The Pembrokian News from the Development Office, Pembroke College, Oxford
July 2003
Issue No.22
Eights 2003 Historic Double Headship Achieved! Crowds are Delighted... The Women started Head of the River and the Men bumped Oriel on the first day to become Head. Both held off determined attacks from other crews. See pages 4 and 5 for full details
Inside the Pembrokian P2
Development Office Editorial John Barlow (Development Director)
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Thoughts from the JCR Ryan McGhee (2001)
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Pembroke Hero in South Africa John Stopford (1986)
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A Horse for Pembroke Dick Williamson (1952)
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Eights 2003 History in the Making
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Pembroke Friends of the Boat Club Includes news of a Double Headship Dinner
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A Place in Rowing History Brian Wilson (1948)
P6-7 Recent Development Office Events Gaudies, Garden Party and Rhodes Dinner
P8-9 Pembrokian Profile Roger Chapman (1969)
P9 Pembroke Golf Society P9 Dr Pelcyznski's Drinks Party P10- 11 Pembrokian Profile Denys Whitehead (1947)
P 1 1 A Pembrokian at the Fringe David Williams (1969)
P12 Revived: The Blackstone Tie P12 Diary Dates P12 Contact Information
Development Office Editorial by John Barlow (1952), Director of Development
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That Life is a Roller-Coaster must surely be the testimony of the Boat Club this year. From the depths of gloom in Torpids, well documented in our last issue and on the web, when the first Eight boat was written off, followed by the stress of wondering if the new Empacher from Germany would arrive in time for Eights Week, we have leapt to the ecstatic euphoria of watching our men's First Eight follow our girls to the Head of the River and then both of them hold that position to the end of the week. Even the most sceptical of 'dry-bobs' could not fail to be moved as old and young swelled with pride in Pembroke. The presence of no less that three Masters, past and present, at the ceremonial boat-burning in North Quad must surely be unprecedented. All the excitement and the dramas of Eights Week are reported fully in this issue. Note especially the plans to celebrate this unique rowing achievement with a dinner in October and to commemorate it with a piece of modern silver and, as suggested, a commemorative plaque. But such vicissitudes are not confined to the river. Since the Spring Issue, the College has had its share of `Ups and Downs'. On the sporting front, we won Table Tennis Cuppers (much older Alumni will recall keen encounters in the basement of the Almshouse), beat Corpus convincingly to win the first division cricket league championship (having lost in Cuppers on the toss of a coin) and won the Ice Hockey Cuppers — all rounds of which are contested during a single night with the final taking place at 5.30 am! A quaint rule of this last competition is that there has to be at least one lady on the ice throughout the competition. Happily we were able to field the talented Emily Parise and Caroline Ang, visiting students from Columbia & Brown Universities. Club captains will be producing full reports for the Record. Amongst a clutch of encouraging results in Finals, the highlight is that we have achieved the top First in the University in two subjects. Well done to Katie Charrington (Maths), Nigel Beevor's niece, Mariana (Eco & Man) and Jane Kershaw (History). The Blackstone Lecture was delivered in May by Dr Stephen Cretney under the title " The Family and the Law: Lessons from History". Both it and the lunch, which followed, were very well received and enjoyed by a glittering gathering of distinguished people. Members of the Blackstone Society will be pleased to know that a new but limited issue of the attractive tie has just become available. Other social events which are reported in this issue include a fabulous Garden Party, as the backcloth to the Double Headship and then one of the most enjoyable Gaudies we can recall, which included a particularly strong turnout by the 1953 cadre, who were celebrating their 50" anniversary and went with their partners to enjoy the hospitality of Brian & Teddy Bevan at their home on the following day. Last year the 1952 group turned up in strength to celebrate their 50" anniversary over a weekend. Will the 1954 group want to do the same next year? The Rhodes Centenary brought large numbers of Rhodes Scholars to Oxford for three days of events. A beautiful summer evening enabled twenty-five of them from all over the world, together with their partners, to join with a few Fellows for champagne on the lawn before indulging in Pembroke cuisine at its very best and then proceeding to Merton College for a late night Firework Display
