftenabling us to recruit choral scholars throughthe inter-Collegiate scheme. Endowing aDirector of Music, however, even on a part-time basis, is of a very different order. Thedonation for this purpose now exceeds£100,000 and prompted us earlier this year toreview College’s own resources to see whetherwe couldn’t accelerate the appointment.

Students come to us with so much musicaltalent these days that we have a great need toensure that talent continues to develop intandem with their academic skills, and becomesa life-long resource. For this we also need yourhelp. The Director of Music post is fully-financed for 5 years, but we need to grow theendowment begun by our donor to around£500,000. That would enable us to make theappointment permanent.

What else have we been doing to foster theperformance talents of our students? For thepast two years we have played host to YvonneMcDevitt, the Judith E. Wilson Fellowappointed by the University Faculty of Englishin 2004. Yvonne’s appointment coincided withthe opening of the Faculty’s new building onWest Road and it was her task to inspirestudents with the potential of the theatricalperformance space included in it. She has beena Fellow of Sidney over this period and a realstimulus to our students interested in theatre,as well as being a great enlivener of lunch atHigh Table. Yvonne is recognised as one of themost exciting young directors in Europeantheatre and we hope to welcome her back toCollege periodically for the benefit of ourstudents as her career develops.

Every so often, exciting things happen atSidney and one of them is happening now! Inthe year in which we celebrate 50 years ofOrgan Scholars in the College (see page 3),we have made our first appointment to the postof College Director of Music. Just howexciting that is for us you will judge when youread the profile of Dr David Skinner, our newDirector of Music, in the article below. Davidcomes to us from a similar post at MagdalenCollege, Oxford. He has a strong backgroundin choral music and has already made a namefor himself in performance and recording.Sidney isn’t in the same musical league asMagdalen – not yet. But we are ambitious!

The creation of the Director of Music post hasbeen part of that ambition for some years. Ithas been helped to become a reality by thegenerosity of a donor closely associated withthe College who wishes to remain anonymous.The donor has been a good friend to music atSidney, contributing towards the cost of newcassocks for the choir (for which a generousgift was also received from Brian Newman),

We are also preparing plans for a newperformance space of our own. The Masterand Fellows have approved in principle a newauditorium on top of the JCR Bar on thegarden side of Blundell Court. The auditoriumwill be capable of taking audiences of up to150, making it significantly larger than theMong Hall. Its purpose in part is to developthe College’s conference trade, enabling us tooffer a more complete package to largerconferences, since the new hall will integratewith the 90 en-suite rooms created in BlundellCourt by last year’s enlargement. Just asimportant, however, is the contribution theauditorium will make to music and theatricalperformance in the College.

Building isn’t planned to start for another yearand will then take about 14 months tocomplete. The expected cost is some £2.5million, a significant part of which has alreadybeen earmarked from legacies received by theCollege. Expect to read more about thisimportant project in future issues of Pheon,and we hope to enjoy your support for it aspart of the 800th Campaign.

Sidney takes the musical high road

Dress rehearsal in the Chapel

David Skinnerconducted Magdala, its mixed-voice chapelchoir, producing innovative recordings forprestigious patrons that included the BritishMuseum, British Library, Victoria and AlbertMuseum and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

As a record producer his career has beenextensive and studded with award-winningprojects. These included two GramophoneAwards (and three runners-up positions), theDiapason d’Or, Deutsche Schallplatten, and aGrammy nomination.

It is going to be exciting having him amongst us.

“Poured forth her song...”

We are delighted to introduce Dr DavidSkinner, who was appointed last month from avery strong field to the new post of Director ofMusic at Sidney Sussex.

David is primarily known for his combinedrole as a researcher and performer of earlymusic, and has written widely on the musicand musicians of early Tudor England. Recentpublications include the collected works ofNicholas Ludford (Early English ChurchMusic, 2003 & 2005) and The ArundelChoirbook (Duke of Norfolk: Roxburghe Club,2003). Work-in-progress includes the Latinchurch music of John Sheppard and (as co-author) a book on Music and the Reformation.

David was co-founder of the award-winningensemble The Cardinall’s Musick, and producedmore than 25 recordings with them during histime as co-artistic director (1989–2004). He hasserved as academic adviser and music editor

to a number of professional vocal ensembles,including the Hilliard Ensemble, The TallisScholars, The Sixteen, and several of theOxford and Cambridge College choirs. Hecurrently directs the vocal consort Alamire(www.alamire.co.uk).

David was a British Academy PostdoctoralFellow at Christ Church, Oxford from 1997 to2001 and then Lecturer in Music andCoordinator of Musical Activities at MagdalenCollege from 2001 to 2006. At Magdalen he

Change in the Porters’ Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Farewell to the Sports Ground . . . . . . . . . . .2

The care of Cromwell’s head . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Thank you to Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Visit to St John’s Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Celebrating 50 Years of Organ Scholars . . .3

Clipping the Dragon’s wings . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

The Thornely Society Lecture 2006 . . . . . . .3

Dame Sandra passes on the baton . . . . . . . .4

What’s in a name? – last word . . . . . . . . . .4

Pass it on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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Goodbye to the SportsGround

That Providence which had so long the care ofCromwell’s Head

Friends of the College

Mrs D A AtkinsonMrs P B W BeggMrs B K BrowningMr A D CooperMs J K CoullThe Ann D FoundationMr Henry DawsonDr I S EvansMrs K GledhillMr & Mrs K HaithMrs S HowleyMr J R KennProf Joseph W LauherMr R H McLeanMr and Mrs M B OwenMr H J PhillingMr and Mrs I RussellMrs E H SealyMrs S E Tyrrell

Members 1940 and before

Mr I P AllnuttMr P G AndrewsMr L J AshfordMr R A BarberProf D E BlackwellDr J F BuchanDr M W Cemlyn-JonesMr E W EspenhahnMr W FrenchMr J W F GardinerMr J C GaskellRevd G H GillespieMr D H Griffiths OBEMr C M H HarrisonMr J B HoyleDr A I MacLeodMr D R Mather

Mr S V MeinhardtRevd M B PerkinsMr J A PorterDr J H B RoyDr J M W SedgwickProf C T ShawLt-Col and

Mrs D R StenhouseMr B A Timbs

1941 - 1950

Prof J W AllenMr G G BannermanDr R B BennetProf R N BracewellMr J BrockMr D D Bromley-ChallenorMr A T Brown Dr L F BruntMr G W BuckleyMr A M BurgessProf K J CarpenterMr W G E ChiltonMr J H ClementMr G DarbyMr B G P DobsonDr A L DowningMr H H I EasterlingMr P R EllisMr J C EmmersonMr M L FenwickMr M P FogdenMr I G FormanReverend Canon A J S

FreemanHon Sir Patrick GarlandMr C F HerzbergProf M HobsleyMr D R HowardMr G B C HughesMr F B Johnson

Dr J H JonesDr L C LamingMr A H LancashireMr A S LawsonMr W LeslieMr W F S LettenMr C M MitchellMr G V R MouldingDr J C Newell-PriceProf B E J PagelDr N PeacockMr A J PeelerRevd Canon D F ReesDr C M ReevesMr J ReynoldsMr K ReynoldsMr D G M Roberts CBERt Revd J H G RustonMr E N ScottMr J A ShepherdMr N E ShepherdMr I J SmithMr J B SmithMr D L WalkerMr K J WoodrowDr N Wright

1951 - 1960

Mr J V R Anderson OBEMr G R AngellMr J B BairstowDr P J BallMr J M M BellMr P BirnbaumRevd J A BoweringSir Derek Bradbeer OBEMr T J BramleyMr R G BroadieMr C A BrowningMr M G BullenDr J Burgess

Mr A R CatchpoleMr F W CheesmanMr J R CollisMr S R ColtmanMr F D CousinMr S T CowanMr R A CrabbCmdr D Dawson-TaylorMr D E de SaxeDr R H L DisneyMr F R EdgarMr and Mrs C D S EwartMr B K FinnimoreMr K G FreyMr R M FurberMr G M GillMr D H GrayMr D R GrayMr R L C HartleyMr D R HesterMr A J HewittMr R E HildrewMr R J HillDr G A HobbsMr K HopperMr H H HoughtonMr G B C HughesMr D J HumphreyDr P V HuntMr J C JefferyMr J A JefkinsProfessor D KleppnerMr R M KnightProf J J LagowskiMr T G LawrenceProf S E LehmbergMr P F T LinfordMr P W Lipscomb OBEMr C C K LucasMr D R Luker

Mr D B McKennaCdr T C C MillettMr J P OakleyMr C N OsmondMr H W PackhamMr R H ParkinsonMr A R PrattMr A J PuddenEstate of Mr H T RandolphDr J M Reid OBEMr S A RossDr S J E Russell-WellsMr P D SandersonMr G W Scott-GilesDr A SegalMr F J SilvesterRev'd Canon J L SimpsonMr D J SlimmonMr D J SmithMr C L StevensonMr D M D StrongMr K R TeareMr M A ThorpeDr D C ThrushMr M TownsendDr Z J A TyszkiewiczMr G H W WilliamsonMr P S J Zatz

1961 - 1970

Dr V J BakerMr C R BroadieMr J W BrownMr A J F CaieMr D J F CameronDr L J CarterMr P J ClareDr G B ClementsProf R T CurtisMr P I EspenhahnMr N O Essex

Mr P G D FoxHis Hon Judge E J FaulksMr P N FisonDr R E B GarrodMr J W GibbonMr D C HaighDr H A R Hamad-ElneilProfessor J W HillDr N P HuddMr A J L HunsMr J S HurstMr P G JenkinsProf C G MarksMr J W McNeillProfessor J M MillerMr M J MobbsMr B J MoodyMr R C J PhillipsMr T W J PhillipsMr D J PritchardDr M PurshouseRt Hon W R N RaynsfordMr P J R RiddellMr S G RiderMr E N RowleyDr E J SalterDr A J SearleMr C W J SeldonMr I B M StephenMr M W StoryMr G A ThorpMr S W UptonMr A J WilliamsMr P M Wrench

1971 - 1980

Mr D P Bannister Mr M W E BaylissMr G A BazireSir Terence BeckettDr A K Brown

Change in the Porters’LodgeThis is an issue for new introductions and weare delighted to add a new name and face tothe catalogue of those all-important figures inthe life of students at Sidney, our Head Porters.Sam White was appointed Head Porter in May

this year. His career at Sidney has beenmeteoric, joining us as Porter in October 2004and becoming Deputy Head Porter in May2005. That speaks volumes for his abilities inmodern areas of the job like health and safetyobservance and the all-important traditionalskills of getting on well with students andFellows.

Before joining Sidney, Sam spent 33 yearswith Royal Mail, ending as Mail CentrePlanning Manager and part of a planning andredeployment team working nationally to helpget Royal Mail back in the black.

He follows Graeme Wallace, who completed10 years’ service before heading back to hisnative lowlands of Scotland. Graeme was wellliked by everyone at Sidney and we wish himwell in his retirement.

Taking the PlungeThere is a real sense of excitement inCollege about the developments reported onour front page, and the excitement is all thegreater coming on the back of the continuedimprovement in our academic performance.The appointment of a Director of Music andprovision of better performance facilitiesare things that have long been wished for,but they have always seemed just that bitout of reach.

Well, we have now taken the plunge andcommitted ourselves. We need your supportfinancially to turn these initiatives into apermanent success, which is why we havegiven music and the performing arts such ahigh profile in our 800th Anniversary Appealcampaign. If we succeed, the century aheadwill be a very different one for Sidney. Wewill attract more broadly talented applicants,create a more stimulating environment insidethe College, and raise our profile in the widerworld. Do support us if you can.

And do come if you can to the Society’s dayon 21 October (see page 3), when wecelebrate the achievements of our OrganScholars over 50 years.

* * *

In the last issue, I said that we would take theopportunity to celebrate 30 years of womenat Sidney in Pheon, and invited those inresidence in and around 1976 to let me havetheir memories of that very important, earlierchange in the life of the College.

I have had to change plans this issue forspace reasons, but intend to make good on1976 in the next issue. However, I regret toreport that I have not so far beenoverwhelmed by serious and/or wittycomments from the pioneer generation, andappeal to you again to get in touch. Theremust be some wonderful stories out there.

* * *

Back to music, and congratulations to ChrisPage, University Reader in Medieval Musicand Literature (and Sidney Fellow ofcourse). For many years Chris directed theaward-winning Gothic Voices, and earlierthis year won a resounding seal of approvalfrom Gramophone. Celebrating its 1000thissue, Gramophone published its 100Greatest Recordings of all time andHildegard von Bingen’s A Feather on theBreath of God, recorded by Gothic Voices in1981, was amongst them.

Charles Larkum, Editor

Well played

Thank you to all who have supported Sidney Sussex in 2005–2006

Estate of Lt Col E CAlderton

Mr J P BartonEstate of Mr J P BuchanDr L BroughtonEstate of Mr G P BugdenEstate of Mr J CatlowMr D T K DaggMs J T EvansMs M A Farlow

Dr C E HoareMrs C L HockingEstate of Sir Richard PowellDr R D PyrahMr D V RutterProf and Mrs Scott MortonEstate of Mr M SeymourRt Hon Lord D R StevensMr M StylesDr D S Tawfik

Special Gifts

The opening lines of Andrew Marvell’s APoem upon the Death of His Late Highness,the Lord Protector have a special resonance forSidney members. This is especially true forthose in residence since 1960, when the head atlast found rest in the Antechapel, as they haveliterally been part of that Providence.

And, as recent experience has shown, the careof providence remains as active as ever. College

is subject to the provisions of the Freedom ofInformation Act and we were required by onemember of the public to make available all therecords held by the College relating to thewhereabouts of Cromwell’s head.

Fortunately, knowledge of the burial place isknown only to a few senior members of theCollege and is transmitted orally. No recordsto disclose! And the secret remains intact.

Our new Head Porter

For the past six years, the College has been indiscussion, and more recently in negotiation,about the sale and redevelopment of the sportsground. This will be sad news for memberswith fond memories of the vast field onHuntingdon Road that we have shared withChrist’s College as our sports ground since1904. But College felt it had little real choice.

The sports ground is 22 acres in an area of 320acres to the east of Huntingdon Road (andcentred on the National Institute forAgricultural Botany’s experimental acreage)for which planning permission is being soughtas part of the programme to meet thegovernment’s target of 2,800 new homes inthe Cambridge sub-region by 2016.

Had the two colleges chosen to keep the sportsground it would have become designatedrecreational land within a developed site andfuture possibilities for realising a land gain wouldhave been lost permanently. In practice bothColleges concluded independently that theyshould participate in the development consortium.This means parting company at the sporting level.Sidney expects to share St John’s sports groundon Queens’Road from October 2007.

We are very grateful to all Members and friends of the College who have supported the Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaign with a gift to Sidney.Thanks especially to those who have made special gifts – for access bursaries or study awards, or for the upkeep of a particular subject or activity. Tothose who have given anonymously, your names may not be listed here but we thank you wholeheartedly.

Mr P J CogganMr R B CooperDr A R D CurtisReverend I M

DelingerMr R W DingleMr M F DixonMr A G DowneyDr M E EdwardsMr D J GartonMr P A GilbertMr R GilbertMrs S L GoreMr G R H

HampshireProfessor P J G

HendersonMr S D HobbsMs S A HolmesDr D R IvesMr J M JarmanMr T KreuleMr J M LehmanMr R P LewisMr R G LewneyDr D R LidingtonMrs A B LomasMrs D J MedlicottMr W J MedlicottMs K J MinogueMr A L MorrisMrs N G MyersonMrs J H PennellsMr A N RatcliffeMr M S RawlinsonMr R A SalmonMr A G SheardMr N J Shepherd

Mr F D F ThodayMr J ThorneCommodore I P G

TibbittMr G P TranterMr K D TuffnellMrs E J WarburtonMr R S WillbournMr R T WoodMs M S WoodruffMs E J YoungMr J T YoungProf J S Ziegel

1981 - 1990

Mr I AndersonMr J H BarkerDr S A BewMrs C L CalderwoodRev'd J M CasementMr A M R ClarkeMr Y R DallalMrs H C DaurisMr M DeansMs A Emmans DeanMr T FurusawaMrs Y FurusawaMrs H M GysslerMr N E KemptonDr W W MeyerDr J G MillerDr J S MinshullMr S D MurphyDr J C T PepperellDr A J V PhilpMr R J PiggottDr C Proukakis

Dr J SmallwoodMr A R B SmithMr and Mrs R M

TrachokDr C A WhiteMr I R WiltonDr D M C Wong and

Mrs K B Lim

1991 and after

Mrs G N AppletonMs S BanerjeeProf J G BaskerDr J S G BiggsMr J D BlakeMr M BouchardMr M R BurcherMs L J CatonMr K Y ChouMs L A CohenMr G E S ColtmanProf Dame Sandra

Dawson Mrs J M FisherMr M A HorleyMr K T Huxley-

RobinsonMs A S LisuloMr G J MartindaleMs D NgaraMs H V NorthMr E L OwenMs C H PerryMr S J SaljiProf H SchulzeMr M J TownsendDr T C VilesMr R B Williams

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Two past Sidney Boat Club Captains, HughBalfour (1973) and John Smallwood (1990),plan to run in one go over Cadair Idris, AranFawddwy and Moel Sych, the high points onthe continuous chain of mountains that stretch

across Wales from the coast near Dolgellau tothe English border at Chirk.

St John’s College fronts impressively onto St Giles, the broad boulevard that runsnorth/south through the centre of Oxford. At its lower end is the Martyrs’ Memorial,commemorating Latimer and Ridley, theBishops burned at the stake there in 1555 – theCollege’s foundation year – and ArchbishopCranmer the following year.

On Friday 5 May, on a lovely evening,members of the Sidney Sussex Society visitedour sister College in Oxford. Those whoattended were treated to an absorbing privatetour of the College and its grounds, conductedby the College Archivist. After the tour, therewas an animated and very enjoyable dinner inthe College Hall, hosted by the President, SirMichael Scholar, and his wife. Altogether avery successful outing for the Society

St John’s alumni list holds rather more famousnames than Sidney can readily boast. Theyinclude Archbishop Laud, Jane Austen’s fatherand brothers, and a string of 20th Centurypoets, including AE Houseman, Robert Gravesand Philip Larkin. But nothing quite to rivalOliver’s head!

3

2006 marks the fiftieth anniversary of thearrival of Sidney’s first Organ Scholar. Tocelebrate this landmark in College history, theSidney Sussex Society has arranged a day ofmusic and visits on Saturday 21 October.Organ Scholars past and present have beeninvited, with 15 acceptances so far. All othermembers interested in College music arewarmly invited and will find an applicationform enclosed with this Pheon.

Before Organ Scholars, Sidney was virtually aCollege without music, except for the oftenpainful singing of a small number of maleCantors at Chapel Evensong, accompanied bya feeble organ played from behind the statueof St George at the top of the Old Librarystairs. In 1955, however, old Mr Cecil Hurryretired as College Organist (1916–55) andCollege elected its first Organ Scholar. Howthis came about is now a mystery. It is not tobe found in College minutes and when the lateRoy Wilkinson arrived in 1956 he was notlisted in the Annual among the Scholars.

But arrive he did and made an immediate impactboth inside and outside the Chapel – rather moreoutside, with the Musical Society mounting aperformance of Mozart’s Requiem at HolyTrinity Church in 1958, with fine soloistsbrought together by another College member,the tenor Wilfred Brown. Roy’s successor, JohnHastie, was more formally elected in the firstOrgan Scholarship competition run by thecombined Cambridge Colleges, and came up in1958. The Master, David Thomson, andespecially his wife Margaret, and Otto Smailwere prominent in encouraging musical activity,which included performances of Haydn’sCreation and Bach’s St John Passion.

What could be done inside the Chapel wasseverely limited by an inadequate organ and achoir entirely of male undergraduates.Fortunately, the appeal for Chapel funding inmemory of Canon Weekes, Master 1918–45,provided the bulk of the cost of a new organ,which was built by the notable firm ofHarrison under the guidance of Sir DavidWillcocks, who inaugurated it in November1963. It was almost alone in Cambridge inbeing of the so-called classical type, intendedparticularly to suit the works of Bach.

A distinguished succession of Organ Scholarswas still handicapped by the lack of female

The Garden tour begins

Jamal Sutton, our Senior Organ Scholar, playingthe now elderly Harrison Organ in Chapel

Celebrating 50 Years of Organ Scholars

Visit to St John’s, Sidney’s Oxford Sister

Graduands’Garden Party

Don’t miss this year’s Christmas Party

Clipping the Dragon’s Wings

Members gather in the Front Quad

On 27 June, the Sidney Sussex Society held agarden party in Cloister Court for its newestmembers. Society Chairman Ian Stephenspoke about the Society’s role in sustaining therelationship between College and its membersonce they have left its sheltered courts.Fortunately, the weather held, both for thegarden party and graduation. Congratulationsand good luck to the graduands of 2006.

The Society’s Christmas party this year will be held at the Royal Naval Reserve shoreestablishment, HMS President, on Monday 4 December, from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. Located in astunning position just downstream of Tower Bridge, HMS President should prove a very excitingvenue. We plan to use this occasion to celebrate 30 years of women students at Sidney.

Booking forms will, as usual, be sent out in the College Annual.

On 23 February, the Thornely Society held itssecond annual lecture at the resplendent newoffices of Ince & Co, overlooking the Tower ofLondon. Dr Paul McHugh, Reader in Law atCambridge University and Sidney Fellow,gave a very interesting talk on an area of thelaw that was entirely new to many of hislisteners: Making Rights Aboriginally – thecommon law on tribal soil. Copies of Paul’stalk are available on request from theMembership and Development Office.

After the lecture, members enjoyed a splendidreception in the new offices, admiring theview (and counting the ravens on TowerGreen), or networking actively among themany lawyers present, as our picture shows.Plans for the Thornely Lecture and theSociety’s Dinner in 2007 are now going aheadfor dates in February and April respectively.Once the dates are finalised, details will be

available on the College website and in thenext issue of Pheon.

If you would like us to add your name to theThornely Society mailing list to receiveinformation about these and other futureevents, please contact Zoe Swenson-Wright on 01223-338864 or email zs205@cam.ac.uk .

The Thornely Society

Reception at Ince & Co

Hugh and John ready to go

singers until Sidney moved to co-residence in1976. The enlarged choir then improved out ofall recognition and was able to performsubstantial parts of the church music repertoire.Progress continued and in the last ten years or sorecognition has become more widespread. Thechoir regularly goes on tour and sings Evensongin cathedrals, including Westminster Abbey.

The Music Society, in the nature of collegesocieties, has had ups and downs, but thedevelopment of the Chapel Choir and betterprovision of instruments and practice roomshave encouraged a growing number of goodconcerts. In all aspects of music at Sidneysuccessive Organ Scholars have been central.Many will recall, for example, Mark Dorrell’sconcerts in lighter vein, and more recentlyCathy Lamb’s organ playing.

On 21 October past Scholars will perform onthe organ, Evensong will be performed by ascratch choir under their direction, and therewill be a visit limited to 30 members to theneighbouring Church of All Saints. DavidSkinner, our new Director of Music, will bewith us, and an exhibition on the theme ofCollege music will be mounted by theArchivist. Altogether the day will be unique,and will be reported on in The Organ byDavid Baker, its deputy editor.

As is clear from our front page article, Collegeis starting off the next 50 years even moreambitiously. The past half-century hasprovided good foundations and we can beconfident that music at Sidney will be carriedto new heights.

The route they are planning, which they call theDragon’s Wings, starts at the coast atLlwngwril and runs over Cadair Idris, part ofthe Dovey Forest and Aran Fawddwy, followedby a long central section of very roughmoorland, and finishing over the Berwyns atthe border just south of Chirk Castle. The totaldistance is 58 miles with about 14,000 feet ofascent. They are going to attempt it on 20August, and hope to live to tell the tale! John isquite experienced at this sort of thing, but Hughis a relative novice (and a year or two older!)

Why are they doing it? Because they believe ithas never been done before. And because theyhope less energetic Sidney members will thinktheir madness merits sponsorship. If you’dlike to sponsor Hugh and John, please contactthe Development Office at Sidney(zs205@cam.ac.uk) and let us know if youwould like your sponsorship to be for the BoatClub or for the College more generally. Wehope to hear from you.

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4

Celebrating 11 years of growth at Judge Business School

What’s in a Name?last word

Pass it on

Chapel Court in the sun

The College offers its congatulations toKaran Bilimoria (1986), on becoming LordBilimoria of Chelsea in June.

Karan’s lasting claim to fame is Cobra Beer,the hugely successful premium lager hedeveloped initially for the Indian restauranttrade, which won more awards at MondeSelection, Brussels in 2005 than any otherbeer in the world.

As Entrepeneur of the Year in 2003 and 2004,Karan’s services are now much in demand byBusiness Schools. He is a VisitingEntrepeneur at the Centre for EntrepreneurialLearning in Cambridge, and a guest lecturerat Cranfield, the Judge Business School andLBS. He is also Chancellor of ThamesValley University, making him the youngestuniversity Chancellor in the UK. He wasawarded the CBE in the Queen’s BirthdayHonours List in 2004.

* * *

Many congratulations too to SimonCampbell, member of the 1596 Foundationand joint-donor of the Simon and JillCampbell Foundation Fund for bursaries toundergraduates reading sciences ormathematics. Simon, who has just steppeddown as President of the Royal Society ofChemistry, was awarded a CBE in theQueen’s Birthday Honours and given anIndividual Achievement Award by theChemical Industries Association.

interlinked issues: sustainability, diversitytrade, poverty, inequality, governance, socialenterprise and public–private partnerships.

Determined to develop teaching, learning andresearch in management and business to meetthese challenges, we are blessed withadvantages from the second set of forces: theunique characteristics of Cambridge. Five ofthese make the ground wonderfully fertile forthe task, enabling us to deliver our vision. 1. We have a truly international outlook. Nobusiness, nation or culture dominates amongour students, faculty, curriculum or researchpartners. You cannot be a graduate student inJudge Business School and not appreciate whatit means to work in a class of 45 nationalities,as you struggle to produce a real business plan,or develop a policy for corporate socialresponsibility for a company engaged in globaloutsourcing, all to tight deadlines.2. Our interdisciplinary and internationalnetworks, which are nowhere better displayedthan in the collegiate system. That system cannever be replicated in any stand-alone or semi-detached business school, whatever its heritage.It means we work on finance with economistsand mathematicians, on health managementwith the clinical school, and on innovation withthe Cavendish Laboratory and Engineering. 3. Our focus on collaboration, rather thancompetition. We see this as the ultimateweapon for dealing with risk and uncertainty,encouraging students and faculty to pool skills

As we go to press, Sandra Dawson is packingup her office as Director of Judge BusinessSchool, and contemplating with joy some timeto develop her own academic work and, ofcourse, continue as Master of Sidney. For 11years she has been at the helm, and in that timethe Judge has grown in size, stature andrelevance. It is now one of the major schools ofthe university and recognised as a leader ingraduate education, research, engagement withbusiness and related aspects of public policy.Her successor, Professor Arnoud De Meyer willlead a school transformed from the little knownJudge Institute of Management Studies of 1995.Her legacy is a major Business School at theheart of Cambridge, advancing knowledge andleadership through people who will leave amark on the world. Here she reflects on itsspecial character.

She writes:It is as if I have travelled with colleagues onan exciting journey through a landscapestructured by two major geological forces: thenature of contemporary global business andsociety; and the unique material that isavailable in Cambridge to enrich that journey.

First the social, economic and industriallandscape. This has changed greatly since theearly nineties and provides the laboratory forour research. Four trends stand out:1. continuing globalisation and economicintegration, requiring an ever-greaterinternational awareness of managers;2. increasingly open global capital, productand labour markets. These cause companies tofocus on core activities, whilst building thenetworks and alliances needed to deliver valueacross global supply chains; 3. significant shifts in product value or serviceto knowledge, which reduce the importance oflocation whilst increasing the need forintegration and coordination over largephysical and cultural distances;4. challenges to the legitimacy of business andits relationship with society, as efforts aremade to reconcile short-term profitability andlong-term responsibility. There are so many

to solve challenges, preparing them for alandscape where productive teamwork,alliances and partnerships are vital.4. Our closeness to the fertile scientific andtechnological developments in the University,to local entrepreneurs and venture capitalists,and to the commercial capital of London. Allthese enable us to lead thought and action in theinnovation of products, processes, services andbusiness models. Our students work in teamson real projects hosted by high-tech companiesin Cambridge or multi-national companieslocated in any major city of the world. 5. Last, but definitely not least, we are firmlyrooted in the best Cambridge traditions ofrigorous, relevant research that advancesknowledge and has real impact. In our casethat impact is felt in boardrooms from Londonto Beijing, in the development ofentrepreneurial growth companies, and inNGOs operating in the Southern continents.

Our journey in growing Judge BusinessSchool will continue. As I start sabbaticalleave from the duties of Director, I look withpleasure at the School’s achievements and takegreat pride in its ambitions, confident in itsunique qualities as a business school at theheart of Cambridge. I recall with especialpride those students who have dual citizenshipof Judge Business School and Sidney.

Lord Bilimoria

Judge Business School

Professor Dame Sandra Dawson

The correspondence about the College’s namehas been very entertaining since we publishedOtto Smail’s article from 1935 enjoining us allto stop calling it Sidney and start using itsproper name, Sidney Sussex. We said wewould come back with a more serious look atthe history of the name, and here it is.

We start with our two official histories, GMEdwards’ College History of 1899 and CWScott-Giles Short History of 1975.Interestingly the cover of the former simplyproclaims Sidney while the latter, coming afterOtto’s austere encyclical, more properly hasSidney Sussex College. But is it more proper?

Both histories are clear on what Lady Francesherself wanted. The bequest in her will wasfor the Erectyon of a newe Colledge in theUniversitie of Cambridge, to be called theLadie ffrauncis Sidney Sussex Colledge. So farso good, and that was correctly reflected in theCollege’s Charter, where the name is given inLatin as Collegium dominae FranciscaeSidney Sussexiae, but that is where the troublebegins. All official University documents,including College statutes, were in Latin andremained so into the nineteenth century. No

doubt, therefore, about the College’s officialname, but what was it in English?

There is some suggestion that it was differentfor different purposes. The College itselfwould at times use the formal title The LadyFrances Sidney Sussex College. When the kingaddressed the College – not a frequentoccurrence but it happened at least twice inthe seventeenth century – the name used wasSid. Suss. Coll. and Sydney-Sussex College.But overwhelmingly the style of those earlyyears was Sidney or (Sydney). There are tenusages of this style from contemporary

documents quoted by Edwards before the firstreference to Sidney Sussex. Thomas Fuller, theearliest historian of the College in 1655 appearsto have called it Sidney College consistently.Samuel Ward, Master from 1620 to 1643addressed his correspondence from Sidney Coll.And as early as 1603, when the first Master metKing James on his progress down fromScotland, he was referred to as Dr Montagu,Master of Sidney College.

When did all this change? By the earlynineteenth century Cambridge Guides werealready calling Sidney Sidney-Sussex College,and when the Reporter, the official record of theUniversity, began to be published after the mid-century reforms, Sidney was used for lessformal references to the College; Sidney Sussexfor more formal. But this was not the invariablerule. When the College accounts were firstpublished in the early 1880s, the name used wasSidney College. Within a few years this hadchanged to Sidney Sussex, but at the end of thecentury, GM Edwards called the institution hecared so much for Sidney throughout his history.

So, formally, we are now Sidney Sussex Collegeor just occasionally, the College of the LadyFrances Sidney Sussex. But, informally, we areSidney, the name which has been held with mostaffection by Sidney members for over 400 years.

Leo McKinstry (1982) published two books inthe first six months of 2006 giving someinsight into the breadth of his interests. Thefirst was his biography of the Earl of Rosebery,successor to Gladstone as Liberal PrimeMinistry in the late Victorian period, andcharismatic figure of a very different stamp.Then in June his life of Sir Alf Ramsey,‘England’s Greatest Football Manager’, reachedthe bookstalls. Leo remains active in nationaljournalism but is now giving more time to hisown writing.

Michael Duffett (1962) has also brought out anew book, Back to Basics: the Sources of theNew Testament, published by McGraw Hill.After a career as poet and Professor of Englishat the University of Hawaii, he is nowteaching Religion and New Testament Greek.

And lastly, on the new book front, FrankCheesman (1952), living in retirement inVancouver but back in Cambridge for the1949-54 Commem in July, has realised a 25-year ambition with the publication of IsaacNewton’s Teacher, a life of Isaac Barrow and ahistory of the ‘Cambridge Barrows’ fromwhom he is descended.

20ISSUE TWENTY

February 2006

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

The value of scholarship! It’s not so manyyears ago that historians were embarrassed byhaving no answer to the question when didCambridge University begin? Not the earlychroniclers – to them it was an opportunity toembroider the fame of the University andcarry it back into the mists of history,ascribing its origin to Canteber in the 1st

century or to Trojan Brutus even earlier. Butin the 19th century, when historians tookthemselves more seriously, the issue wasavoided for lack of information.

It was only after MB Hackett found very earlystatutes of the University in the Angelica Libraryin Rome in the mid-1950s that knowledgemoved on. Hackett, whose work wasn’tpublished until 1970, made the connectionbetween academic exiles from Oxford, who fledthe town in 1209 to save themselves frompolitically inspired riots, and leading families inCambridge and drew speculative conclusions.With this corner-stone in place, the process ofevidential accretion took over, and the dating to1209 is now generally accepted.

1209 and all that

Campaign Quotes

Diary Dates for 200611th February 2006 Engineers' Reunion dinner

23 February 2006 Thornely Society lecture and AGM

31 March 2006 Sidney Sussex-Fettesian Ski Vacation

21 April 2006 Thornely Society dinner

5 May 2006 Dinner in Oxford

13 May 2006 MA Graduation dinner

20 May 2006 1596 Foundation dinner

21 June 2006 May Ball

11 November 2006 1596 Foundation dinner

Commemoration of Benefactors Dinners in 2006 and 2007Dates for those who matriculated in:

1 July 2006 1949-1954

23 September 2006 1977-1979

30 June 2007 1994-1995

22 September 2007 1971-1973

1

It’s official: Sherlock Holmes at Sidney . . . .2

Admissions in the post-War period . . . . . . .2

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

The Thornely Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Bletchley Park 2: Herivelismus . . . . . . . . . . .3

Sidney Sussex Society: New Chairman . . . .3

Visit to St John’s Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

May Ball 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Blundell Court re-opened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Sir Tom’s war on pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Pass it on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

The Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaignwas formally launched by the Vice-Chancellorat a reception in the Stationers’ Hall inLondon on 27 October 2005, and atsubsequent gatherings in Los Angeles andNew York. It celebrates an amazing history inwhich Cambridge has literally helpedtransform the world – through the ideas ofErasmus, Bacon and Wittgenstein inphilosophy; Newton, Darwin and Rutherfordin science; Harvey, Hopkins, Crick andWatson in medicine; Milton, Coleridge andWordsworth in literature; Marshall andKeynes in economics; Cromwell and Pitt inpolitics – and so many more. But theCampaign is not about the past; its slogan isTransforming Tomorrow and its focus is firmlyon the future.

The forward-looking focus is significant,capturing a new spirit of confidence in theUniversity. New centuries should begin withbursts of optimism, but what is happening inCambridge goes beyond that. The University isemerging from long years of self-doubt. As arecent Cam Magazine article put it: “there wasa real sapping of morale in the seventies andeighties as public funds ebbed away, and theUniversity was left doing more and more forless and less. Academic talent drained awayacross the Atlantic, libraries became dog-eared,labs battered and outmoded.” It could alsohave pointed to the Laura Spence factor, withOxford and Cambridge the butt for criticismfrom politicians and the press at every turn.

And yet. In the nineteen-nineties, theUniversity began modernising itself and itbegan serious fund-raising. The latter has ledto extensive renewal of University

infrastructure, with many departments enjoyingthe benefit of new premises or significantrefurbishment, with all the associated stimulusto creativity and scholarship.

Modernisation of the institution itself is moresubterranean, but the evidence is there. Thecareer status of Cambridge academics has beentransformed by the creation of 250 newprofessorships – more than doubling the total –keeping talent in Cambridge and boostingacademic morale across the University.Management has been professionalised. Wenow have a Vice-Chancellor whose tenure ispotentially 7 years, effective financial planning,and a sense of responsibility at the centre forthe direction and reputation of the whole. Thereis also a new feeling of shared vision betweenthe University and the Colleges, puttingoutcomes within reach that would not havebeen possible ten or fifteen years ago.

And Cambridge is still getting it rightacademically. Despite all the prophecies ofdoom and gloom, it remains the pre-eminentuniversity in Europe and has not lost groundirrecoverably to its major US rivals. Indeed,for the past two years, it has been voted thebest science university in the world.

The 800th Campaign is inspired by the belief thatCambridge can take charge of its future if it hasthe confidence to do so and the full support of itsalumni. It will set its own standards for thatfuture, aimed at holding its place in the smallgroup of universities that are world leaders.

Underpinning its mission is the principle ofmerit-based admission, irrespective offinancial means. All governments are likelydemand this as a condition of future grantfunding, but it is also the key to academicexcellence and now part of Cambridge’sculture. In any case, future government

The 800th Campaign

Confidence in its future

funding, as Sir David Walker’s quotationunderlines, is simply not going to be adequateto deliver Cambridge’s ambitious goals. TheUniversity will need to have greater relianceon private funding from its fast-growingresearch collaborations, from bettermanagement of its endowment, and fromfundraising to grow that endowment.

In the latter regard, the target of £1 billion forthe 800th Campaign is ambitious – doublingthe endowment – but can be achieved by theUniversity and Colleges working together overthe years to 2012. More than that, it is essentialto all our aspirations. Sidney Sussex is totallyengaged in the Campaign and will play its fullpart in the future of collegiate Cambridge.

Pride in Cambridge’s past

It is a very great honour indeed to be Chancellorof such a great university, and it is my hope thatthe Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaign willensure that Cambridge can continue to make itsunique contribution to the world.

HRH, The Duke of Edinburgh

This is a defining moment. Higher education facesfundamental political and economic challenges,and the pressures we face are intense as we seekto maintain our excellence and ourdistinctiveness.

Professor Alison Richard, Vice-Chancellor

To thrive Cambridge needs to reduce itsdependence on the state. No government of anypolitical complexion, is going to fund theUniversity to the extent needed to maintain itsworld-class status.

Sir David Walker, Campaign Co-Chairman

Cambridge is one of the rare institutions that hasrepeatedly defined and transformed our world.

Our priority is to open the doors to talent andpotential right across society, so we hopeeveryone who feels they drew some sort of benefitfrom Cambridge will contribute.

Dr Bill Janeway, Campaign Co-Chairman

The University is dependent on the Colleges for theindividual teaching and support that characteriseworld class undergraduate education at Cambridge.

Professor Tony Badger, Master of Clare

The Colleges operate on a human scale and arewhat enable us to be simultaneously big andintimate. The Colleges resolve the tensionbetween being a great research university and atthe same time a place that does a brilliant job ofeducating undergraduates and nurturingacademic communities.

This is truly one of the great institutions of theworld. We are asking people to invest in greatnessand success.

Professor Alison Richard

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Your editor (second left) starting day 2 of a 5-day, 85-mile walk along the length of Hadrian’s Wall inSeptember – and still smiling! He raised £6,000 forProstate Research Campaign (UK) – and is now offhis crutches again!