accompanied by suitable libations. International Honours of any sort are rare indeed so we cannot let this moment pass without offering our congratulations to the Master, Giles Henderson, who was the only UK representative in a group of six international lawyers who, in May, received the Chambers Lifetime Achievement in the Law Award. This was in recognition of his career as a corporate lawyer and in particular his roles as a leading adviser to HM Government on privatisations and subsequently as Senior Partner in Slaughter and May. The attractive trophy, which now graces his office, is pictured on page 6. Many of you will be pleased to know that the Governing Body has set in motion the process to recruit and appoint a new Chaplain. In the meantime we are so grateful to Oliver Simon (1968), Chaplain at Cuddesdon and St Mary's Convent, Wantage, for keeping the services going for us. Recruiting is much in my mind too as we seek to reorganise the structure of the Development Office in preparation for the Major Capital Campaign, which we are planning to give effect to the Strategic Plan being drawn up by the Governing Body. The purpose of this will be to enable the College to fulfil a meaningful role in the Oxford of the future. To this end we have appointed an Agency to recruit for us a Development Director, who will see the Campaign through and enable me to act in a manner more befitting to my age( !), and a Development Officer whose primary responsibilities will be to run an Annual Giving campaign and liaise closely with Alumni. The high points of the past few months have been terrific, as you can tell but there have been one or two "downs" as well. Andy Hodgson, one of our devoted porters, was hospitalised after falling down the stairs and is now off work for three months. As I write, our Housekeeper, Jane Osborne, is standing in at the Lodge. Many of you will have read with dismay the report in the papers of the handling of a post-graduate application by one of our Professorial Fellows, who was appointed only last term. As this matter is currently 'sub judice' so to speak, it seems proper here simply to reproduce the latest statement from the College which reads as follows:"Pembroke College notes the further statement released on 4th July 2003 by the University of Oxford in relation to the matter of Professor Wilkie's response to an inquiry from a potential graduate student, Amit Duvshani. (This statement is available on: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/po/wffide2.shtml.) Applications for the admission of graduates are a matter for the University and so the College was not involved in this process. However, like the University, the College is appalled that Professor Wilkie should have responded in the terms he did. The College notes that the Vice-Chancellor has referred the matter to the University's disciplinary panel for academic staff, the Visitatorial Board. In view of this, the College will not comment further on the matter until the outcome of the procedure which has been set in train, as described in the University's statement." Thanks to Richard, the College gardener, Pembroke looks a picture. Never have the window boxes looked so beautiful, so come back soon and visit us. The Society Dinner and the Activity Day in September beckon.
Thoughts from the Retiring JCR President Ryan McGhee (2001) As always the job of JCR President at Pembroke has ensured that the incumbent has a challenging and busy year - and despite the many stresses and issues it is a role which I would still recommend to anyone to do. This year has seen the JCR achieve many important changes, a few of which it is definitely worth noting. After years of procrastination Oxford City Council has granted ÂŁ10,000 funding for safety improvements to Pembroke Street; JCR members are no longer charged for their accommodation while sitting compulsory examinations; the JCR has been furnished with brand new sofas, TVs, a video library, DVD player, games console, pool table (with the bulk of the funding coming from a voluntary levy); and our relationship with college has been as productive as one could possibly hope for. As always in recent years, the problem of
inequality in wealth between colleges has been the largest issue for the JCR. This year saw the rewriting of the Oxford University Student Union's report concerning this issue, in which I was heavily involved. Copies are online at www.ousu.org/campaigns/inequality and I would strongly encourage people to have a read. The back appendix on rents really says it all. Hopefully this issue is well on the way to being addressed and, in the not too distant future, there will be a minimum standard (and maximum charging) level which all colleges adhere to. Our university should remember that while Oxford may be a federation of colleges, it is first and foremost a university - and as such, students have a right to expect similar standards of provision from their colleges. Given the friendly and dedicated nature of the members of our JCR, they deserve nothing less.
Pembroke man brings joy to South African borrowers
investment and business confidence as interest rates fall has made John a real hero. As a portfolio manager for Investec Asset Management he is responsible for a team, managing $7bn of South African fixed income assets. He has been seconded to Cape Town for the past 4 years, where he lives with his wife, Lucy, and their children, Alice (6) and Tom (3).