Post-War Admissions,etcWe haven’t quite done with Sidney’s Wartime past– nor with one or two other recent topics. JefferySwitzer, Fellow and former Bursar, writes:

I was so glad to see in the Summer Pheon thephotograph of A History Supervision inProgress, which had originally appeared in the1960 edition of Britain: An Official Handbook.It was taken in Q3 in Garden Court, now part ofthe Computer Room, overlooking the Master’sGarden. A lovely set, and when I had it later Ihad the coat of arms over the mantelpieceremoved and put up over the doorway into thePorters’ Lodge, where it now greets all newarrivals to the College.

Unlike Donald Stephenson, who wasinterviewed by David Thomson in 1939, Icame up in 1944 without even an interview. Itseems that having been Royal Navy (as aregular officer) a letter from my Headmasterwas sufficient! When I see the piles of paperthat mount up before admissions nowadays, Ithink how fortunate I was.

In 1944 there were 56 undergraduates (only twoin the third year) and six graduates - but therewere also 36 service cadets doing six-monthshort courses, most of whom came back afterthe War to complete their degrees. By 1947there were 173 undergraduates and 30graduates, and the 1948 Annual records thosenumbers as “the largest in the whole history of

the College” – at 203. And now there are 553(362 undergraduates and 191 graduates). TheFellowship has grown even faster, from 12 to60. But what is so good is that we have kept thestrong feeling of family and friendship, amongthe fellows, students and staff at Sidney.

Having called it ‘Sidney’, may I add a postscriptto What’s in a name? Certainly, when I was firstup the College was generally known bytownspeople as Sidney College – “next toGalloway and Porter” according to taxi drivers,and not, as now, “opposite Sainsbury’s”. More tothe point, if you telephoned College, the Porteranswered Sidney College. Otto Smail alwayssaid how different our history might have beenhad the College been named Lady Frances Hall.

And then, David Purchase’s teaspoon. TheCollege silver cutlery was indeed marked “SidColl”. I remember a friend toying with the ideaof naming his son Sidney Collin so that he couldgive him a dozen knives, forks and spoons as achristening present. But he thought better of it, asbeing too heavy a price for the poor boy to pay.

The Thornely SocietyThe 2006 John Thornely Lecture will beMaking rights aboriginally – the commonlaw on tribal soil and will be given by DrPaul McHugh, Sidney Fellow and UniversityReader in Law. It will take place at 6.15 pmon 23 February in the new offices of Ince &Co, International House, 1 St Katharine’sWay, London E1,.

The lecture hasbeen accredited bythe Law Societyand Bar Councilwith 1 CPD(ContinuingProfessionalDevelopment) hour

`

A drinks reception will follow the lecture.Sidney Sussex College and the ThornelySociety are extremely grateful to Ince & Cofor generously hosting these events.

The Thornely Society’s annual dinner willtake place on Friday 21 April 2006 at SidneySussex College.

It’s Official !“In the Michaelmas Term of 1873, SherlockHolmes arrived at Sidney Sussex College,Cambridge, to study Natural Sciences.” So beginsChapter 2 of the recently published biography ofSherlock Holmes by Nick Rennison*.

Mr Rennison is saying nothing new, of course.Dorothy L Sayers deployed her own detectionskills many years ago to show that Holmes wasmatriculated by Sidney, and research in theearly 1990s by Dick Chorley, former Vice-Master, unearthed four episodes in Holmes’ lifeas an undergraduate in the College#. Sadlyneither source is acknowledged, perhapsbecause the book is ‘aimed at the generalreader’ and not ‘the Sherlockian scholar’.

That minor blemish apart, the book is a very goodread, with interesting new information/speculationabout his time in Cambridge, which he called ‘thisinhospitable town’and did not relish. Your editorwas pleased to learn that he was probably an earlyalumnus of the ADC Theatre and is thinking ofamending the ADC’s appeal literature accordingly.

We have to thank Rosemary Chorley, Dick’swidow, for her gift to the College of the originalillustrations to Dick’s stories, which were drawnby James Youlden in 1996. It is a nice questionwhether they should be held among our tutorialrecords or in the Muniment Room. The Deanmay also have an interest in the one shown here– Holmes’ night-climbing escapade.

* Sherlock Holmes, the Unauthorised Biography by

Nick Rennison, Atlantic Books, price £14.99.# Sherlock Holmes at Sidney Sussex College by Dick

Chorley, published and sold by the College, price £5.

New Handmade Needlepoint Cushion

Please send me:

NAME:

ADDRESS:

PHONE:

The Sound made Holmes freeze

Setting Sidney’s Campaign Agenda

Cambridge’s achievements over 800 yearsspeak for themselves through the University’sworldwide reputation. But that is the nub ofthe problem the University now has to address.How can it continue to compete successfullywith the world’s best universities when itsfunding is so tightly controlled by domesticpolicy-makers whose priorities often seemdirectly at variance with the pursuit ofacademic excellence?

The answer is to turn our celebration of thepast into a tangible commitment to the futurethrough the 800th Campaign. The Campaign ishugely important to all our futures and we aregrateful that the University has identified therole of the Colleges so centrally in its missionand said loudly that supervision-basedteaching lies at the heart of Cambridge’sexcellence.

In the context of the Campaign, gifts toColleges are gifts to Cambridge and counttowards the overall target of £1 billion. As ourAnnual Appeal brochure explained last term,we have given a lot of thought to what we needto do at Sidney to prepare for the future andmake sure students here continue to have alearning and living experience that equips themas effectively for their world as itequipped past generations for theirs.

We have set out priorities that complementwhat has already been achieved since theQuatercentenary. They focus on:

• student bursaries

• new teaching Fellowships

• music and performance

• our archive and treasures

• students’ living and study spaces

These will remain our priorities through to2012 and, as Editor, I plan to put the spotlighton them one by one in future issues of Pheon,explaining the need in each case and what ourplans are. Overall, we have set ourselves acampaign target of £10 million.

We very much hope you will support us inreaching this goal.

* * *

One of the more enjoyable aspects of editingPheon is the feedback I get from Collegemembers on a whole range of topics (some ofwhich are picked up in Jeffrey Switzer’s articleon this page). I am not able to publish everythingreceived, but do enjoy getting your letters, Iwould particularly like to thank Edward Wells(1964), responding on Sid Coll cutlery, JohnDavidson-Parker (1954) who sent me a poemthat I will try to find a corner for, and TobySeeley (1941) who sent me a feature articlefrom the Herts & Essex Observer chroniclinghis experiences on Arromanches Beach early onthe morning of D-Day, 6 June 1944,spearheading the Normandy invasion.

* * *

It has been very good getting a better pictureof Sidney in and after the War. Now it istime to move on and look to anotherformative period of recent College life. Andguess what! 2006 just happens to be the30th anniversary of the admission of womento Sidney as undergraduates.

We celebrated the 25th anniversary five yearsago by holding a party. That milestone cameshortly after the appointment of Sidney’s firstwoman Master and it was a good way ofmarking both events.

The next party may have to wait for the 50thanniversary, but I do encourage those whocame up in the first wave of women - andthose who came up with the first wave ofwomen (or, even better, those who came up ayear or two before the first women and knewboth the old and the new) – to write and let meknow how it all seemed at the time. WasCollege life changed overnight? I’m surethere are some good stories out there. – sothank you in advance.

Charles Larkum, Editor

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We are delighted to offer this beautiful needlepointcushion, combining gros point and petit point,with the College Coat of Arms as its centraldesign. Backed in velvet and trimmed in twistedcord. Size: 18” x 18”

* For overseas orders, we will invoice you for any

additional postage.

Please send cheque payable to Sidney Sussex

College to: Membership & Development Office,

Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU, or

e-mail for credit purchase to wah21@cam.ac.uk.

Paul McHugh

Coat ofArmsCushion

No.peritem.

UKp&p* Total

£64.00 £6.00

New Glory for the Coat of Arms

In the last issue of Pheon we featured the SidneySussex Society’s June visit to Bletchley Parkwhere ten members of College played theirparts in breaking the German Enigma andJapanese codes in World War 2.

Unfortunately, one of the survivors of thatgroup, John Herivel (matric. 1937), couldn’t bepresent then, but more than made up by givingan illustrated talk in College on 8 October abouthis own, very celebrated, role at Bletchley. Thetalk was over-subscribed, with standing roomonly in the Mong Hall for over one hundred of

us listening enthralled to how he made hiscrucial break-through. It became known as the“Herivel Tip” and was a combination of threedistinct elements – inspired lateral thinking, in-depth knowledge of how the Enigma machineworked, and a first-class mathematical brain.

Alone in his Bletchley digs in the cold winter of1940, John had the insight that there must bemany German operators of about his own ageusing Enigma machines under wartime stress,and that some would take shortcuts through theofficial procedures to make life easier. Hisimagination took over. “I may have dozed off,”he told us, “and perhaps I woke up with a startand the faint trace of a vanishing dream in myhead. Whatever it was, I was left with a distinctpicture – imagined of course – in my mind’s eyeof a German Enigma operator. This was thetrigger that set off my discoveries”.

The second stage drew on John’s detailedworking knowledge of Enigma machines. He

demonstrated that the most obvious shortcutswould result in the indicators used by rogue

operators being close to the official ring settingfor the day. This deduction dramaticallyreduced the number of decode variables neededto find the ring setting from 17,576 tosomewhere around 20. The third and final stagewas known as the “Herivel Square”. This was alarge piece of graph paper on which theoperators’ indicators were plotted, and where alarge cluster of entries might point to thewhereabouts of the ring setting.

The resulting system was tried about 50 times inMarch and April 1940, without success. Thenon 10 May, when the amount of signal trafficincreased dramatically around the time of theGerman Blitzkrieg, a powerful cluster showedup on the Red (Luftwaffe) code. The key for theday was quickly broken, and so began a longsequence of successes stretching through theBattle of Britain and beyond.

Over lunch, some audience members with theirown special interest in Bletchley’s glory dayswere thrilled to have the opportunity to talk firsthand to John, who also enjoyed a longdiscussion with Asa Briggs and Shaun Wylie,two of his Bletchley contemporaries. Altogether,it was a very special occasion, and we are mostgrateful to John for giving such an absorbingaccount of what became known at BletchleyPark as “Herivelismus”.

Peter Lipscomb

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Visit to Sidney’s sisterCollege: St John’s OxfordOn Friday 5 May the Sidney Sussex Society hasorganized a private visit to St John’s College,Oxford, Sidney’s sister College.

Founded 39 years before Sidney, in 1555, StJohn’s College was one of Oxford’s last TudorFoundations. Its founder, Sir Thomas White, amerchant and former Lord Mayor of London,named his College in honour of St John theBaptist, patron saint of the Merchant Taylors’Company. Until the nineteenth century, StJohn’s maintained close links to a number ofMerchant Taylors’ Company schools.

Early scholars studied theology and the arts.More recently, St John’s has shared withSidney a reputation for strength in medicineand law. Fellows and alumni have includedArchbishop Laud, Jane Austen’s father andbrothers, A.E. Housman, Robert Graves,Kingsley Amis, Philip Larkin and Tony Blair.

Ian takes the chair

Talking over lunch with Lord Briggs

St John’s College, Oxford, Sidney’s sister College

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The Sidney Sussex Society visit will include atour led by the College Archivist, a reception,College history exhibition, garden walk andfour-course dinner (with wine) in Hall. Ticketsare £40/person and all Sidney Members andtheir guests are welcome, although numbers arenecessarily limited. For further information,please contact Wendy Hedley onwah21@cam.ac.uk or 01223-338881

Bletchley Park, part 2: Herivelismus

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John Herivel demonstrates a point

The Sidney Sussex Society has a newChairman. Ian Stephen (1962) takes over in2006 from Peter Lipscomb. Ian has beenvice-chairman for the past two years and anactive stalwart of the Society since itsinception. He is also the moving spirit behindMedical Society dinners in College.

At the Society’s London Christmas Party atthe National Liberal Club on 5 December,the Master presented Peter Lipscomb withan engraved pewterplate to commemoratinghis Chairmanship. Herappreciative commentson the progress of theSociety under his leadwere loudly applaudedby those present.

It is not so long since we had a photo of theCommittee, but on that occasion there weremany absentees, so we are trying again. Thosepresent on this occasion were (from top left toright): Julian Blake (2000), PatrickMcDermott (1996), Tony Willenbruch(1970), Zoe Swenson-Wright, RichardHumphreys (1972), Professor Lindsay Greer,Diane Aston-James (1981), Rosalind George(1982), and in the second row: Andrew Wood(1987), Charles Larkum, Bursar, Peter

Lipscomb (1959),Ian Stephen(1962), andWendy Hedley.

The photographwas taken byHeinz Fuchs(1997).

Ahead of the Society’s visit to our sisterCollege, St John’s Oxford, committeemember Heinz Fuchs decided to investigatethis now-traditional link. The story of college-twinning between Oxford and Cambridgeturns out to be almost as shrouded in mysteryas the origins of the University itself (see boxon page 1). Popular understanding seems tobe at variance with available facts, and mostlinks go back for shorter periods than thecommon explanation would have suggested –namely the influence of inter-varsity sportscompetitions in the late nineteenth century.

Whatever may have happened at the start ofthe twentieth century, the popular dating ofsuch links, research suggests that it wasn’tuntil the early nineteen-thirties that mostformal associations were adopted – and thenthere was a bit of a scramble. Sidney and StJohn’s remained unlinked, however, and itwas only in November 1936 that the St John’sBursar, RVO Hart-Synnot told his GoverningBody that “friends at Sidney would welcomean alliance if they knew such a proposalwould be welcome here.” Active discussions

had been going on informally, and theintermediaries at Sidney seem to have beenTommy Knox-Shaw, future Master, andArthur Davenport, Bursar.

The ground had been well prepared, becauseGeorge Weekes, Sidney’s Master, reported theagreement of the St John’s Governing Body tothe alliance at a Fellows’ meeting on 4December 1936, and it was then formallyapproved. At the core of the alliance were theformal interchange of invitations to Fellows ofthe sister College to College Feasts each year,and the provision of accommodation andmeals to visitors from the sister College onacademic business in the other University.Other mutual interests have been exploredover the years and kindnesses conferred onthe alumni of the sister College – of which thecoming dinner at St John’s is a good instance.

It is fitting that the dinner takes place in the70th anniversary year of the alliance, and weare enormously grateful to St John’s for theirsupport in hosting what promises to be a veryinteresting and enjoyable occasion.

St John’s: How the link was forged

SIDNEY MAYBALL 2006

Please reserve for me: �� single ticket(s) at £96 per ticket �� double ticket(s) at £192 per double

Sidney Sussex Mayball Sidney Sussex Society members are warmly invitedto attend the College’s biennial May Ball, whichtakes place this year on Wednesday 21 June. Manyof you will remember what a wonderful settingSidney’s grounds provide for the Ball, which has anestablished reputation in Cambridge for beingimaginative, well-planned, and above all fun. Wewere even highlighted in a review in The Times lastJune. A large number of alumni have alreadybooked and dining tickets are unfortunately nowsold out. Others may quickly follow, so pleaseapply early. I can assure you that the committee isworking very hard to make sure this year’s Ballmaintains our reputation.

Alex Massie, May Ball President

I enclose my cheque payable to Sidney Sussex Mayball 2006

Send to Louis Sturgess, Sidney Mayball, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU – or go towww.mayball.com for online booking

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact (phone or e-mail) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Matriculation Year: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dancing the night away

4

The Gledhill Skyline – a new Sidney feature

Tom’s War on Pollution

Getting ready for Christmas in the Chapel

Sir Tom Blundell

Pass it on ...We congratulate Rachel Lipscomb. JP, on herOBE for services to the Administration ofJustice in the New Year’s Honours list.Rachel is married to Peter Lipscomb, formerSidney Sussex Society Chairman. She haschaired the Magistrates Association and iswell known in Sidney, attending Society andother College events with Peter.

Professor Jack Martin Miller (1964) has beenappointed Professor Emeritus of Chemistry atBrock University on his retirement asAssociate Vice-president, Research and Deanof Graduate Studies. He is still working parttime as Special Advisor on Buildings andSpace and doing further research on 40 yearsof experimental results.

Mr Stephen Rand (1972) has continued as co-chair of Jubilee Debt Campaign, playing anactive part in the coordination team for theMake Poverty History campaign.

Monika Bobinska (1983) writes that hergallery, Lounge, in Dalston, East Londonrecently hosted an exhibition curated by D JRoberts (1966). The exhibition, “RealStrange,” featured twelve leading painters.For details, see www.lounge-gallery.com.

Warren Bennett (2000) is looking for a Sidneygraduate who is an “industry expert with 10-15years experience in buying land and mountinghousing projects” in the UK. For details,contact Warren at warren@cantab.net

Wedding Congratulations to:

• Mr Vasyl Marmazov (1998), who marriedOlga Branytska on 5 June 2005, at Kyiv,Ukraine.

• Mr William Michell (1987), who marriedMaria Green (nee La Manna) on 18th June2005. William now has 2 stepsons, Paul(age 16) and Michael (age 14).

• Mr Hugh Wilson (1987) who marriedSuzanne Harris on 14th May 2005 at St.Barnabas Church, Bromborough, Wirral.“Amongst the guests were no less than 17Sidney members, most of whommatriculated in 1987 or 1988.”

On Saturday 5 November, Mrs Kyoko Gledhillofficially opened the new fifth floor of BlundellCourt, named the Gledhill Skyline in memoryof her husband David Gledhill (matric. 1955).The ceremony was attended by Lord Wilson ofTillyorn, former Governor of Hong Kong, MrChristopher Ryder, a former colleague ofDavid on the Board of Swires (Hong Kong)and their wives, by representatives of thecontractor and architects, and by Fellows andstudents of the College. Mrs Gledhill unveileda bust of her husband in the foyer of the newfloor, recalling his deep affection for theCollege and her pleasure in thinking of him athome in such a splendid building. The Masterspoke of Mrs Gledhill’s great generosity,without which the redevelopment would nothave happened, and of the design features ofthe new floor, particularly the feeling of lightand space created by the clerestory over thecentral area, that made it such an appropriatememorial to David.

The verdict of the College and local residents isthat the new floor, with its elegant zinccladding, has brought new life to the ratheraustere features of the original 1969 buildingand has considerably brightened the townscapeat the corner of King Street and MalcolmStreet. We hope that effect is clear from thephotograph, but members returning to Collegeshould walk round to the back and judge forthemselves. The impression changes withchanges in the light, which is another excitingquality of the new building, but none of ourCambridge skies has so far managed to dampenthe effect. Indeed the top of Garden Court, nowback on a level with Blundell, looks verydowdy by comparison.

That is the outside. The inside has also beentransformed. It was not simply a question ofconverting former bed-sits into well-planned en-suite rooms, but of brightening the interiorthroughout. The dark pine ceilings have beenresurfaced and painted white, and the heavy

doors and woodwork of the corridors replacedby light ash veneers. So the feeling is lightenedthroughout, and the Gledhill Skyline climaxesthe new mood very effectively. The revampedbuilding is proving very popular and theresidents of the 90 pristine en-suite rooms (anincrease of 25 overall) are the lucky ones.

However, it is the Bursar and Domestic Bursarwho are most likely to count their blessings.There were alarums and excursions along theway, but the redevelopment was completed in

time for returning students to take up residencein October – the alternative, affecting 1-in-5 ofour students, did not bear thinking about. Andit was within budget. Total costs, includingfurniture and hiring other accommodation forthe year when Blundell was out of action, wereof the order of £5.5 million. £4 million hasbeen raised by benefactions or found fromCollege’s own resources, and £1.5 milliontaken as a bank loan, repayable over 10 years.Our original budget included a loan of £2million, at a time when we still doubted

whether the £3.5 million balancecould all be raised. So the outcomeis very good news, despite ademanding repayment schedule.

In the final analysis, Sidney nowhas a superb residential buildingthat will underpin its studentaccommodation and substantiallyboost its conference potential. Itrepresents a major achievement forthe College and we are deeplygrateful to Mrs Gledhill and to thevery many other donors who havemade it possible.

Topping out: the view from King Street

Inside looking out

The Fellowship dines together on a Friday nightin term and on Friday 25 November it celebratedthe achievement of one of its senior members,Professor Sir Tom Blundell. Tom, who is the SirWilliam Dunn Professor of Biochemistry in theUniversity, had stepped down after completing 7years as Chairman of The Royal Commission onEnvironmental Pollution.

In that period he produced 8 Reports (see box)dealing with some of the most controversial andproblematic environment issues of the day. Howbroad the range was can be judged from thetitles of the Reports. They rarely had an instantimpact on policy, but Tom told Fellows of hissatisfaction at seeing many of the conclusionsmove steadily into the mainstream of political

orthodoxy. This wasn’t always for the rightreason. Energy – the Changing Climate hadrecommended a 60% reduction in carbondioxide emissions, but this target was resistedby officials until a very late stage in theproduction of the Government’s White Paper.Then it suddenly appeared just as Blair’s policyin Iraq went into tailspin – apparently a sop toplacate the Left.

In the course of his Chairmanship, Tom came toappreciate the value of a good soundbite forgetting himself heard in the media on complexissues. Shortly before launching Turning the Tide,his report on the marine environment, he had beentaken by his daughters Kelesi and Lisa to see

Finding Nemo, the popular cartoon film about aseriously challenged fish. Facing a BBC camera,he coined the phrase “They are destroyingNemo’s home” and grabbed more headlines andrepeat interviews than he’d dreamed of.

He also has some good advice about TodayProgramme interviews for the new Chairman:read the runes when they tell you what time theinterview is set for:

6.55: no real interest, but at least a mention7.10: you are setting up a Minister8.10: it’s you who have been set up!8.50: had there been anything else in the newsthey wouldn’t even have called you.

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution

Twenty-first Report Oct 1998 Setting Environmental Standards

Twenty-second Report June 2000 Energy - The Changing Climate

Twenty-third Report March 2002 Environmental Planning

Special Report Nov 2002 The Environmental Effects of Civil Aircraft in Flight

Twenty-fourth Report June 2003 Chemicals in Products

Special Report May 2004 The Use of Biomass for Heat and Power Production

Twenty-fifth Report Dec 2004 Turning the Tide: Addressing the Impact of Fisheries on the Marine Environment

Special Report Sept 2005 Crop Spraying and the Health of Residents and Bystanders

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19ISSUE NINETEEN

Summer 2005

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

Pheon readers may remember that last MarchPrill Barrett (Fellow Commoner) tasted victoryin the Mini Agility Final at Crufts with herBorder Terrier Jem – both of them having beenably assisted by groom Gabriel Horn (Sidney’sformer Master).

This year Prill’s hopes of defending the titleseemed dashed when, with only five weeks togo, she strained a muscle in her leg. Withwalking difficult and running impossible, therewas nothing for it but to turn to the experts:sessions with physiotherapists slowly but surelyreintroduced a glimmer of hope; sessions withan agility instructor encouraged Jem to abandonhis lame handler and go it alone (once he hadgot over his surprise, he took to this withabsolute glee).

Come the day and Gabriel held his breathwhile Prill walked up to the line in a mood ofquiet confidence, seasoned with lashings ofembrocation and a vicelike support bandage;

Jem’s confidence was far from quiet and heflew round faultlessly in a time which couldnot be beaten.

In the afternoon he put in another fast clearround to become only the second dog ever tohave won the title two years running. And to hishandler’s great relief, the leg managed a lap ofhonour at the very end.

The Sidney Sussex Society visited Bletchley Parkon 3 June to learn more about what went on undercover of one of World War II’s most closelyguarded secrets. The visit celebrated the Sidneymen who played such a large part during the warin breaking the German and Japanese militarycodes. 80 members of the Society attended.

They were in good company. Lord Asa Briggs,one of ten College members who worked atBletchley between 1939 and 1945, gave a spell-binding talk about how he came to Bletchley, thework, and the detail that convinced him the warreally was over when he saw a script comingover in readable text rather than code. Not thatwe had the full story – the Official Secrets Actstill counts for something 60 years on, and thereare some things that he will never talk about.

Three others of the ten happily survive – andeach was pleased to know that College wascelebrating its connection with Bletchley Parkthrough the visit. They are Professor DavidRees, who matriculated in 1936 and was anearly recruit to Hut 6; John Herivel, also aninmate of Hut 6, famous for the Herivel tip, hisinsight into the shortcuts hurried Germanoperators might make, thus speeding up theprocess of decoding; and Leslie Yoxall, whostarted in Hut 8. His breakthrough was to crackthe German naval officers’ code with a methodthat was soon known as Yoxallismus.

Repeated references to Hut 6 are not accidental.Hut 6 was run by Gordon Welchman, one ofthe small handful of people who created andorganized the work at Bletchley Park. He was aFellow at Sidney from 1929, first as a Research

Fellow and then as Mathematics Lecturer. Hewent to Bletchley at the outbreak of war andrecruited a brilliant group to assist him, mainlymathematicians and many from Sidney. Heinvented the diagonal board, a crucialmodification to Alan Turing’s bombe decodingmachine, but perhaps contributed still morethrough his ability to organise and get results.He was behind the decoding production linethat operated 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.His book “The Hut Six Story” has recentlybeen reprinted.

The other Sidney men at Bletchley wereMalcolm Chamberlain, a Sidney mathematicianand exact contemporary of John Herivel;Howard Smith, later British Ambassador inMoscow and then Head of MI5; Edward DudleySmith, who had been a contemporary ofWelchman’s at Marlborough College; Paul Coles,who only came up to Sidney in 1942 and was offwithin a year; and James Passant, the SidneyFellow who admitted a very young Asa Briggs tothe College in 1938, and who, as historian, wasequally an expert on the Crusades and Weimar

Germany.

The story of code-breaking at Bletchley Parkremained unknown until newspaper articlesbegan appearing in the early 1970s. Despitehaving a population of almost ten thousand at itspeak, this intelligence community remainedunknown to the Germans – a tribute to theefficiency of the British authorities in roundingup every German spy landed in this country. TheGermans might nevertheless have made ashrewd guess. Bletchley is a small railwayjunction on the main line from London to theindustrial midlands and north. What was singularabout it was that it was the only one that had abranch line to the east linking it with Cambridge,and one to the west linking it with Oxford!

Bletchley Park is a splendid place to spend a day.The original wooden huts are still there (thosethat were not replaced by brick buildings duringthe war). A fascinating new museum is beingdeveloped, with replicas of the bombe and otherdecoding machines, including Colossus, theworld’s first programmable electronic computer

built in 1943. There is the original country house,with its ornate interiors, and the landscapedgrounds that must have made Bletchley a popularweekend retreat for the politicians whofrequented it in Edwardian days.

We will expand on College’s link with

The enquiry into the College’s name will becontinued in a future issue, but last time’sreprint of Otto Smail’s 1935 article had two of you writing to the editor.

First, Bill Leslie (1949), writing from Muir ofOrd, tells us that his 1815 Ackermann print ofthe College Hall is called Hall of Sidney College.

And David Purchase (1961), whose gift toenable Lady Frances to be seen in her best lightis reported elsewhere in this issue, wrote. “Thefascinating piece by Otto Smail reminded me ofa trivial anecdote. When I went up to Sidney Iarrived with, inter alia, a set of four of each of

the usual items of cutlery. When I came downthree years later I had just one knife, fork anddessert spoon – and 17 teaspoons! One of theselast was labelled SID COLL. I have it still, andconfess that the matter does not weigh asheavily on my conscience as perhaps it should.

Indeed having read the article I can onlyconclude that this spoon comes from someother unknown source, as ‘Sid Coll’ could not possibly be a correct abbreviation for our College!”

Editor’s note: I shall do my best to restrain the Dean.

What’s in a name? (Part two)

Jem and Prill take the biscuit, again

Bletchley Park – where so much happened that none of us knew about

Diary Dates for 2005-200625 Sept 2005 Alumni Weekend Breakfast

5 Nov 2005 1596 Foundation Dinner

5 Dec 2005 Society Christmas Party

February 2006 Thornely Society lecture and AGM

11 Feb 2006 Engineers Reunion Dinner

21 April 2006 Thornely Society Dinner

5 May 2006 Society Spring Dinner

13 May 2006 MA Graduation Dinner

20 May 2006 1596 Foundation Dinner

Commemoration of BenefactorsDates for 2005, 2006 and 2007Commemoration Dinners for those whomatriculated in:

24 Sept 2005 1992–1993

1 July 2006 1949–1954

23 Sept 2006 1977–1979

30 June 2007 1994–1995

22 Sept 2007 1971–1973

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A near miss for Sidney in the War . . . . . . . .2Boat race writ large . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Glittering prizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Thank you to Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2The Sidney Sussex Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3The Thornely Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3London get-together for young alumni . . . .3The Choir’s spring tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3War-time memories of David Thomson . . . .4Bursaries: the picture changes again . . . . . .4Pass it on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Inspecting Colossus

Lord Briggs sets the scene

Jem meets the Press

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When a bomb fell on Sidney– well, nearly!

Among the letters received after the lastPheon, John Davis (1941) gave an almosteye-witness account of the bomb thatexploded in one of the Jesus Lane shops justover the road from the College near thecorner with Bridge Street. All John knewabout it at the time was an explosion in thenight, and the arrival shortly after of hisdownstairs neighbour worried that he hadfallen out of bed and injured himself! Thatwas in the winter of 1942/43.

The bomb was probably dropped by an enemyplane returning from a raid west of Cambridge.As John says it cannot have passed many feetabove the Jesus Lane wall and had the trajectorybeen a few feet closer to the College, it mighthave made a nasty dent in Cloister Court.

Glittering PrizesWe congratulate Claire Preston, one ofSidney’s Fellows in English, on winning theprestigious Rose Mary Crayshaw Prize forher book Thomas Browne and the Writing ofEarly Modern Science, which was publishedearlier this year by the Cambridge UniversityPress. The prize goes back to the nineteenthcentury and is awarded by the BritishAcademy for works of literary scholarship.

The subject of Claire’s prize-winning book isSir Thomas Browne, the seventeenth centurymedic best known for his Religio Medici.

Warm congratulations, too, to Derek Bealeswho was awarded the first Henry Paolucci/Walter Bagehot Prize by the IntercollegiateStudies Institute of Wilmington, Delaware,for his book Prosperity and Plunder,European Catholic Monasteries in the Age ofRevolution, 1650–1815, published in 2003also by CUP.

Boat race writ largeAn unusual challenge took place on Monday 20 June when coxed fours from several Oxfordand Cambridge Colleges took on the EnglishChannel as well as each other. The SidneyCross Channel Crew set off at 8 am fromShakespeare Beach, Dover, for an epic thatlasted 4 hours, 10 minutes and 2 seconds.

Conditions were worse than expected and thecrew came close to sinking three times. As theyneared France they were still neck and neckwith St Hugh’s College (Oxford), but theSidney boat produced a strong sprint finish to

edge them out by 30 seconds! They had reachedFrance, tired but happy, finishing 4th out of 7boats, and beating both the Oxford crews.

Sidney’s heroes were Chris Lloyd (Bow), Nick

Evans (2), Mike Lee (3), Pete Winslow

(Stroke), Laura Spiers (Cox) – especially Pete,

who also managed a first in Part IIB

Engineering and a University Prize.

They have raised over £2000 for Cancer

Research and are still counting. Normandy task force

Thank you to all who have supported Sidney Sussex in 2004–2005

We are extremely grateful to all Members and friends of Sidney who have made gifts in support of the Annual Fund, the Thornely Society, the renovationof Blundell Court, and the Library – and to those who have made special gifts. Some of you have given anonymously – your names may not be listedhere, but we are very grateful indeed for your generous support.

Prof J W AllenMr P W Allen Mr I P Allnutt Mr J Alvarez StellingMr I Anderson Mr J V R Anderson Mr C V Andrew Mr P G AndrewsMr G R Angell The Ann D FoundationMr L J AshfordDr V J Baker Mr G G BannermanMr J H Barker Mr J P Barton Mr M P Basing Prof J G BaskerMr J A B Bayliss Sir Terence Beckett Dr J F BellMr J M M Bell Dr R B Bennet Mr C E Benson Lt Colonel N W Beswick Mrs C L BewickMr J D Blake Mr M BlakeMr A C BloomMr M Bouchard Sir Derek Bradbeer Mrs S R BradburneMr T J Bramley Mr P Broad Mr R G Broadie Mr J Brock Mr D D Bromley-Challenor Dr L BroughtonMr J W Brown Mr C A Browning Mr J H A Bryson Mr G W Buckley Mr A M Burgess Mr D E Butterfield

Cambridge in AmericaCambridge University PressColonel M J A Campbell Dr S CampbellMrs J CampbellDr L J CarterDr M W Cemlyn-Jones Mr W G E Chilton Mr P J Clare Mr J H Clement Miss L A CohenMr J R CollisMr S R Coltman Mr R B Cooper Mr A D CooperMrs S J CorderoyMr R I Corderoy Mr S T CowanMr C N Cowling Mr R A Crabb Prof R T CurtisMr G Darby Prof AA Dashwood, Miss H J DaviesDr J DavisProf Dame Sandra DawsonCommander D Dawson-Taylor Mr D E de Saxe Mr I M Delinger Mrs J V J DenyerDr R H L Disney Mr A G Downey Dr A L Downing Mr H H I Easterling Mr E R P Edgcumbe Mr R J EllistonMr E R Espenhahn Mr E W EspenhahnMiss J T EvansMr H M Evans His Honour Judge E J Faulks Mr and Mrs M FelsteadMr B K Finnimore

Mr P N Fison Mr M G Flint Mr I G Forman Dr J G FormanMr P G D Fox Revd Canon A J S Freeman Mr T French Mr K G Frey Mr R M Furber Mr T FurusawaDr D Fyfe Dr R E B Garrod Mr D G Garton Mr J C Gaskell Mr R C Gee Mr R C H Genochio Mr R Gilbert Mr A J Gilderson Mr N S Goddard Mr D H Gray Mr N D F GrayMr S R Green Mr D C HaighMr D Haley Mr R L HallMr A H F Harland Sir William Harris Mr C M H HarrisonMr L Heller Prof A H HendersonProf P J G HendersonSir James J P I Hennessy Mr C F Herzberg Mr D R Hester Mr R E Hildrew Prof J W HillMr R J Hill Mr and Mrs M HirschMr S D Hobbs Mrs C L HockingMr P L HoggMs S A Holmes Mr D S Honour

Mrs K F M HootonMr H H Houghton Mr J B Hoyle Mr G B C Hughes Mr L R Hunt Dr P V Hunt Mr J S Hurst Mr D C IsaacsMr J M Jarman Mr J C Jeffery Mr J A Jefkins Mr P G Jenkins Mrs A C JexMr F B Johnson Mr D Mason Jones Dr J H Jones Mr G JonesMr L M Kaye Dr J R Kemm Mr N E KemptonProf J T KentDr J M KenworthyMr R C Kernick Miss A KhazenMr A H Lancashire Mr P R LaneMr C P Larkum Mr A T Lawson-Cruttenden Dr J P LeamMr J M Lehman Revd N K Leiper Mr A G N Levy Mr R G Lewney Mr P W Lipscomb Mr N J Lock Mrs A B LomasLovellsMr M A F Lyndon-StanfordMr P J MacBean Ms K C E MacintyreDr S MahapatraMr P A Marson Mr R H McClean

Mr D B McKenna Mrs D J MedlicottMr W J MedlicottMr S V Meinhardt Mr P A Melwani Ms P A MelwaniMr J G MillerMr C M Mitchell Mr N Moon Mr R D Morrison Mr S R Mostyn Mr G V R Moulding Mr M P Munyikwa Mr S D MurphyDr and Mrs K R MyersonProf M G MylroiMr O A Nasr Dr J C Newell-Price Dr P Nicholls Mr R C North Mr J P Oakley Prof B E J PagelMr A J Peeler The Revd M B Perkins Group Captain R S N Perry Ms S E Phillips Mr R J Piggott Mr H J Pilling Mr J A Porter Dr V J G Power Dr M Purshouse Mr H T Randolph Mr A N Ratcliffe Mr M S Rawlinson The Rt Hon W R N Raynsford Mr N F Reader Mr J Reynolds Mr K Reynolds Mr P J R Riddell Mr D G M Roberts Prof J P W Rogers Prof S C M RomerMr E N Rowley

Mr D J Roy Dr J H B Roy Mr J M RushtonThe Rt Revd J H G Ruston Mr R A SalmonDr E J Salter Mr C M T ScholtesDr H Schulze Mr E N Scott Mr J F Scott Mr G W Scott-Giles Dr J M W Sedgwick Mr C W J Seldon Mr M SharmaMr N E Shepherd Mr R W J Siddle The Sidney Sussex FoundationMr C E Slater Mr E L Smith Mr J B Smith Mr I B M Stephen The Rt Hon Lord D R Stevens Mr C L Stevenson Mr D W Steward Mr D T Stott Mr R R S Swan Dr K W Symons Miss S E F TaylorMr K R Teare

Mr F D F Thoday Mr A J ThoelkeMr B P Thomson Mr J Thorne Mr G A Thorp Commodore I P G Tibbitt Mr M Townsend Dr M S A Townsend Mr W G H Tripp Mr K D Tuffnell Dr C J G Turner M.PhilMr C P Turner Mr S W UptonMr C S WaitingMr and Mrs R WaitingMr A R WattsMr S WheelerMr I C White Mr A J WilliamsMr G H W Williamson Dr D M C Wong Mr R T Wood Mr K J WoodrowMiss M S WoodruffMr S A WoolfriesMrs E J YoungMr J T YoungMr P S J Zatz Mrs S L Zijderveld-Darke

Estate of Dr P F BarwoodEstate of Dr J N BallEstate of Mrs M BulmanDr L BroughtonMr G B ClementsAlan & Sheila Diamond

Charitable TrustMr J W GibbonDr D R IvesEstate of Dr V A Law

Rev’d N K LeiperMr B M NewmanDr E M NorthcoteMr A H A OsbornMr D E PurchaseEstate of Dr R K SchillerMr M StylesMrs S E TyrrellEstate of Mr T S Wyatt

Particular thanks are owed to those who have madelegacies and special gifts, which enable us to createstudent funds, prizes and teaching Fellowships, andto endow a range of other College activities. Specialgifts may include named and memorial gifts,honouring Members and friends of the College.

Special Gifts

Thanks for the memoriesThis is a rare opportunity for me to express my thanks to old Members (of whom I’m one myself),rather than to Old Members – a phrase some of you under-60-year-olds have taken objection to inthe past. I asked for stories about life at Sidney in and after the War and was richly rewarded byyour response and the new contacts I have made as a result.

I have included all I felt I could in the present issue, which celebrates sixty years from the end ofthe War, and apologise to those who are not quoted. In particular I am grateful to John Sedgwick,who sent me a wonderful series of letters he wrote home immediately on coming up to Sidney inOctober 1934. They are now in the Muniment Room, enriching the drier College records of thetime. Like everything you have sent, they contribute to a better picture of what Sidney was like inthe 1930s and ‘40s, and are very welcome as we plan for the new history of the College.

Perhaps I should also apologise to those of you who think there is far too much in this issue aboutthose years. Your time will come. I plan to move along the decades, not necessarilychronologically, and will invite Members from other periods to write in with recollections ofCollege life from their own days here. Not in the next Pheon, however, because that will focus onthe University’s 800th Anniversary, and there will be little space for other things. After all, youdon’t get the chance to celebrate 800 years in the life of many institutions and we plan to make themost of it.

The Choir’s Easter TourCathy Langston, our senior Organ Scholar cameto us in 2002 having just spent her ‘gap’ year asOrgan Scholar at Salisbury Cathedral. ThisEaster she took the Choir back there to perform.“I booked in 2003, knowing that the waiting listis around two years, and cannot believe that ithas now come and gone!”