John Stopford (1986), son of Dick Stopford (1952), recently received extensive media coverage in South Africa for identifying a serious error in the calculation of the country's inflation rate. This resulted in CPIX, the measure of inflation targeted by the South African Reserve Bank, being revised down by almost 2 percentage points and, subsequently, an interest rate cut of 1.5 percentage points. The consequent boost to industry, consumer spending,
Pembroke Runner Dick Williamson (1952), one time Solicitor to both the College and the University, seeking further excitement in retirement, writes: I decided some months ago to become the owner of a racehorse, with the idea that I might associate this in some way with Pembroke. I registered with the Jockey Club and applied for colours resembling those of the College rugger club - white with cerise hoops. This was granted. Then, at the Doncaster sales in May, I bought Lot 26, bay gelding by Old Vic (by Saddlers Wells out of Ballybeggan Lady, who is by Le Bayard). He will go hurdling in the autumn. I propose
to give one half of any prize money he wins to the College. I don't pretend that this is a very generous offer as he will be racing for very modest prizes and over 60% of National Hunt owners win no prize money at all. I claim that it's the thought that counts. In the course of this little exercise, I have come across a strange VAT regulation. If I can get very modest sponsorship I can reclaim VAT on the purchase price, trainer's fees etc. I am hoping that Newton Abbot Racecourse will sponsor me for the minimum but it occurs to me that, if any Old Member would like to see the College colours flash past the post with his or her company logo displayed in the unsaddling enclosure, it might be quite a cheap form of advertising investment, or gamble. Any offers? I have to choose a name by the end of August and I should like to combine association with both the College and the pedigree. So, I'm inviting suggestions and the winner will be given a ÂŁ2 each-way Tote ticket on his first race. Suggestions already received include "River Victor", "Going for broke", "Bolingbroke", "Double Act", "Ballypemmy" etc. Readers will get the idea. So, what about some suggestions? They should be addressed to Dick Williamson at Grey Barn, Ramsden, Oxon OX7 3AU.
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Eights 2003 - Wednesday 28th - Saturday 31st May The Pembroke Women on Friday, coming past the Boat House.
Eight crews rowed for Pembroke during Eights 2003, with three having 'rowed on' the week before (to qualify for their place). This meant that around an eight of Pembroke students (undergraduate and graduate) were representing their College on the river. The first to row each day were the Men's 50 in Division VII, the only 5th boat on the river. Apparently they had done no training, having entered just for fun, but were still able to bump Keble IV on the Wednesday. Although bumped by Exeter III on the Friday, they were able to row over on the other two days. Next off were the Women's 3rd. Rowing last in Division VI, this meant that, at the start of Eights, Pembroke Women held the first and last positions on the river! Having no-one behind, they could have fun and not have to worry about being bumped. They rowed over on the Wednesday and Thursday a long, long way behind the others. "Pembroke III are still racing..." the tannoy announced on the Thursday, as the crew broke into a round of "Row row row your boat...". On the Friday however, they managed to bump Merton IV after coming to a complete standstill earlier in the race (having had a brush with the bank)! They went on to bump Brasenose III on the Saturday. The Men's 4th were the fastest crew during `rowing on', being made up of 1" VIII crew members from previous years, and were, by far, the, highest 4th crew on the river. Rowing in Division VI they massacred their opposition, bumping Regent's Park, Jesus III, Osler-Green II and Lincoln III, usually within seconds of the race having started, and once within a mere twenty-one seconds of the off! The Men's 3rd rowed in Division V. Bumping Magdalen III on the Wednesday (right in front of the Pembroke Boathouse, to the delight of their supporters) they became the highest 3'd boat on the river and rowed over on the other days. In Women's Division IV our 2"d crew girls bumped Somerville II and St. Catz II on the Thursday and Friday (having rowed over on the Wednesday). The crew in front, on Saturday, instead of clearing the way after successfully bumping, celebrated by trying to row across to the opposite side of the river. With their path blocked the Pembroke Women's 2nd could not avoid a crash, much to the dismay of the Bursar, with another insurance claim
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to make! The Men's 2"d bumped Oriel II on the Wednesday to become the highest 2nd boat on the river. Bounding into Division II, by bumping again on the Thursday and Friday, they looked well on course for blades. Unfortunately,on the Saturday they somehow managed to crash into the bank and were bumped back down to the top of Division III! The Men's 1"'s new boat was officially named `Sir William Blackstone' on the Monday of Eights week. The Double Headship was thought to be achievable. The Men seemed to be faster than Oriel but one feared that the Women, with a crew predominantly consisting of freshers, might not be able to hold off the opposition. However, the Women's 1st did fantastically well. On the Wednesday they rowed over with Merton just behind, who were having to hold off New College just behind them. Merton seemed to be almost overlapping as the Women reached the start of the Boathouses on Thursday but Pembroke seemed to gain a much needed burst of energy and pulled away. When New College bumped Merton on the Friday there were fears about having a fresh crew chasing for the last day but these proved to be unfounded as the Women rowed over on the Saturday very comfortably, with the other crews far behind. The Men's 15t bumped Oriel very easily on the Wednesday. It had been thought that the action was likely to take place very near the Pembroke Boathouse but the bump actually took place much sooner, within easy sight of the Oriel Boathouse! The Oriel men made a serious challenge for the Headship on the Thursday, appearing only about half a length off at one point, but did not threaten the Pembroke crew on the last two days. Once the Men had raced and it was known that Pembroke had secured the Double Headship, the crowds at the Boathouse went wild. Tens of undergraduates linked arms and jumped happily into the river! Two boats were carried back to Pembroke, where record numbers gathered in North Quad to witness the celebratory boat-burning (the Women have now been Head of the River for four years). The Pembroke crews have achieved something which no other Oxford College can lay claim to. History has been made and Pembroke crews have secured the first Double Headship.
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-Anast! The Pembroke Men bump Oriel.
Join the Friends of Pembroke College Boat Club Given the unprecedented success of the Boat Club, we thought we would take this opportunity to introduce Old Pembrokians to an organisation they may not have been aware of. The Friends of Pembroke College Boat Club is an independent body with three primary objectives. Firstly, and most importantly, we aim to provide support for the Boat Club and aid its continuing success in any way we can. For example, in recent years we have donated £16,000-worth of equipment, in the form of a coxed four, a set of women's blades, and 50% of a new training eight for the club. However, our aims extend beyond helping current rowers, and a very important objective of the Friends is to ensure that the very finest traditions of Boat Club social events are upheld amongst its past members. We hold two social events per year, one in the autumn, and one after Summer Eights. The autumn event is a drinks evening in London, last year held at the East India Club. Previously the summer event has been a dinner in Oxford, although this year it was a very successful party at the Town Hall. Our third objective is to keep members informed of the progress of the Boat Club. Members of the
Friends receive two substantial colour newsletters a year, detailing the painful moments and the glorious ones, as PCBC strives for even greater success on the water. We have been delighted by the wonderful results Pembroke have achieved this year and would like to invite all Pembrokians, who would like to support the Boat Club and assist them to maintain their success, to join the Friends of the Boat Club. The annual subscription is a mere £25 per annum. However, those who feel able to contribute the larger sums needed to purchase equipment and new boats, which are needed quite regularly, are encouraged to make donations to the College, a registered Charity, for the benefit of the Boat Club and enclose a Gift Aid declaration. Rowing is a very expensive sport, individual items costing from £250 for one oar and £850 for a rowing machine, to £20,000 for a top quality racing eight. To join the Friends, or simply obtain further information, you can either write to Matthew Clayton-Stead at Friends of Pembroke College Boat Club, Pembroke College, Oxford OX1 1DW, or e-mail friends@pcbc.co.uk.
The Double Headship Dinner Apply soon to avoid disappointment The Friends of Pembroke College Boat Club would like to invite all Pembrokians to a celebration dinner, which is being held in honour of our historic Double Headship, on October 24th at 8.00pm in Hall. The invitation is open to anyone, whether they are a member of the Friends or not, and whatever level of rowing they achieved whilst at Pembroke. This is a one-off dinner, and promises to be a fantastic event. All seven of our Headship crews since 1995 have been invited, and Sean Bowden, Head Coach of Oxford University Boat Club, is to be our guest speaker.
The cost of the dinner, inclusive of pre-dinner drinks, excellent wines and robust port, will be £40.00 per head. As this event is likely to prove very popular, you are encouraged to apply quickly and not later than Sept. 26th. Applications should be sent with payment, dietary requirements (if any), matriculation year (for the seating plan), and contact details, to:Dinner Reply, Friends of the PCBC, Pembroke College, Oxford OX11DW. Please make cheques payable to the 'Friends of PCBC'.