Eighteen choir members made the tour and sangfive services of choral evensong, beginning onEaster Monday. The music included canticles andresponses written by John Kennedy, a formerengineering student at Sidney

Cathy leaves us this summer having made a hugecontribution to music at Sidney over her 3 years.We wish her well, particularly for her wedding on29 July in – guess where – Salisbury Cathedral.

Bletchley Park Revisited – a talk by John HerivelFollowing the huge interest aroused by the visitto Bletchley Park, the Society has invited JohnHerivel (see page 1) to give a talk in College onSaturday 8 October at 11.30am about his work atBletchley Park during WW2. This is a uniqueevent and one the Society is delighted to host. A buffet lunch and refreshments will be providedafter the talk, price £15. The lecture (no charge)is reserved for Society members until Sept. 16. Ifyou plan to attend please contact Wendy Hedleyin the Development Office by that date, afterwhich the event will be open to others. Editor’stip: well worth coming.

Spring dinner, April 2005Vice-Master Professor Lindsay Greer gave adramatic presentation (including smashing abottle) entitled “Through a Glass Darkly.” Histalk was followed by a black tie Spring Dinnerin Hall for Sidney Members and their guests.

The 2005 GraduandsGarden Party

This year’s graduating students met SocietyChairman Peter Lipscomb (1959), Stephen Carter(1992 Year Rep), Patrick McDermott (1996 YearRep) and other Society Committee members atthe Annual Graduands Garden Party on 28 June.

Young Alumni London Get-together For a number of years now the Sidney SussexSociety has been recruiting a YearRepresentative from each graduating class. TheYear Reps organise the annual get-together inLondon aimed at alumni who have graduated inthe last ten years. The Year Reps also ensurethat their year group are aware of other Collegeevents they may be interested in attending andcan be a useful source of information whentrying to contact old College friends.

The next London drinks party will take place onThursday 22nd September 2005. The event isvery informal and takes place in a central Londonbar or pub making it easy for as many as possibleto pop in for a few drinks after work. The turnoutis usually around 150, with a good mix of moreand less recent graduates (although the event isprimarily aimed at those who graduated in the last10 years, everyone is welcome).

In order to make sure you hear about the detailsof this and other upcoming events please let yourYear Rep have your current e-mail address.Their names and contact details are listedopposite.

Patrick McDermott

Sidney Sussex Society committee member

1991 Joel Wolchover, joel@wolchover.com

1992 Steve Carter,stephen.carter@barclayscapital.com

1993 Bruce Kilpatrick,bruce.kilpatrick@slipperfield.com

1994 Sarah Hall (nee Bonnett),sarah.hall@travelex.com

1995 Neil Johnston,n.johnston@archonlaw.co.uk

1996 Patrick McDermott,s.p.mcdermott.96@cantab.net

1997 Helen Trotter,helentrotter@hotmail.com

1998 Rachel Horne (nee Gibson),rachel.horne@bbc.co.uk

1999 Chris Rudd,Chris.Rudd@ReckittBenckiser.com

2000 Julian Blake, julianblake@cantab.net

2001 Cressida Stevens,cressidastevens@cantab.net

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The Thornely Society At the 2005 Thornely Society dinner on Friday22 April, Dr Jillaine Seymour, the John ThornelyFellow in Law spoke about the state of lawstudies at Sidney (excellent as evidenced bytripos results), how she sees the Law programmedeveloping and her hopes for the Society.

Following the success of the first ThornelyLecture, reported last time, there seems littledoubt that the Society will continue to thrive.

The Thornely Society dinner in 2006 will takeplace on Friday 21 April. In future, the aim isto hold the annual Society dinner in the thirdweek of April, alternating between Friday andSaturday nights in order to accommodatemembers’ schedules better. The 2006 AGM andThornely Lecture will be held in February 2006– venue and date to be announced soon.

Sidney Members and College friends whowould like to join the Thornely Society shouldcontact Zoe Swenson-Wright atzs205@cam.ac.uk or 01223-338864.

Heading into Europe?Sidney students, Fellows and graduatesconsidering work or study in Europe will findhelp and advice from alumni groups in Genevaand Germany.

Geneva, Switzerland is home to hundreds ofinternational and non-governmentalorganizations and multinational companies, andalso to the Sidney Club of Geneva – a smallgroup of former students and Fellows of theCollege living in the Geneva area. It also hasFrench, German and UK members.

The President of the Club, Dr Ajit Bhalla, writes:“Many of us are very long-term residents (someof us Swiss!) involved in a wide range of localand international organizations. If any Memberswould find it helpful to obtain information orcontacts in our part of the world, we would bepleased to try to help.” Please contact:

Dr. Ajit Bhalla (President, Sidney Club of Geneva) 29, route de Genève, CH-1211 Commugny,Switzerland. Tel/Fax: + 41 22 776 1487.E-mail: abhalla33@hotmail.com

Members of the German Cambridge Societywould also be willing to help Sidney students oryoung professionals coming to Germany fortheir studies or career. Please get in touch withDr Heinz Fuchs at H.Fuchs.97@cantab.net

Our thanks to David Purchase (1961) for hisfurther support in the task of looking after theCollege portraits. Recent gifts by David haveallowed us to reglaze the portrait of Lady FrancisSidney using non-reflective glass, and to installnew picture lighting that enhances the effect stillfurther. The portrait can rarely have lookedbetter in its 440 years , having also been cleaned,had minor paint repairs and its frame regilded.

Susan Taylor (1988) is an Associate Director atCUDO, the University Development Office, andwill be co-ordinating activity between the Officeand College as the 800th Anniversary Campaigngets under way. As she puts it, “I’m the link!”She’d like support from Sidney members with aconcert she is organising on Friday 23September to herald the Campaign and

800th Campaign concert

commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle ofTrafalgar. The performance will be Haydn’sNelson Mass in the Emmanuel United ReformChurch, which has a capacity of 220. Theconductor will be Christopher Brown of King’s.Come and listen; come and sing. For moreinformation, Susan’s e-mail isst378@foundation.cam.ac.uk

The Graduands Garden Party

Lindsay Greer address the Society

The Thornely Society dinner

David Purchase

The Sidney Club of Geneva dine in College

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War-time memories of David ThomsonInterview memories are always among thekeenest. Donald Stephenson, who came up to sitthe scholarship exam in 1939, remembers howhe came unstuck on the Latin unseen paper(they had substituted medieval Latin forclassical) and then had his interview with DavidThomson, future Tutor and Master. David, hewrites, “was a big man in every way – with hislarge frame and genial expression. A sort ofyoung Henry VIII almost it seemed to me whenI first went into his room. I later discovered thatI was one of the first scholarship candidates hehad ever interviewed and perhaps for this reasonhe was quite as nervous as I was. Havingshaken hands he proceeded to give his blazingcoal fire an unnecessary kick, and at once alarge burning coal fell out of the fireplace andonto the carpet. With some alacrity I seized ahearth shovel and rather neatly repaired thedamage. He was duly grateful and this incidentmay well have gone some way in persuadinghim that perhaps the Latin unseen was not soimportant after all.

After a couple of questions relating to obscurebooks that I had not read and frankly admittedmy total ignorance of, I was asked what Ithought the verdict of history was likely to be onthe Casket Letters of Mary, Queen of Scots. Thiswas another area in which I was ignorant, butfearing the effect of a third “don’t know” andremembering the advice of my history master tobe “bloody, bold and resolute”, I had a judiciousgo on the forgery issue. My relief must havebeen visible when David replied, “Yes, I thinkthat’s about right!” I could not help but wonderat the erudition of a young man (he was exactlyten years my senior) who had to discuss withcandidates any period in English history andwho knew so much more on my own special

Bursaries: the picture changes againIn a University that has been around for 800 years, it is still hard to escape the illusion that what wasdone when you were a student is what was always done – and somehow right. For the studentgenerations that came to College after the War through into the 1960s, full public funding of studenteducation was first the aspiration and then the norm. It was a time of utopian vision when the state wasto provide free education and healthcare for all. And for a time it worked, or seemed to.

We were a more disciplined society in a non-consumer age. Relatively few school-leaverswent to University, medical treatment waslimited and people were more phlegmatic abouttheir illnesses. All of which made those post-War hopes affordable for a time. But thestandard rate of income tax soon rose to 43.75%and the top rate of surtax to 98%. Since thenGovernment has been on the back-foot, learningCanute’s lesson about the tide.

However much we may harbour the feeling thatit is the government’s job to pay for highereducation, the paradigm has changed. In fact itis reverting to one that Cambridge studentswould have found familiar a hundred years ago– albeit that the background is vastly different.Then there was no public funding. Now, withapproaching 40% of the population embarkingon university courses (and the governmentwanting this to rise to 50%), there is simply notenough of it. Then, as now, Cambridge attractedpoor students of high academic merit, as it hasdone throughout its history. What made thispossible was financial support provided by thecolleges, which came from benefactionsreceived over hundreds of years.

In due course this support shaped itself into aformal system of scholarships and exhibitions

awarded by examination. In 1905, according tothe College Annual, the average cost of a year’seducation in Cambridge was £100. At that timeSidney offered ‘about nine Scholarships ofvalues from £80 to £40’, plus ‘Exhibitions of anannual value of £30’. The College was taking in25 – 30 students a year then, so the majoritywere Pensioners who met their own costs.

That looks a strangely familiar pattern in thecontext of the bursary schemes that will operateonce the top-up fees introduced by the 2004Higher Education Act come into force inOctober 2006 – fees that are urgently needed byan under-funded higher education sector. Inorder to charge top-up fees, universities have toenter into agreement with the new Office forFair Access (OFFA), committing to specificpolicies for widening their admissions access.

Almost all universities will include as of rightbursaries in their access policies. Oxford andCambridge, in keeping with their mission toadmit the brightest students on meritirrespective of financial means, haveannounced generous schemes designed toensure that no student of the right academicpotential will decide against applying onfinancial grounds. At Cambridge the bursarywill be £3,000 for students from the poorest

family backgrounds (household income of less than £16,000 pa). Since such students will also be eligible for a government HE grant of £2,700, their full cost of maintenancein Cambridge (assessed at £5,700 a year) will be covered.

Both HE grant and bursary will be graduatedaccording to household income, falling to zerowhen household income reaches £34,000 pa. Itis estimated that the full annual cost of theCambridge bursaries will be in the region £6.5million pa and that approximately one-third ofundergraduates will be eligible for bursaries atsome level.

The Colleges will play their part in ensuring thatthe money needed to underwrite this level ofbursary provision is forthcoming. At Sidney wealready have several named funds for bursariesbut we will need more in future. Appeals forbursary funding will therefore be a major themeof the coming 800th Anniversary Appeal, bythis and other Colleges.

Achieving the necessary funding for a generousbursary scheme is central to the University’splans to ensure that it remains among theworld’s top universities, admitting the beststudents on a needs-blind basis. Top-up fees andbursaries are a first step towards the US modelof university funding, which not all willapprove. Nevertheless, they introduce a newdynamic into higher education funding that wecan only welcome. Without it, the fundingarrangements of the past 15 years wereinexorably pushing higher education in thiscountry into the second division. Sunlight and shade in the Cloisters

Pass it on …Everyone in Sidney was shocked andsaddened by the London tube and busbombings of 7 July. Thus far we are unawareof any Sidney casualties, but it is all too likelythat some Members have been affectedthrough family or friends and we send ourheartfelt sympathy and support to everyone –whether connected with the College or not –who has suffered loss or injury.

Thanks to those of you who have sent in news of your careers, books andweddings as we seek to increase news of this kind in Pheon. Please keep onwriting, using our online Pheon form:(http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni/phnews/)or by post.

Mr Ali Lakhani (1973) has practised law inVancouver, B.C., Canada, since 1978, in thefield of civil litigation. In 1998, he launched ajournal on metaphysics, titled “Sacred Web(www.sacredweb.com). The journal ispublished twice a year.

In May 2005 David Roberts (1966) exhibitedhis paintings at the Lounge Gallery, whereMonika Bobinska (1980) is the Director. For details: monikabobinska@onetel.com

Alex Wright (1984) is Religion and AncientHistory Editor at I.B. Taurus & Co. Ltd. He isthe author of “Why Bother with Theology”(DLT 2002) and has recently published a newbook, “Meanings of Life,” a search for areasof meaning and authenticity beyondinstitutional religion.

A service of blessing was held in the Chapelon 12 May for the marriage of Fellow-Commoner Graham Davies (1970) andVivian Wang. The bride’s parents made thejourney from China, and former MasterProfessor Sir Gabriel Horn and the BursarCharles Larkum were also present.

Esther Harris and Rob Youlten (both 1999)were married in April 2004 – congratulations(if rather belated) to you both!

The Bachelors of 1948

A History supervision in progress

subject – Tudors and Stuarts – than I did.

Some years later I made some comment toDavid to this effect and in his inimitably jollyand charming way he slyly explained that itwasn’t all that difficult – he had just heard apaper on the Casket Letters at the College

History Society, the “Confrat”, during theprevious week.”

To his delight, Donald was awarded anExhibition by Sidney. “It was years later, inJune 1948, that David explained, in proposingthe toast to us at our Bachelors’Dinner, that hehad had to plead with the Master, CanonWeekes, to pass over the Latin catastrophe andmake a special exception for me!”

By that time Donald was himself a veteran ofthe Confraternitas Historica, providing himwith another affectionate memory of DavidThomson. “The purpose of the meetings was tohear a member read a paper while beer andbiscuits were consumed, and then to have across-examination of the speaker. Asa Briggsplayed a notable part in these proceedings, andas often as not demonstrated an embarrassingknowledge of the subject. After one suchevening when the speaker had beenunmercifully corrected on every point of thecompass, David Thomson remarked withtypical glee to a group of us, ‘Now you knowwhat it’s like supervising Asa!’.”

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18ISSUE EIGHTEEN

Spring 2005

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

Changing the GuardReaders of Pheon may recall that one of our porters, John Spelzini, wasalso a member of her Majesty’s Yeomen of the Guard. It takes somethingspecial to be chosen as a Yeoman, and that John was marked out for higherthings was confirmed when Pembroke College appointed him as theirHead Porter. We wish him very well.

The guard has also changed on Pheon. Lindsay Greer took over theeditorship for Issue Six in 1996 and put his stamp distinctively and veryably on all subsequent issues up until the present one. Lindsay wasappointed as Vice-Master when James Mayall reached retirement age inthe summer and decided that if his academic career wasn’t to be squeezedout entirely he ought to lighten his College load a little. He stays on theeditorial team, but the Editor’s baton has now passed to the Bursar. We aregreatly indebted to Lindsay. Pheon plays an important part in keeping non-resident members informed about College life and their contemporariesand under his editorship it did so stylishly.

With the Bursar in charge you must expect an occasional focus on Collegefinance, which we have this issue on page 4, but I hope to keep the mix notvery different from what has gone before. One of my personal interests isthe College’s history, and that is also reflected in this issue (page 2 forexample). But what I really hope to do is to retrieve more of it through thepages of Pheon, relying on you to provide anecdotes and insights intoSidney’s history in our time.

On page 3 we have information about the planned visit of the SidneySussex Society to Bletchley Park, commemorating the significant rolemembers of Sidney played in decoding German military communicationsin the last war, and we hope to have one or more of those who were there

back with us on the day. That’s a good way ofcelebrating the 60th anniversary of the end of thatwar. May I suggest that another is for memberswho were in and about the College in the waryears to make contact with me, either by sendingin written memories, or – if you are not too fardistant from Cambridge – by inviting us to call onyou and record them. Or, of course, by coming toCollege yourself. We really do enjoy havingmembers come back to visit us, and all of youhave dining rights in term time that we would likeyou to exercise more often.

Charles Larkum, Editor

Diary Dates for 2004–200514 May 2005 MA Graduation dinner

21 May 2005 1596 Foundation dinner

3 June 2005 Bletchley Park visit

25 Sept 2005 Alumni weekend breakfast

5 December 2005 Society Christmas party

February 2006 Thornely Society lecture and AGM

11 February 2006 Engineers' Reunion dinner

April 2006 Thornely Society dinner

April 2006 Society Spring dinner

Commemoration of Benefactors

Dates for 2005 and 2006

Commemoration dinner for:

2 July 2005 1984–1985

24 Sept 2005 1992–1993

1 July 2006 1949–1954

23 Sept 2006 1977–1979

1

What’s in a Name? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Valentine’s Day weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Forty-four years at Sidney Sussex . . . . . . . . 2

The Pastons’ War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Thornely Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Sidney Sussex Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

On-line giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Blundell tops out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The 1596 Foundation at Penshurst . . . . . . 3

Accounting for the College . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Pass it on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Sidney BiographiesThe new 60-volume Dictionary of NationalBiography (DNB) was published on 23September 2004. It contains 62 million wordsand 10,000 images covering the lives andcareers of 50,000 men and women who haveshaped British history since the 4th century BC.It is a remarkable achievement by its editors,Brian Harrison and the late Colin Matthew, 372associate editors and their ten thousandcontributors, including several from Sidney,over the last twelve years of hard labour.

Working from the original DNB, conceived in1882 and first edited by Leslie Stephen, fatherof Virginia Woolf, the new DNB team revisedor re-wrote many of the original entries andadded new people from before 1990, the dateof the last supplement, and many who havedied after.

Sidney must rank relatively high institutionallyin terms of the numbers of entries it can claim,just short of 200. Given its comparativeyouthfulness at just over four hundred years,and its size – 5,000–6,000 possible contendersby my reckoning – we should be proud to haveso many major figures from all walks of liferepresented in this great gallery of nationalachievement.

Some figures loom surprisingly large in theDNB – for instance, Sir Robert Atkins, theseventeenth century judge and politician;

others, such as the poet Charles Aleyn wouldjustify a longer entry than the few lines he nowgets. But of course the choices made for thesevolumes are always debatable. I would add anumber of men from the earlier periods such asWilliam Elliston, the Master, from 1760 to1807 who transformed the College into a placeof high standing in the University after ahundred years in the shade.

There are some very important figures such asthe first President of the States of Holland,Baron Reede, who are not credited with havingbeen at Sidney, while people to my mindworthy of inclusion, such as the EdwardianBuddhist scholar and guru F L Woodward, thearts and crafts designer and poet, ArthurRomney Green and the cyberneticist W RAshby, should be considered for the three-times-a-year updates which will now takeplace. The inclusion of the statistician Sir RoyAllen, the anthropologist Wallace Armstrong,the geologist Oliver Bulman, Coleridge’smarvellous father John, the CND chairman L JCollins and the historian Hugh Tinker,however, are all very welcome.

Many living Sidneians will find their way intothe DNB in due course and with a fifty percentfemale intake these days to add to all thosewomen who have been at Sidney since 1976, itwill be interesting to see the future ratio ofmale/female entries.

Sidney does very well according to the DNBon science, religion, classical and historical

scholarship and, perhaps surprisingly, politics.But since the eighteenth century we seem to beless productive of major figures in literatureand the arts and almost non-existent inphilosophy and music. We can’t be good ateverything, but this is surely a gap for theCollege to consider in its long termdevelopment plans. We have a number ofwriters and film directors who may make it inthe future, as well as a few from the past whodeserve posthumous recognition. But we needour new Tom Mays and Thomas Rymers so wecan give Pembroke, King’s and some of theother more ‘arty’ Colleges a run for theirmoney.

Richard Humphreys (1972)

Spring comes to the Fellows’ Garden

Your Editor among the 2004 graduands

Honours evenLindsay Greer’s academic career clearly hasn’t suffered too severely fromhis stint as Editor. He has been awarded the Honda Kotaro MemorialPrize by the Tohoku-Cambridge Forum, given for outstandingcontributions to the development of education and research at TohokuUniversity. Professor Greer is the Deputy Head of Cambridge’sDepartment of Materials Science and Metallurgy.

We tell you of our honours, as above, and hope you enjoying hearingabout them, but you don’t always tell us about yours. We should like tocelebrate with you and no doubt think a bit of the glory rubs off on us.But, it is not always easy to identify Sidney members in the officialHonours Lists and we have much less chance of finding out about otherhonours . Do tell us if you or a Sidney friend of yours has achieved asignificant honour or distinction.

Honours evenLindsay Greer’s academic career clearly hasn’t suffered too severely fromhis stint as Editor. He has been awarded the Honda Kotaro MemorialPrize by Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, given for outstandingcontributions to the development of education and research at Tohoku.Professor Greer is the Deputy Head of Cambridge’s Department ofMaterials Science and Metallurgy.

We tell you of our honours, as above, and hope you enjoying hearingabout them, but you don’t always tell us about yours. We should like tocelebrate with you and no doubt think a bit of the glory rubs off on us.But, it is not always easy to identify Sidney members in the officialHonours Lists and we have much less chance of finding out about otherhonours . Do tell us if you or a Sidney friend of yours has achieved asignificant honour or distinction.

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The following article (slightly shortenedhere) was written for Pheon seventyyears ago by Otto Smail, then justgraduated, but widely known to readersnow through his long career as HistoryFellow and Tutor at Sidney (…or shouldwe say Sidney Sussex?).

“SYDNEY AND SUSSEX”

To the question “What’s in a name?” the answeris “Everything”. But if it be asked “What is thename of the College?” there is no sort ofunanimity in the reply. Written references to theCollege, whether in the press or on envelopes,reveal a multitude of variations. It is set down asSidney : Sidney College : Sydney College :Sydney Sussex : Sid. Suss. ; together with a hostof other false and disagreeable titles. From anexamination of the various forms two chieffaults emerge ; these are the spelling of“Sidney” and the use and misuse of “Sussex”.

The former matter is less serious but far morecontroversial. However desirable a uniformspelling of “Sidney” may be, it cannot be deniedthat there are many reputable precedents for theform “Sydney”. On the tomb of the Foundressthe name of the family is spelt with a ‘y’, whileone of the executors of her will frequently wroteof “Sydney College”. In 1747 a junior Fellowwith little sense of deportment sent a Valentineto the “Master of Sydney Sussex”, and the samespelling was employed by the anonymous donorof Cromwell’s portrait.

On the other hand the usual form has alwaysbeen Sidney with an “i”, and there seems to beno authoritative modern example of thealternative spelling. The exceptions quoted are

all of the days when spelling was not a matterfor schoolroom study. They are of an age whenthe whole realm of orthography knew a mostspacious freedom.

But Liberty is dead. Spelling is bound by acode, and to transgress it is to incur correction

or contempt. Every word and every name has afixed spelling. It is high time that Sidney wasaccepted as Sidney.

But the College is not so much misspelt asmisnamed. Especially objectionable is the useof “Sidney College”. The use of “Sidney”alone is comprehensible and even necessary. Itis impossible to speak always of “SidneySussex College” and “Sidney” is the obviouscolloquial form. But “Sidney College” isneither a correct title nor an efficientabbreviation.

As an abbreviation “Corpus” is good, butreferring to “Corpus College” is as ridiculousas offering “sherry wine”. In the same way“Sidney College” is a degenerate form, butunfortunately it has crept into Cambridge usage.

A well-known tailor is able to announce that hispremises have been removed and are now“opposite Sidney College”; while even theUnion, the home of all correct behaviour, allowsonly just enough space on its library tickets for“Sidney” to be written next to “College”.

The situation calls for action. That a manshould forget his own name is a proverbialsign of madness. Yet here in the University ofCambridge is an honourable foundationexisting since the 16th century which does notyet know its name. The College has had manyblows at its self-respect. Fuller compared it toa seven months child, “so low, lean and little atthe birth thereof”. In a later day Mr JamesDouglas has called it “a lazar house”. But thesethings are no reason for it being named andspelt as the next man pleases. Two generationsago a master of the College protested in theIllustrated London News against the use of“Sidney College”. It is time that his protestswere enforced.

R.C.S.December 1935

EDITOR’S NOTEHow strange it now sounds. Few of us think ofthe College’s name as anything other than SidneySussex, and perhaps Otto, in the course of fortyyears as a Fellow, was largely responsible forthat. But, as someone who had a good knowledgeof College history, was he not being a littledisingenuous in attributing the title SidneyCollege entirely to lèse majesté? Only fifty yearsearlier, when the College accounts were firstpublished, they were the accounts of SidneyCollege and not Sidney Sussex College.

What’s in a name indeed? The history of theCollege’s name is far from straightforward. Wehope to bring you more information on thisinteresting topic in future issues.

Neverunderestimate St ValentineWhen we organized a reunion dinner on 14February 2004 for members of the SidneySussex Society who read English here, wehadn’t thought ahead to the consequences.After all, 14 February is our FoundationDay. How should we remember that it’s alsoSt Valentine’s Day? But these saints are notto be scorned!

In Nîmes on September 18th last, ChristopherPage (Fellow in English) was married toAnne Dunan, lecturer in English at theUniversity of Montpellier, with variousSidney colleagues and Cambridge friends inattendance. The services were held in thevillage of Courbessac, just outside Nîmes,where Anne grew up. In the outdoor civilceremony the mayor regaled the crowd withanecdotes of the long friendship between thetwo nations and went on to express his senseof the superiority of English humour! In the13th century church across the street, thewedding vows were accompanied by musiccomposed and performed by Chris and a fewfriends, including the tenor Charles Danielsand Claire Preston, cello. Bobbing up anddown between performing his vows andperforming his compositions, Chris was thebouncing groom. Anne, in a long dress andtrain of cream lace, remained serenethroughout. Wherever they are in the worldCambridge men leave their mark. Wearingmatching morning coats and silk waistcoats,Chris’ friends astonished and delighted theFrench guests, one of whom was heard tosay: ‘Les Anglais – chapeaux! Les Français,nul!’ Game set and match to the Brits.

St Valentine wasn’t done yet. On Saturday,November 27th, Claire Preston (also Fellowin English) was married to Kevin Jackson byspecial licence in Sidney’s Chapel by theDean, Keith Straughan. The service, fromthe1662 Prayer Book, was accompanied bymembers of the Chapel Choir singing Byrd’sMass in Four Parts and anthems by Purcell.Chris Page’s new composition ‘Ode for TwoWriters Marrying in Winter’ (a setting fromShakespeare) was performed by a consort ofviols, Charles Daniel (tenor) and AmyCarson (soprano). Clive Wilmer, AssociateTeaching Officer in English, was among thereaders, and the guests, many of themSidneians, included the Master and HenryDawson, Gabriel and Prill Horn, CharlesLarkum, and Richard Partington. Achampagne reception followed in the AuditRoom, and a delicious dinner in the OldLibrary. Inspiration from the Courbessacwedding lingered on: instead of weddingcake there were a majestic pair of croques enbouche towering beside the Harington ewerand basin.

The Pastons’WarHave you ever wanted to understand whathappened in the War of the Roses? Or what itmust have been like to live through?

Helen Castor, one of our History Fellows, hasjust published Blood and Roses, whichreconstructs the lives of three generations of thePaston family from the letters they wrote onbusiness and personal matters throughout muchof the 15th century. When the letters, a treasuretrove of the domestic and social life lived by anupwardly mobile East Anglian family, were firstpublished in the late 18th century, they became animmediate best-seller.

Helen’s bookdeserves thesame fate.Beautifullywritten, Bloodand Rosesreconstructs thelives andpersonalitiessurrounding theletters, and fitsthemconvincinglyinto the national

events which were constantly buffeting them. Itgives compelling insights into local political life– in particular, into what it was like to live inEngland when possession really was nine-tenthsof the law.

Blood and Roses is published by Faber andFaber and costs £20.00.

Forty-four not outBursary Manager Robert Page remembers theevening the first woman guest appeared at aCollege dinner – a portent of many changes tocome. When Robert first came to work at Sidneyin 1961 as a part-time waiter in Hall, the Collegewas ivy-covered, with small cottages (onehousing the College Butler) where BlundellCourt now stands.

Shortly after the appearance of the first womandinner guest, Sidney admitted the first smallgroup of woman graduate students, and then, in1976, the first female undergraduates. He recallsthat the kitchen staff were anxious about thearrival of women. “We were all men, of course,and had a good rapport with the students becausewe were around the same age. We were afraidthe arrival of women would mean that we had tomind our Ps and Qs, but of course it went verywell. Sidney was a good College in that respect.”

Robert started waiting tables at Sidney when hewas doing a two-year business course at the

Cambridge Technical College (now AngliaPolytechnic University). When he graduated in1963, he took up a full time job in the office atChurchill College, but continued waiting tablesat Sidney. It was a punishing schedule – Robertserved breakfast at Sidney until 8:45, then rodehis Lambretta up to Churchill for a morning ofoffice work. Back to Sidney for lunch from12:45 to 1:50 and then back again for dinner.

Robert has no regrets. The day after he started atSidney he bumped into a young woman waitingfor a date who failed to turn up – fortunately, as

it turned out, because she was to become hiswife Susan. A couple of nights later, whenRobert was out with a friend he bumped intoSusan also out with a friend – in due courseboth couples married, Robert and Susan in 1968.With money saved from his two jobs, Robertwas able to buy a house in Willingham.

In 1974 Robert left Churchill and moved to theCollege Office at Sidney, where he was firstSteward’s Clerk and then (in 1982) Clerk tothe Stewards and Tutors. “When I first startedwork in the College Office they were stilldipping pens in ink to write up the ledgers.”

What’s in a name

Otto Smail in 1933

Robert at 21 (second from left) in 1966 with (left

to right) Master’s Butler, Ernie Green, College

Butler, Arthur Harpley. Steward’s Clerk, Ted

Melbourne, and Robert’s younger brother Philip.

Robert Page in 2005Robert quickly became an integral part of theCollege, and when the Master, Jack Linnett,died unexpectedly in 1977, Robert was askedto don the Master’s robes and pose for hisofficial portrait, providing body and hands.

Looking back on his four decades in theCollege, Robert remembers the 1960sespecially fondly. “During the 1960s a lot ofstudents were friends – it was a wonderfultime, the music, the friendly atmosphere. Istill get letters from all over the world.Daughters and sons of former students drop into see me when they come back as students orvisit Cambridge.”

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The Thornely SocietyThe Thornely Society and College are very grateful to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer for hostingthe first annual Thornely lecture, on 24 February 2005. Professor Alan Dashwood CBE, Professorof European law and Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, was introduced by Freshfields PartnerNigel Rawding (1977) and addressed an audience of seventy Thornely Society members, Sidneyalumni and other guests. Copies of his interesting and thought-provoking lecture: “The EUConstitutional Treaty – More Likeable Ground Rules for a More Likeable Union” are availablefrom Zoe Swenson-Wright at zs205@cam.ac.uk.

The lecture was preceded by the AGM of the Thornely Society and followed by a drinks receptiongenerously hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Photographs of the Thornely Society’s annual dinner will appear in the next issue of Pheon.

Blundell tops outOn Saturday 19 March a topping-outceremony was held on the new top floor ofBlundell Court.

The guest of honour was Mrs Kyoko Gledhill,whose generous benefaction in memory of herhusband David Gledhill (1955) made itpossible to add the new floor to the 1960sbuilding.

Mrs Gledhill laid a ceremonial brick and deftlysliced away some unwanted cement in thepresence of the Master, the Visitor, theViscountess De L’Isle, the architect andmembers of the construction team. The newfloor is already partly roofed over, but therewas no need to worry about the weather asspring had arrived three days earlier, and the

party was treated to a glorious view over theMaster’s Garden in its full splendour of springflowers.

Progress on the redevelopment has not beenwithout its hitches, but relations with thecontractor have been excellent, and we remainconfident of receiving the completed buildingback during the long vacation, in good time tofit it out for our students returning in October.

The prospect of having a room at the back of theCollege with en-suite facilities and the viewsyou get from the upper floors is provingattractive with our students. This wasdemonstrated by choices made in the annualroom-choosing (for the next academic year) thatgoes on in the Lent Term. With 90 new en-suiterooms available, most preferences wereaccommodated.

A day-out atPenshurst

Members of the College’s 1596 Foundationspent a splendidly autumnal day at Penshurst,home of the Visitor, Lord De L’Isle, on Sunday7 November. About 80 people attended andhad a treat.

For the first-time visitor Penshurst isbreathtaking. The party assembled in theBaron’s Hall, with its open fire in the centre ofthe floor and 14th century hammerbeam roof,the oldest of its kind in the country, and thenproceeded in three groups to a tour of the staterooms, escorted by Lord and Lady De L’Isleand official guides.

The rooms are splendid, reflectingimprovements made by the present Lord DeL’Isle and his father, and there are manywonderful pieces of furniture and family

treasures, including Sir Philip Sidney’s funeralhelm surmounted by a porcupine. But if youare a picture and portrait enthusiast then youreally are in your element. There can be fewlarger or better collections of 16th centuryBritish paintings, including the famous sceneof Queen Elizabeth dancing la Volta with the

Earl of Leicester. And, of course, there aremany more from later times.

The party had lunch in the Sunderland Room(illustrated here), followed by a walk in thegardens, one of the oldest terraced gardens inEngland. We were then back indoors forafternoon tea, when visits were made to thefamily’s private quarters, and a talk was givenby Richard Humphreys weaving Penshurst andthe De L’Isle family in with Sidney’s history.

New at Sidney: An e-newsletter, and on-line givingIn December 2004, Sidney launched its first electronic newsletter for Members and friends of

Sidney Sussex. This newsletter will have no fixed schedule, but will fill in the gaps between

issues of Pheon and the College Annual, with updates on College news and forthcoming events.

If you did not receive this newsletter in December, we may not have had your correct e-mail

address. If you would like to receive it in future, please e-mail Wendy Hedley (wah21@cam.

ac.uk) and give her your preferred e-mail address.

Sidney Sussex is now able to accept donations made on-line by credit card or direct debit. Using

secure webpages hosted by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), we can now offer Sidney

donors all over the world a safe and easy way to support the College. UK donors will be pleased

to know that the CAF-hosted web pages will automatically calculate GiftAid (if requested),

while overseas donors can make a gift in any currency. US donors should note that we are not yet

able to receive tax-efficient gifts on-line, although Cambridge in America hopes to offer this

service in future. The new Sidney online giving pages are at:

http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni/develop/onlinegiving.html

Professor Dashwood’s lecture

Pictured, left to right: Patrick McDermott (1996), Wendy Hedley, Tony Willenbruch (1970), PeterLipscomb (1959), Charles Larkum (1994), Richard Humphreys (1972), Richard Partington (1987), IanStephen (1962) and Andrew Wood (1987).

Not pictured: Diane Aston-James (1981), Ajit Bhalla (1997), Julian Blake (2000), Stephen Carter (1992),Andrew Flewitt (1999), Tony French (1939), Rosalind George (1982), Heinz Fuchs (1997), Lindsay Greer(1984), Zoe Swenson-Wright and Tom Viles (1992).

The reception at Freshfields

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Sidney members are invited to join an expedition to Bletchley Park on Friday 3 June 2005. Thevisit will be an enjoyable day out at this fascinating museum of wartime Britain, but also anopportunity to remember the nine Sidney members who worked as code breakers at Bletchley Parkduring the War, of whom the most famous is probably Gordon Welchman, Fellow in Mathematicsat Sidney in the pre-War period. From 1939 to 1945, he was a senior figure at Bletchley Park, andmanaged the famous Hut Six. Another was historian Asa Briggs, now an Honorary Fellow.

The visit will start at 10:30 at Bletchley Park and end at around 3:00 pm. Tickets at £25 per headare available from Wendy Hedley on 01223-338881 or wah21@cam.ac.uk. Places are limited, andall bookings must be received by 15 May 2005.

How good is your war memory?On the basis that repetition is no bad thing when something is worthwhile, may we reinforce theEditor’s invitation on page 1 to those of you who were at Sidney just before, during or just after theWar. The Society is helping gather information for a new history of the College and we would liketo capture first hand recollections of that unusual decade in College life, now fast passing frommemory. What was it like being here then? Depending on what you send us, we will publishpieces in future editions of Pheon, but also hope to build up a more comprehensive picture that willgive real atmosphere to this section of the history.

Mrs Kyoko Gledhill with Hank Liao (MCRPresident) and Alice Felsted (JCR President) Mrs Gledhill and members of the building team

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Members of the Sidney Sussex Society Committee.

In December 2004, the Society held its annual Christmas Party at the National Liberal Club inLondon, a change from the Middle Temple Hall. As Pheon was preparing to go to Press, Sidneymembers were gathering for the Society’s Spring dinner on 9 April 2005.

4

Bringing College Accounts up to date

The form of the accounts now being replacedgoes back to the Royal Commission of 1919–22and the Universities of Oxford and CambridgeAct of 1923. The key concern then was not toshow a true and fair view of college finances tothe world, but to ensure that the accountssupported the system of university taxation,which in those days transferred income fromthe colleges to the University.

The University was charged with receiving thecolleges’ accounts each year and updating themas required. It also controlled the rate of tax,known as contribution, paid by the colleges.But to protect against unreasonable treatmentby the University, the 1923 Act said that anychange in the University’s statutes that affectedthe financial position of the colleges neededtheir agreement. There were fewer collegesthen, but getting them to agree was never easyand there have been few changes over the yearsin the tax regime or in college accounts.

Times and fortunes change, however. Publicfunding of higher education, which begancautiously in the 1920s, increased greatly in the’50s and early ’60s, leaving the University withless need of financial support than many of thecolleges themselves – a change it generouslyrecognised. For many years now, contributionhas been entirely a college affair, with moneytaxed from the wealthier colleges being paid outagain as grants to the less well endowed. Thatmight have been the signal for a change incollege accounts, but the colleges weren’t yetready to embrace it.

This situation persisted until 1997 when theBursars’ Committee set up a working party tobring the accounts up to date. Still subject to the1923 Act, however, they could only do so bycommon consent and progress was slow. Manycontinued to have doubts about how meaningfulincome and expenditure accounts and balancesheets were in college terms. Putting values onbuildings we can’t sell highlights wealth wedon’t really have, and that is particularly hard toswallow when these buildings have in realitybecome part of the national heritage, jealouslywatched over and preserved by EnglishHeritage but at our cost.

That was just one of many points to be arguedover before the new accounts finally reachedthe University statute book in 2004.

Pass it on ...Celebrating the achievements of 800 years

In September 2005, Cambridge University andall its Colleges will launch an 800th

Anniversary Campaign, to celebrate the pastand raise money to secure the future. TheCampaign will be launched during theUniversity’s Alumni Weekend, on September23–25.

We would like to invite all Sidney membersattending the Alumni Weekend to breakfastwith the Master in the College Hall on Sunday25 September at 10:00 am. Other events mayalso be planned, so do let us know if you arecoming for the weekend!

Send us your news

We want to know all your news – new jobs,weddings, births and honours!

From the next issue of Pheon, this space willbe used to record news of our members, andwe hope that in time this column will grow.

Please use the form on Sidney’s web pages(/alumni/phnews) to send us news of yourself!

Apologies and congratulations to Ninavon Groote (1988) whose July 2003 weddingto Philipp Hagen Lukas should have beenreported in the 2004 College Annual. Manycongratulations to you both!

Staying in touch

If any College Member is willing to offeradvice or assistance to fellow CollegeMembers and would like to publish details inPheon, please write. All would-be-contributorsshould contact the Assistant Editor of Pheon:

Zoe Swenson-WrightMembership and Development OfficeSidney Sussex CollegeCambridge CB2 3HUTel: 01223-338864Fax: 01223-338881E-mail: zs205@cam.ac.uk

Do you remember the 24-hour brouhaha when Oxford colleges published new accounts a year ago? Thesebrought them into line with modern accounting standards and gave much more information on the colleges’financial position. But that didn’t stop the press taking a customary swipe or two. If you wondered how weescaped the same treatment, the answer is simple. Cambridge has been running a year behind Oxford andour new accounts are only now making their appearance.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTYear ended 30th June 2004

£INCOMEAcademic fees and charges 1,212,056Residences, catering, and conferences 1,740,186Investment income (unrestricted funds) 512,518Endowment (trusts and designated funds) 302,918Donations taken as income 104,070Rental income and miscellaneous 1,223,823

Total income 5,095,571

EXPENDITUREEducation (2,411,912)Residences, catering, and conferences (2,425,010)Other expenditure (188,786)

Total expenditure (5,025,708)

OPERATING SURPLUS 69,863Contribution to Colleges’ Fund (53,945)

15,918

Transfer to accumulated income within Restricted Expendable Capital (47,594)

NET DEFICIT (31,676)

BALANCE SHEETYear ended 30th June 2004 £FIXED ASSETSTangible 28,668,625 Investments 27,552,425 56,221,050 CURRENT ASSETSStock 46,357 Debtors due within 1 year 538,717 Debtors due after 1 year 1,455,912Cash 4,985,120

7,026,106

CURRENT LIABILITIESCreditors: due within 1 year (906,959)

NET CURRENT ASSETS 6,119,147

62,340,197

CREDITORS: due after 1 year (1,455,912) PENSION LIABILITIES (1,170,200) (2,626,112)

NET ASSETS 59,714,085Represented by:

CAPITAL & RESERVES Income/ PermanentExpendable Capital

Capital Funds Funds

Restricted Funds for Collegiate purposes 2,065,879 7,122,929 9,188,808Restricted Funds for non-Collegiate purposes — 24,684 24,684Unrestricted Funds 37,803,507 12,697,086 50,500,593

19 39,869,386 19,844,699 59,714,085 Cloister Court in full bloom

Raising the Curtain onSidney’s FinancesSidney’s new accounts, covering itsfinancial year to 30 June 2004, weresubmitted to the University just beforeChristmas. The two accounts published heregive a summary view into our financialposition. The full accounts run to 36 pages.If you have a passion for detail, you willfind them on the College’s website:http://www.sid .cam.ac.uk/about/publications/

The income & expenditure account reflectsthe structure of College finances. We spendour money almost exclusively on twopurposes: education, including pastoralsupport; and domestic services for ourstudents during term-time and forconferences out of term. The money wereceive as direct payment for these activitiesis shown in the first two items of income.The other sources of income come from ourendowment in one form or another,essentially the generosity of Collegemembers past and present. The accountshows how dependent we are on it tomaintain what we do.

You may wonder why we appear to losemoney on residences, catering and

conferences. Do we do it badly? We don’tthink so, but operating in the centre ofCambridge with virtually no car parking,means that conferences will never be amajor source of income, important thoughtheir contribution is. And the maintenanceand service costs of our historic buildingsare unavoidably high compared to lesscentral, purpose-built accommodation.Finally, our rents take account of thefinancial circumstances of our students.

The greatest loss against direct income,however, is in education. That is because weare committed to maintaining standards ofteaching for our students whose resourcerequirements go far beyond what we receivethrough grants and fees. This was true evenbefore the government decided in 1999 to cutcollege fees by 20% over a 10-year period.We are now half-way through the period andit has so far cost us £110,000 p.a. That losswill double over the remaining period.

Given that we are now operating aroundbreak-even, as the income and expenditureaccount shows, yet still deemed wealthyenough to make a contribution to less well-endowed colleges, we are going to have towork hard both to maintain the quality of theeducation students get at Sidney and to keepthe books balanced. But we intend to do it.

Local Cambridge artist Mohammad Djazmi has created this lovely newoil painting of Sidney Sussex.

Mounted prints are available from the College for £45 including UKpostage and packing. Members living overseas should pay the listedprice and we will invoice you for any additional cost.

Cheques should be made payable to Sidney Sussex College, and sent tothe Membership and Development Office, Sidney Sussex College,Cambridge CB2 3HU.

Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge by M. Djazmi

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Summer 2004

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

New Year and BirthdayHonours, and more...

An Editor could hope for no greater collection of good newsthan that which opens this issue of Pheon. Having both ourMaster and former Vice-Master on the New Year’s HonoursList must be rare for any organisation. And even after thisexceptional start to the year, there is more to report.

Through the medium of film the phrase Master and Commander isnow familiar, and not only to readers of the novels of PatrickO’Brian. It now seems very appropriate for our Master, since herinvestiture on 11th February 2004 as a Dame Commander of theBritish Empire. Professor Dame Sandra Dawson, DBE, and herdevotion to Sidney, and indeed to the Judge Institute of ManagementStudies which she also heads, need no further introduction to thereaders of Pheon. We can only say that the crew of Jack Aubrey’sship Sophie could have raised no louder Huzza! than the College atthe news of this signal honour, so richly deserved.

Announced at the same time, on the Diplomatic Service List, was a CBE“for services to European Law and to the Convention on the Future ofEurope” for Professor Alan Dashwood. Our congratulations go to Alan,who is Professor of European Law and was Vice-Master of the College1997-2000. He has, among many other things, been heavily involved in thedrafting of a Constitution for the European Union; his talk on this topic tolast year’s Summer Event in College was reported in an earlier issue.

Listeners to Desert Island Discs (13 June, repeated 18 June) will haveheard Karan Bilimoria DL (1986) as castaway. Karan is a Member of theNational Employment Panel, founder and Chief Executive of Cobra Beer,and UK Co-Chairman of the Indo-British Partnership. The College wasdelighted to note his CBE on the Birthday Honours List, “for services toBusiness”. Since his days at Sidney, during which the idea for CobraBeer was born, Karan has maintained very close links with Cambridge.Karan has just been appointed by the University as one of its first twohonorary Visiting Entrepreneurs, in recognition of extraordinarycontributions to the teaching and training of entrepreneurs.

In recognition of his “distinguished and continuing achievements inoriginal research,” Professor Sir John Walker FRS (1997) was one of only18 Foreign Associates elected to the US National Academy of Sciencesthis year. Sir John heads the MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit inCambridge, and was a co-winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

Our congratulations go also to —

Alan Hughes (1973), Professor of Enterprise Studies and Director of theUniversity’s Centre for Business Research, who has been appointed to siton the Council for Science and Technology, the government’s top-leveladvisory body on science, engineering and technology policy;

Dr Abir Al-Tabbaa (1997), Senior Lecturer in the Geotechnical andEnvironmental Engineering Group of the University’s EngineeringDepartment, who has been awarded the Reed and Malik Medal for 2003by the Institution of Civil Engineers. The award is for the best paperpublished in the Institution’s Proceedings on Geotechnical Engineering.

Lindsay Greer,Editor

The Master’s garden, a tribute to the efforts of Trevor and his team.

Diary Dates for 2004-200525 September 2004 Alumni Weekend breakfast

in College13 December 2004 Society Christmas Party at the

National Liberal Club, London12 February 2005 Medical & Veterinary

Society Reunion Dinner

26 February 2005 Parents’ Feast

12 March 2005 Parents’ Feast30 April 2005 Society Spring Dinner in

College14 May 2005 MA Graduation Dinner

for 1998 matriculands.To be announced Thornely Society Dinner

in College26 September 2005 Alumni Weekend breakfast

in College

Commemoration of BenefactorsDates for 2004-200625 September 2004 1974-19762 July 2005 1984-1985*24 September 2005 1992-1993*** June 2006 1949-1954** September 2006 1977-1979*Please note that the invited matriculation yearsfor 2005 Commemorations will be as detailed, notas previously published.** date to be announced

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Nanoscience andnanotechnologies:opportunities and

uncertainties– is the title of a report just issued by a Royal Society& Royal Academy of Engineering working partychaired by Professor of Engineering Ann Dowling.While nanotechnologies can benefit society, thereport concludes that their development should be amatter for public debate. In particular, research isneeded to "address uncertainties about the health andenvironmental effects of nanoparticles – one smallarea of nanotechnologies." Professor Dowling andher colleagues welcome your comments either inwriting or at an open meeting on 29 September at6.30pm at the Royal Society in London. Admissionto this event is free, with no ticket or advancebooking required.

The report, contact addresses and meeting details are

all available at the working party’s dedicated

website: (http://www.nanotec.org.uk).

The Master, Professor Sandra Dawson, during her investiture asDame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) ‘for services toHigher Education and Management Studies’.

Following the retirement of Mrs Jo Knight,arrangements for future Commemoration ofBenefactors’ dinners will be made by WendyHedley, Membership Officer. For details,please contact:

The Membership and Development OfficeSidney Sussex CollegeCambridge CB2 3HU

Telephone: 01223-338881E-mail: wah21@cam.ac.uk

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Blundell Court refurbishment . . . . . . . . . . 2

David Gledhill (1955) – a life remembered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Society events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

International alumni groups . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

New York dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Thank you to donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Old Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Interview with the new Thornely Fellow . . . 5

CAim and Sidney Sussex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

College retirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

A medic in Samoa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sidney’s own Médecins san Frontières. . . . 6

David Anthony Gledhill was born in Karachi in 1934 and matriculated in 1955 to study Economicsat Sidney Sussex. At Cambridge, David was a gifted student and keen sportsman. After leavingUniversity, he undertook a National Service Commission in the Royal Artillery and joined JohnSwire & Sons and was then posted to Hong Kong, in 1958.

In 1963 he became the Swire Group’s shipping manager forJapan, where his imaginative leadership led to pioneeringimprovements in containerization and efficient shipping. In1966 he was introduced to his future wife Kyoko at a partyin Tokyo; the couple married in 1968 and returned to HongKong in 1973. Kyoko too had a Cambridge connection asher grandfather, Professor Matsuji Takeuchi, studiedShakespeare in Cambridge in the early 1920s and led thedelegation of Japanese students that welcomed CrownPrince Hirohito to England on his first European trip.Professor Takeuchi had such respect for English educationthat Kyoko attended Tokyo’s only Anglican girls’ privateschool and College, where all the English teachers weregraduates of Cambridge and Oxford. Interestingly,Professor Takeuchi was up at the same time as David’s father, Arnold Crosland Gledhill, whomatriculated at Sidney in 1919 and received his degree in 1921.

David Gledhill became a Director of Swires and Chairman of Modern Terminals Ltd, the group’scontainer port venture, from 1981 to 1994. His roles and accomplishments were numerous andvaried. As Chairman of Swire Properties, he managed the development of Pacific Place, one ofHong Kong’s most prestigious office and hotel complexes; as Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways,he was responsible for many imaginative investment decisions. In 1975, David founded andestablished Swire Pacific Offshore Ltd., now one of the largest owners of offshore support vesselsin Asia. He was a Director of many Hong Kong companies, including the Hong Kong andShanghai Banking Corporation and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation. In addition, he was aSupervisory Board Member of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and an advisor to IBM.

During his leisure time, David Gledhill was a local magistrate, a council member of the Universityof Hong Kong; on the board of the Community Chest; Chairman of the Employers Federation;Chairman of the Sports Development Board, and a committee member of the Chamber ofCommerce and the Consultative Committee for the Basic Law (China’s constitutional frameworkfor Hong Kong as a special administrative region of the People’s Republic after the 1997handover). For all these accomplishments and many more he was appointed a CBE in 1992.

Sir Adrian Swire, speaking at a thanksgiving service in memory of David Gledhill, credited himwith significant improvements to the shipping industry, and with much of the success of the newHong Kong airport. Sir Adrian commented: "David was a man of the greatest integrity,competence, and entrepreneurial flair, much respected for his knowledge of a wide range of

businesses. He was inherently a shy man, and it took someknowing to realise his warmth, and humour. He waspassionate about the future of Hong Kong and it was nosurprise that he decided to remain there after his retirement,and to continue, often with sharp political comment, to assistHong Kong in its transition through the Handover."

Although he worked extraordinarily hard, David Gledhillalso knew how to relax; he was known for his humorousspeeches, always greeted with laughter and applause. Hiswife remembers, "He was a keen sportsman. There was onlyone thing that could distract him from his work and that wasrugby. He had a passionate personal interest in rugby, andespecially loved the annual International Hong Kong RugbySevens. Every year thousands of keen rugby fans fly toHong Kong for this extraordinary event. Cathay PacificAirways was one of the major sponsors, and DavidGledhill’s greatest joy was to present trophies to thechampion teams. He was famous in Hong Kong for his loveof rugby.

During a long illness he was cared for devotedly byKyoko, who, since his death, has honoured his memorythrough major gifts to Sidney Sussex and otherorganisations that were important to him. David is nowat rest in London's beautiful Brompton Cemetery.

We are tremendously grateful to Kyoko Gledhill forenabling the College to create a Gledhill Studentshipand a David Gledhill floor with 19 new student roomsas part of our Blundell Court expansion project. We arealso delighted with the lovely Cloister Court sundialcreated in David’s memory.

The need to refurbish Blundell Court

In July 2004, work began to refurbish and extend Sidney’s main student accommodation building,Blundell Court. Designed by Howell, Killick, Partridge and Amis, Blundell Court was built to thehighest standards of the day when it opened in 1969. However, like many buildings of the period,Blundell Court had a flat roof that did not stand the test of time and needs to be be replaced with apitched roof to prevent damage to staircases and rooms. The fire safety system, once consideredstate-of-the-art, no longer meets 21st century standards. As these necessary improvementsthemselves represented a substantial project, the College has decided to add real value to its studentaccommodation and facilities by undertaking a major refurbishment of this flagship building.

Beneath a zinc-coated pitched roof, we are now adding a top floor, with nineteen new en-suite studentrooms. The four existing residential floors will be completely remodelled and refurbished, withmodern en-suite accommodation replacing student bed-sits. Existing bathrooms (no longer required)will be converted to additional accommodation, further increasing by six the number of rooms forstudents.

The project to refurbish and expand Blundell Court is the largest building project undertaken by theCollege in recent years. Much of the work to be done is unavoidable – a seriously leaking roof andinadequate fire protection are problems that must be quickly solved. By adding a well-designed newroof, upgrading all existing student bed-sitting rooms to modern en-suite units and creating twenty-five new rooms for students, we will improve both the appearance and comfort of Blundell Court.

The cost of expanding Blundell CourtNew fifth floor (19 en-suite student rooms) and zinc-plated roof £2,362,000

Conversion of 65 bed-sitting rooms and four communal bathrooms to 71 en-suite student rooms. £2,156,000

Fire prevention measures and new lift £1,134,000

Refurnishing with modern desks, chairs and beds £80,000

TOTAL BUILDING COSTS £5,732,000

To date we have raised nearly £3 million toward the building costs shown above, and we hope toraise an additional £2.7 million to complete the funding of Blundell Court. We are very grateful forthe generosity of Mrs Kyoko Gledhill, whose leadership gift to launch the project will berecognized by naming the new top floor in memory of her late husband, David Gledhill (1955).

We would be delighted to send you a copy of the Blundell Court funding proposal (which can alsobe viewed on the College website —http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni/develop/blundell.html).

For further information about this project,please contact Zoe Swenson-Wright at 01223-338864 or zs205@cam.ac.uk.

In Memory of David Anthony Gledhill CBE, JP (1955)

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David and Kyoko Gledhill

The memorial sundial in Cloister Court

The new floor will equalize the heights of Garden and Blundell Courts

The extended Blundell Court viewed from the corner of Hobson and King Streets

David Gledhill in Hong Kong Harbour

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Not Just a Big AppleSidney Sussex alumni from many parts of the United States gathered at the Williams Club in NewYork on Friday 2 April for a wonderful dinner hosted by the Sidney Sussex Foundation. Both theMaster, Professor Dame Sandra Dawson with her husband Henry Dawson and the Vice Master,Professor James Mayall with his wife Avril, were able to join the party. Sidney members wishingto be kept abreast of future Foundation events should contact the Secretary-Treasurer of the SidneySussex Foundation, Dr Tom Viles on (703) 243-1414 (tcviles@aol.com).

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International Alumni Groups

Peter Lipscomb,Sidney Sussex Society Chairman, writes:

Your Committee is working hard! Here is an update on what’s happening and what’s planned.

Two forthcoming events open to all Members will be the the Christmas Party on Monday 13thDecember and the Spring Dinner in College on 30th April 2005.

We have given the Summer Event a rest, asafter six very enjoyable years numbers wereunderstandably beginning to drop off. Thoseof you who especially enjoyed the lectures bySidney Fellows will be pleased to know thatthree Sidney Members will be giving lecturesduring the Cambridge University Alumniweekend at the end of September.

Please note that this year the Christmas Partywill be held at the National Liberal Club, notat Middle Temple. This is because our usualroom is not available and because the prices,even with discount, have risen to a level whichwe feel may deter a number of Members.

As a new initiative, we are looking at organizing events outside Cambridge which have particularassociations with Sidney. Ideas include a trip to Bletchley Park, a "Cromwell Tour" of Huntingdonand Ely, and a visit to our sister College, St John’s, Oxford.

The younger generation event in London has again proved hugely successful and will now have asa fixed date the penultimate Friday in September.

The well-attended subject dinners continue to take place in February each year, with theMedics/Vets and Engineers opting for a three-year cycle, which means the Medics Dinner will comeround again in 2005. We are hoping that the Geographers and Geologists will want to join in withtheir own dinner, and that it will be possible to organise a Sidney Music reunion at some stage.

Thanks largely to the enthusiasm of Ajit Bhalla, the new Sidney Club of Geneva is up and running,drawing its membership not just from around Geneva but from all who are interested in joiningfrom other parts of Europe and from College. Finally, there are the annual events for graduates,postgraduates and those returning for their MA.

So, all in all, there’s quite a lot happening or in the planning stage. The clear message we aregetting from you is that you like us to ring the changes from time to time and not just stick with thesame events every year. So do let us know what you think via Wendy Hedley in the Membershipand Development Office. We’ll do our best!

Beautiful weather for the Society’s Spring Dinner inCollege, on 24 April 2004

A Capitol AffairSwitzerland and France

A previous issue of Pheon carried news of the inauguraldinner (held October 2002) of the Sidney Club of Geneva.Since then the Club has gone from strength to strength: ithas elected officers, approved articles of association,adopted a logo — and even has an annual subscription!Highlights of the meeting in the Hôtel du Lac, Coppet, on8th May were the first AGM of the Club, dinner, andafterwards a talk by James Mayall (Vice Master andProfessor of International Relations) on "A New GlobalOrder After Iraq: A New Empire?"

Younger Alumni in LondonKeeping in touch with friends after leaving Sidney for the last time is a high priority for some, lessso for others. In the months and years following graduation, most of us like to meet up againoccasionally as we strike out on a career, further education, travel and adventure, or family life. Itis always enjoyable to catch up, exchange experiences and advice, or simply to reminisce on oldtimes. The Sidney Sussex Society was set up to help us do all this.

Most of those graduating keep in contact with someclose friends. Four years ago, a few of us decided thatit would be good to have some level of co-ordination toenable different groups to meet on an annual basis,helping us all keep in touch with the bigger crowd.

These annual get-togethers, under the umbrella of theSidney Sussex Society, are held in London as this isaccessible to the majority of recent graduates. A

Thursday evening in late September has emerged as the most popular time, with a pub or bar beingthe favoured venue.

Each year-group now has a Year Representative, elected after graduation. In Spring/Summer ofeach year, the Year Reps start planning that year’s September get-together, scouting possiblevenues. After details are firmed up, the Year Reps put the word around their respective groups,ensuring that as many people as possible are aware of the plans. Please do remember to keep yourYear Rep updated with any change in your contact details, for exactly this reason!

This format has proved successful, with attendance nowaveraging nearly 150. People turn up at different timesthroughout the evening, and informality encouragesattendance by many who are not attracted to moreformal college events. It is also a great opportunity tosee people from other year-groups. I do urge everyonein and around London who can make it to this year’sevent to do so. Details on date and venue will bepublished over the coming weeks, so please do keepyour Year Rep updated with your contact details. Tofind your own Year Rep, please contact Wendy Hedley at the College on 01223-338881 orwah21@cam.ac.uk.

Steve Carter (1992), Sidney Sussex Society Committee

The Master joins Sidney SussexFoundation and Sidney Members in theUS for dinner at the Williams Club inNew York on 2 April 2004. From left toright: Dr Alison Brown (1976),The Master, Professor Anthony French(1939) and Mr. Bruce Johnson.

Members of theSidney SussexSociety ofGeneva inCambridge forthe Society’sSpring Dinner.

The logo of the Sidney Club of Geneva,designed by Ajit Bhalla and AndrewFlewitt, incorporates key elements ofthe arms of the College and the City.

College Members anywhere, butespecially in Switzerland andFrance, are invited to join the Club.Details from the Club President,Dr Ajit Bhalla (Fellow 1997) atabhalla33@worldcom.uk

Alumni in the Washington, DC area had anopportunity to meet the Master and toreconnect with each other at a reception on30 March at The Caucus Room.

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GermanyA Sidney reunion is being planned inconnection with the German CambridgeSociety event on 11 September 2004. All wishing to attend should contact Dr Heinz Fuchs via fuchs@mail.sub.uni-goettingen.de.

Dr Heinz Fuchs(Visiting Fellow,

1997) and Dr PeterVoight (1974) at a

Cambridge Societyevent in Hamburg

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THANK YOUTo all those Members and Friends of Sidney Sussex College who have made new gifts to the AnnualFund during 2003-2004.

Old Masters

Thank you also to all who havemade new gifts to support theThornely FellowshipMr J V R AndersonMr K F BilimoriaMr C A BrowningMr A J ButcherMr B M D CassidyMr A M R ClarkeMr S R ColtmanMr J W GibbonMr N E KemptonNichol Young Foundation

(The Rev’d J D Mitson)Mr M S RawlinsonMr D A RedfernMr J M RushtonMr C G StonemanMr F D ThodayMr J ThorneMr and Mrs J T YoungMr P S J Zatz

A Tate conservator checks LadyFrances for signs of ageing

The Surveyor-General and his heavies

Thornely Society members gathering in College for theSociety’s Annual dinner on 17 July 2004

The Estate of Dr J N BallMr J P BartonMr P A BaileyDr D J BieberDr L BroughtonMrs C CalderwoodProfessor K R CoxMr G DarbyThe Alan and Sheila Diamond Charitable TrustThe Ann D FoundationMr and Mrs C D S EwartThe Estate of Mr C Fox The Estate of Mr J D FreemanMr I M GilderProfessor A L GreerThe Estate of Mr R T

Hastings-JamesMr C P LarkumDr D Low-BeerLuke Hughes & Co.Mr C MarkhamMr H A OsbornMr M F Pevsner

The Accenture Foundation (Mr J O'Brien)Professor J W AllenMr P G AndrewsMr L J AshfordMr G G BannermanMr N C BarfordMr M W E BaylissMr J M M BellDr R B BennetDr J S G BiggsMr P BirnbaumProfessor D E BlackwellMr and Mrs M BlakeMr T J BramleyDr R E Brigety IIMr A C BloomMr J BrockMr C A BrowningMr J H BrysonDr J F BuchanMr G W BuckleyMr M P D BullockColonel M J A CampbellMr and Mrs R CarleyProfessor K J CarpenterDr L J CarterMr J CatlowDr M W Cemlyn-JonesMr W G E ChiltonMr P J Clare Dr R G B ClarkeMiss L A CohenMr J R CollisMr R G CoplestonMr and Mrs J Corominas NavarroMr C N CowlingCommander D Dawson-TaylorMr and Mrs J DeansMr D E de SaxeDr C DobsonDr A L DowningDr A P DraycottThe Rev'd R C DriverMs A Emmans DeanMs T EdwardsMr A W EnglishMr E W EspenhahnMiss J T EvansMr M FealyMr B K FinnimoreMr I G FormanDr J G FormanMr K G FreyMr and Mrs T FurusawaMr R D GantsMr J C GaskellMr R C H GenochioMr J W Gibbon Mr D R GilbertMr G M GillMr A GlinsmanMrs S L GoreMrs C GouldMr D H GrayMr D R GrayThe David and Hilary Grunwerg

Charitable TrustMr M E GubbinsMr G R GunsonMr A H F HarlandMr J S Haygarth

Mr L HellerSir James HennessyMr D R HesterMr R E HildrewMr D R HowardMr J B HoyleMr D B HughesMr L R HuntMr and Mrs T IdrisMrs J A J IngramMr J A JefkinsDr A P JepsonMr F B JohnsonMr C G G JohnstoneDr J H JonesProfessor J T KentDr A E KiltieDr J J LagowskiMr and Mrs A LeggMr J M LehmanThe Rev'd N K LeiperMr G A LesterMr P W LipscombMrs A B LomasMr and Mrs J E MaginnisMrs E A ManceMr D R MatherMiss K C MacintyreDr D McDermottMr W J MedlicottMr C M MitchellMr S D MurphyMr T N J NangleMr A M Neal Nichol Young Foundation

(The Rev'd J D Mitson)Dr P NichollsMr K NicholsonMr R C NorthProfessor M L OrmeMr and Mrs R OsborneMr C N OsmondMs H J OvendenMr and Mrs M B OwenProfessor B E J PagelMr L M C ParkerDr N PeacockMr N G PearsMrs K A L Penney

Mr T W J PhillipsDr R D PyrahMr V K RaoMr W R N RaynsfordMr J ReynoldsMr K ReynoldsMr S RodgersDr J H B RoyMr J M RushtonMr I RussellDr S J E Russell-WellsThe Rt Rev'd J H G RustonMonterey Fund Inc (Mr John Ryding)Miss H C SchrammMr C M T ScholtesDr H SchulzeProfessor H I G A Schwarz-LiebermannMr E N ScottMr J F Scott Mr G W Scott-GilesProfessor M S Scott MortonMrs S Scrymgeour-WedderburnMr S ShahMr A G SheardMr N E ShepherdMr L D SmithMr J B SmithMr and Mrs G SouthgateMr and Mrs N F Spencer ChapmanMr R J StranksMr B P ThomsonMr G P TranterUnilever United States Foundation Inc

(Mrs J Sourry Knox)Mr S W UptonDr T VilesMr R T F WainwrightMr and Mrs J WardMr J M WebbProfessor P R WilliamsDr D M C WongDr G H C WongSir Andrew and Lady WoodMr J A WoodMiss M S WoodruffDr N WrightBaroness Young of Old SconeMrs S L ZijderveldDr and Mrs Z Zych

On 27 May a ceremony was held in the college garden to dedicate thisbeautiful birdbath in memory of Dr John Dymond (1959)

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If you had visited Sidney in late August, you would have been in for a bigsurprise: over sixty college paintings had vanished from their usual locations. A daring heist, masterminded by latter-day Cavaliers, disappointed UniversityChallenge-rs, or other bearers of anti-Sidney grudges? Not quite. In fact, theCollege’s entire collection was gathered in the SCR, being inspected andphotographed as part of an ongoing project to produce the first completecatalogue of College art.

Compared to many other colleges, which have had "Fellow Curators" lookingafter their paintings for a number of years, Sidney’s establishment of such a postearlier this year might seem rather tardy. Junior Research Fellow JonathanConlin is eager to make up for lost time, however, establishing himself asSidney’s first "Surveyor-General", managing, we hope, to refrain from thetraitorous shenanigans which a previous Cambridge historian (from anothercollege) has sadly made synonymous with that title.

Removing sixty-odd paintings from their chains, relocating them to the SCR,deglassing, inspecting, photographing, numbering, reframing and finallyreturning them to their original locations in just two days required considerableplanning. The size of the works handled ranged from a small seventeenth-centurywork painted on a piece of copper half A4 size, which one person could carrywith ease, to mammoth works on canvas in heavy frames. Mr Tate, in particular,seemed to harbour designs on flattening anyone who dared touch him: his ornateframe narrowly missed out on a second career serving Dr Conlin and threefellow picture-handlers as a communal Rococo headstone.

The College was fortunate enough to have the assistance of Rica Jones, SeniorConservator of Paintings at Tate Britain, and her assistant, Natasha Duff, both ofwhom volunteered their services gratis. Together they inspected and producedcondition reports on the College’s sixteenth- and seventeenth-century panelpaintings, as well as on other works in need of attention. Once analysed,microscopic pigment samples taken from George Gower’s c. 1575 portrait ofLady Frances will be compared with samples taken from other works in themuseum’s collection, allowing both Tate and Sidney to learn more about thisartist and his methods. In addition to their expertise, staff of both the Tate and theFitzwilliam kindly donated many of the materials used over the two days, someof them highly advanced technologically. The College’s delicate panel paintingswill shortly enjoy the benefits of a protective backing called ALU-PV: asubstance originally developed by the US Army, details of which cannot, alas, beshared – even with patriotic Pheon readers.

The end result was a set of digital images of the paintings on CD-ROM and agreatly improved knowledge of the collection. Although there were someexciting discoveries, others were less pleasant: it is now clear that a number ofworks will need expensive restoration in the near future. In the meantime,however, ongoing catalogue work will, it is hoped, improve both ourunderstanding and appreciation of the collection. Summing up his impressions atthe end of two exhausting days, Surveyor-General Conlin observed: "The Hallstripped bare of paintings was a sight I shall never forget - a reminder of howimportant they are to Sidney’s identity, and how important it is to ensure thatthey are there for future Sidneians to enjoy". Watch this space!

Dr Jonathan Conlin (2002)

Special thanks to the Sidney Sussex Foundation, to Cambridge inAmerica and to all those who have:

• Established prize, scholarship or memorial funds

• Made gifts in support of special or memorial appeals

• Made or pledged generous legacies to protect the future of the College

Special thanks are due to Mr and Mrs AlanDiamond for their continued generous supportfor Sidney. We must apologise for the fact thatthe name of the Alan and Sheila DiamondCharitable Trust was misspelled in a previousedition of Pheon.

Mr R C J PhillipsMr D E PurchaseThe Estate of Mrs G A RookeProfessor and Mrs M Scott MortonThe Estate of Mr M SeymourDr G SheltonMr M A StylesMrs M TurnerThe Estate of Mr L K TurnerDr F P VinceMr C R WalkerMr P M WardMr J WarrenDr R L WoklerSir Andrew Wood

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5

International Law in the 21st century

Angela Tovell retires

25 year service awards

Dr Jillaine Seymour joined the College inOctober 2003 as the new J W A ThornelyFellow. Jillaine, who is the first CollegeTeaching Officer to be appointed to theFellowship, comes to Cambridge fromNew College and Trinity College, Oxford,via Sydney, Australia where she qualifiedas a solicitor, and practised. She spokewith Zoe Swenson-Wright about herresearch and new teaching role at Sidney.

Q: How would you define international law?

A: International law regulates the interactions of states in relation to, for example, war, diplomaticimmunity and the law of the sea. Some aspects of international law are defined by treaties, whichcan be between two states or many states – the Charter of the United Nations is a treaty thatincludes almost every state in the world. You can also find international law in custom. In otherwords, what states do may, over time, become law. Diplomatic immunity started out as custom – itwas usual to treat diplomats in a particular way and all states did it. Then there came a point whenstates believed that they were obliged to respect diplomatic immunity, that it was legally binding.It is challenging for undergraduate lawyers who spend so much time analysing statutes and cases toencounter a field in law shaped by custom and practice. But it is also very interesting, and raiseslots of questions about the nature of law, and how it develops.

Q: In this era, I suppose international law must be increasingly important?

A: Yes, the current level of international interaction makes it very easy to give interestingsupervisions. I took part in the sixth form law conference at the end of last term and felt that I hadto talk about Iraq — it was what they were expecting to hear about, and quite rightly so.

Q: What is most interesting about Iraq, from a legal point of view?

A: The basic issue is whether or not the use of force was legal, because there are rules that governwhether or not states can use force. The two generally accepted grounds for the use of force are theright of self-defence and Security Council authorisation. What exactly was authorized by therelevant Security Council resolutions is an issue on which young lawyers are able to form their ownviews. It also lets them think about whether the law ought to change.

Q: Will there be a judgment on this question at some point?

A: That is very unlikely. The jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice is based on consentand there is no suggestion that any of the states involved in the military action in Iraq wouldconsent to the Court exercising jurisdiction over this issue. Enforcement of international law is anissue which many people find difficult. Because compulsory enforcement is limited, people oftenconclude that international law is not really ‘law’ at all. As with custom, students must examinetheir views of what ‘law’ is or should be, and what sort of enforcement is possible and appropriate.So, for example, if one wanted to ‘punish’ a state for disobeying international law by imposingsanctions, then the question also arises as to who exactly is punished by those sorts of measures.

States often do consent to their disputes being heard by the International Court of Justice or otherinternational tribunals, and then abide by rulings of those bodies. So binding decisions oninternational law do occur, but not always when people would like. Personally, I am fairly relaxedabout that. Not to the same extent, but in the same way, it also happens in domestic law – somepeople don’t get prosecuted when they should, and some judgments can’t be enforced. Somepeople evade justice by leaving the country, but we don’t think that the whole legal system hascollapsed because these individuals escape prosecution. As long as a legal system maintains acertain level of enforcement, I think you can assume it is working.

Q: Do you think international law is growing stronger or weaker?

A: Until recently, many people thought the world was moving in a more internationally co-operative direction. In the aftermath of the original Gulf War, following the Iraqi invasion ofKuwait, there was some optimism for a new spirit of Security Council-state cooperation. Tribunalswere set up for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, and the treaty for the International CriminalCourt entered into force. I think there was a perception that international law was gaining support.Whether that is true in the current climate is less clear.

Q: How are you enjoying Sidney?

A: Everyone has been very friendly. I like the College, and my students. One of the best thingsabout teaching in a place like Cambridge is that you develop breadth across your own subject andother subjects. I am eager to undertake more specialised research in this supportive environment. Itwas wonderful to meet members of the Thornely Society at the Society’s annual dinner in July,and I look forward to meeting the rest of the Sidney Law Community.

Dr Jillaine Seymour, the College’s first Thornelyteaching Fellow

In December 2003, Angela Tovell retired aftermore than twenty years as the Bursar’sSecretary. A mainstay of the Sidneycommunity during the terms of three Mastersand two Bursars, she always loved Sidney andthe interest and variety of her role.

In addition to preparing agendas and otherdocuments for the College Council andGoverning Body, she assisted the Bursar withrecruiting new staff and planning changes tothe fabric of the College.

She loved to take on new tasks, and wasequally happy to organize an academicconference, to tend the donkey and sheep hiredfor the College Christmas party, or to buttersandwiches for a funeral tea.

As highlights of her years at Sidney, Angela remembers in particular the visit of the Queen duringthe Quatercentenary celebrations, the construction of the Mong Building and the redecoration ofHall. She will miss the May Balls and the chance to see former Sidney students succeed in theircareers and come back to the College for Commemorations and visits.

But as everyone who knows Angela will appreciate, retirement is not restful. Since December, shehas been more energetic than ever — riding horses, dog-walking, gardening, farming, travelling,painting and doing voluntary work and photography.

The retirement of Tutor’s Secretary, Jo Knight,and Assistant Bursar Andrew Newstead

Mrs Pat Lloyd (1973)

Mr Brian Barber (1973) - retired 2003

Mr Andrew Newstead (1967) - retired 2003

Mr Tony Wasbrough (1978)

Mrs Jo Knight (1978) - retired 2004

Mr Stuart Cross (1974)

Jo Knight receiving her plate from the Masterand Senior Tutor, Dr Mark Hennings. Afteralmost 26 years, Jo retired in August 2004.

Assistant Bursar Andrew Newstead receivinghis plate from the Master, on the occasion ofhis retirement in November 2003.

CAiM and Sidney SussexCambridge Alumni in Management (CAiM) is the society for Cambridge alumni with an interest inbusiness and management. Established in 1995, CAiM exists to encourage dialogue betweenCambridge alumni working in business and academia and to promote the study of management atthe Judge Institute of Management, Cambridge’s business school. By joining CAiM, alumnibenefit from a range of events and networking opportunities. Members are invited to hear leadersfrom business, industry, government and academia speak on a range of topics. A directory ofmembers and the CAiM newsletter, Network, enable effective networking and access to leadingthinking from both Cambridge academics and CAiM members world-wide - CAiM has over 1800members from more than 65 countries.

Membership is open to anyone who has a Cambridge degree in any discipline, or who has held anyteaching or research post in the University. Annual membership currently costs £25 and CAiMwill donate £5 per year for the first three years from each annual membership subscriptiongenerated through Pheon to the Sidney Sussex development fund. For more information on how toapply, please contact the CAiM Secretary, quoting “Pheon” at:

Judge Institute of Management, Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1AG UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1223766819, Fax: +44 (0) 1223 339701, Email: caim@jims.cam.ac.uk, www.caim.org.uk

Q: Your main interests are in which areasof law?

A: At the moment I teach threeundergraduate subjects – international law,tort and contract, and my research interestsare primarily in international law and civilprocedure, especially procedural justice.Next academic year I will be involved in the Faculty teaching of two undergraduatecourses, Civil Procedure and The LegalProcess and Justice and Human Rights,and in a graduate seminar course,International Dispute Settlement, thatbrings together my interests in internationallaw and procedure.

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Staff members who have worked for 25 years at Sidney Sussex now receive a special engravedpewter plate, as a token of the College’s appreciation. The following staff members havereceived this honour:

6

Nicola Atkin (Medicine 1998) finds lessons in the dailystruggles of a Samoan hospital.

We arrived in Samoa on New Year’s Eve 2003to be told that there was a five-day nationalholiday and the hospital would be effectivelyclosed throughout. Two days later the wholepopulation boarded themselves into theirhouses with emergency food and water suppliesas cyclone Heta brushed past this tiny Pacificisland. These were the first signs that ourexperience of medicine in Samoa would berather different from the London teachinghospitals we were accustomed to.

I started off my attachment working in Accidentand Emergency, a totally understaffed departmentwith no doctors of its own, only two retireddoctors persuaded to do part-time cover and somereluctant surgeons dragged down between theiroperations to help out with the enormous patientload. So with a prescription pad in hand,desperately clutching my Oxford Handbook ofMedicine, I was shuffled into a cubicle and setabout the task of seeing some of the 50 or 60patients waiting outside. Unfortunately, nomedical manual was going to help me when Idiscovered that most patients attending the publichospital did not speak any English. However,with the help of a wonderful team of nurses andporters in the department, these communicationproblems became manageable, and along the wayI found out a lot about healthcare provision inSamoa and attitudes to modern medicine.

There is no real General Practice in Samoa,other than a few private doctors, so the state-run Accident and Emergency clinics, whichcost patients an equivalent of 10p to attend, actas General Practice as well as an emergencydepartment. So people turn up with anythingfrom a cold to end-stage cancers, sepsis orulcers that have eaten their way to the bone.Health-seeking behaviour in this population isfascinating, as attitudes to health and medicinediffer so greatly from the UK. Patients oftenpresent to hospital with minor viral illnesseswithin a day of becoming unwell and expect tobe prescribed medication. Meanwhile, farmore serious problems present much later,often incidentally, when the patient attends forsomething minor. As a result the wards arefilled with patients with a far more advancedpathology that I have ever seen in the UK, andpatients with illnesses that would get themimmediately admitted in our British hospitalsare sent home with a little analgesia. These latepresentations are partly because traditionalmedicine may be used for these complaints,and partly because certain conditions aresimply accepted as being a normal part of life.Injuries, ulcers, skin infections and aches andpains are not seen as being worth consulting adoctor about, though the common cold is.When a patient walks in with five-centimeterulcers stuffed with leaves it is hard tounderstand why they did not come earlier,before potentially fatal sepsis set in. Buttraditional treatment is far more deeplyingrained in this culture than modern medicineis, especially for the elderly in rural villages.The difficulty of getting to hospital from theseareas also contributes to the problem.