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Pembroke's Success on the River - Brian Wilson (1948) A Place in Pembroke's Rowing History - 1872
A Place in University Rowing History - 2003
When the Men's Eight first went Head of the River in 1872 the event was commemorated with a handsome ewer commissioned by R.L.Pemberton, then High Sheriff of Durham, who had matriculated in 1851 and had been a keen member of the PCBC. It is engraved "Rosa Wctrix 1872" :1 AF Winter, 2 HF Miles, 3 EA Hansell, 4 AE Payne, 5 EH Bayley, 6 GM Carter, 7 RS Mitcheson, 8 R Lesley, Gubern. GM Isaac "REI PRIECLARE GESTIE A REMIGIO PEMBROCHIENSI PRO HOC MOMENTO IESSE VOLUIT SPEREANS IN PERPETUUM FORE VICTORIIE IDEM HORTAMENTUM ATQUE AUGURIUM RICARDUS LAURENCE PEMBERTON DE BARNES ET HAWTHORN TOWER IN COM DUNELM IPSE OLIM ISTIUS COLLEGII E REMIGIO" "Coll.Pemb. R.L.Pemberton die Maii XVI° AD 1872 in usum Remigii" is on the base. The ewer, for beer or wine, is hall-marked London 1813 "PB/WB" (Peter and William Bateman), stands 12" high and weighs 39 oz. It is described in Payne's silver inventory of 1991 as "having a half-fluted bellied body with a leaf-capped, scroll-ridged handle on a spreading foot, with gadroon borders on both rim and foot". It carries the College shield and the coat of arms of the Pemberton family.
The double Head of the River achievement of PCBC and PCWBC in 2003, was proudly announced by the Development Office in the memorable words of Joanne Bowley as "Two Heads are better than One". The event is unique at Oxford and deserves special treatment. At the College Gaudy for years up to and including 1953, held on Friday 27th.June 2003, when the Master made reference to the College achievements during the year, Graham McCallum, Foundation Fellow (mat. 1944) proposed commissioning a piece of silver as a permanent record with these words:- "We feel that members of our years, joined by all others who wish to subscribe, would want to present to the College an item of Silver to commemorate this year's feat with the names of the participants. The College has virtually no modern silver, so a piece of modern design with, possibly, the 2003 hallmark would fill an important gap". It is proposed to invite contemporary designs from several silversmiths who are or have been associated with the P&O Makower Trust which established 25 years ago a one-year postgraduate course at Bishopsland, Dunsden, South Oxfordshire. There is currently an exhibition of the work of former graduates "Silver Sparks The Bishopsland Connection" at the Gilbert Collection, Somerset House, London until 24th August 2003. The final design will be chosen by an ad-hoc group comprising the Captains of Boats, Lynne Henderson and other members of the College Silver Committee. It is anticipated that many alumni(ae), relatives and friends will wish to contribute and the amount suggested is £20 (twenty pounds). Kindly send to John Barlow, Development Director. Cheques should be made payable to "Pembroke College, Oxford".
Master Wins Award
Recent Development Office Functions by Joanne Bowley, Development Office Manager
Inscription reads: "THE CHAMBERS AWARDS 2003 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Giles Henderson".
011•4 lionastoon
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See editorial on Page 2 for full details.
Gaudy for years 1967-71, Friday 28th March Just over one hundred members (alumni and Fellows of various types) were able to attend this Gaudy. Although the weather had been threatening to worsen for several days, it remained fairly sunny and calm for this evening and, whilst others were in the bar after the dinner, a small faction brought together benches in the Chapel Quad to sit and talk. Pictured: John Huntingford, Philip Hawkins and Andrew Graham. Seated: David Griffiths and Roger Boning (all 1969)
Gaudy for years 1977-81, Friday 4th April Early April was a very busy period for the Development Office, as this Gaudy was just a week since the last! This time, there were over one hundred and twenty members at the Gaudy dinner. Making the most of the event, people were still up and chatting (or dancing) at 5am on the Saturday morning... many of whom managed to be in the Hall by 9.30am for breakfast! Michael Lawson and Chris Pufford (both 1978) having pre-dinner drinks in the Chapel Quad with Emeritus Fellow Vernon Butt. Garden Party, Saturday 31st May Over 400 people attended the Annual Garden Party. The weather could not have been better for sitting in Chapel Quad with friends and family, eating strawberries and cream. A jazz band played for the adults whilst children enjoyed the bouncy castle and roundabout and were entertained by Nigel the Clown. For those wishing to escape the heat, there was an
impressive selection from the JCR Art Collection on display in Broadgates Hall, organ music playing in the Chapel and a display of College merchandise in the Forte room. Many were able to stay and wander down to the river afterwards, to cheer on the Pembroke 1st VIIIs, and then back to the North Quad to watch the boat burning.