On the surface, the National Hospital in Apiacould not be more different from its westerncounterparts: barefoot doctors, cockroaches onthe walls, an “intensive care unit” identical to anormal ward but with the luxury of airconditioning and one, half-empty oxygencanister, no CT scans, no MRI scans and only a

handful of drugs available. However, it wasalso surprising how many similarities laybeneath this. The system of history taking,differential diagnosis, investigations andmanagement is the same in many ways. Thedoctors are trained in Fiji or New Zealand withthe same textbooks we use. They know thedrugs and procedures their patients should bereceiving, but also know that those resources areoften not available to them. Most of the basictests are available but used with far morethought than in the UK. With such limitedresources, one has to consider more carefullywhether a patient really needs to be admitted,be prescribed this medicine or have that test.With no culture of litigation and such a grosslyunderfunded healthcare system, only the mostnecessary is done. My time at the NationalHospital was an excellent exercise in thinkingout why exactly I was ordering a test orprescribing a drug. Suddenly my history takingand examination skills were put to the test as Iknew I could not order a battery of blood testsjust in case my diagnosis was wrong. I, like thedoctors in Samoa, had to go home each eveningwith far more uncertainty than I have everexperienced in medicine at home.

Another striking difference from the UK wasthe greater acceptance of death and illness inSamoan society. With high death rates andmorbidity and a lower life expectancy, Samoansoften seem far more accepting when diagnosedwith serious or terminal conditions and often donot expect modern medicine to be able to savethem. As a result there is not a culture inSamoan medical care of doing anything andeverything possible to prolong life. With thelack of recourses and treatment options manyconditions that we could treat aggressively inthe UK, such as a stroke, kidney failure andcancer, go largely untreated unless the patientcan afford to go to New Zealand for treatment.I found this difficult to accept at first, angry thatthe same people would have a chance of havingmany more years of life and possibly a decentquality of life had they just happened to live in adifferent country. However, at the same time Isaw the benefits of accepting death and notthrowing every possible treatment at a patient toprolong life at the expense of quality of life andthe patient’s dignity.

Also noticeable was the family involvement inpatient care. In hospital the nurses attend to themedical side of things, but the patient’s familyis expected to carry out all the basic supportivecare and activities of daily living such aswashing, feeding, changing bed sheets andensuring the patient is comfortable. Everypatient is surrounded at all times by hoards ofrelatives fanning them from all angles to keepthem cool in such a hot, humid environment.This is in stark contrast to the London wardsfull of elderly patients hoping for a visit from a

son or daughter every few days and sometimesnot at all. The strong sense of community andfamily in Samoa, with the amazing supportivecare this brings, in some ways makes up for thelack of resources in healthcare.

This importance of community is a particularhelp in child health. I spent time with thecommunity nurses visiting villages to carry outdevelopmental checks and vaccinations. Thewomen of the villages have committees toensure that all attend with their children and getthe vaccinations their children require. Themonthly visit by the nurse is an importantvillage event, and in missing it, a mother risksthe disapproval of the committee and often afine. So, despite having no government-enforced vaccination programme and no systemof checking against a register, Samoa has ahigher vaccination uptake rate than the UK.

All in all, my experience of medicine in Apiaand more rural areas of Samoa made me greatlyappreciate the healthcare provision we have athome, despite all the criticism the NHS receives.However, it also demonstrated that there arelessons to be learnt from medical care indeveloping countries. In richer countries like theUK and USA, we need to remember not to useevery treatment and test just because we can.The incredible dedication of the nurses anddoctors working under difficult and frustratingconditions, and the care families show for theirsick relatives, are the things I will certainlyremember from my time in Samoa.

Sidney’s own Médecins sans Frontières

Sidney takes around 10 new medical students ayear, a significant proportion of our annualadmissions uptake of 100. The course isarduous: three years of general medical studyleading to their BA degree and then a furtherseven terms (soon to be extended to three years)of hospital-based clinical studies. In the courseof the latter they will typically undertake an‘elective’. This is an opportunity to get far awayfrom what they are used to and spend a monthobserving and assisting in an area of clinicalpractice of their choice. Many undertake theirelective in developing countries, seeing howhospital procedures differ between the first andthe third worlds and reflecting on the enormityof the task of tackling sickness in countrieswhere medical budgets are a small proportion ofthose in the West. In the past few years Sidneystudents have spent electives in hospitals in theWest Indies, Peru, Southern Africa, Nepal, India,Malaysia, Vanuatu and Samoa.

For many students these are seminalexperiences, influencing the course of theirsubsequent careers. They are also experiencesthey undertake at their own cost, or with thehelp of supporting grants if they lucky enoughto locate any. Sidney is fortunate to be one

source of such grants, since we have theAndrew Semkow fund specifically to supportelectives in developing countries. The fundwas established by the parents of AndrewSemkow (1972), following his tragicallyearly death in a plane accident in 1983. Thefund has an annual income of £1200,enabling the College to make four awards ayear to eligible students. However fourawards are often not enough to meet in fullthe requests we receive, nor does a grant of£300 these days make a large dent in the totalcost of an elective in a developing country.

This is an immensely worthy cause andCollege would welcome donations to enhancethe Semkow Fund to enable it to meet therequests made to it more generously.

Charles Larkum (Bursar)

Nicola with a colleague in the National Hospital

Children in a community health clinic

Pass it on ...A memorial for Joan Smail has been createdwith the unveiling of a citation board thatnames her as the inspiration behind theWomen’s Institute Wood at Histon, nearCambridge. This beautiful wood is a mostfitting memorial to Joan.

Former College Chaplain, Dr Ellen Clark-King (1995), completed her PhD in FeministTheology at Lancaster University this year.In fact we had a spy in the crowd, as DrGeoffrey Plow (Schoolteacher Fellow, 1997)obtained a PhD in the same ceremony andreported the happy coincidence ...... ourcongratulations to them both!

Surveyor-General of the College Pictures (seep. 4) Dr Jonathan Conlin and Sidney graduatestudent Rob Harris both took part in theLondon Marathon. Both survived theexperience in good shape, Rob even managingan excellent time of 2 hours 59 seconds.

John M Winder (1958) has found thisbeautiful 1870 Sidney Sussex “Sconce Cup”at an antique shop in Wellington, NewZealand. As he notes, sconcing is a customassociated with another place. In return forinformation about any Sconce tradition atSidney, he invites Sidney Members to visithim in Mahurangi West, and to try out thecup (with beer at his expense).

Congratulations to first-year Engineer JohnO'Brien who has won first prize in the LTSNEngineering student awards for his essay on'What makes a good engineering lecturer?';available online at:http://www.ltsneng.ac.uk/ale/fundopps/student_awards_results.asp.

If any College Member is willing to offeradvice or assistance to Fellow Collegemembers and would like to publish details inPheon, please write. All would-be-contributors should contact the AssistantEditor of Pheon:

Zoe Swenson-WrightMembership and Development OfficeSidney Sussex CollegeCambridge CB2 3HUTel: 01223-338864Fax: 01223-338881Email: zs205@cam.ac.uk

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16ISSUE SIXTEEN

Winter 2003

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

The Thornely SocietyAlumnae SuccessesA Thornely Society has been founded, to honour the memory ofJohn Thornely and to carry forward his work. The inauguraldinner of the Society was held in the College Hall on Friday, 28March 2003, bringing together Sidney Lawyers, Law Fellows andLaw supporters for the first of many enjoyable social occasions.

A Committee of Sidney lawyersand Law Fellows is nowplanning an exciting series ofevents for 2003-4, to include:

� The Society’s first AGM on8 December 2003 in MiddleTemple Hall.

� The annual dinner of the Thornely Society on 17 July 2004

� An opportunity to meet thenew John Thornely Fellow,Dr Jillaine Seymour.

Life Membership of theThornely Society is open toSidney lawyers and other friendsof the College concerned topromote Law teaching, who havemade gifts totalling £5,000 or more to the Thornely Fellowship fund. TheCollege has raised £600,000 toward the £800,000 required to secure thisFellowship in perpetuity and hopes to reach its target this year.

Once the Thornely Fellowship is fully funded, members of the ThornelySociety will consult with the College to advise on the best way forwardfor Law at Sidney. As new members join the Society, their contributionswill help to strengthen and maintain the Law programme through supportfor teaching, student bursaries and the acquisition of Law texts andteaching resources.

In Pheon 15 we were pleased to note the 25th anniversary ofthe admission of women to Sidney Sussex and to record someof the many distinctions of alumnae and women Fellows. Sincethen yet further distinctions have flowed in.

As noted in the 2003 Annual Professor Susan Gibson (1978), now atKing’s College London, has been awarded the Rosalind Franklin Award of the Royal Society. This award, for excellence in science,engineering and technology, has been inaugurated in the 50thanniversary year of the elucidation of the structure of DNA, abreakthrough to which Franklin’s research made crucial contributions.Prof. Gibson is recognised for her research on chemical reactions. In her acceptance speech she said, “I am very pleased to have won the first ever Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award. I just wish there were more medals for my colleagues – there are many good femalescientists out there who deserve this kind of recognition. I also hope that this award will encourage more women to consider working inscience, engineering or technology. It is an extremely exciting andrewarding job, and one in which women can have a successful career, and if, they wish, combine with having a family as well.”

Alison Brown (1976) was part of the first cohort of women students tomatriculate at the College. Dr Brown is the founder, President and CEO of NAVSYS Corporation, a global positioning system (GPS)company based in Colorado. Her outstanding contributions to thedevelopment of GPS technology have been recognised by her election as a Fellow of the Institute of Navigation in the USA.

As noted in the “Pass it On” column (p. 4), Professor of Engineering,Ann Dowling (Fellow, 1979) goes from strength to strength, nowheading a Royal Society study on nanotechnology and nanoscience.Following in her footsteps, as the interview (p. 4) with Sidney PhDstudent Marwa El-Ansary illustrates, is a new generation of womenscientists and engineers, inspired by the example of those who have gone before.

Professor Lindsay GreerEditor

Victorious again!

This September at the Cambridge University Alumni Weekend, theSidney Sussex University Challenge Team of 1979 (crowned ‘Championof Champions’ in last year’s 40th Anniversary ‘Reunited’ series) defeateda team of Cambridge celebrity alumni in a contest hosted by JeremyPaxman. A sizeable crowd of Sidney alumni were on hand to support the team, and tickets for the event sold out well in advance of theweekend.

Changing placesIn Hall, the curtained pastel of Oliver Cromwell (left), from the workshopof Sir Peter Lely, has been replaced by a more martial image (right),given to the College in 1934 by Thomas Knox-Shaw, and thought to havebeen painted for Oliver’s son and successor as Lord Protector, RichardCromwell (1626-1712).

Cromwell’s curtains, now gone, have long been a talking-point fortourists and Sidney members, many of whom have supposed that theywere to be drawn over the portrait during the loyal toast. This has neverbeen an official policy, and notably was not done when the Queenlunched in the Hall in 1996. Their true purpose was to protect the pastelfrom direct sunlight, which will not reach it in the Senior CombinationRoom where it now hangs, its fine frame splendidly restored through thegenerosity of David Purchase (1961).

The life of a Fellow..................................2

The JWA Thornely Fellowship in Law ...................................................2

Gift in memory of David Gledhill (1955) ..........................2

The Dick Chorley Awards forGeographers.........................................2

The Sidney Sussex Society......................3

Farewell to Brian Barber .......................3

From Cairo to Cambridge......................4

Choir on Tour..........................................4

Pass it on ..................................................4

A view of the College from the rooftops taken by Dr Jonathan Conlin (during repairs to theCollege flagpole)

Diary Dates for 200414 February Society English Dinner

21 February Parents’ Feast

6 March Parents’ Feast

2 April New York Dinner

24 April Society Spring Dinner

8 May MA Graduation Dinner

17 July Thornely Society dinner

Commemoration of BenefactorsDates for 2004–2005Commemoration date Invited matriculation year

20 March 2004 1948 or before

26 June 2004 1967-70

25 September 2004 1974-1976

July 2005* 1949-1954

September 2005* 1977-1979

*dates to be confirmed.

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The inaugural dinner of the Thornely Society was held in College in March2003

The life of a FellowThose who were students at the College often ask what it is like to be a Fellow. To findout, we talked with Dr Emma Griffin, Fellow in History.

The Dick ChorleyAwards for

Geographers

Mr P W AllwrightMr R M ArnoldMr R G BarryMs M A BeckinsaleMr R D BeckinsaleProfessor R J BennettDr J M BlakeDr C BoardMs P V BrownProfessor R A ButlinMiss P M CeasarCambridge SocietyDr E A ChallisMrs V CharltonDr R S ClayDr P C ClemmowMr A D CooperMr and Mrs J C CraddockProfessor S Dawson

and Mr H DawsonMr D F DayMrs M G DibdenMr A J DunnMrs M H DuryMrs I M EadeMs L G EshagDr I S EvansDr R E GlasscockMr I GilderProfessor P HaggettMr A J HewittProfessor R D HeyMr D HighMr G W HirstDr D W HollidayMr G M HollingtonSir Gabriel and Lady HornDr J A A Jones

Dr W JonesDr D E KeebleDr B A KennedyMiss J M KenworthyMr A H KingProfessor and Mrs H KuceraProfessor R LawtonMr J D LeesMr K F LuckMr B G LukerProfessor I N McCaveDr M G MorrisMiss P MorrisMr J H NansonMr M F PevsnerMr and Mrs P E PickeringProfessor B T PickeringProfessor M PottsMr D RabsonDr R E RandallDr D J ReedProfessor K S RichardsMr S A SchummMr D W SharpeMr and Mrs H A ShelleyDr T SpencerMr and Mrs G StoneProfessor D E SugdenMrs M G ThomsonMr A P R TowDr S T TrudgillMr P M WardMrs V J WellingProfessor H B WhittingtonMr G F WillettProfessor P O WolfMr and Mrs T S WyattMr M C Young

The J W A Thornely Fellowship in LawWe thank the following for recent donations to support the J W A Thornely Fellowship in Law,established in memory of the late John Thornely. The following list records gifts received betweenJuly 2002 and June 2003. Many thanks also to those of you who have given anonymously.

His Hon Judge M P Allweis

Mr J V R Anderson

Dr G P Barton

Mr T J R Barty

Dr E F Biagini

Mr K F Bilimoria

Mr J W A Boardman-Weston

Mr R B Bradbeer

Ms N A Brice

Mr C A Browning

Mr A J Butcher

Mrs J Cameron

Mr B M D Cassidy

Mr D W Chesterman

Mr A M R Clarke

Mr G F Cleminson

Dr P C Clemmow

Mr S R Coltman

Mr R A Crabb

Professor S J Dawson

and Mr H Dawson

Mr D E de Saxe

Mr B A Drewitt

Mrs I M Eade

Ms S V Falk

His Hon. Judge E J Faulks

Mr M Fealy

Mr J Fordham

Mr D D Foskett

Sir William Gage

Sir Patrick Garland

Mr J W Gibbon

Mr N D F Gray

“I joined Sidney three years ago as a teachingFellow and I now have a Research Fellowship.I am Director of Studies for the third-yearhistorians, but am spending most of my timefinishing a book on the history of 18th centurysports and pastimes in Britain.

In this book, I am looking at the way in which18th century local communities used theirvillage greens and market squares for outdoorsports and pastimes, such as football, GuyFawkes celebrations or bull-baiting (a sport inwhich dogs attack a tethered bull). Early 19thcentury Cambridgeshire lost a lot of villagegreens because there was a vast enclosuremovement, in which land that had been held incommon was turned into private land, carvedup and lost. Nowadays, in Britain, we use ourmarket squares only for trade and marketingbut in France and in other parts of Europe theystill use their market squares for sports andpastimes. Celebrations of Guy Fawkes day aretypically in a field on the edge of town, butBastille day celebrations in France all takeplace in the market square. So it is not obviousthat an industrialising society will get rid ofsports and pastimes from its central spaces.

It can be difficult to research plebeian sports andpastimes, because there are no proper records.We know about sports competitions held at fairsbecause these were big events, organised andcontrolled by town officials. In retrospect, fairsseem to have been particularly important, butthere must have been informal forms ofrecreation (like playing football on a Sundayafternoon) that just haven’t left much evidencebehind. In the 18th century, games had nostandardised rules and were played informally,with rules determined on the day or by tradition.

I am not a serious athlete myself, but I do rowfor the College in the Fellows’ Eight. I alsoplay the violin in a town orchestra and aCollege ensemble group. Dr Chris Page haswritten music for voice, violin, guitar and

Gift in memory ofDavid Gledhill (1955)We are tremendously indebted to Mrs KyokoGledhill, widow of the late David Gledhill(1955) and founding member of the College’s1596 Foundation. Mrs Gledhill has recentlymade a magnificent leadership gift to assist theCollege in modernising the interior of BlundellCourt and adding an extra storey to thebuilding. The new storey will be named inmemory of David Gledhill.

The renovations will be extensive, involving thecreation of new student rooms, and addition ofen-suite facilities in all existing rooms. We willreplace the roof and hope also (perhaps in future)to create a new student recreation room/auditorium directly above the JCR Bar. Therecreation room would complement the JCR,providing space for student parties, performancesand meetings as well as classes and conferences.

We hope to begin work on the renovation ofBlundell Court in August 2004, and wouldwelcome additional support from Sidneyfriends and Members.

Geography Fellow Dr Janice Stargardt writes:

This year’s great activity in Geography is the Chorley Appeal, in memory ofProfessor Dick Chorley, whose amazing mixture of academic distinction andgood fun is imbedded in many memories. Responses have been generous andwe shall be able to award a Chorley prize and support student travel from thisyear onwards. There is still time – just – to join in supporting this Appeal tohelp ensure that Geography remains one of Sidney’s strong subjects.

We have had some notable recent successes. Last year Sidney’s 3rd yearGeographer, Clare Cox, was top student in the Geography Tripos Exams andwrote a First Class Dissertation. This year three Sidney 3rd year Geographersgot Firsts in their Tripos Dissertations: Katie Lally, Giles Cookson and AlexVersariu. The Department of Geography has entered Giles’ Dissertation for theRoyal Geographical Society’s Prize in the Rural Geography of England, whileKatie was the first recipent of the Chorley Prize.

clarinet, and our ensemble performs his piecesat College functions.

When I moved into Blundell Court two yearsago, I was used to being on my own. Doingresearch can be very solitary – just writing andthinking – and it is very nice to be in College,where you can meet people for lunch every dayand dine in the evening, row, and play inmusical groups. For me it has been a reallysuccessful move and very appropriate to thework I am doing at the moment.

I have been happy at Sidney – the students andFellows are so nice!

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Dr Emma Griffin, whose book Merry England:Popular Recreation in the Long Eighteenth Centurywill be published by Oxford University Press.Emma has recently received an award from theGilder Lehrman Institute of American History andwill spend part of Lent Term doing research in theNew York Historical Society’s archives.

Dr M Purshouse

Mr N K Rawding

Mr M S Rawlinson

Mr D A Redfern

Mr J M Rushton

Mr G Sayce

Professor HIGA

Schwarz-Liebermann

Mr A W Sheppard

Mr D W Steward

Mr F D Thoday

Mr J Thorne

Mrs B K Thomsen

Mr G H C Wong

Dr C J Wright

Mr P S J Zatz

Professor J S Ziegel

His Hon Judge M B Goodman

Mr D Haley

Mr M H K Hamer

Mr J B Harrison

Mr L Heller

Mr D R Hester

Mrs J M Hill

Mr D S Honour

Mr P G Lymbery

Sir John Lindsay

Judge K Marshall

Mr and Mrs P Mirandah

Nichol Young Foundation

(Rev’d J D Mitson)

Mr E O’Shea

Ms J C Persey

Mr R M Powell

We thank the following for

their generous gifts to

establish the Dick Chorley

Awards for Geographers.

We are grateful to all

whose names are listed

here, and to the many

other friends who have

made anonymous gifts to

support the Chorley

Appeal.

We wish Paul all the best in his retirement. If the experience of other retired Sidney Fellows isanything to go by, he will now find himself more occupied with College business than ever before!

Paul Scott’s Retirement DinnerThis year has seen the retirement of our most senior teaching Fellow. On Friday 20 June, friends andcolleagues of Dr Paul Scott (Fellow, 1962) gathered for a dinner in his honour, to celebrate hisdistinguished career and to mark his retirement. Paul’s long service, as a director of studies in NaturalSciences and as a supervisor in Physics, has brought him into contact with successive generations;those attending the dinner included two such father-son teams: Philip (1970) and Graham (1998)Ternouth, and Richard (1965) and Robert (1999) Dunn. Speeches by Professor Richard Hills (of theDepartment of Physics) and Professor Lindsay Greer (of Sidney Sussex) covered many aspects ofPaul’s past and present work and interests. Paul himself reflected in particular on his work with radioastronomer Sir Martin Ryle, co-winner of the 1974 Nobel prize in Physics.

Brian Barber retiresAfter thirty years at Sidney Sussex, Catering Manager Brian Barber has retired this term. A masterconfectioner whose ornamental cakes and marzipan creations have won national prizes, Brian firstbecame interested in managing a kitchen in the Army Service Corps, where he ran a supply depotin Cyprus, providing meats, bread and produce to Army cook houses. On his return to Cambridge,he was invited to join the staff of the newly founded Churchill College, where he began as HeadPatissier, and was quickly promoted to the positions of Second Chef and Head Chef.

When Brian Barber came to Sidney Sussex in 1974, the College had only 40 Fellows and was aquieter place than it is today. Sidney did not yet have a Conference Manager, although the Bursar,Roger Andrew, ahead of his time in appreciating the value of a conference programme, organisedregular summer and Easter conferences and a University summer school. Brian remembers that MrAndrew had one golden rule that he still tries to observe, “never, never work on a Sunday.”

Before the advent of the conference programmes that keep Cambridge kitchens running year-round, College catering staff used to spend their summers working in seaside hotels. These days,Brian says, if Colleges were to offer holiday half-wages, no one would come back at the end of thesummer. “You can’t afford to lose staff now because there is nobody coming into catering. It haslow pay, hard work and unsociable hours. In this day and age, young chefs can’t afford to live inCambridge. We are very lucky at Sidney because we have an excellent team and have had very lowturnover of staff. All my time I have been here I have tried to keep people happy, and it is very hardand it gets harder.”

During the Quatercentenary Appeal, Brian Barber assisted in designing the Mong Buildingkitchens, which have proved such a successful addition to the College. “To start with,” he recalls,“the architect wanted to have a cafeteria in the front. I said there needed to be a wall to cut down onnoise from the kitchen, and suggested that we have a holding kitchen – just a small unit withtrolleys and other units on wheels, so that we could cook breakfast and snacks.”

Despite the pressures of life in the catering business, Brian has loved his time at Sidney Sussex. Hehas particularly enjoyed the chance to see former students coming back for Commemorations andSociety events. “It is so enjoyable when they say ‘oh hello, you’re still here!’ I have kept everymenu that I have done from 1974 to the present day and when they come back forCommemorations, I try to put on exactly the same menu that they had when they graduated.

Brian Barber in the College HallOver the years Brian’s cakes and marzipansculptures have won many prizes. Here is prize-winning black & white wedding cake.

Many thanks to Stephen Rutherford for sending in this photograph of members of the SidneySussex cross country team of 1962/3 “forty years later.” The four members, pictured here at aCommemoration dinner in September 2002 are (from left to right) Terry Feest (1962), PeterWightman (1961), Alasdair Heron (1961) and Stephen Rutherford (1962).

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Cross-Country reunion

Spring Dinner, 26 April 2003This year the Sidney Sussex Society tried the experimentof replacing its February dinner in London with an Aprildinner in College. We were delighted that so many SidneyMembers came back for this event! Thanks to theCollege’s excellent catering team, the food was superb,and the freshly painted Hall looked wonderfully festive.

Graduates Party, 25 June 2003

As the graduating students finished their exams and prepared to leave College, the SidneySussex Society invited them to their first ever Sidney alumni event, a garden party in CloisterCourt. New and recent graduates are warmly welcomed to all Sidney Sussex Society events.After all, College membership is for life, not just for the student years.

Summer Event, 5 July 2003We were delighted to welcome Sidney members and their guests back to College for the 2003Society Summer event on a lovely day in July.

Sidney Members enjoyed interesting talks by Professor Alan Dashwood, who spoke about theprocess – in which he has been closely involved – of creating a new constitution for Europe.Art Historian Dr Jonathan Conlin gave an amusing and lively talk entitled “Moving Pictures:Saving Old Master paintings for the Nation.”

Our usual College tour was replaced this year with something a bit more adventurous – aprivate tour of the Zoology Museum, led by Dr William Foster, a Fellow of Clare College.Sidney Members brave enough to descend to the bowels of the building had a chance to seethe world’s most complete dodo skeleton, as well as some specimens collected by CharlesDarwin.

Photo:

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Professor Alan Dashwood and Dr Jonathan Conlin

Exploring the collections of the Zoology Museum

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From Cairo to CambridgeMarwa El-Ansary has just completed the first year of her PhD in Civil EnvironmentalEngineering. She talked with Zoe Swenson-Wright about her impressions of SidneySussex.

Q: How did you first become interested in Civil Engineering?A: All my life I had wanted to be an engineer – even when I was six or

seven years old. When they said, “what do you want, Marwa?” I said,“I want to be an engineer.” I love engineering. I love buildings, I loveworking with computers and designing. My father is an agriculturalengineer, my brother is a mechanical engineer, my two uncles are intelecommunications and electronic engineering. I have third-generation cousins who are civil engineers but they are not very close.So I hadn’t really seen anyone being a civil engineer and I wanted todo that.

My parents wanted me to become a doctor and persuaded me to go tomedical school. I cried for two weeks because I hate biology, and Ican’t stand seeing people in pain. If someone came to me with a cut onhis hand, I would cry and he would think he was going to die. I studiedmedicine for two weeks, then decided to go back to engineering. Iwent to the American University in Cairo (AUC), where many famousscientists, politicians, journalists and business people had studied,including, for example, the wife and sons of Hosni Mubarak, and thechildren of movie stars. I stayed at the American University for myundergraduate course and first Master’s degree in ConstructionEngineering.

Q: How did you choose Sidney Sussex?A: After the American University, I went to Strathclyde University in

Glasgow to do a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. I plannedto go to the University of Toronto for my PhD but my Professor andmother both advised me to apply to universities in England. So oneday I was passing the Registrar’s office and there was a small ad about a College in England called Sidney Sussex. I thought I could just send an e-mail, and then tell my Mom, “look, I applied and theyrejected me.”

So I e-mailed the College and received some forms in the post. I waspicking up my mail and a friend asked, “Marwa, are you applying toCambridge?” And I said “no.” And he said “come on, be serious –don’t hide it!” and there was the application form! I called theGraduate Tutor’s Office to ask Gabrielle Rose why she was sending meto another university and she said, “Marwa, Sidney Sussex is part ofCambridge!” Then Dr Abir Al-Tabbaa contacted me about my research and the Cambridge Overseas Trust helped me to apply for ascholarship from BP (British Petroleum) Egypt. I also received anOverseas Research Student (ORS) award.

Q: How have you enjoyed Cambridge?A: My Professor in Strathclyde always wanted me to come to Cambridge,

because the Engineering Department has excellent facilities andequipment for my research. I work with Dr Abir Al-Tabbaa and I amvery proud of that, as she is the only female Engineer in the CivilEngineering Division of the Engineering Department. It is the firsttime I have ever worked with a woman in all my life – all mysupervisors and work colleagues had always been men. But I havefound Dr Al-Tabbaa very, very professional, and extremely smart. Also she is very giving, dedicated and helpful – always happy tobrainstorm ideas.

Q: What does your PhDwork involve?A: It is a very new

subject that I amdoing – combiningsolid wasterecycling andtreating waste. Iwork with treating petroleum waste (especially drill cuttings) that isgenerated during petroleum drilling. Drilling creates waste which,before 1992, was just thrown onto the seabed, upsetting seapopulations in the North Sea and other places. In Egypt, waste hasbeen put into landfills, but that is no better. This waste needs to berecovered from the seabed and from landfills, treated and preferablyconverted into sustainable value-ended products. My research involvesconverting the treated waste into beneficial construction products suchas sustainable aggregates.

Q: Are you much involved with life in College?A: Dr Al-Tabbaa has always encouraged me to socialise and enjoy life –

she once said, “join the rowing club!” So I am now the College MCR“Green Officer” responsible for recycling and environmental issues.This year, I am planning an induction session for the College staff todiscuss how they can minimize waste and reuse office waste. I believethat re-using is better than recycling. In recycling you add energy andmoney in order to transfer from one stage to another, so if you reusematerials you are saving energy and money.

Q: How have you found it living in the UK as an Egyptian student?A: I am the first person in my family to study abroad and everyone thinks

I am so brave and tough. I guess my family is very proud – whenever aguest comes they take out the pictures of me in my gown at thegraduation in Glasgow.

When I was a student in Scotland there was no problem wearing theveil. I went to London for the first time on 20 September 2001 becauseit was my only chance to have a vacation. At that point I was advisedby some Egyptian friends to be careful, but nothing unpleasanthappened – now I often go to London. I like the internationalatmosphere of Cambridge, where I have made friends from manydifferent cultures. I think the majority of Egyptians (whether Muslimor Christian) are strong believers in God and like to intermingle. I amglad that I will always be a member of Sidney Sussex, and I hope tocome back for conferences and reunions.

Pass it OnCongratulations to College benefactor and1596 Foundation Member Dr SimonCampbell on his recent election as Presidentof the Royal Society of Chemistry. Dr and MrsCampbell have established the Simon and JillCampbell Foundation at Sidney and Christ’sColleges, to support state-school students withproven financial need studying natural sciencesor mathematics.

Congratulations to Professor Ann Dowling,who has been made a Fellow of the RoyalSociety. Professor Dowling has also beeninvited to lead a study on nanotechnology andnanoscience for the Royal Society and theRoyal Academy of Engineering.

Professor Sir Tom Blundell, who chairs theRoyal Commission on EnvironmentalPollution has overseen the publication of aninfluential new report entitled Chemicals inProducts – Safeguarding the Environment andHuman Health. In addition, Astex Technology,the Cambridge fragment-based drugdiscovery company he co-founded in 1999, hasbeen ranked as one of the nation’s 20 fastest-growing companies by the Sunday Times in its“ARM Tech Track” annual league table, whichrates companies in accordance with theirannual growth rates.

Apologies to Peter Coleman (1967) for atypographical error that appeared in the lastissue of Pheon. The charity he founded in 1996is called CAMAID, not CANAID.

The Sidney Sussex Foundation isplanning a dinner on 2 April 2004 at theWilliams Club in New York. The Master,Professor Sandra Dawson, will be theguest of honour. American Memberswishing to receive further informationshould contact the Membership andDevelopment Office.

If any College Member is willing to offeradvice or assistance to Fellow CollegeMembers and would like to publishdetails in Pheon, please write. All would-be-contributors should contact theAssistant Editor of Pheon:

Zoe Swenson-WrightMembership and Development OfficeSidney Sussex CollegeCambridge CB2 3HUTel: 01223-338864Fax: 01223-338881Email: zs205@cam.ac.uk

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This summer the Chapel Choir of SidneySussex College travelled to the United States,giving concerts and singing in morningEucharist and Evensong services at Episcopalchurches in Tidewater, Virginia andBaltimore, Maryland. Sidney’s Senior OrganScholar Cathy Langston writes: “After a hair-raising beginning of tour, due to a motorwayaccident that nearly caused us to miss ourflight to Washington Airport from Heathrow,this year’s choir tour to America (by far themost adventurous undertaken by SidneyChoir) was a huge success! In total, the choirgave three concerts in Virginia, including oneat the historic Bruton Parish Church in

Colonial Williamsburg, gave an informalconcert at a garden party for Independence Day,and sang Evensong and Eucharist in theCathedral of the Incarnation and Old St. Paul’sChurch respectively (both in Baltimore). Thechoir was lucky enough to be staying in a resortwith stunning grounds and facilities. It was ahectic tour and we were grateful to thegenerosity of our hosts, who all provided uswith meals and who had obviously gone to greatlengths to publicise the concerts and services,which were always attended by well over 100people and sometimes 2-300 people. We gainedlots of memories and thank all those who helpedto make the tour possible.”Rehearsing out of doors

Marwa at Sidney

Marwa on an oil rig in Egypt, observing petroleum drilling

CHOIR ON TOUR

15ISSUE FIFTEEN

March 2003

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

Admissions and AccessThere can hardly be University-related issues more in thepublic eye at present than admissions, access and studentfinances. It is undeniable that in the next few years theCollege will have to provide more support for students infinancial need, if it is to continue to attract the best students,irrespective of their financial circumstances. As first reportedin the Annual in 2001, the College has been immenselyfortunate to receive two substantial donations to providestudent bursaries, from the Simon and Jill CampbellFoundation and from Peter Ellis. We have, on page 3, aninterview with Simon and Jill Campbell, and on this pagefurther news of the Peter Ellis Fund.

In 1998 the Sidney Sussex Society and the College looked tosee what could be done to improve our admissions policy andpractice. Sidney as always was attracting a good calibre ofstudents but we felt candidates were not coming to us insufficient numbers nor with sufficient diversity. As reported in Pheon 12 (June 2000), a range of initiatives included ateacher network, acknowledging that key influences onapplicants are from their teachers. The capstone was thedecision by the College to appoint a full-time AdmissionsDirector. In this role Richard Partington has shown tirelessenergy, and wonderfully participative leadership of his teamof admissions advisers (Drs Hennings, Baxendale and the Rev Dr Straughan) and assistants (Ms Heather Doggett andMr Nick Diggle). Through the efforts of the teaching Fellowsin the College much has been achieved, as Richard himselfmakes clear in the following report:

During the course of the last two years, Sidney has made great progressin its drive to increase applications to the College from students from allbackgrounds.

Our programme of open days, subject-based conferences and visits toschools and colleges has proved highly effective in encouraging studentsto apply to Sidney. Direct undergraduate applications rose by over 90%in 2001, making Sidney one of the most heavily applied to colleges inthe University. In 2002 applications dropped back again slightly, butremained buoyant. There has been a particularly encouraging increase inapplications from students whose schools do not have a ‘tradition’ ofOxbridge application. This year, 65% of Sidney UK applicants camefrom state schools, a figure in line with Cambridge’s HEFCE target forwidening participation.

The wide range of applications we received was reflected in the offers ofplaces we made, with 65% of our ‘home’ (UK) offers going to studentsfrom the state sector, and around 70% to students from the regions. Thisechoes patterns of academic performance across Britain as a whole.

The increase we have seen in applications means that competition forplaces is now exceptionally fierce, and so we have to make extremelydifficult decisions. However, in the last two years we have beensuccessful in obtaining offers at other Cambridge colleges, via theintercollegiate admissions ‘pool’, for many candidates whom we wouldhave liked to have taken at Sidney had we had room. This has meantthat, despite our receiving an above-average number of applications, ourcandidates have been as successful in obtaining Cambridge offers asapplicants to any other Cambridge college.

Sidney is particularly grateful to the Trustees of the Isaac Newton Trust(established in 1988 by Trinity College) with whose significant supportwe are able to provide bursaries of up to £1,000 p.a. for students in anysubject and from any area of the country who are judged to be infinancial need.

Richard Partington (1987)

The Peter Ellis FundThrough the generosity of Peter R. Ellis (1945), we have been able toestablish the Peter Ellis Fund to provide bursaries to students who havewon places at Sidney but who might otherwise suffer significant financialhardship in taking up their places here. It is a delight to report that we arenow in the second year of awarding bursaries.

Peter Ellis (seen here with the Master signing the 1596 Foundation book,and featured also in the reunion group photograph on page 6) came up toSidney to read History with the post-war generation in 1945. Last year heestablished the Peter Ellis Fund to assist students from the area where hegrew up. The grammar school in which Peter himself was educated wassubsumed some years ago within a larger comprehensive school: theAbbot Beyne School in Burton upon Trent. Through continued contactwith this school, Peter became conscious of the need to offerencouragement to very able students, who were well suited to studying atCambridge University but who, for a range of reasons, regarded it asbeing beyond their reach.

The Fund is focused upon South Derbyshire and South Staffordshire,areas where students have looked less readily towards Cambridge thanperhaps they might. Students from these areas who win places at Sidneyare eligible for annual bursaries of £1000. These are renewable duringthe course of their academic careers, subject to satisfactory academicperformance. In setting up the Fund, Peter worked closely with Sidney’sAdmissions Director, Richard Partington, to ensure that the schemewould encourage both individual applicants and their schools andcolleges. The first bursary has now been awarded, and it is clear from therecent admissions round that the Fund has already acted as a spur tocandidates from its target areas. As the scheme goes forward year onyear, it will provide Richard with a powerful calling card in Derbyshireand Staffordshire, and will bring real benefit to students, to schools andcolleges, and to Sidney.

We are very grateful to Peter Ellis, as we are to Simon and Jill Campbell(p. 3), for responding so promptly and generously to the changing needsof our students in the twenty-first century.

Admission of women – 25 years on ......2

Of claws and quills .................................2

Campbell Foundation ............................3

Dick Chorley awards .............................4

Thank you to donors ......................4 & 5

US connections .......................................5

Thornely Society ....................................5

Reunions galore! ....................................6

Society events .........................................7

New Year’s Honours ..............................7

Champions never come back ................8

Mexican meanders .................................8

Pass it on! ................................................8

Congratulations to Professor TonyBadger who has been elected Master of ClareCollege from October 2003. Professor Badgercame to Sidney to read History in 1965,returning as a Fellow in 1992. His researchinterests are in post-1930 American History. AsVice-Master, he has been a popular figure withMembers of the College, attending many SidneySussex Society events. One of his recent roleshas been to chair the search committeerecommending the appointment of ProfessorAlison Richard (currently Provost of Yale) asCambridge’s new Vice Chancellor.

Diary Dates 200328th March Thornely Society Dinner

26th April Sidney Sussex SocietySpring Dinner in College

10th May MA Graduation Dinner

5th July Sidney Sussex SocietySummer Event

27-29 September CU Alumni Weekend

8th December Christmas Party at theMiddle Temple

Commemoration of Benefactors* —

28th June for those coming up in theyears 1982 & 1983

27th September for those coming up in theyears 1990 & 1991

* For further details, please contact Mrs Jo

Knight, Tutorial Office, on 01223 338844

or jak34@cam.ac.uk

One of the two Sidney crews that participated in the University’s 2002 AlumniWeekend regatta (see p. 5)

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Alumnae ReunionEarly in 2001 the Master realised thatOctober of the same year would be the25th anniversary of the admission of thefirst female undergraduates to Sidney.Being something of a trail blazer herselfshe decided a party was called for tocelebrate the occasion.

Thirty one women were invited, among themLynne Brydon who was the very first womanto be admitted to the College as a JuniorResearch Fellow in 1975. She was followed in1976 by the first intake of undergraduates.

Of the 31 invited, 16 attended on Sunday, 23rd September with their families, togetherwith members of the current Fellowship andtheir families. As the ages of family membersranged from 3 to 16 years a buffet lunch wasnot going to suffice to keep the younger guestsoccupied; a bouncy castle was thereforeordered.

The Sunday arrived and so did the rain but thebouncy castle still went up on time. Onehundred and fifteen guests crowded into thelodge for a reception followed by amagnificent buffet in the Hall. While some ofthe sons and daughters enjoyed the speechesmade by the Master, Dr Lynne Brydon, andRachel Gibson, recently retired President ofthe JCR, the rest disappeared to the Master’sGarden to enjoy the bouncy castle in theimproved weather. The rest of us were thenentertained by Jonathan Lee, our OrganScholar, and David Wingfield, baritone.

Tea had been planned for the Master’s Gardenbut Mother Nature intervened again, so tea andthe cake cutting ceremony took place in thenew William Mong Building, an area which in1976 was the site of the Bathhouse. BrianBarber, the Catering Manager, had made asuperb cake for the occasion which providedthe centre piece for photographs of the womenwhose admission we were honouring. Theywere joined by the Master, Professor SandraDawson, and Professor Donald Northcote, theMaster in 1976. Thus ended anothermemorable and very successful event in theCollege’s calendar.

Maggie Edwards (Master’s Secretary, 1992-2002)

And among the Fellows —Female Fellows of Sidney are prominent inmany fields, from archæology to biotechnologyand beyond. A remarkable cluster of femaleengineers started with the election of AnnDowling in 1979. Ann, now a CBE and aFellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering,wrote on her research (in combustion andacoustics) in the most recent College Annual. In 1997 she was joined by Abir Al-Tabbaaworking in geotechnical and environmentalground engineering. We feature on this page themost recent recruit to the band of femaleFellows in engineering. (We might note that themale of the species is not unrepresented amongengineering Fellows; examples include KeithGlover, FRS, FREng, currently Head of theEngineering Department.)

25th Anniversary of the Admission of Women to Sidney Sussex

In the Mong Hall, just before the cutting of the cake, are (L to R): Sarah Penny (neé Holmes), Francesca Flessati, Sally Simmons(neé Taylor), Jane Stranks (neé Pick), Miranda Highcock (neé Bethel), Anne Jellicoe (neé Cook), Elizabeth Young (neé Grattidge),Patricia Brown, Sandra Dawson (Master of the College), Amanda Lomas (neé Tealby), Donald Northcote (Master 1976-1992),Linda Edwards (neé Telfer), Mary-Anne Nunn (neé Baxandall), Lynne Brydon (1975 Fellow), Vanessa Welling (neé Barker),Nicky Grist, Judith Foster.

Jo da Silva joined Sidney Sussex in 2001 as anEngineering Fellow (part-time) to help bring anindustry perspective to the undergraduateengineers. She studied engineering at TrinityCollege, Cambridge, before joining Ove Arup& Partners (now known as Arup, and alsosometime employer of Engineering Fellow AbirAl-Tabbaa) as a trainee structural engineer.

Jo is a Chartered Engineer and a Member ofboth the Institution of Civil and the Institution ofStructural Engineers. In 1995 she was awardedthe Association of Consulting Engineers (ACE)Young Consulting Engineer Award.

Currently, Jo is an Associate Director at Arup,and jointly leads a multi-disciplinary buildingengineering group, with a particular interest inpublic buildings and a focus on sustainablebuilding design.

Her career has been wide ranging and includestwo years in Hong Kong carrying out thestructural analysis and design of Chek LapKok airport, leading the engineering design for the recent extension to the National PortraitGallery in London, and an assignment withRedR (Engineers for Disaster Relief) duringthe Rwandan genocide.

At the Engineers’ Reunion Dinner on 8thFebruary (p. 6), she gave an inspiring talk on‘The role of engineers in the 21st century’. Butin the mass media she is best known for herwork on the 3rd century BC. In 1999 sheattempted to re-create Archimedes’ Claw,reputedly used to destroy Romanquinquiremes, for the BBC2 programmeSecrets of the Ancients.

Jo da Silva (2001) at work on recreatingArchimedes’ claw.

Jo da Silva

A team of oxen can, through the pulley system of the claw, lift the ship, with subsequent disastrous effectsfor its crew.

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The cake-makerThe cake for the Women’s Reunion Luncheonwas made by Brian Barber, our CateringManager. This was especially fitting as Brianwas Head Chef in 1976 when the first womenarrived at Sidney and remembered many ofthose returning for the celebration very well. Inthose early days he won a growing reputation asa cake-maker, entering internationalcompetitions at Olympia and similar venues,carrying off the Gold Medal on one occasion fora remarkable Disneyland creation. We are happyto say that Sidney has enjoyed the benefit of hiscake-making skills regularly over the years.

Notre porc-épicAttending a conference in College lastsummer, some French delegates enquiredabout the spiny heraldic beast supportingthe College arms (and appearing on thePheonmasthead); they questioned whetherit is really a porcupine, and even if it is howit came to be associated with the College.Nicholas Rogers, College Archivist finds aFrench connection and reports:

The Sidney porcupine (French: porc-épic)is, I believe, the North African CrestedPorcupine, which is to be found in Italy aswell as the Mediterranean coast of Africa.For details see:

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/hystrix/h._cristata$narrative.html

The porcupine was adopted as a badge by Louis XII of France, and it is conjectured that itwas then adopted by Sir William Sidney, theFoundress’s father, who was sent on diplomaticmissions to France.

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ZSW: The Simon and Jill CampbellFoundation supports state school pupils whohave chosen to study science and mathematics.What were the elements of your own careerthat made you wish to help such studentsthrough University?

SC: I saw at first hand the impact that auniversity education could have on my owncareer. I left school at seventeen, because Icould not afford to go to University, andworked in industry for a year. Then I wasfortunate to be awarded a full maintenancegrant that I supplemented by working duringvacations. I was able to go to University,obtain a PhD and go on to a successfulscientific career in the pharmaceutical industrythat culminated in election as Fellow of theRoyal Society.

JC: Simon had completed his A-levels beforehe left school at 17 and then worked in industry,where his supervisor — a philanthropist in hisway — persuaded him to apply for a grant. Atthat time, Cambridge was not an option, simplydue to financial constraints.

SC: In our era, many students weresomewhat naïve, and did not fully understandthe opportunities universities provided,although grants were available. Now there is amuch broader appreciation of the benefits of auniversity education but financial support fromcentral and local government has beensignificantly eroded. Jill and I know of brightpupils who can’t afford to go to University. Weknow they are losing out and we are concernedthat short-term financial difficulties will restrictthem expressing their full talents.

We wanted to help bright students from stateschools come to Cambridge, and to alleviatesome of the financial hardship they might incurduring their studies. We hope these bursarieswill help to close the financial gap that deterssome state school pupils from applying to topuniversities like Cambridge.

JC: When we went to university or college,the local education authority paid our fees andwe had maintenance grants. However, fundingfor higher education has shifted from centralgovernment and local authorities towardsfamilies and individuals and new forms ofsupport are desperately needed if all bright andable students are to attend university.

ZSW: The Simon and Jill CampbellFoundation provides bursaries for students atChrist’s College, as well as at Sidney Sussex.Why did you choose Cambridge, and these twoColleges in particular?

SC: We did consider a national scheme, butrealised that reading through numerousapplications and then selecting the best studentswould require significant administrativesupport. We chose to focus on Cambridge sincewe knew that the University attracted some ofthe top students in the country and selectionprocedures were already in place. Collegetutors establish close relationships with theirstudents and take a keen interest in their

progress. At most other universities, thereseems to be far less personal contact.

I have had strong scientific contacts withSidney and Christ’s for some time.

I first met and worked with Professor Sir TomBlundell (Fellow of Sidney Sussex Collegeand Head of the Department of Biochemistry)in 1984, when he was at Birkbeck College inLondon. After some years, he came toCambridge and founded, together with DrChris Abel at Christ’s College, a companycalled Astex Technology Ltd., where I act asscientific advisor and board member.

Given the world-class reputation of theUniversity and knowing scientists personally atSidney Sussex and Christ’s (and several otherCambridge Colleges as well) I had confidencethat good students coming here would get thebest scientific education available.

ZSW: Did you have a particular sort ofstudent in mind, when you were planning thisFoundation?

SC: After the Foundation was launched, wehad a letter from a friend who is now aneminent professor here at Cambridge, althoughfinancial circumstances had also prevented himfrom applying to Oxbridge as a student. Hewrote to say that abolition of grants had againraised barriers to entry and that he warmlywelcomed our initiative to help alleviatefinancial hardship that some bright pupils fromstate schools might suffer.

JC: We want to support talented studentsfrom state schools who might be deterred fromapplying to Cambridge because of continuederosion of the grants system.

ZSW: Do you hope that the studentssupported through your bursaries will go on tobecome scientists working in particularacademic fields, or in UK industry?

SC: A strong science base is fundamental forthe economic well being of this country and wewould like to encourage more of our top studentsto pursue a scientific career. We would like tothink that the Campbell Foundation wouldencourage some students to make the decision tocome to Cambridge to study science.

We hope that some students will go into UKindustry or academia and make contributionstowards national well being, but all we can askis that they take full advantage of their time atCambridge and that their degrees reflect theirtalents.

If a student graduates with half the debt he orshe would have had without our help, then thatwill be a significant achievement as well.

ZSW: What do you enjoy about beingphilanthropists?

SC: It is satisfying to feel that we have madea commitment towards supporting education inscience and mathematics and that ourFoundation can make an impact at the personal

level. It has been rewarding to see theenthusiasm among staff and students. Theresponse from students has been really positive,and we are glad to know that £1,000 a year fromour Foundation can make a real difference.

JC: We also enjoy giving something backto society from which we have benefited, andencouraging others to do the same. We havemade a gift of shares to Sidney Sussex andChrist’s but we only learned by chance fromthe Sunday Times how cost effective this canbe for both parties.

SC: Giving shares is the same as givingmoney, but can be more cost-effective as thetotal share value is transferred to the College,including any capital gains, without theCollege incurring any tax liabilities. Equally,important, the benefactor can deduct the totalvalue of the donation from taxable income,which is a significant benefit.

JC: Share ownership is now much morewidespread than a few years ago, and we hopemore people will consider donating shares tocharitable education institutions such asCambridge.

SC: The American approach to fundinghigher education is quite different from the UKsince individuals play a much more active rolecompared to government. Americans work theirway through university and, when they haveestablished a successful career there is a long-standing tradition of making substantialdonations to their university or college.Charitable donations in the UK tend to focus onmore traditional causes, but we hope thatsuccessful scientists and industrialists willaccept that we have an increasing responsibilityto help make up the continuing short fall inGovernment support of higher education.

ZSW: How would you like the CampbellFoundation bursary programme to developover the next five years?

SC: In five years time, we may look backand say —

“In 2001, we identified a real need to support thebest students but our Foundation has becomeeven more useful in light of continued erosion ofcentral and local funding for higher education”.

There has been some talk that maintenance grantsmight be re-introduced but, even so, it is mostlikely that particular groups would be targetedand that there would not be a wide-scale impact.

ZSW: What do you particularly enjoy about therelationship you have now with Sidney Sussex?

JC: Our sons have both been students atCambridge at different Colleges, so we knowthe city very well. However, we now have anopportunity to be more closely involved withSidney Sussex and to appreciate at first handthe impact of our Foundation. The Master andstaff have been most welcoming, we enjoyparticipating in the 1596 Foundation and wehave been very pleased to see how bursarieshave been distributed.

The Simon and Jill Campbell Foundation provides generous bursaries for up to tenstudents from state schools across the UK, who have gained admission to Sidney SussexCollege to study natural sciences or mathematics. Dr Simon Campbell FRS is adistinguished scientist who has spent most of his research career in the pharmaceuticalindustry where he was involved in the discovery of several new medicines. Mrs JillCampbell has extensive teaching experience in physical education and yoga. Theytalked with Zoe Swenson-Wright about their motivations in setting up the Foundation,and their hopes for its future success.

The Campbell Foundation

Simon and Jill Campbell

NAME __________________________________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS ______________________________________________

_____________________________________ PHONE ___________________

I enclose payment of __________________, as follows:

My cheque payable to Sidney Sussex College is attached

I would like to pay by credit card. Please charge my:

VISA

Mastercard

Eurocard

Delta

JCB card

Item Price How many? Postage & Packing TotalCollege cufflinks (pair) £15 UK -- 60p

EU -- £1.05 Navy blue tie with silver porcupines £15 Non-EU Europe -- £1.20

US/Canada -- £2.80Burgundy tie with navy blue porcupines £15 Asia/other overseas -- £3.40

If ordering more than one set of cufflinks, please add 50p per extra set.

Card #

Expiry DateName as itappears on card _________________________________

To order, please fill out this form and return it to: The Membership & Development Office, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU.

Signature __________________________________ Date ________________

Sidney Sussex Ties and CufflinksThe College is proud to present two new versions of the porcupinepatterned College tie, designed for us by Prill Barrett, and printedin Italy on 100% silk. The two colours (as pictured) are:

• navy blue with porcupines in silver,

• burgundy with porcupines in navy blue.

In addition, we are now able to offer traditional enamelled SidneySussex cufflinks, at the price of £15 plus postage and packing.

3

Thank you to all who have supported Sidney Sussex inthe past two yearsThe Master, Fellows and staff of Sidney Sussex College are most grateful to all those Members and friends of the College who havesupported Sidney Sussex during 2000-2002. Some of you have given generously to the Annual Fund to assist students, maintain thetutorial system and address new challenges. Others have made special gifts — establishing bursaries and special funds, orcontributing toward the upkeep of a particular academic subject, building or student society. Thank you to all who have madeanonymous gifts; your names may not be listed here, but we are deeply grateful to you . Finally, many thanks to those of you whohave given in memory of John Thornely and Roger Andrew, and in honour of Derek Beales.

Gifts made after 30 June 2002 will be reported in a future issue of Pheon.

Accenture Foundation (MrPaul Cartwright)

Dr W AdamsLt Col E C Alderton CMGProfessor J W AllenMr M J AllenMr C V AndrewMr P G AndrewsMr G R AngellMr H D Anton-StephensMr P H A ArbuthnotThe Very Rev'd J R ArnoldMr L J AshfordMs A C BaartDr V J BakerMiss H E BaldockThe Rev'd H R BalfourMr R A BarberMr M H BarlowMr M P BasingMr D BassettMr M K BatesMr J A B BaylissMr M W E BaylissMr W M BeattieSir Terence BeckettMs A C BeckettMrs P BeggMr and Mrs C BelcherDr J F BellMr J M M BellDr R B BennetMrs C L BewickMr K K Bilimoria Mr R H BirtwistleMr D BlakeMr and Mrs R P BradburneMr A K BrettMr A J BrewertonMr P BricknellMr P BroadMr R G BroadieMr J BrockMr D D Bromley-ChallenorMr S G BrookMrs L P BrownDr M W BrownThe Rev'd Dr A S BrowneMr C A BrowningMr A M BurgessMrs A H BushMr R E A ButlerMr K M ButtColonel M J A Campbell,

MBEDr M W Cemlyn-JonesMr E J ChandlerMr W G E ChiltonMr and Mrs P ChungMr P J ClareMr D R CleggMr J H ClementDr G B ClementsMr P ColemanMrs H R CollisMr J R CollisMr G E S ColtmanThe Condon Family Trust

(Miss S C Condon )Mr R B CooperMr P M CorlessMr M J CorlettMr R A CowardMr C N CowlingMr R A CrabbMs H CreaseMr D T K DaggMr G DarbyMr M DarbyMiss S L DarkeCdr D Dawson TaylorMr M DeansDr R J DennisMr D E de SaxeMr J A DickMr and Mrs A G DowneyMs D V R DunbarMr R J H DunnMr F A Eames

Dr M E EdwardsMrs J T EgglestonMr A G EllisMr R J EllistonMs A Emmans DeanMr E W EspenhahnMr N O EssexMr H M EvansMr R W FalconMr J M H FarmerMr K A FergusonMr and Mrs M A G FerrierMr D N L FirthMrs J M Fisher, MBAMr P N FisonMrs S V FlintMr J FordhamMr P G D FoxMr T FrenchMr K G FreyMr R M FurberDr D FyfeG David BooksellersSir P GarlandDr R E B GarrodMr B E GatesMr R C GeeMr J GibbonMrs S A GibsonMr A P GilbertMr D R GilbertMr I GilderMr G M GillMr A R GilmoreMr R C GoatMr N S GoddardMr N S GodwinDr G Goldbeck-WoodMr J P GoldbergMr D J GradwellMr D H GrayMr N D F GrayMr J H GreenMr M S GreenMr P C GreenMr S R GreenMr N J GreenwoodMs N H GristMr K E GubbinsMr G R GunsonMr D C HaighMr D HaleyDr Hamad-ElneilMr B HarrisonMrs J J HartleyMr L HellerSir J J P I Hennessy, KBE

CMGThe Rev'd Professor Dr A I

C HeronMr M V E HeroysMr D R HesterMr M N HigginMr P I HighamMr J H H Ho Mr S D HobbsMr M P HobsonMr P L HoggMr D HollinghurstMr A S HolmesMiss S HolmesDr N S HootonProfessor G HornMr H H HoughtonMr D R HowardMr D B HughesMr T B HughesMr M HulfDr P J HullMr A J L HunsMr L R HuntMr J S HurstMr M F IllingMr R J InstrallMr D C IsaacsMr E JacksonMs J N JamesDr K J M JefferyMr J D Jemson

Mr P G JenkinsMr F B JohnsonMr D R P JollyMr I D JordanMr L E KayeMr L M KayeMr J R KemmMr N E KemptonProfessor J T Kent ABDr S F A KettleMr M G W KettlewellDr E B KeverneMr J A KingThe Rev'd S R KnaptonDr J J LagowskiMr and Mrs J W LaidlerMr E LakinMr G C LambertMr A H LancashireDr S R LangMr C E A LawrenceMr I LawrenceMr P M LawsDr E M LeeThe Rev'd N K LeiperThe Lempriere Pringle

Trust (Mr J G Ruffer)Mr W LeslieMr A G N LevyMr D A C LipscombMr P W LipscombMiss V J LipscombMr D C LittonMr N J LockMrs A B LomasDr R G LoweMr C C K LucasMr A C LumDr A D MacAdamMr P J MacBeanMr R M J MackenzieDr A I MacLeodMs E M N MarshallMr P A MarsonMr R H MartinMr N G MayMr W G McCoshMr P McErleanMr L J C McKinstryMrs L A McLeodMr W J MedlicottMr A J MelvinMr R A MenziesDr A Meredith-SmithProfessor J M MillerDr I A MillerDr D B MistryMr B R MitchellMr A S MoloobhoyMs J C MoodieMr N MoonMr M R MooreMr J N MorganMr R MorganMr R D MorrisonMr S R MostynMr G V R MouldingDr A J NadinMr J H NansonMr J A NelderMiss J L NelsonDr K M NichollsMr K NicholsonProfessor J NortonMr I R OldcornMr M J OverendMr K J PackerMr L R PackerDr B E J PagelMr C J H ParkerMr K G ParkerDr M C ParkerMr R W ParkerMr R H ParkinsonMr D J PatonMr P G W PatrickMr M J PaylingDr D C PeddieMrs K A L Penney

Mr J C T PepperellMr A D PercivalThe Rev'd M B PerkinsMr T W J PhillipsDr A J V PhilpMr R J PiggottMrs V A PinnMs E J PooleMr J A PorterMr A R PrattMs S PritchardDr R D PyrahProfessor J C B RaeMr N J RaeburnThe Rev'd G P RavaldeMr J S Ray (The Estate of

Mr B J Ray)Mr N F ReaderMr P C RedfernMiss J ReedMr D F ReesMr R ReesMr P R C ReevesDr J M ReidMr P N RichardsMr S G RiderMr S RileyMrs S RileyDr D RiversProfessor C P RodgersMr P D RodwellMr I C RossDr L J RowlandMr A D RoyMr B T RuleDr S J E Russell-WellsMr D W RustonThe Rt Rev'd J H G RustonMr R SalmonMr P D SandersonMiss P R SayersMr C M T ScholtesMr and Mrs D Schurman

Mr E N ScottMr J F ScottMr G W Scott-GilesMr D W SeeleyDr A SegalMr M W ShadforthMr M SharmaMr N P SharmanDr W J ShatwellMr E M SheardMr J A ShepherdMr N E ShepherdMr E L SmithMr I J SmithMr J B SmithMr L D SmithDr A K L SoMr D SookunLt-Colonel D R Stenhouse,

MBEHis Hon. Judge L B

StephenMr D F StephensonMr B Stobart HookMr R G StorerMr M W StoryMr D T StottMr D J StranksMr D M D StrongMr D O StroudMr M L StubberfieldMr K TachibanaMr M S TaylorMrs S E TaylorMr J TempleMr A J ThoelkeMr P M ThornelyMr M A ThorpeDr D ThrushMr J E G TidballMr B A TimbsDr R TookMr W Traynor

Mrs M J TuckMr K D TuffnellMr C P TurnerMr D M TyrrellDr Z J A TyszkiewiczMr S W UptonMr C A S UrquhartDr T C VilesMrs H VogeMr R T F WainwrightDr A N WalkerDr G D WalkerMr P E J WalkerMr R H WalkerRev'd and Mrs I WallisMr B M WalthamMr W R & Mrs E J

Warburton CharitableTrust

Dr C P WarrenMr & Mrs R A WatererMr I P WatersMr A R WattsMrs V J WellingMr R D WhitakerMr I C WhiteMr P P WhiteMr R O L WickhamMr P D D WillanMr G H W WilliamsonMr C M W WilsonMr H D WilsonMs C J Wolfe in memory of

Mr J S WolfeMr D M C WongMr J A WoodMr J W WoodMr R T WoodMr K C WoodheadMr G C WrightMr P S J ZatzProfessor J Ziegel

Gifts to the College and Annual Fund

The College extends special thanks tothe friends and family of Dr SeanO’Cathasaigh (1975). Their generousgifts in his memory have enabled thepurchase of more than seventy volumesof French literature and criticism for theRichard Powell Library.

Special Gifts

Particular thanks are owed to those CollegeMembers, 1596 Foundation Members andother friends of the College who have madebenefactions and special gifts during 2000-2002. Benefactions and special gifts enable theCollege to create student funds, prizes andteaching Fellowships, as well as to endowfunds for the maintenance of College activities,societies and buildings. Special gifts includemany named and memorial gifts, honouringMembers and friends of the College.

The Derek Beales History FundThis fund, honouring Emeritus Fellow Professor Derek Beales, providestravel and research grants and specialist language training to graduatestudents in European history. The first grants were awarded this year totwo third-year historians: Mark Baczoni and Victoria Howitt. We are mostgrateful to the Sidney Members and friends, and former students andcolleagues of Derek Beales who have given so generously to create theseimportant graduate studentships.

Remembering Dick Chorley

In May 2002, the College lost one of its mostbeloved members, the distinguished geographerDick Chorley, also known for his studies ofSherlock Holmes. To honour his legacy, SidneySussex has established the Dick Chorley Awardsfor Geographers —prizes and travel bursaries toencourage future generations of Sidney SussexGeography students.

If wish to contribute to this fund in memory ofDick Chorley, please fill out and return theleaflet enclosed with this issue of Pheon.

Mr S M AndrewsMr L J AshfordThe Rev'd J BakerMr J H BambergMr J M M BellMr M G BevanMr D M BlakeProfessor T C W BlanningMr R P BlowsDr R H BowdlerBP Matching Gift ( M J

Bamberg)Mr F S BrazierThe Rt Hon the Lord Asa

BriggsDr M T CalaresuDr L J CarterMr E J ChandlerMr P J CogganMiss V C CollingwoodMr J R CollisMr C N CowlingProfessor S M DixonDr S DoyleMr C G EarlesMr H H I EasterlingMr E R P EdgcumbeMr J C EmmersonMr S J M EvansMr A FahrmeirMr C A K Fenn-SmithMr D N L FirthMr C A FlahertyMr B J FletcherSir William GageMr R C H Genochio

Mr T J GilbertMrs K GillMr D G Griffith-JonesMr J E HallMr D HoughtonDr J C L JacksonMrs A JexMr L KayeMr I A KellettMr S R KverndalThe Rt Hon the Lord Lang

of Monkton, PC DLMr T Lawson-CruttendenMr R F LeeProfessor S E LehmbergMr P W LipscombMr M Marland, CBEProfessor J B L MayallMr M MayerMs A J McIlwaineDr D J MillerMr S R MostynMr R PartingtonMr G PendleburyMr R J PiggottMr D M PittawayMr W R M RaynsfordMr P RedfordDr J M Reid, OBEThe Rt Rev'd J RichardsMr P J R RiddellMr D F SandersDr R K SchillerMr C M J SegarMr J M SennetMr C N C Sherwood

Mr R E SherwoodMr J H ShoardMr D R W Silk, CBEMr F J SilvesterMr R A J SircarMr D J SlimmonMr D J SmithDr M H SmithDr P J StarDr E D SteeleMr J G StephensMr C L StevensonMr T C F StuntMr J A TaggartDr B J ThompsonMr J ThorneMr R G ThorneMr M TownsendMs G A TregliaMr L A TromansMr D R TuckerProfessor D M VincentMr M WaldronMr R T F WainwrightMr B M WalthamMr J M WebbDr N J Westcott, CMGMr S WheelerDr C A WhiteMr S C WhiteMr K J WoodrowMr D J WoodsDr C J WrightMr P Yorke

AMBASA & S Dymond

CharitableTrustThe Estate of Mr A E

BaileyMr J BarkerMr J P BartonProfessor J G BaskerBertie Black FoundationMr A C BloomDr L BroughtonDr P V BrownThe Estate of Mr P BykMr J H BrysonDr S F and Mrs J

CampbellCambridge in AmericaProfessor J CarleyThe Estate of Mr M A

ChamberlainMr J R CollisMr T R Dorrington WardMr H H I EasterlingMr P R EllisDr D FyfeMr D G GartonMr M GerstenhaberMrs K Gledhill

Mr L HellerMr J Humphrey BrysonDr S R LangThe Estate of Rev'd Dr F

MasonMrs A OsborneMs C PerrySir Richard Powell

College Charitable FundPfizerMr R C J PhillipsMr J PyddokeThe Estate of Mr B J RayMr D G M Roberts CBEThe Rt Rev'd J H G

RustonThe Sidney Sussex

FoundationMr D R C SandisonMr and Mrs J F ScottMr M L SmithMr B P ThomsonMr M A ThorpeThe Estate of Mr B B

WhittakerProfessor H B WhittingtonMr D WongProfessor J S Ziegel

4

JWA Thornely Fellowship in Law

This Fellowship will strengthen law teachingat Sidney Sussex, while honouring the memoryand legacy of John Thornely. Many thanks tothose of you who have made gifts toward theestablishment of this important CollegeFellowship.

The Roger Andrew Fund

This fund has been established in memory ofthe College's beloved former Bursar to assiststudents from poorer backgrounds, and inparticular from Africa, where Roger workedfor many happy years. To all who have assistedin the establishment of the Roger AndrewFund, very many thanks.

Vice-Master, Prof. Tony Badger, hosted a lunch for Joseph andAlison Fox, the founders of the Fox International FellowshipProgram, when they visited the College to attend the 1596Foundation dinner on 3rd November 2001. He writes:

Joseph Fox is an alumnus of Yale and spent a postgraduate year living onJesus Lane in Cambridge before the war. After a prominent career ininvestment banking, Mr Fox set up his own office as an educationalconsultant. He had developed a particular interest in Russian businessand education and he was heavily involved in the affairs of YaleUniversity, where he is a Charter Sterling Fellow and a member of thePresident’s Council on International Activities.

As a member of the Council of Foreign Relations, he was concerned tosee that no future President of the United States, as he said, was as‘ignorant of world affairs as Lyndon Johnson.’ He therefore conceivedthe Fox International Fellowships to make sure that future world leaderswere informed about countries other than their own. Under this scheme,Yale exchanges graduate students with universities in Moscow, Berlin,Beijing, and Latin America.

Sidney has been the beneficiary of Joseph Fox’s exceptional generositysince 1994 when the exchange between Yale and the College wasnegotiated. Since then, the Fox program has paid for 10 Sidney graduatestudents to study, usually for a year, at Yale and for 15 Yale students tostudy at Sidney, usually for a semester. As one former Fox Fellow fromSidney, Sarah Fitzharding (neé Cundy), noted, she was forever in MrFox’s debt ‘for the incredible, life-changing opportunity he gave me’.

Joseph Fox has provided wonderful opportunities for Sidney graduatestudents and the students from Yale have greatly enriched the life of theCollege. The College recognised Mr Fox’s contribution by electing himto a Fellow Commonership in the summer of 2001.

Tony Badger (1965)

Some past and present Fox International Fellows meet Joseph and Alison Fox:(L to R) Tuomo Summoanen (FF 2000-1), Marco Wan (FF 2001-2), Joseph Fox,Kimberly Gahan (FF 2001-2), David Perkins (FF 1995) and Alison Fox

Fox International Fellowships

Introducing the Thornely Society

On the evening of Friday 28 March 2003, theMaster and Fellows of Sidney Sussex will hold adinner to honour the memory of JWAThornelyand to raise funds for the College Fellowship inhis name. All Sidney Sussex law graduates,practising lawyers and former students of JohnThornely are warmly invited to this event, whichwill be the inaugural dinner of the new ThornelySociety at the College. Enclosed with this Pheonis a brief questionnaire, designed to identify allthose Sidney Members on whose undergraduatelives or subsequent careers John had a significantinfluence. We would be very grateful if all SidneyMembers who matriculated before 1985 wouldcomplete the enclosed questionnaire and return itto the Membership and Development Office.

On Friday 12th April 2002, the Sidney SussexFoundation hosted a dinner at the WilliamsClub in New York, attended by the Master ofthe College, Professor Sandra Dawson and herhusband Henry.

The Master presented Christopher Stoneman(1947) with a pewter tankard to express thegratitude of all at Sidney Sussex for his manyyears as Secretary-Treasurer of the SidneySussex Foundation.

Christopher hands over the reins to Tom Viles(1992). David Smith (1958) has also joined theSidney Sussex Foundation Board of Directors.The President of the Foundation is ProfessorTony French (1939).

New York Dinner

Rowers!The 2003 regatta will be held onSaturday 27th September at 10.00 a.m. AllMembers who enjoy rowing (whether seriouslyor just for fun) are encouraged to participate!Men and women, novices and veterans, and allages are welcome. To add your name to themailing list for further information, contact Zoe Swenson-Wright (zs205@cam.ac.uk). On Sunday 28th September 2003, all SidneyMembers involved in the regatta or other AlumniWeekend activities are warmly invited to join theMaster and Commemoration Dinner guests forbreakfast in Hall.

Mr A AkinjideMiss E A AllanThe Rt Hon Lady Justice

Arden DBEMr M K AyersLord Oliver of AylmertonMs J R BarlowProfessor D E D BealesMr J M M BellMr K F BilimoriaMr C S BlakeMrs R M J BranfootMr C A BrowningDr L J CarterMrs V CharltonDr and Mrs M ClarkeMr L P CleminsonProfessor R T CurtisProfessor S DawsonMr D de SaxeMr J D DerryDr A L DowningMr N O EssexMs F FordMr M GerstenhaberHis Hon Judge M B

GoodmanMr R L HallMr M W HeathMr D S HonourMr J A HopkinsProfessor G HornMr R HovelProfessor G JamesProessor D A JenkinsMiss S E JonesMr P M Lawson-

CruttendenMr R D Lord

Mr J A McLeanMr A A McGillMr J W McNeillNichol Young Foundation

(Rev'd J Mitson)Mr J OuldMrs A C OwenMr L R PackerMr P G PatrickMr R C J PhillipsProfessor D M PottsMr V J G PowerMr D A RedfernMr P R C ReevesMr G RodwayMr P C RoeMrs K RoyMr J M RushtonMrs J SmailMr W A F P SteinerMr D StewardMr R C G StrickMr D M D StrongMr F D Thoday (in

memory of the late MrsRoslyn L Thoday)

Mr W I H ThomMrs B ThomsenMrs B ThomsonMiss J ThornelyThornely Famly GiftMr G P TranterMr and Mrs N TrotmanMr D M TyrrellMr E A WellsColonel D R and Mrs P J

WhitakerMr T S WyattProfessor J Ziegel

Mr J M Y AndrewMr N C AndrewThe Rt Rev’d P AtkinsMr K R BanyardMr N C BarfordMr M P BasingMr G A BazireSir Terence BeckettMrs C L BewickMr P G BowlerThe Rev'd Dr A S BrowneMr H D BryanProfessor K J CarpenterMr J CatlowMr E J ChandlerMr J R CollisMs S CondonMr F D CousinMs S L DarkeMs A DaviesMr M G DaviesDr R H L DisneyMr M W DorrellMrs A Emmans DeanMr C A K Fenn-SmithMr B J FletcherMr M D FordMr J W GibbonDr I A S GibsonMr P J GoddardMr J H GreenDr P C GreenMr J M GriffinMr D HaleyRev'd P H W HawkinsSir J HennessyDr M J HerrickMr R J HillMr J H HoMr G M HollingtonMr C P HughesMr A P HuntingtonMr M F IllingProfessor G JamesMr W D Kingdom

Mr T KreuleMr S KverndalMr T F P LallemandMr R LewneyMs K MinogueMr F W MumbyMr C N OsmondDr D A L OwenMr L R PackerDr B E J PagelMr R PartingtonMr N PeacockMr J M J PhillipsMr S C PimlottDr R D PyrahDr P A M RaineMr A N RatcliffeDr J M ReidMr A T RileyDr K RoussopoulosMr S P SaltMr R L SavoryMr R K SchillerMr C M J SegarMr N E ShepherdMr C N SherwoodMr J D ShortMr D R W Silk, CBEMr C E SlaterMr I J SmithMr L D SmithMr L G SmithMr W A F P SteinerMrs J E StillMr R J StranksMr M L StubberfieldMr K TachibanaDr B J ThompsonMs E G TudorMr L K TurnerMr D M TyrrellMr D L WalkerMr B J WelchMr K WoodrowMr D J Woods

In 2003, we are delighted to offer an entirelynew item of merchandise – this beautiful boxedset of six tablemats, reproducing three drawingsby Denis Mason Jones, MAARIBA (1936).

Combining old and new views of SidneySussex with interesting historical andarchitectural facts about the College, thesetablemats are both attractive and nostalgic --unlike anything available elsewhere.

The tablemats are of high quality, and havebeen produced for us by Hedgerow PublishingLtd. of Sheffield.

Christopher Stoneman (left) and Tony French

Boxed Tablemat Set NAME _______________________________________________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

PHONE ______________________________________________________________________

Please send me the following items:

I enclose payment of __________________, as follows:

My cheque payable to Sidney Sussex College is attached

Item Number of Price per item UK postage and packing * Totalitems ordered

Box of six tablemats. £32 £5

TOTAL

5

Please return this form to the Membership & Development Office, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU. Telephone: 01223-338881, Fax: 01223-338884

* If you are living overseas, please pay the listed price including UK postage and packing and we will invoice you for any additional cost.Sidney Members planning a visit to Cambridge should note that these tablemats can be purchased directly from the College, to avoid postage costs.

New Secretary-Treasurer Tom Viles (right ofcentre)

Alison and Joseph Fox with the Master

Henry Dawson (centre)

A Tradition of ReunionsLong before the Sidney Sussex Society was established, onegroup of Sidney friends discovered for themselves the pleasureof regular reunions. For 20 years, they have held regularinformal gatherings in London — first at the Shell Centre andthe Oxford and Cambridge Club, later at the RAF Club. Picturedbelow are the current members of the group:

Gwilym Roberts CBE (1943), David Griffiths OBE (1940), Peter Ellis(1945), Henry Probert MBE (1945), Duncan Townson (1945), RussellBarty (1945), Bertie Bower (1944), Donald Stephenson MBE (1940),Andrew Roy (1938) and (not pictured) Jeffrey Switzer (1944)

Congratulations to you all, for so many years of friendship andcollegiality! Particular thanks are due to Peter Ellis, whose recentmagnificent gift to the College is described on page 1. Specialcongratulations also to Henry Probert who has recently publisheda definitive new biography of Sir Arthur Harris, in BomberHarris, His Life and Times (see Pass it onfor more details)

Your own chair in Hall

When the Hall was redecorated over the summer, the Collegecommissioned a new set of chairs from furniture designer LukeHughes. Hand-crafted from English oak, and with a qualityleather covering for the seats and backs in Atlantic green (aboveleft), each chair has a small brass plaque (similar to that aboveright) set permanently into the back. By presenting a chair,Members can support the redecoration of the Hall, and theplaque can carry their own name and matriculation year, or thename of a family member or friend they wish to commemorate.The cost of each chair is £330; of the 96 originally ordered,about half now have commemorative plaques. To have yourown, please complete and return the flier enclosed with thisPheonas soon as possible.

Supping by SubjectPioneered by the Confraternitas Historica, there have for many years been regular dinners for subject groups in College. Thisgrouping by subject is now inspiring alumni reunions, organised by the Sidney Sussex Society. The dinners featured here were bothvery successful and have led to calls for repeats and for extension of the concept to other subjects. Anyone wishing to help with theorganisation of a dinner for a particular subject should contact Wendy Hedley (01223-338881; wah21@cam.ac.uk). Early inFebruary is now the traditional time for these dinners. The two pictured below permit a comparison of the old and new — in thedecoration of the Hall and in the hanging of the portraits around the high table.

Medical and Veterinary Society Reunion Dinner, 9th February 2002

Engineers’ Reunion Dinner, 8th February 2003

To purchase a copy of the official photograph of the Engineers’ Reunion Dinner, visit www.eadenlilleyphotography.co.uk

Do you have a skeleton in the cupboard?The teaching of anatomy is fundamental in medical training. At Cambridgeanatomy is taught mainly in the first year of the pre-clinical course, with acombination of lectures, dissection classes and college-based supervisions. Toensure the best possible start, we have tried to provide each first-year medicalstudent at Sidney with an individual human skeleton to supplement and enhancesupervision teaching in anatomy. Over the years, the number of students acceptedby Sidney to read medicine has increased, and we now need additional skeletonsif we are to maintain this one-to-one correspondence. We are therefore asking ofall Sidney doctors who still have a skeleton from their university days whetherthey would be prepared to donate it to the college for anatomy teaching. In doingso you would be making a very real contribution to the training of tomorrow’sdoctors and your generosity would be immensely appreciated. The College wouldof course cover packing and transportation costs. In the first instance, pleasecontact Dr A. P. Jackson (a.p.jackson@bioc.cam.ac.uk), Pre-clinical Director ofStudies, Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos, at the College (01223 338858)or in the Dept. of Biochemistry (01223 765951, fax: 338884).

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Pheonproudly unfurls what SocietyChairman Peter Lipscomb (1959)describes as ‘the finest logo everdesigned by a committee’. The pastyear has seen many successful events;we hope to see even more people and aneven wider age range at this year’sevents. It is particularly good to recordthe Society’s first overseas event, andwe hope this success in Geneva will befollowed by others.

London Dinner, 8th March 2002This was held in Middle Temple Hall, Inns ofCourt. After the excellent dinner, Sir PatrickGarland (1948) spoke on the history of theHall.

Summer Event, 6th July 2002Nearly 70 Members and guests attended theevent which began with a buffet lunch in Hall,followed by two talks by Sidney Fellows. In“11th September 2001 and the InternationalOrder” Prof. James Mayall interpreted eventsbefore and after the terrorist attack, andanalysed questions of Moslem identity. Prof.Tony Badger then spoke on “TheodoreRoosevelt and Oliver Cromwell” telling ofRoosevelt’s book on the Lord Protector and hisconclusion: ‘Great man though he was, and farthough the good that he did out-balanced theevil, yet he lost the right to stand with men likeWashington and Lincoln of modern times’.The day also included a reunion and informalconcert for Choir members, tours of theCollege Chapel and gardens, and dinner.

Geneva Dinner, 26th October 2002No doubt there have been many links betweenour puritan college and the city of Calvin, butthe most recent centre on Dr Ajit Bhalla(Fellow, 1997). Ajit lives near Geneva, but stillmakes frequent visits to the College. Heorganised Le Dîner d’Inauguration du SidneyClub de Genève, held at the Hôtel du Lac,

Coppet. The event attracted Members andguests from a broad range around Geneva andsome visitors from Cambridge. Pheon’seditorProf. Lindsay Greer (Fellow, 1984) conveyedthe best wishes of the College and of the

Sidney Sussex Society and presented to thevingtaine of diners a bottle of 1981 GrandeChampagne Cognac bottled for the College.

Christmas Party, 9th December 2002For 40 years the Cocktail Party was hosted bySir Patrick Garland. Now called the Christmas

Forthcoming Events

Spring Dinner, 26 April 2003

This year the Society will hold its annualdinner in College. If you wish to come,please complete the flier enclosed with thiscopy of Pheon, or contact Wendy Hedley inthe Membership and Development Office(01223-338881; wah21@cam.ac.uk). Theprice of only £35 per head includes pre-dinner drinks, dinner with wine and a night-cap in the Senior Combination Roomafterwards. The Master and Fellows lookforward to seeing you at this black-tie event.

Summer Event, 5 July 2003

This year’s event will follow the successfulpattern already established, but with newentertainments as ever. For further detailscontact Wendy Hedley (01223-338881;wah21@cam.ac.uk).

New Year’s Honours2003Professor Ravinder N. (‘Tiny’) Maini (1956)has been knighted for pioneering research onarthritis which has led to new drug treatments. Inrheumatoid arthritis, the body’s own immunesystem attacks tissues in the joints, causinginflammation, pain and reduced mobility. SirRavinder's team at the Kennedy Institute,Imperial College found that a leading agent inthe process is a body chemical called tumournecrosis factor (TNF). They found a way to stopthis from working, and pain and inflammationare thereby greatly reduced. In connection withthe Sidney’s Quatercentenary Appeal, SirRavinder hosted the Medical Dinner in April1995 to raise money for the Medical Fellowship.In 2000 he was a co-winner of the CrafoordPrize awarded by the Royal Swedish Academyof Sciences for research in areas not covered bythe Nobel prizes.

Professor John A. Pople, FRShas beenknighted for services to chemistry. Sir Johnwas associated with Sidney when he wasLinnett lecturer in 1997 and he won the NobelPrize for chemistry in the following year. Heis Professor of Chemistry in NorthwesternUniversity, USA.

And in 2002 —The above honours follow the knighthood forProfessor Gabriel Horn, FRSin the NewYear’s Honours list a year ago. Gabriel needsno introduction, having been Master of Sidney1992 to 1999. During his mastership, theCollege flourished as an academic communitycommitted to the highest standards ofscholarship in research and teaching. Hisknighthood recognises his ‘services to neuro-biology and the advancement of scientificresearch’.

His childhood in Birmingham took him firstinto qualifications in mechanical engineeringbut after National Service in the EducationBranch of the RAF he pursued pre-clinicalstudies at the University of Birmingham withremarkable distinction. He then becameHouse Officer at Birmingham’s Children’sHospital. In 1956 he came to be demonstratorat the Cambridge Department of Anatomy,

progressing to a Readership in Neuro-Biology.He then took up the Chair of Anatomy atBristol but was called back to Cambridge, tothe Chair of Zoology, in 1977. In 16 years asHead of Department, he was extraordinarilyinfluential in strengthening research so thatCambridge achieved the highest rating inzoology in recent UK Research AssessmentExercises. At national level he served asChairman of the Working Party on the biologyof spongiform encephalopathies and asChairman of the Animal Sciences Committeeof the Biotechnology and Biological SciencesResearch Council. He was elected a Fellow ofthe Royal Society in 1986.

In 2001 he was awarded the Royal Medal ofthe Royal Society ‘For his work advancing theunderstanding of the neurobiologicalmechanisms underlying behaviour, embracingmolecular, cellular, anatomical,electrophysiological and ethologicalapproaches to learning and memory’.

A recent contribution to public policy hasbeen to chair the Committee on the Review ofthe origins of BSE which was published bythe Department of Environment, Food andRural Affairs and the Department of Health inJuly 2001.

In 1998 Gabriel and the then Masters ofDowning, Queens’ and Clare Collegeslaunched a series of Cambridge-Governmentscience policy seminars on a variety ofsubjects including ageing, informationtechnology, genetics, and the environment.Gabriel’s seminars, CUGPOP, as they arepopularly known, are ‘invitation only’ eventswhich must not be missed by any thinkingsenior civil servant or minister concerned withthe topic of the day.

Party and hosted by Sir John Lindsay (1956), itcontinues to be held at the Middle Temple.This year, over 80 Members and guests wereaddressed by the Vice-Master Prof. TonyBadger (1965) and were treated to a Christmascake bearing the College arms as fashioned byCatering Manager, Brian Barber.

7

Congratulations to Prof. Ron Bracewell(1946) on his election as a Fellow of theAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences inrecognition of outstanding contributions inastronomy and earth sciences. Based in theElectrical Engineering Department atStanford, Prof. Bracewell is a Renaissanceman, noted also as an artist and planthistorian.

In 1996, Peter Coleman (1967) and his wifefounded a small third world aid charitycalled CANAID, modelled on Oxfam.Sidney Members interested in internationalcharitable work should contact him on 01214297832 or write to: Banyas, 37 AubreyRoad, Harborne, Birmingham, WestMidlands B32 2BB.

Greenhill Books has recently published AirCommodore Henry Probert’s definitivebiography of Sir Arthur Harris,BomberHarris, His Life and Times, described by theSpectator’s Alistair Horne as an ‘excellentnew study.’ Henry is also the author of HighCommanders of the RAF and The ForgottenAir Force, a history of the RAF role in thewar against Japan.

Andrew Flewitt (webeditor@sid.cam.ac.uk)has set up a ‘message board’ to facilitatecommunication between alumni. Themessage board, together with lots of otherinformation for alumni, can be found athttp://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni/alumni.html

ROWERS If you want to keep in touch withBoat Club news and former rowers, join theBOAT CLUB SOCIETY by writing to theCaptain of Boats c/o the College or tomgkb2@cam.ac.uk. A newsletter will besent out later in the year to all societymembers. Last year Katy Williams was inthe Blue Boat; Oliver Watkins was in theMen’s Lightweight Blue Boat. This yearLaura Rous and Catherine Carus are trialingfor heavyweight seats. Alex Hamilton is stillinvolved with the ARA World Class Startprogramme and is trialing for the men’slightweight crews.

PORCUPINES Could members of thePorcupines Club please contact Toby Leesc/o the College or at tl235@cam.ac.uk. Weare compiling a computer database ofmembers’ achievements and whereabouts tocomplete records and help organise regulargatherings.

If any College Member is willing tooffer advice or assistance to fellowCollege Members and would like topublish details in Pheon, please write.All would-be contributors shouldcontact the Assistant Editor of Pheon:

Zoe Swenson-Wright

Membership & Development Office,

Sidney Sussex College

Cambridge CB2 3HU.

Tel: 01223-338864 Fax: 01223-338881

zs205@cam.ac.uk

Pass it on…Champions never come backAs proudly reported in CAM (Mich.Term 2002) and in our own Annual, thevictors in University Challenge’s‘Champion of Champions’ series wereSidney’s winning team of 1979. NicholasGraham from that team reports —

Champions never come back. You only get oneshot at the title. You’re only as good as yourlast game.

These thoughts passed through my mind lastFebruary when the college’s victorious 1979University Challenge team were asked byGranada TV to take part in a special series ofthe popular television quiz marking theprogramme’s 40th anniversary. The team,comprising John Gilmore, John Adams,captain David Lidington and myself, had longsince hung up our buzzers. In our student dayswe had become the 1979 University Challengechampions before going on to score furthervictories against a team of Sidney Fellowsgallantly led by Derek Beales, and thencarrying off the grandly titled ‘WorldChallenge Championship’ against DavidsonCollege, North Carolina.

We now had the opportunity to become theUniversity Challenge Champion ofChampions. But would we be up to it? To havea certain talent at the age of 20 iscommonplace; to reach the age of 45 and stillbe possessed of that talent would be nothingshort of miraculous. Faced with the challenge,it seemed an unmatchable opportunity to makea complete fool of myself in public. We wouldbe old. We would be slow. We would forget thesimplest things. We all felt a certain reluctance,only gradually overcome by the thought that itwould be wonderful to meet for the first timein 20 years, and relive old times.

So, on a bright Sunday in April we returned tothe familiar studios of Granada Television,butterflies generating chaos in our stomachs, tofind that the programme had changed too. Anew presenter. A new set. A new theme tune. Aproduction team who thought nothing ofrecording eight shows in a day (back in the1970s it was three in a week). Worse still,Granada’s decision to invite back only teammembers, without a travelling reserve,deprived us of our secret weapon, reserveStephen Badsey who contributedimmeasurably to our original success byamassing practice question-banks for us andkeeping a wary eye on the strengths andweaknesses of our opponents. This time wewent on cold, without rehearsal. Our 1st roundopponents were Trinity College Oxford,runners-up to our Sidney championpredecessors in 1972. The match was a jolt.Jeremy Paxman seemed to take an age to readout questions while our minds chasedtantalisingly elusive facts — and then ouropponents pressed their buzzers. But a late runof questions to which we knew the answersgave us victory and enough points to qualifyfor the semi-finals.

Chastened and better prepared we returned inJune — to discover that our opponents werereigning champions Somerville CollegeOxford. Could we improve on our first-roundform? Would our team mascot, Sid, once againbe propitiated with sacrificial rituals in thedressing room? This time, we were leavingnothing to chance. Our old fire had returnedand we won through to the final basking in thebliss of being branded ‘absolutely insufferable’by Jeremy Paxman, and a victory margin of

300 points. Keele University 1968 werealtogether more testing opponents, but we wona difficult final by 375 to 185, and werepresented with our trophies by Stephen Fry.After forty years, University Challengeproduced a contest between red brick & ivorytower, between teams representing two yearsremarkable in the history of post-war Britain— the high-water mark of social change andthe turning of the tide. Perhaps unsurprisinglywe shared a common experience, denied tosome younger teams, of education being atraining of minds in a shared understanding, ofknowledge as a common provision, not a set ofskills to be measured, classified and accountedfor by student loans.

So how do you succeed at UniversityChallenge? Three tips: interrupt starters;interrupt bonuses; never ever argue with eachother. That ought to do it.

The sweets of victory have been highlydiverting. Jeremy Paxman suggested we comeout of retirement ‘like the Rolling Stones’.(We’re still trying to decide which one of ushas to be Keith Richard. Or worse still, BillWyman.) John Gilmore was publicly comparedto a giant flying psychic tank. John Adams’ GPsurgeries have been unusually prolonged.David Lidington gained invaluable experienceanswering difficult questions from JeremyPaxman. I have been stopped in the street andcongratulated by complete strangers. Reunionshave taken place, more are planned. Perhapssweetest of all were the words of SteveBadsey, best of reserves, after the recording.“We always knew you were the best team inthe world. Now you’re the best team inhistory.”

Champions docome back.

Nicholas Graham (1976)

Mexican MeandersThe untimely death of Geoffrey Marstonin August 2002 robbed the College of apillar of its law teaching; it also deprivedPheonof its principal foreigncorrespondent. Geoffrey was proud ofhis contributions, noting that they werethe first items to appear when his namewas entered into an internet searchengine. At the time of his death, Geoffreyhad already submitted an article(printed in abridged form below), notyet with photographs. Its inimitable styleis a worthy reminder of his manycontributions to College life.

A two-hour flight west of Houston, the city ofChihuahua sprawls across the arid plateau ofnorthern Mexico. Its eponymous dog apart,Chihuahua is also noted for being a terminus ofthe Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico, arailway started in the 19th century as part of themost expeditious route between Kansas Cityand Pacific tidewater at Topolobampo. Notuntil 1961 was the last spike knocked in andeven now the 400-mile line ends at Los Mochissome 20 miles short of the Gulf of California.What is distinctive about the line is that itcrosses the Sierra Madre Occidental in thevicinity of the Barrancas del Cobre— theCopper Canyons — although silver not copperwas their most important product.Notwithstanding the regrettable lack ofterritorial disputes, the combination of railway

and mountain conspired to have me spend eightcloudless days on the line of the railway.

Hiring a 4 x 4 with an experienced local driver,we descended 6000 feet down dusty zig-zagtrack through various layers of climate andvegetation to the hot and humid bottom of theBatopilas Canyon. The descent exceeded that inthe Grand Canyon of Arizona. On theprecipitous slopes were visible the dwellings ofthe Tarahumara Indians, the original inhabitantsof the region who fled into this inhospitablebackwater to escape the ministrations of theearly Spanish missionaries — and who canblame them? In the gorge the massive moundof tailings from the defunct La Bufa silver minemade an incongruous heap amid the cactus.

At El Fuerte, a town on the western side of theSierra, I awaited the Chihuahua train. Twopassenger trains a day run in each direction. Theearlier is the estrella, for the well-heeled with arestaurant car at gouging prices and even aprivate observation car attached at the rear forthe highest rollers. An hour later comes themixto, for the locals, back-packers and cash-strapped academics, at one-third the price of theestrellabut taking 16 hours for the journey. Ireverted to type and boarded the mixto. From El Fuerte to Creel the line climbs theescarpment, some 6000 feet in 50 miles, aserious endeavour for a railway dependent onlyon adhesion. Traction is not Yorkshire steam likethe Darjeeling line in India but Mexican diesel.The line, single-tracked except for passing loops,twists and turns across the face of the rangethrough 80 tunnels and over 40 bridges as itgains height. In places one can look downvertically to the track traversed half an hourpreviously. On three occasions I saw lying belowthe track the rusty relics of freight cars whichhad come off in accidents best not imagined.

The mixtowas modestly comfortable:chocolate, tortillas, cold drinks and even pot-noodles were continuously hawked and everyhalf hour or so a conductor swept the floor.Although the atmosphere on board was tranquiland even amicable, security was visible. theregion is notorious for narcotics cultivation andtrafficking. Three police officers, handstwitching on their pistol butts, patrolled thecarriages, occasionally kicking and proddingthe baggage of suspicious-looking travellers. Atthe summit of the line, Divisadero, where I hadstayed in the swank hotel, the track comeswithin 100 yards of the canyon rim where thepassengers are allowed 15 minutes to admirethe view and by a meal from the tightly-packedstalls purveying local delicacies.

After Railtrack’s recent shortcomings on theCambridge lines, this journey was welcomecompensation.

Geoffrey Marston, 1938-2002

Wednesday 19th June 2002. Preparations for theSidney May Ball — ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’

8

14ISSUE FOURTEEN

July 2001

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

Diary Dates200110th December London Cocktail Party

Commemoration of Benefactors* �

22nd September for those coming up in theyears 1988�1989

20029th February Combined Medical Dinner

8th March London Dinner

11th May MA Graduation Dinner

6th July Summer Event

9th December London Cocktail Party

* Please contact the Admissions OfÞce

(01223 338844) for further details

When it became known that I was to ride Tipperary Tim in the GrandNational my friends became facetious. One of them declared that if therest all fell I might have a chance, and I replied that they might easily dothat, but my horse would jump and stay for ever. Another humoristremarked that his staying powers consisted in staying a long time in thesame place.

Previous form may have given them good cause for their gibes, but it hasbeen proved over and over again that Aintree is a law unto itself, and Timand I were to have the last laugh this time. With a Þeld of over fortyrunners, the fences stiff, and the ground soft and treacherous, there arebound to be many falls in that Þrst mile of thrills, when the horses arecramped for room and the fallen bring down the others, who in turncareer riderless among the survivors.

To avoid the scrimmage I took Tipperary Tim along on the outside fromthe start, so that he had a clear run at his fences and the mud kicked upby the ßying heels in front did not get into his tube and choke him.Though this may have meant going a little further the extra distance wasvery slight and well worth while ; for while more than a score of horseswere tumbling over the fallen Easter Hero at the fence at the Canal Turn,Tipperary Tim, jumping wide of the trouble, was going on steadily toValentine�s Brook with only four others standing in front of him.

A bit further on, as we rounded the bend on the ßat race course, I had apeep over my shoulder, and to my astonishment could see only one horsefollowing. I did not then know the full extent of the disaster at the CanalTurn.

Tim was jumping magniÞcently and seemed full of energy, and I beganto feel very hopeful. I had conÞdence in my mount : and justly so, for onthat great day, in very trying circumstances, he never wavered. Theyawning ditches, the perilous drops, the long fatiguing journey, the sorryplight of his brethren, his own physical handicap, and the frantic yellingof the crowd, these were enough to test the most courageous equineheart.

After jumping the water in front of the stands I moved up closer to theleaders as the six survivors went out into the country again.

Soon De Combat took a liberty with a fence which proved his undoing.

Shortly after Valentine�s French Hope fell, and May King touched afence and toppled over on my right.

Three were now left with two fences to jump. My horse was still goingstrong under me and so far had never touched a fence. Meanwhile, Billy

Barton and Great Span were racing together in front of me as if theywere the only two in it.

At the next fence Great Span�s jockey was thrown. His saddle hadslipped, and the horse went on riderless, threatening for one anxiousmoment to dissipate the chance of Tipperary Tim.

The excitement of American spectators must now have been terriÞc : butgrievous disappointment followed. My mount drew level with theirchampion at the last fence, where tired Billy Barton, who had put up agreat Þght, leading for most of the way, fell, a beaten horse.

Thus did Tipperary Tim, the tubed, despised outsider, come home alonein his amazing glory, an easy winner of the most sensational race of alltime.

W. P. Dutton (1921)

Amazing scenes at the Grand NationalSidney man rides to victory in race marked by soft ground and many falls

The victorious jockey tells his story to Pheon �

This article, from the Pheon of June 1928, was brought to ourattention by T. S. Wyatt (1927). Tom was reminded of it by therelative paucity of Þnishers in the National in the present year. Itsauthor was an amateur rider who made his career as a solicitor inChester. Tom offers to report further on Sidney�s �fondness forhorse-ßesh in former days� in the next issue of Pheon.

The last jump: (from left to right) Tipperary Tim (winner), the riderless GreatSpan, and Billy Barton taking the fence just before his fall.

The

Illu

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ted

Lond

on N

ews,

7 A

pril

1928

G. M

arst

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Tipperary Tim in more sedate pose

New Sidneians � it�s

now a tradition

(established by the

ducks themselves) that

ducklings are raised in

College each year. The

Master�s garden is a

favoured patch.

Graduation often brings together several generations, but it is more

rare for all to be Sidneians. This year Kate Woods (1998) was

accompanied by her father David (1970) and her grandfather

Dennis (1947). They are seen here in the College garden after

graduation, standing by the tree planted in memory of Roger

Andrew of whom they were all very fond.

The

Nat

iona

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sera

cing

Mus

eum

New

mar

ket

A Schoolteacher Fellow reports ............2

Chairman meets Master ........................2

Christmas? ..............................................2

London Dinner .......................................3

Summer Event ........................................3

Yeoman�s Service ....................................3

Society News ...........................................3

Colledge Goods .......................................4

Rings and coasters .................................4

Pass it on! ................................................4

Dear Members of Sidney,

My Þrst visit to Sidney was when I wasinterviewed following my application tobecome a Schoolteacher Fellow. Theexperience was vastly different from previousheadship interviews, during which, on oneoccasion, I was asked �Why do your want tocome to Barnsley, then?� During anotherinterview I was asked by an inquisitive schoolgovernor, �What is the question you wouldleast like me to ask you?� There was anobvious reply: �You�ve just asked it.�

The interview with Professor DonaldNorthcote, then Master, Drs Mark Henningsand Claire Preston was affable yet probing. Tomy astonishment, I was informed that myapplication was successful: the governors atDenbigh High School, where I was thenHeadteacher, saw this as a great honour. Thestaff of the school were supportive, particularlyas many received acting-up allowances as thestafÞng structure was reorganised for the term.

At interview I had gained the impression ofSidney as a friendly yet focused establishment,a view reinforced during my all-too-shortperiod of residence. After being welcomed byRoger Andrew, I moved into a room on thesame landing as Tim Blanning and DonaldGreen, who were informative and helpful.Lindsay Greer and Geoffrey Marston acted asguides and mentors and, even now, keep meup-to-date with developments.

My research at Sidney compared thecurriculum of secondary schools in Canada,Germany and France. I had previously visiteda Gesamtschule and Gymnasium in Hessen, aCollège and two Lycées in Normandy, and wasable to reßect on the organisation and structureof these establishments. Following my periodof residence I visited North Toronto Collegiate(a specialist music college) and WoodstockHigh School in New Brunswick. During thelatter visit, supported by the British Council, Iwas asked to lead INSET courses in classroommanagement and experiential learning. Itproved to be a most rewarding experience aswe were also able to participate in overlandskiing (part of the curriculum!) and visit amaple-syrup farm on the border with the USA.

The overall impression was of a wide varietyof practice, with almost imperceptibledifferences in outcome. Assessment systems at16 and 18 relied much more on teachers�judgement of students� progress than was usualin Britain. There was no national system ofexaminations, externally administered andassessed, to compare with ours. Neither was

there national testing at all Key Stages,OFSTED, or the ten-subject NationalCurriculum being established in England andWales at that time. By contrast, schoolsappeared to be much more accountable toLEAs, without the Þnancial freedom orautonomous governance enjoyed by stateschools in England and Wales.

Developments in England and Wales sincethen reßect successful practices on thecontinent and in Canada at that time. Schoolscan now introduce a higher degree ofspecialism at Key Stage 4. For example, atWoodkirk High School we have used thisinitiative to disapply students from Technologyand Modern Languages and to set up specialiststudies in statistics and ICT. Post-16 coursesintroduced nationally in September 2000reßect the broader four or Þve subjects andvocational strands which were features of thecontinental systems at the time of my research.

There is no doubt that my period of study atthe College enhanced my knowledge of thecurriculum, and provided a degree ofdetachment and breadth of vision, whichcontributed to being appointed to my currentpost as head of a large urban comprehensiveschool with nearly 1800 students.

During my Fellowship, I was particularlygrateful for the companionship and friendshipof students, Fellows and the Master. A warmwelcome, opportunities for stimulatingdiscourse and good food are alwaysappreciated when my family and I return to theCollege. This valuable contact provides arefreshing change from the intensity of life instate education.

P. A. Bailey, Schoolteacher FellowCommoner Lent 1993

A Schoolteacher Fellow reportsSince 1978 Sidney has invited schoolteachers to spend a term in College, the leavefrom teaching allowing time for thought and a piece of research. The College derivesmany beneÞts from this contact with schools; the view �from the other side� isprovided here by Bill Bailey, currently Headteacher at Woodkirk High School, Leeds.Bill looks back on his experience as Schoolteacher Fellow Commoner in the LentTerm 1993 and considers its inßuence.

From the New Chairman of the Sidney Sussex Society

Bill Bailey outside his school

Thinking ahead � Sidney Christmas Cards

NAME __________________________________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS ______________________________________________

_____________________________________ PHONE ___________________

Please send me the following:

* Notice to Sidney Members living overseas�please pay the listed price including UK postage and packing, and wewill invoice you for any additional cost.

I enclose payment of __________________, as follows:

My cheque payable to Sidney Sussex College is attached

I would like to pay by credit card. Please charge my:

VISA

Mastercard

Eurocard

Delta

JCB card

Card Number of Packs Price per pack UK postage and packing* TotalThe Master�s Garden under light snow Pack of 5 cards�£4 Please add:

1 PACK�60pAnnunciation and Stella Maris 5 PACKS�£2.00

10 PACKS�£3.50Tree of Jesse

TOTAL

✩ The Annunciation and

Stella Maris from the

Lady Chapel

card size 4� x 6�

✩ The Master's Garden

under light snow

card size 4� x 6�

✩ Tree of Jesse

(illustration from the

Sidney Sussex Bible,

English, 1260s)

card size 4� x 6�

Card #

Expiry DateName as itappears on card _________________________________

Please return this form to the Membership & Development OfÞce, Sidney Sussex College,Cambridge CB2 3HU. Telephone: 01223-338881, Fax: 01223-338884

Signature __________________________________ Date ________________

If you are an early planner, you might wish to order your Sidney Sussex Christmas cards now! Otherwise, this form can bereturned to the College at any time before Christmas 2001. We are offering three designs, available in packs of Þve withenvelopes. The inside text reads �Season�s Greetings.�

On becoming Chairman at the end of last year,my Þrst thought was how best to build on theoutstanding contribution of Mike Phillips, wholed the Society from its start-up four years agoto the lively organization we have today. So Ihave been talking to as many people aspossible, including the Master, Committeemembers, and many Sidney alumni. I�d bedelighted to hear more views from any of you,so my e-mail address is at the end of this letter.Do please get in touch.

One of the Þrst things to become apparent isthat those attending our events thoroughlyenjoy them, and many of you have nowbecome �regulars�, which is great. But, perhapsunderstandably, many more of you are still notentirely sure what the Society is, or what itdoes. Some of you have asked me what wasthere before. The answer is, nothing! This isthe gap which the Society is trying to Þll.Every graduate member of Sidney isautomatically a member of the Society, and ouraims are simple � to provide a meanswhereby members of the College can keep intouch with each other and meet more regularlythan, say, every ten years at a Commem.Dinner, and secondly to provide a means formembers to retain on-going links with theCollege.

An excellent example of this was the recentSummer Event [see next page]. Over 100people enjoyed partaking in a very variedprogramme, as well as meeting old friends.There were talks from two outstanding Sidneyscientists, Gabriel Horn and Tom Blundell onsome of the key scientiÞc issues of the day,tours of the gardens and the College silver, arecital by former members of the choir, and adinner for those who wanted to stay on.

Other events have included dinners in Londonin the winter, and of course the continuation ofthe annual cocktail party in the Middle Templewhich has been run for so many years by

Patrick Garland. A new event that has provedvery popular has been the MA Dinner,organized by those returning for their MA orother degree. The younger generation arestarting to organize informal and inexpensiveget-togethers through building e-mail contactlists. So, as you can see, there�s a lot going on.

Talking with the Master, it is clear that theCollege is very enthusiastic about the Societyand all that it is setting out to do. In particular,it is appreciative of the initiative taken by theSociety in supporting the Applications Projectrun by Richard Partington to encourageapplicants from a wider range of schools. We,in turn, have much appreciated the Master andmany Fellows attending our events.

Where do we go from here? Our aim is to domore to promote relationships between Sidneymembers, and between members and theCollege, for all of you who would enjoyparticipating. To this end, we shall be lookingto Þnd year representatives, especially recentgraduates, to spread the word amongcontemporaries, and perhaps come to events asa group.

Do get in touch. Better still, turn up! Nextyear�s events will be promoted in the Annualand Pheon, so look out for them.

Best wishes,

Peter Lipscomb (lipscomb@dialstart.net)

Peter Lipscomb (1959)

You may have seen this picture before,since it featured on the front page ofthe Times following the recent state

opening of Parliament by Her Majesty the Queen. It caused great amusement in the Collegebecause it shows one of our Porters, John Spelzini, in a mode not often seen by his colleagues, whowere able to tease him about what he was looking at while the other Yeomen were watching theQueen�s helicopter ßy overhead. But you don�t become a Yeoman of the Guard without being thesoul of discretion, and John has kept his secret. John has been a member of the Guard for fouryears (after serving 25 years in the Royal Engineers) and is required to attend on Her Majesty aminimum of six times a year at investitures, royal garden parties and similar events.

Sidney Sussex Society

London Dinner, 9th February 2001 Summer Event 2001

Making it easier tomake a gift

For younger SidneyMembers in or near LondonA group of recent Sidney graduates nowmeets for drinks at various London venuesseveral times a year. These get-togethersmaintain an informal feel and are generallyheld on a Friday evening. All SidneyMembers are most welcome, as aresuggestions for locations and excuses formeeting up! If you are within reach ofLondon and would like to be involved,please contact Stephen Carter (1992) atstephen.carter@astburymarsden.co.ukor on 07768-065202.

Forthcoming EventsA full list of forthcoming events appears on thefront page of this issue of Pheon. In particular,please note the Reunion Dinner planned for allSidney medical graduates in February 2002. Toregister your interest, please contact theMembership & Development OfÞce.

The Sidney Sussex Society�s very successful London dinner this year took place at the Royal AirForce Club in Piccadilly, where groups of Sidney friends mingled with College guests and enjoyeddelicious food in a striking and beautiful setting. The next London dinner will be held on 8 March2002.

The Master

The Chairman of the Society

Commemoration Dinners� a new scheduleDuring the recent telephone campaign, manyMembers asked for details of forthcomingCommems.

In years past it was usual to invite members toCommems at an average rate of once everyseven years. The expanding size of individualyear-groups and the limited seating capacity inHall forced this frequency to decrease, suchthat each Member now receives an invitationroughly once every ten years.

The College very much wishes to keep intouch with its members and aims to restore thefrequency of once every seven years. Year-groups have already been chosen for theCommems in 2001, 2002 and 2003, but thenew schedule will be applied from 2004. Itmay prove possible to introduce theadjustments earlier; details will be found inthis year�s edition of the Annual.

The Sidney Sussex Society�s Summer Event tookplace on Saturday 7th July, while Tim Henmanwas sitting helplessly on the sidelines atWimbledon waiting for his match with GoranIvanisevic to resume. The weather was kinder tothe Summer Event. We had a rainstormbeforehand which swept away the worst of thesultriness that had gripped Cambridge earlier inthe week, and those who weren�t put off by theoccasional drizzle had an excellent day, lunchingin Hall and attending a splendid variety of events.These included talks by two of Sidney�s mostdistinguished Fellows:

� Former Master, Prof. Gabriel Horn, Head ofthe Cambridge Department of Zoology 1978-1993, spoke about �Science and PublicPolicy�. He now chairs the Core Committee ofthe University Government Policy Programmeand is writing a report on the origins of BSE.He described both the unparalleled progressthat scientiÞc discoveries have made possibleand the increasing uncertainties that facepolicy makers almost as a direct result, citingissues such as cloning, diet and health,information technology and the implicationsof increased human longevity.

� Sir Tom Blundell, Sir William Dunn Professorof Biochemistry at Cambridge, spoke on�Advising Government on Science and theEnvironment�. Tom, a member of theAdvisory Committee of the ParliamentaryOfÞce for Science and Technology, discussedhow scientists (often thought to be concernedonly with establishing certainty) andgovernment interact to deal with uncertainty inareas of public policy such as nuclear power,foot & mouth disease and global warming. Hedid not say that governments take the credit forsuccesses and blame advisers when things gowrong, but managing the relationship is clearlynot easy even with goodwill on both sides.

Members were also treated to a display of Collegesilver, a guided tour of the gardens, and aninformal concert in the Chapel. The Event ended,for those who stayed the course, with an excellentdinner in the Mong Building.

� The Membership and DevelopmentOfÞce maintains a list of allCollege Members wishing toreceive invitations and remindersabout Sidney Sussex Societyevents. To add your name to thismailing list, please contact WendyHedley on 01223-338881 orwah21@hermes.cam.ac.uk

� Up-to-date information aboutforthcoming Society events is alsoavailable via the Sidney SussexCollege website athttp://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/alumni/sss/sss.html

Although it has not been widely publicised,one of the new methods of tax-efÞcient givingoffers remarkable savings and advantages toCollege donors.

Since April 2000, the transfer of shares hasqualiÞed for both income tax relief and capitalgains tax relief. What this means in practicalterms is that the cost of a gift of listed shares,unit trusts or securities could be only20%�40% of its real value to the College.

For a copy of the College�s new bookletBenefactions, which describes these and othertax-efÞcient giving options, please contact ZoeSwenson-Wright on 01223-338864 or viaemail at zs205@cam.ac.uk

John DymondWith sadness we record the death, inSeptember 2000, of John Dymond (1959).John served, for all too short a time, on theSociety Committee. His good humour andgood counsel are greatly missed.

Yeoman of the College

Pass it on�Joanne Coulson (2000) will be Captain of theUniversity Women�s Volleyball team next year.The team not only won the Varsity Match thisyear, but took silver in the British UniversitiesChampionships. The season ended with newsof qualiÞcation to represent Great Britain inthe European Student Championships inBelgrade this September. The team seeksÞnancial support for this tournament; detailsfrom Joanne at jec61@hermes.cam.ac.uk

Monika Bobinska (1980), Director of the TartGallery, London, reports that another Sidneian,John Roberts (1977) will be curator of �Multi-Story� at the Gallery 16 July to 5 August 2001.John�s own drawings also feature in this artexhibition. Monika can be contacted on 0208211 0958 or monikab@talk21.com

John Madden (1967), noted for �Shakespearein Love�, has again been in the Þlm news fordirecting �Captain Corelli�s Mandolin�. Wehope to hear from John himself in the nextissue.

Timothy Stunt (1960) has written of his time atCambridge and in particular of the debt heowes to Otto Smail, Derek Beales and DavidThomson at Sidney. As a student in the UL hestarted research which has, after some 40years, born fruit in his book �From Awakeningto Secession: Radical Evangelicals inSwitzerland and Britain 1815 to 1835�(Edinburgh: Clark, 2000). Timothy�s career hasbeen in schoolteaching and he currently livesin Connecticut.

Pheon aims to keep Members of Sidney Sussexinformed about their College and about eachother. Articles and photographs will be mostwelcome; they should be forwarded to:

Dr A. L. GreerThe Editor, PheonSidney Sussex CollegeCambridge CB2 3HU

Tel: 01223 334308Fax: 01223 338884E-mail: alg13@cam.ac.uk

The pieces described here by our archivist Nicholas Rogers areamong the �Colledge Goods� listed in the earliest Master�sinventory, of 1639, and have been seen (if only from afar) bymost Members at dinners in College.

Without doubt the most spectacular pieces of plate in the Collegecollection are the silver-gilt rosewater ewer and basin given to Sidneywhen Sir John Harington, later 2nd Baron Harington of Exton, wasadmitted as a Fellow Commoner in 1607. At a time when forks were notin common use hand-washing was a very necessary part of civilisedeating, and a ewer and basin were essential items of table plate. InOxford and Cambridge colleges, which have preserved the oldceremonial of dining (though not former modes of eating), ewers andbasins are often the most prestigious items of silver.

The Harington ewer and basin were undoubtedly intended to serve as aperpetual memorial of the family, unlike most customary donations ofplate by Fellow Commoners. Sir John�s father, John, 1st BaronHarington of Exton (c. 1540-1613) was, as the Foundress�s nephew andone of her executors, essential in turning her intention into reality. Hewas a generous donor to Sidney, giving, among other things, the manorof Saleby in Lincolnshire. He was in favour with James I, who createdhim Baron Harington of Exton on his accession, and appointed him andhis wife, Anne Kelway, to look after his daughter the Princess Elizabeth.This troublesome charge led Baron Harington into debt, which he wasattempting to clear by means of a monopoly in the coining of copperfarthings at the time of his death. John, the only surviving son of SirJohn and Lady Anne, was born at the Haringtons� house, Combe Abbey,near Coventry, and baptised at Stepney on 3 May 1592. He became aclose friend of Henry, Prince of Wales, and they are shown together stag-

hunting in a joint portrait of 1603 by Robert Peake, now in theMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Although Sir John did not takea degree, he was reputed to be a good linguist and well read in logic andphilosophy. The letters in French and Latin which he wrote to PrinceHenry during his travels in the Low Countries and Italy in 1608-09 givesome hint of his intellectual promise. He succeeded his father in 1613but died at Kew, at the early age of 21, on 27 February 1614. Shortlybefore his death he wrote to the Master, Samuel Ward, apologising forhis delay in sending a donation to the College. In 1617 his mother andsister presented the major part of his library, consisting of 245 books, toSidney.

Because of the loss of virtually all the royal plate during the Civil War,the only comparable surviving items of this quality are among the giftsof James I and Charles I to Tsar Mikhail Romanov, now in the MoscowKremlin Armoury Museum. Both ewer and basin are decorated withrocaille ornament and sea creatures based on engravings by AdrianCollaert. Unlike most of the embassy gifts, which are �second-hand�pieces of silver, they appear to have been made especially forpresentation. Both bear London hallmarks for 1606/7 and the maker�smark �RW�, probably that of Sir Ralph Warren. The arms on the centralboss of the basin are: Quarterly, 1 and 4, [Sable] a fret [argent](Harington), 2 and 3, [Argent] two thigh bones in saltire [sable] betweenfour pears [or] within a bordure engrailed [sable] (Kelway). The crest isa lion�s head erased [or] collared with a buckled belt [gules]. The armsof Harington impaling Kelway can be seen on a cushion in the full-length portrait of John�s mother Anne in the robes of a baroness(formerly falsely identiÞed as Queen Elizabeth), now in the Swedishroyal collection. Towards the end of her life the impoverished LadyHarington went to Germany to serve as lady-in-waiting to her formerlodger, the Princess Elizabeth, now Electress Palatine, and the directancestress of Her Majesty the Queen. So those fortunate enough to usethe Harington basin and ewer at College feasts and commemorationdinners touch not only College but also national history.

Nicholas Rogers

Colledge Goods

If any College Member is willing to offeradvice or assistance to fellow CollegeMembers and would like to publishdetails in Pheon, please write to theEditor with the relevant information.

The Fellows� garden from the SeniorCombination Room

Rosewater ewer (detail)

Rosewater basin

In Þrst year of the new century, new pieces of pewter in theSidney Sussex collection include napkin rings and coasters,designed to coordinate with the College pewter plate andtankard. All are produced by Edwin Blyde & Co., a Þrm thathas designed original pieces in pewter since 1798. For acomplete catalogue of gifts and mementos, please contactthe Membership and Development ofÞce on01223�338881 or wah20@hermes.cam.ac.uk

Items from our Catalogue NAME __________________________________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS ______________________________________________

_____________________________________ PHONE ___________________Please send me the following items:

* Pewterware is made to order and sent directly from the manufacturers. Please allow at least six weeks for UKdelivery.If you are living overseas, please pay the listed price including UK postage and packing and we will invoice you forany additional cost.

I enclose payment of __________________, as follows:

My cheque payable to Sidney Sussex College is attached

I would like to pay by credit card. Please charge my:

VISA

Mastercard

Eurocard

Delta

JCB card

Item Number of Items Price per item UK postage and packing* Totalordered

Napkin ring £16.50 for one UK Postage & packing£31 for two included in purchase£15 each for three priceor more

Coaster £12 for one UK Postage & packing£22 for two included in purchase£10 each for three priceor more

TOTAL

Card #

Expiry DateName as itappears on card _________________________________

Signature __________________________________ Date ________________

Please return this form to the Membership & Development OfÞce, Sidney Sussex College,Cambridge CB2 3HU. Telephone: 01223-338881, Fax: 01223-338884

Chemists can be extremely proud of what hasbeen achieved, and can look forward towelcoming many more Linnett Professors ofinternational renown in years to come.

W. Jones (Fellow, 1980)

Linnett Professors� so far have been:

1994 � Gabor A. Somorjai, U C Berkeley

1995 � Edward W. Schlag, TU Munich

1996 � Rudolf A. Marcus, CalTech (Nobel, 1992, chemistry)

1997 � John A. Pople, Northwestern Univ. (Nobel, 1998, chemistry)

1998 � C.N.R. Rao, IISc, Bangalore

1999 � Michael L. Klein, Univ. Pennsylvania

2000 � John T. Yates, Univ. Pittsburgh

2001 � Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, ESPCI, Paris (Nobel, 1991, physics)

Do Nobel things, not dreamthem

As Bill Jones has noted above, Sidney hasgained enormously from the contributions of theLinnett Visiting Professors. But the LinnettProfessorship is far from the College�s only linkwith things Nobel. We beneÞt greatly from ourassociation with Sir John Walker, who in 1997,the year in which he became a Fellow of theCollege, was co-winner of the Nobel Prize inChemistry for his work on enzymes and theconversion of ATP. At the time Pheon noted thatSidney chemists had yet to catch up with theirphysicist rivals, C.T.R. Wilson (prize in Physicsin 1927 for his work on the cloud chamber) andCecil Powell (1950, for the discovery of thepion). We can now note with pride theachievements of Professor Alan MacDiarmid(Sidney Sussex, 1952) who is a co-winner of theNobel Prize in Chemistry this year.

Professor MacDiarmid, now at the Universityof Pennsylvania, works in Materials Chemistry,an area of fundamental and practical interest.His work on conducting plastics has had wide-ranging consequences in the everyday world.Semiconducting polymers, for example, haverecently been exploited in light-emitting diodesand solar cells and as displays in mobiletelephones and mini-format television screens.Research in this area is currently very activewithin the Chemistry and Physics Departmentsin Cambridge.

As for parity with the physicists, it seems thismay not yet have been achieved. Our latestresearches reveal that Martin Ryle, co-winner ofthe Nobel prize in Physics in 1974 (for his workon radio astronomy), was also a Sidney member(1945). So work yet for the chemists to do!

13ISSUE THIRTEEN

January 2001

T H E S I D N E Y S U S S E X N E W S L E T T E R

CONTENTS

PHEON

James Chew on travels down under

2001 Diary Dates9th February London Dinner

12th May MA Graduation Dinner

7th July Sidney Sussex SocietySummer Event

Commemoration of Benefactors* �30th June for those coming up in the

years 1958 - 196022nd September for those coming up in the

years 1988 - 1989

* Please contact the Admissions OfÞce(01223 338844) for further details

The John Wilfred Linnett Visiting Professorshipof Chemistry was established in 1985. Arenowned Professor of Physical Chemistry, JackLinnett became 22nd Master of Sidney in 1970and Vice-Chancellor of the University 1973-5.Tragically, he died in ofÞce in November 1975.

Farewell to John Thornely

The College took its farewell of John Thornelyin a service of thanksgiving and reßection at theUniversity Church, Great St Mary�s, onSaturday 18 November. Among the manypresent were all John�s children andgrandchildren, the Master and a large number ofCollege Fellows, senior members of theCambridge Law Faculty, and, perhaps mostnumerous of all, former pupils who spannedJohn�s 37-year teaching career at Sidney.During the service a kilted Alexis Thornely, oneof the grandchildren, played a musical tributeon the bagpipes from the organ loft.

The Hon. Sir Patrick Garland, one of Þve Þrst-year law students John found waiting for himwhen he arrived at Sidney in 1948, gave amoving oration that would undoubtedly haveembarrassed John had he known of its contents,since it so accurately captured his modesty,integrity, commitment and, to all he came intocontact with, his unfailing generosity. Also aman of quiet humour �who treated the InlandRevenue�s request �please afÞx stamp� as arequest not an instruction�. �He served hisCollege and University in full measure, presseddown and running over.�

The retiring collection was taken in support ofthe J.W.A. Thornely Fellowship in Law that theCollege plans to establish as a permanent tributeto the man who put Sidney on the map ofCambridge law teaching. A brochure on theThornely Fund is included with this issue.

As Pheon goes to press, we have the sad newsthat John�s widow Amoret has passed away.

New Donations ........................................2

Summer Event 2000 ...............................3

Calling all choristers for 2001! .............3

Borneo byways........................................4

Elementary before Watson ....................4

Music and Arts Fund .............................4

the Air Squadron, Dr Peter Richardson (Fellow,1991) of Sidney and James� research supervisorin the Pharmacology Department, girlfriendEmma Parker, Kevin Rourke (1996) andJames�s father Peter. Lessons were read by theMaster and by Catherine Head (1996). Afterthe service a bench (from the Parker family)was dedicated to James in the College garden.Those wishing to contribute to the James ChewMemorial Fund should send donations to theBursar. (Cheques should be made payable toSidney Sussex College.)

James Chew

On Saturday 25th November 2000 theMemorial Service for James Chew (1996) hadthe College Chapel so short of space that thechoir had to be stationed in the organ loft.Many readers will have heard the national newscoverage in July of the loss, in unexplainedcircumstances, of the yacht Tuila en route fromthe Netherlands to England. The bodies of allfour on board have now been recovered � theskipper and three Cambridge students of whomJames was one. Several members of Collegeattended the funeral in August at James� parishchurch at Wysall, Notts. Strikingly, thisincluded an RAF ßy-past, setting a theme whichwas picked up in the Memorial Service atSidney � James�s great zest for life. Hisparticipation in the University Air Squadronwas but one aspect of a taste for adventure,which in no way inhibited his high academicachievements. James was an undergraduate inNatural Sciences at the College and had justcompleted a successful Þrst year of researchtowards a Ph.D. in Pharmacology. Thememorial service was notable not only for thenumbers attending, but also for the range ofconstituencies represented � family,neighbours, College, University Departmentand Air Squadron among others. Tributes toJames were offered by W.Cdr David Calvert of

Jack Linnett as Vice Chancellor with the1975 Rede Lecturer, Alistair Cooke

The Linnett Professorship, which carries aVisiting Fellowship at Sidney, has evolved intoone of Cambridge�s most prestigious visitingappointments. Since 1994, seven distinguishedphysical chemists, including two Nobel Prizewinners, have come to Sidney for up to amonth. The Linnett Professor�s own researchinterests are the focus of a series of colloquiaprimarily for those in the ChemistryDepartment. But, importantly, the visitor mustalso give a public lecture appropriate forscientists generally.

The presence of the Linnett Professor stimulatesnew ideas and promotes cross-fertilisation. In1996, for example, the College hosted NobelLaureate Rudolph A. Marcus, from theCalifornia Institute of Technology. Althoughworking in a quite different area of physicalchemistry, a couple of my students gainedenormously from the chance to discuss theirideas with him and as a result view their workin a different and beneÞcial manner.

In 2001, Sidney Sussex will welcome a thirdNobel Laureate as Linnett Professor, Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, a French chemist andphysicist of great eminence. His visit willundoubtedly be of interest well beyond theChemistry Department, attracting physicists,and materials scientists as well asmathematicians.

Sidney�s association with the Professorshipgoes beyond the link through Jack Linnetthimself. The College and CambridgeUniversity have received generous legaciesfrom the late John Agar, Fellow of Sidney(1950) and Reader in Physical Chemistry, andhis wife Delia, herself a Fellow of Newnham.One of their primary interests was to ensure theexpansion and further strengthening of theLinnett Visiting Professorship. Sidney

The Linnett Visiting ProfessorshipBill Jones, Director of Studies in Natural Sciences, explains why Sidney has the privilege ofreceiving annually some particularly distinguished scientiÞc visitors �

Rev�d O R AcworthMr M J AdeyThe Estate of Mrs D M

AgarChief R AkinjideMr A AkinjideProfessor J W AllenMr M J AllenMr P W AllenMr A G AllisterMr I P Allnutt, OBEMr P W AllwrightMr M H J Alsteens,Mr and Mrs J C AmbroseAmerican Friends of

Cambridge UniversityAndersen Consulting

Foundation(Mr P Cartwright)Mr J V R Anderson, OBE

DLMr C V AndrewMr K AndrewsMr P G AndrewsMr R M J AndrewsThe Estate of Mr G C

Andrews, C de GMr G R AngellMr R A AngierThe Very Rev�d J R

ArnoldDr R F AshwinMrs D E Aston-JamesProfessor A C AtkinsonMr L AtkinsonMr A E BaileyDr V J BakerMr C H BalchDr J N BallDr P J BallMr R G BallardDr J H BambergMr G G BannermanMr D P BannisterMr R A BarberMr J H BarkerMr M W R BarracloughMr J P BartonMr S F BartonMr J P BartonMr T J R BartyProfessor J G BaskerMr D BassettMr J A B BaylissMr M W E BaylissSir T Beckett, KBE DLDr J F BellMr J M M BellMr G Bellerby, DFCDr R B BennetLt-Colonel N W BeswickDr S A BewMrs C L BewickProfessor B C BickertonDr J BiggsProfessor D E BlackwellMr D M BlakeProfessor Sir T L BlundellMr A N BolsomProfessor H R BoltonMr D C BoltonMr K L T G BondMrs J M BonnettMr V G F Bovenizer,

CMGSir J D R Bradbeer, OBERev�d A J BraddockMr J R BradescuMr W R BradfordMr C M N BradfordMr S Bragg

Rev�d G BraundMr F S BrazierMr D V BreretonMr P A BreretonMr P M BricknellThe Rt Hon the Lord A

BriggsDr D E G BriggsMr J BristolMr R G BroadieMr J BrockDr S G BrookDr L BroughtonDr A BrownMr A T Brown CBE DLDr M W BrownMr H D Bryan, OBEMr J H BrysonDr J F BuchanMr G W BuckleyMr R BuglerMr A M BurgessThe Hon Mr Justice A N L

ButterÞeld, QCMr D E ButterÞeldMr P J H BykMr A J F CaieMrs C L CalderwoodMr H F Cameron, MC TDColonel M J A Campbell,

MC MBEMr W M CareyProfessor K J CarpenterDr L J CarterMr N F CarterDr A T CaseyMr B M D CassidyDr M W Cemlyn-JonesMr C L ChampionMr E J ChandlerMr T C ChengMr D W ChestermanMr W G E ChiltonDr R J ChisnallMs K ChoiMr and Mrs W Chung Dr B R ClappMr P J ClareMr A M R ClarkeDr C J ClarkeMr I C K ClarkeDr T J ClarkeMr J H ClementMr L P CleminsonMr G CleminsonDr E ClowMr and Mrs D C CohenMr J R CollisMrs S CollisonMr R B ColmanMr S R ColtmanMr A G T CooperMr R B CooperMr R J CopleyMr S P CottonMr F D CousinMr R A CowardMr C N CowlingProfessor Sir A CoxProfessor T M CoxMr R A CrabbSir J W CroftonProfessor D W T

CromptonMr E F M CrossMr M J CrossMr E P Crowdy, VRDMr P CruttendenProfessor R T CurtisD & L Packard FoundationMr G Darby

Miss S L DarkeMrs H C DaurisMr M G DaviesMr D G DavisMr J D DavisMr J M DavisMr and Mrs M I DawesCommander D Dawson

TaylorMr D E De SaxeMr and Mrs L De VreyMr S Degnarain The Delamere Trust Mrs M DibdenDr S DilmaghanianDr R J L DisneyDr J B DixonMr K S DomanProfessor A P DowlingDr A L DowningMr C M DrukkerMr J E Drummond Young,

QCMr H H I EasterlingMr G J EdwardsMs L C EdwardsMrs J E EgglestonMr C E EickhoffThe Estate of Mr J ElenorMr A G EllisMr and Mrs R EmeryMs A Emmans DeanMr E R EspenhahnMr E W EspenhahnMr N O EssexMr J G EvansMs S V FalkMiss M A FarlowMr B E FarrHis Honour Judge E J

FaulksMr M FealyMr C A K Fenn-SmithMs M FinkMr D N L FirthMs J N FisherMr M D Ford, OBEMr J FordhamMr M B ForsythMr P G D FoxProfessor A P FrenchMr K G FreyMr H R FriendDr H FuchsMr and Mrs T FurusawaMiss C J GaleGalloway & PorterMr M GammieMr J W F GardinerThe Hon Sir P N GarlandMr G C GarlickMr D G GartonMr N D J GaywoodMr J W GibbonDr I A S GibsonMrs S A GibsonMr D R Gilbert, TDMr P A GilbertMr R GilbertMr A J GildersonMr G M GillMr R C GoatDr P J GoddardDr N GodwinMr C C E GolisMr R C W GoochHis Honour Judge M B

GoodmanDr G H GorrieMr J A Gosden

Mr D J GradwellMr M J GraingerMr A S GrantMr D R GrayMr N D F GrayMr E T GreenMr M S GreenDr P C GreenMr T P GreenMr J N GrifÞnMr D H GrifÞths, OBEDr M L P GrossMr K J GundryMr G R GunsonMr E A HadÞeldMr D C HaighMr and Mrs K HaithMr D HaleyDr K S HallMr R L HallMr J S HallMr M H K HamerMr R M HamiltonBrigadier J R E Hamilton-

Baillie, MCMr K J HammondMr W Hammond-SmithMr W D HardieSir W G Harris, CB KBEMr B HarrisonMr C M H HarrisonMr J A HarrisonProfessor J M HarrisonMr S C W HarrisonMr R L C Hartley, QCMr D A HaxbyMr D N HayesMr J Healy SCMr R G HeaneyMr L HellerProfessor A H HendersonProfessor P J F HendersonSir James Hennessy KBE

CMGMr F C HerdRev�d Professor A I C

HeronMr N HeroysMr C F HerzbergMr D R HesterMr R E HildrewMr R J HillMr C J HiltonMr G W HirstProfessor M HobsleyMrs C L HockingMr R W HollandMr D W HonourMr K HopperMr J H M Horne The Hortemur Charitable

Trust Mr D HoughtonMr H H HoughtonMr G P A HoweMr D I HowieMrs S Howley Mr J B HoyleMr A J R HudsonMr D B HughesMr G B C HughesMr T B HughesHui Yeung Shing

Memorial Foundation Mr D J HumphreyMr D D HumphreysMr J S HurstDr L V IllingMr M F IllingThe Very Rev�d J M

IrvineDr D R IvesMr & Mrs K O Jaiser Professor G D JamesMr J B JamesMr J M JarmanMr R F JeaysMr S K JeevanMr J C JefferyMr J A JefkinsMrs A A JellicoeProfessor D A JenkinsDr C M P JohnsonMr F B JohnsonMr K C JohnsonMr T A JohnsonMr J C W JolleysMr D R P JollyDr J H JonesMiss S E JonesMr R M JoyMr B H KavanaghDr J R KemmMr N E KemptonMr P D KennerleyProfessor J T Kent

Mr R C KernickMr C T K KhooDr B A KilbyMr K KnellMr A W J KnightDr D J KnightMr and Mrs P G KnightMr R M KnightMr and Mrs J S KosMr T KreuleProfessor J J LagowskiMr & Mrs S LaitnerMrs M LaitnerMr E D LakinDr L C LamingMr A H LancashireDr R LancasterThe Rt Hon Lord Lang of

Monkton, PC DLMr C P LarkumMr & Mrs G C M LathamMiss F M P LauderMr T G LawrenceMr A S LawsonDr C W LawsonMr A T Lawson-

CruttendenMr C C-Y LeeDr E M LeeProfessor A E Lee SixMr M LehmanProfessor S E LehmbergMr G M LevackMr A G N LevyMr C K LimSir J E F Lindsay, QCMr P W LipscombMr J D Livingston Booth,

OBEMrs M H LloydMr S A LloydMr S P LloydMr N J LockRev�d D J LoewendahlMiss B E LovettMr I C LoweMr J S LowryMr N J S LubyMr C C K LucasMr K F LuckMr G M LuckraftThe Rt Hon the Lord

Stevens of LudgateMr B G LukerMr P G LymberyMr M A F Lyndon-

Stanford, QCMr P J MacBeanMs K C E MacintyreDr A I MacLeodThe Rev�d A

MacNaughtonHis Honour Justice J C

MacPhersonMr and Mrs A G MaddockMr C A MalamMr R V MallinsonMr T G MallinsonMr P W MarcuseDr A C F MargerisonMr C G MarksMr and Mrs D R MarshallMr M J Mason-JonesMr J MauriceMr W K McCarterMr R H McCleanMiss M T McDermottHis Honour D L

McDonnell, OBEDr P G McHughMr D B McKennaMr D B McLeanMr W N McLeanDr P M McLellanMr J W McNeillMr W J MedlicottMr R A MenziesProfessor A MercerDr J C MetcalfeDr H C MiddletonMr G S MievilleThe Very Rev�d R L P

MilburnProfessor J M MillerDr J B B MilneMs K J MinogueMr G B MitchellRev�d J D MitsonMiss A L MobbsMr M J MobbsMr R V MoberlyMr N MoonMr A R MooreMr R T A MorganDr J MorrisMr R D Morrison

Miss H C MortimerMr S R MostynMr G V R MouldingMr and Mrs J E Moxon Mr F W MumbyMr K S MunroMr G S Murdoch, QCMr S D MurphyMrs A C NairnMr J H NansonMr Y A NasrMr P W NettletonDr J C Newell-PriceMr B M NewmanThe Nichol Young

FoundationMr C V Nicholls, QCMr K NicholsonDr A P NisbetProfessor H B NisbetDr W A NormanMrs M NormanMr R C NorthProfessor D H NorthcoteMr C F O�ConnellMr J P OakleyMr S J OliverProfessor M L OrmeDr R C L�E OrmeMr N W M OrrMr L R PackerDr C H PageProfessor B E J PagelMr and Mrs A S PalmerMr T D ParkerMr R H ParkinsonMr M I W PassmoreDr N PeacockDr D C PeddieMr A J PeelerDr J C T PepperellGroup Captain R S N

PerryMr B S PerryerMs J C PerseyMr H J PillingMr D M Pittaway, QCDr D E PomeroyMr J A PorterProfessor D M PottsMr V J G PowerMr A R PrattDr R S PrattMr R Price LewisMr N J PriestnallMr D E PurchaseDr M PurshouseDr R D PyrahDr P A M RaineProfessor Sir Philip

RandleMr H T RandolphThe Ratcliffe FoundationMr A N RatcliffeMr N K RawdingMr M S RawlinsonMr T S RawlinsonDr D J ReedMr R A ReesMr R P N ReesMr P R C ReevesDr J M Reid, OBEMr K ReynoldsDr D E RhodesThe Rt Reverend J

RichardsDr P J RichardsonMr P J R RiddellMr G I RobbMr D G M Roberts, CBEMr H RobinsonMr E F RogersMr D G RogersDr R L RollsMr E RosandMr S A RossThe Estate of Mr D W

RowellMr E N RowleyMr A D RoyDr J H B RoyMs B L Ruane

Mr J M RushtonThe Rt Rev�d J H G

RustonMr and Mrs W H G

SadleirMr R A SalmonMr E J SalterMs D E SamuelsMr D F SandersMr K G SandfordMr S J Sauvain, QCMr J S SavageMr N B SavilleMr C P SawersProfessor G G SchramProfessor HIGA Schwarz-

LiebermannMr C D ScobleMr E K ScottMr E N ScottMr J F Scott, CBEMr J L ScottMr G W Scott-GilesProfessor F B SearProfessor G B SearMr H D Seccombe, CBEDr J M W SedgwickMr D W SeeleyDr A SegalMr C W J SeldonThe Estate of Mr M

Seymour Mr M W ShadforthMr S ShahProfessor C T Shaw, CBEDr F D P ShawProfessor J H ShawMr A G SheardMr J A ShepherdMr N E ShepherdMr N J ShepherdDr J E Siberry, OBESidney Sussex

FoundationMr D R W Silk, CBECanon J L SimpsonMr C E SlaterMr B SleightMr D J SlimmonMr N J H SmallMr E W SmartMr D J SmithMr D N SmithMr E L SmithMr I J SmithMr J B SmithDr M H SmithMr M J SmithDr A K L SoMr P J SomervilleDr I J SpaldingMr and Mrs D M SquireMr J K SsekiwanukaDr R A StangerMr R E H StantonMr W A F P SteinerLt-Colonel D R

Stenhouse, MBEMr I B M StephenHis Honour Judge L B

StephenMr J G StephensMr D F Stephenson,

MBEMrs A C StevensProfessor I G StewartMr P StirrupProfessor Sir M G P

Stoker, CBEDr J StoodleyMr D T StottMr R C G StrickMr D M D StrongDr J T SwainMr R R S SwanMrs Z Swenson-WrightMr B SykesMr K TachibanaProfessor A A TarrDr P J TaylerMr M L TaylorDr W I Taylor

Mr K R TeareMr A G TempleThe Newcomers� ClubMr A J ThoelkeMr D E ThompsonMiss K J ThompsonDr N R ThompsonMrs B K ThomsenMrs M ThomsonMr J ThorneMrs A ThornelyMr J W A ThornelyMr G A ThorpMr M A ThorpeDr D C ThrushCommander I P G TibbittMr P N T TibbittMr M TownsendDr M S A TownsendDr S H TrotterMrs S A TsangaridesMr K D TuffnellMr K TugnaitMr L K TurnerMr R F Tyas, CBEMr C A S UrquhartMr M J VannerMr K I C VincentMs C J VordermanMr D L WalkerMr D J WaltersLt-Commander S G

WaltersMr B M WalthamDr W N WangMr S J WarrellMr and Mrs P W WarrenMr and Mrs W R

WaterÞeldMr I P WatersMr D J WayMr J M WebbMr E A WellsThe Estate of Mr R V

WellsDr N C WestDr N J Westcott, CMGMr J Van WeyenberghMr S WheelerDr C L WhitbyDr E L C WhiteMr I C WhiteMr J E G WhiteMr S C WhiteMr A G WhitesideMr L M WhittleMr R O L WickhamMr and Mrs J S W

WielechowskiMr P H L WightmanWing Commander A G

WillenbruchMr K R WilkinsonProfessor M M WillcockMr M R WillfordMr A J WilliamsDr K L WilliamsMr W G WilliamsMr G H W WilliamsonMr S W Williamson, QCHis Honour Judge H

WilsonMr W S WittsMr G H C WongMr A D WoodMr R T WoodThe Estate of Mr J P

Wood The Rev�d W H

WoodhouseMr K J WoodrowMr D J WoodsMr S A WoolfriesMr A J L WorthDr N WrightMr and Mrs T WyattMr P E YorkeThe Estate of Mr R D

Young Mr P S J ZatzProfessor J S Ziegel

On behalf of everyone at Sidney Sussex, the Master and Fellowsextend their warmest thanks to all who have taken such a strongpersonal interest in the well-being of the College.

A MAJOR NEW ENDOWMENT for music and arts in theCollege has been set up through the generosity of SirRichard Powell (1927). See page 4 for details.

NEW DONATIONS TO THE COLLEGETHANK YOU to all those Members and Friends of Sidney Sussex who have generously supported the College between 1 July 1998and 30 June 2000. Gifts received recently, on or after 1 July 2000,will be acknowledged in a future issue of Pheon.

Those listed here have made gifts or signiÞcant pledges in supportof a wide range of projects, including the Annual Fund, the JWAThornely Fellowship, the Roger Andrew Fund, and the DerekBeales History Fund. Some donors have created new scholarshipfunds, while others have assisted the Library, Chapel, Collegegardens or a student society. Sidney is a vigorous and variedcommunity, and all gifts are valued deeply. Thanks are due also tothose donors who have requested anonymity.

As always, particular thanks are due to the Directors of the SidneySussex Foundation and the American Friends of Cambridge University(now Cambridge in America), two independent American foundationsthat have generously assisted the College for many years.

Sidney Sussex SocietyMike Phillips Come back to Sidney

College members will be greatly saddened tolearn of the death of Mike Phillips (1963). Mikeremained such an active Chairman of the SidneySussex Society that many who encountered himin that capacity in the last year of his life mayhave been quite unaware that he was alsowaging a personal Þght, with characteristiccourage, against illness.

The idea for the Sidney Sussex Society camefrom Roger Andrew and Gabriel Horn, butMike Phillips deserves the credit for turning theidea into reality. Bringing his managementconsultancy skills to bear, he organised aSaturday meeting in Sidney early in 1997 for agroup of interested members at which he helpedhammer out the aims and objectives of the

Society, the means by which the objectiveswould be achieved, and the ways in which theachievements would be measured. Those whowent into that meeting a little sceptical emergedfull of enthusiasm, and the Society has neverlooked back. Mike was the natural choice tolead the new Society and he served Sidneymembers wonderfully as Chairman for all tooshort a period. He will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with Jane, who always ablysupported Mike at Society events. Mike�sfuneral was held on 15 November 2000. Withhis usual attention to detail, Mike had arrangedthe details himself, and had even written aspeech which was delivered on his behalf. His obituary will appear in the Annual.

The Membership and Development OfÞce (H4and H5, Chapel Court) has just beenredecorated and enlarged. Freshly painted andspacious, with comfortable new armchairs, wehope it will prove more welcoming to CollegeMembers returning to Sidney for an event orprivate visit. Zoe Swenson-Wright and WendyHedley enjoy meeting Sidney Members andhope you will feel free to drop in for a coffeeand a chat.

There are many reasons and opportunities tocome back to Sidney during the year. To makeplanning easier, here is an up-to-date list ofyour membership beneÞts:

All Sidney Members are Members of theSidney Sussex Society, which each year holdstwo main events � a dinner, usually inLondon, and a summer event in College. AllMembers are welcome to attend, with theirpartners and guests. This year�s dinner is on9th February 2001, and the summer event willbe on 7 July 2001.

Each matriculating class is invited back to theCollege for a Commemoration ofBenefactors every ten years.

The College has three junior guest-roomsand two senior guest-rooms available fornon-resident Members visiting Cambridge.These are booked through the Housekeeper,Mrs Diana Mellows on 01223 338880(dm244@cam.ac.uk); prices range from £18 to£31 per night (with breakfast for an extra£5.70). Rooms may not be booked for morethan three nights.

Non-resident Members of the College have theright to dine free of charge three times ayear during Full Term in each academic year,although not on Fridays during Full Term. Forcatering reasons, at least forty-eight hours�notice should always be given. Members may,at their own expense, invite a guest at thediscretion of the Vice-Master. For furtherdetails, please contact the Bursar�s Secretary,Mrs Angela Tovell: 01223 338814 (ajt33@cam.ac.uk).

Members can arrange to hold private dinnersin College by contacting the Bursar�sSecretary, as above. At certain times of theyear (not during exams) non-resident Membersof College can reserve Cloister Court or theFellows� Garden for a private party. Do bear

in mind that the College is closed overChristmas, Easter and for two weeks inAugust. Arrangements can be made with theBursar�s Secretary.

Out of term, Sidney provides excellentfacilities for conferences and large events.We have four comfortable, modern meetingrooms and audio-visual equipment for talksand presentations. We can arrange housing,meals and ofÞce space in College forconference organisers and participants. Todiscuss arrangements, please contact theConference Manager, Mrs Rebecca Clarke on01223 339703 (rc242@cam.ac.uk).

The Sidney Sussex Archive is open byappointment from 9:00 to 12:55 and 2:00 to5:15 Monday to Friday. Contact the CollegeArchivist, Nicholas Rogers on 01223 338824(njr1002@cam.ac.uk) to research SidneySussex history, view a book or manuscript, orÞnd out more about an ancestor who attendedthe College. Nicholas would also be glad toreceive copies of articles or books that youhave written (or are featured in), as well asinteresting photographs of yourself or theCollege. Please �phone if you have questionsabout the sort of documents and informationhe collects for the Archive.

Members are welcome to use the CollegeLibrary by contacting the Librarian, MrsHeather Lane, on 01223 338852(hel20@cam.ac.uk). If you plan to come for anextended period, it is helpful to give a fewweeks notice, especially during the vacation.For information please write to Heather for aLibrary Guide or visit the website(http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk/indepth/lib/library.html).

Non-resident Members visiting the Collegecan arrange to use the Computer Suite toprepare a document, send an e-mail messageor surf the World Wide Web. Please contact theCollege Computer OfÞcer, Patrick Gates, on01223 39520 (rpg23@cam.ac.uk) well inadvance of your visit.

To plan for a wedding, christening or concertin the Chapel, please contact the Chaplain, theRevd Dr Keith Straughan on 01223 338870(chaplain@sid.cam.ac.uk). To arrange thereception, please contact the ConferenceManager, as above.

All College Members receive the CollegeAnnual and Pheon. If you move, please makesure to send your new address to theMembership and Development OfÞce: 01223 338864 (zs205@cam.ac.uk).

If what you want is not on this list, pleasecontact Wendy (wah21@cam.ac.uk) or Zoe(zs205@cam.ac.uk), or drop by our ofÞce, Tel: 01223 338881.

LONDON DINNER: tickets may still beavailable for dinner on 9th February ��phone Wendy Hedley on 01223-338881.

2001 SUMMER EVENT: for bookinginformation, �phone Wendy Hedley (asabove) or visit the College website(http://www.sid.cam.ac.uk).

Society Administrator Wendy Hedley andMembership & Development OfÞcer ZoeSwenson-Wright in their newly refurbishedofÞces

Summer Event 2000

There were two lectures at the event � High-Tech Firms in the Knowledge Economy by AlanHughes (Fellow, 1973), Margaret Thatcher Professor of Enterprise Studies at the Judge Institute,which provoked particularly lively discussion; and Sherlock Holmes at Sidney Sussex College byProfessor Richard Chorley (Fellow, 1962), for more on which see p. 4. Other features of this wellpopulated day were: a buffet lunch in Hall; a guided tour of College portraits by Archivist NicholasRogers; an informal concert in Chapel, and dinner in the Mong Building.

Nicholas Rogers in action Wendy Hedley and Maggie Edwards(Master�s Secretary) with College wares

Choir Reunion at theSummer Event 2001We�re planning a choir reunion at the Eventthis year. Former choir members � andindeed any of those at the Event who wouldlike to sing � are invited to come along onthe morning of July 7th. We�ll rehearse a shortconcert to be performed in the Chapel beforedinner, and then we�ll be free to attend othercollege events in the afternoon. Theprogramme is yet to be decided, but theconductor will be former organ scholar LauraBrown, née Todd (1982). These concerts havebeen greatly enjoyed by participants andaudience in past years, so do come and join us.If you�re interested, please notify WendyHedley on 01223 338881 (wah21@cam.ac.uk)letting her know whether you�re S, A, T or B.

Andrew Flewitt, newly appointed Secretaryof the Society, and Professor Chorley

Society OfÞcers

Peter Lipscomb (1959) succeeds Mike Phillipsas Chairman. Peter has already been veryactive in Society affairs, notably master-minding the Þrst London Dinner at Brewers�hall in 1998. In the last issue we noted thatClare Jackson was departing for Trinity Hall.Andrew Flewitt (Fellow, 1999) takes over asSecretary; Andrew came to Sidney from �Trinity Hall.

We look forward to further such volleys with

The Master meets Members

▼

BENEFACTIONS

It may be easier and less expensive than youthink to establish a prize, name a room orcreate a personal memorial at Sidney SussexCollege. For those Members and Friends whomight wish to support the College, a new guideto be published this year, Benefactions, AGuide to Special Gifts and Legacies at SidneySussex College, will explain how gifts can bemade and how they can shape the future of theCollege.

At Sidney, scholarship funds and bursaries canbe established for as little as £3,000, and a raremanuscript in the College Archive can berestored and the donor acknowledged for aslittle as £400. Also:

� Gift Aid can increase the value of a gift bynearly 30%.

� Gifts can be made in instalments, over aperiod of several years.

� A gift of shares may cost the donor merely20% to 40% of its actual value to theCollege.

Leaving a legacy to the College is one of thebest ways to make a tax-efÞcient, signiÞcantgift that can be used to endow a Fellowship orscholarship, create a memorial or name abuilding or room. To reserve a copy ofBenefactions, please complete the one-pageform enclosed with this copy of Pheon.

Borneo bywaysAs noted before in Pheon, Law Fellow Geoffrey Marston (1973) iswell known not only for his academic pursuits but also for his travels.Here he brings us another report.

At 13,455 feet, three times the height of Ben Nevis, Mount Kinabalu risesfrom what is left of the rain-forest of the Malaysian State of Sabah, onceBritish North Borneo. Its Þrst recorded ascent was in 1851 by a colonialofÞcial, Hugh Low, whose name was given both to its highest point andto Low�s Gully, the modestly-styled chasm which bisects its northern sideand from which in 1994 part of a British Army expedition washelicoptered on the verge of starvation. The mountain is in a nationalpark with its access regulated by restricted accommodation andcompulsory guiding. After making the required bookings with the park�sagents in Sabah�s capital, Kota Kinabalu, I boarded a Sandakan-boundbus which passed the park entrance. The trip started inauspiciously whenat a police checkpoint my taciturn neighbour, probably an Indonesian�illegal�, was taken off at gun-point. Dropping off at the park, which at5,000 feet put me above the mosquito- and leech-infested jungle, I wasdirected to a bunkhouse which I shared with two Swedish females whohad been scuba-diving at Sipadan. They listened with polite disinterest asI told them that there was presently a sovereignty dispute betweenMalaysia and Indonesia over this island pending before the InternationalCourt of Justice at The Hague. A few days later Sipadan becamenotorious through a mass kidnap of foreign tourists by rebels from thePhilippines.

The next morning at 7.30, having signed indemnity forms and taken outcompulsory insurance, I was assigned my guide, one Taradas, who toldme that he had worked on the mountain for 30 years, climbing it abouttwice a week. A man of few words, I never saw him eat or drink duringour two days together; he preferred to smoke fetid yellow cigarettes of thelocal weed. The track Þrst heads up a jungly ridge, well benched withsteps and even a handrail in places, an unnecessary luxury I thought at thetime. The ßora is luxuriant, and includes the curious pitcher plant whichdigests whatever falls into it. Every kilometre or so is a shelter with atank of drinking water. In mid-afternoon we arrived at the tree-line at10,000 feet where stands the Laban Rata Resthouse, a substantialstructure built as a goodwill gesture to Malaysia by British sappersprobably from a kit dropped by helicopter. The Resthouse, which isheated and contains a cafeteria, is supplied by a relay of local tribesmenwho stride up the track with enormous box-like loads. My assigned billetwas in a less comfortable and unheated building, the Gunting Lagadanhut, about 300 feet above the Resthouse. Here I found more Swedes, thistime male, including one with an attack of Cheyne-Stokes breathingwhich boded ill for a restful night. Taradas told me to be ready to leave

for the summit at 2.30 a.m. in order to greet the sunrise. I told him towake me at 5. He warned me that cloud tended to roll in just after sunriseand that I might miss the view. I recognised this risk from Mount Kenyadays but still told him to wake me at 5. God, after all, is a Yorkshiremanand would not let me down.

The noise of the others leaving at 2.30 and the rasping of the prostrateCheyne-Stokes forced me up at 4.30. I gnawed at an indigestible�breakfast bar�, bought not a million miles from the Porters� Lodge,swilled down a cup of cold water and set off upwards with Taradasilluminating the path with his torch. Immediately above the hut the trackcrosses the Panar Laban Rockface, the equivalent of the Rock Band onEverest. This is achieved by a series of near-vertical wooden laddersfollowed, when the incline eases, by a knotted rope up which one haulsoneself in a sort of reverse abseil. Dawn was breaking as we passed theSayat Sayat hut at 12,000 feet, a primitive shelter for real climbers whowere busy checking their ropes and slings. I was now on the summitplateau, an area of naked granite slabs across which a white rope snakesto indicate the path. An eyesore perhaps, but ecologically innocuous anda lifeline in cloud. The reduced oxygen level caused my legs not torespond to the brain�s wishes as I plodded with frequent pauses towardsLow�s Peak. This is a triangular mound of tangled granite blocks at thenorthern end of the plateau. I could see the summit swarming with the2.30 departees but by the time I arrived it was deserted. My faith wasrewarded as the day was windless and mistless with the large buildings inKota Kinabalu clearly visible 50 miles away. On the north side of thesummit slab, protected by a metal railing, lies the 4000-foot vertical dropinto Low�s Gully. To the south are serried ranges of hills stretching intoIndonesian Kalimantan.

On the return path I met an elderly Japanese gentleman trying to scale thegranite blocks assisted by acolytes pushing his ample posteriors. Onseeing me he launched into a lengthy speech with a note of interrogationin it. Undertanding nothing, I nodded and smiled at suitable pauses andhe seemed content. I hope that I did not unwittingly direct him intoLow�s Gully! After a bowl of scalding Chinese soup in the Resthouse Istarted down the main track, all 5000 feet of it. After several hours ofdescent my knees turned to jelly forcing me to grip the handrail � whoseutility I now appreciated � while side-stepping downwards like a senilecrab. Finally I reached the park headquarters where I was given ailluminated certiÞcate (No. 259235) to mark my ascent.

I had reserved � and indeed paid for � a billet in the bunkhouse but therisk of another disturbed night and the need of a hot bath urged mestraight to the main road where I caught a bus into Kota Kinabalu. Thereafßuence Þnally overtook me and, like �rogue trader� Nick Leeson on anearlier and different escapade, I checked into the Hyatt.

Geoffrey Marston

Before WatsonWe can get some ßavour at least ofProfessor Chorley�s talk at the 2000Summer Event by reviewing the chronologyof what has so far been researched aboutSherlock Holmes� life at Sidney Sussex:

January 1871Holmes interviewed for admission to read forthe new Natural Sciences Tripos by the Tutorthe Revd Mr J. C. Williams-Ellis, and met theMaster, the Revd Dr Robert Phelps.

Michaelmas Term 1871October Matriculated. In addition tocompulsory mathematics, Holmes chose theÞrst 3 of the 5 sciences offered � chemistry

and certain branches of physics, geology andpalaeontology, botany, mineralogy, andzoology. Introduced to his Director of StudiesJohn W. Hicks and met Francis Neville, thenewly appointed Fellow in Natural Sciences.Met his fellow undergraduate Thomas ScottHolmes and became involved in The Case ofthe Haunted Room.

November Outside Porters� Lodge bitten by�Rip�, a dog owned by David Travers, arather tearaway undergraduate from TrinityHall. Treated with laudanum, probablycontributing to his subsequent moderate drugaddiction.

April 1872 - May 1873Some night climbing, but this period needsfurther investigation.

Long Vacation 1873June 28th Became involved in The Case of theMissing Shah of Persia.

June 30th Visited his brother Mycroft.Later Holmes decided to leave Cambridge dueto his father�s Þnancial difÞculties, hisdissatisfaction with his academic work and,possibly, the offer of work with Julius Reuter�sorganisation as a cryptographer.

(after R. J. Chorley � Sherlock Holmes atSidney Sussex College 1871-1873, 1997)

News items? Please contact �Dr A. L. Greer, The Editor, Pheon,Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge CB2 3HU.

Tel: 01223 334308; Fax: 01223 338884E-mail: alg13@cam.ac.uk

Attention Medics!

A Reunion Dinner for all Sidney medicalgraduates is planned for later this year. Toregister your interest, please contact theMembership and Development OfÞce(01223-338881 or wah21@cam.ac.uk).

Sidney�s Music and Arts Fund

This term College was treated to a rareFreshers� Concert � if not the Þrst ever,certainly the Þrst within the memory of mostof those who had the luck to attend it. Theprogramme of chamber music and songs lastedfor more than an hour and the quality wasstunning. It underlined the fact that studentscome up to Sidney nowadays with a range oftalents that may be entirely incidental to theiracademic success, but which make College lifeall the richer.

Talents need to be supported and the Collegehas been conscious for some time that it lackeda mechanism for making small grants availableas and when needed to encourage and, often, toenable an event to happen. Not for the Þrsttime, Sir Richard Powell (1927) has come toour assistance. Richard has endowed what willbe known as the Sidney Sussex Music and ArtsFund. With an initial income of some £4000p.a. the fund will be able to help with thepurchase of musical equipment, paying forspecialised lessons, staging small exhibitions,underwriting plays and concerts, and no doubta host of artistic activity that we scarcelydream of at this stage.

An awards committee has been set up toreceive applications from students and respondwithin fairly broad terms of reference. Welook forward to seeing and hearing the fruits ofRichard�s generosity and are conÞdent it willbe yet another factor that will help tip thebalance in Sidney�s favour when newapplicants to Cambridge set about choosingtheir College.