Gaudy for years up to and including 1953, Friday 27th June Almost one hundred and twenty members attended this Gaudy - a large turnout from Pembroke's more senior alumni. Those attending from 1953 were celebrating their `Jubilee Year', 50 years since their matriculation, and wives were invited to take part by having dinner in the Master's Lodgings with Lynne Henderson. Some from this year, with their friends from 1952, also attended a lunch party the next day, at the home of Brian Bevan (1953). Tom Everett, John Deave and Ken Garrod (all 1948), with Bob Tanner (1947), admire the Women's 'Head of the River' cup Rhodes Dinner, Friday 4th July Sixty Pembroke Rhodes Scholars, Fellows and their partners attended a dinner in College to celebrate the centenary of the Rhodes Trust. The alumni, travelling from countries such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the USA (and providing an interesting mix of accents in Hall), were taking part in several days of events in London and Oxford, organised by Rhodes House, to celebrate the Centenary of the Rhodes Trust. After Dinner, the Pembroke party joined with Rhodes Scholars from Christ Church, Merton, Oriel and Univ., to watch an impressive fireworks display in the Christ Church meadows.
George Freeman, Bill Pierce (both 1975) and their wives, enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the Chapel Quad lawn.
Rhodes Scholars Return After a comparative dearth of Rhodes Scholars over the past ten years, the College is delighted to report that we shall be welcoming no less than five new Rhodes Scholars
this coming Michaelmas Tenn. This news was welcomed with approbation when announced by the Master' at the recent Gaudy and the Rhodes Centenary Dinner.
More photos can be found by visiting the website (www.pmb.ox.ac.uk) and clicking on 'Fundraising and Development' followed by 'Events'
Pembrokian Profile: Roger Chapman (1969) It was during his second year at Pembroke College that Roger Chapman took part in two expeditions which made him change his career path. The first was with Sir Ranulph Fiennes on an ice-cap on a Norwegian glacier and the second in the rain forests of Guyana, climbing up to Conan Doyle's 'Lost World'. Both involved free-fall parachuting, which happened to be his hobby at the time. Roger had already completed a couple of expeditions when he was an officer in the regular army, before arriving at Pembroke. Like most young men leaving school in 1957, he had to do National Service for 18 months or two years. As a Yorkshireman, he was posted to Richmond to do his basic training in the local infantry regiment, The Green Howards, but decided to take a regular commission after tasting army life. He was commissioned from RMA Sandhurst into The Green Howards in 1959 and was sent to Iserlohn in Germany to join the 1" Battalion and then to Tripoli in Libya, when King Idris was still in power. It was there that he became fascinated with desert navigation and led a couple of extended trips into the desert travelling south from the coast, across the Jebel mountains, over the El Hamada plateau, and into the sand sea. It was an experience which he relished and never forgot. He returned with a deep respect for the environment and a love of travelling in remote places with a small group of men. When he was an Instructor at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, he met John Blashford-Snell who was the expedition officer. Little did he know that this chance meeting was going to affect his life. Roger had previously been a white-water canoe instructor at an Army Outward Bound School and written a book about `Orienteering' and was trying to get the sport accepted by the Royal Marines and Army as a means of improving individual navigational skills. When they met, John Blashford-Snell was planning an expedition down the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, on the invitation of Emperor Haile Sellasie, and was looking for people to accompany him. He invited Roger to lead the white-water team, which was to tackle the rapids from the source of the Blue Nile (south of Lake Tana) over the Tissesat Falls and for 200 miles through the Black Gorge. Blashford-Snell had managed to procure three inflatable rubber boats with paddles from Avon Rubber Ltd and asked Roger to train the team on the River Dee in Wales. This was at a time when river running was still in its infancy. The Blue Nile Expedition 1968 is still remembered
The Blue Nile Expedition 1968 is still remembered as a 'Boys Own Paper' adventure story — shooting rapids, capsizing in cataracts, ambushes and escapes from Shifta bandits.
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as a 'Boys Own Paper' adventure story — shooting rapids, capsizing in cataracts, ambushes and escapes from Shifta bandits. Roger survived the three-month expedition and was awarded the Military MBE for gallantry, attempting to save the life of one of his companions who was swept away in a tributary of the river. After taking an Honours Degree in Geography, with a dissertation on the 'Spatial Impact of the Mennonites on Belize in Central America', he returned to the regular army for a further mandatory five years. Most of his time was spent in Northern Ireland between 1972-1977 as a Company Commander and later as the NITAT Officer who trained all the troops for anti-terrorist operations in the Province. When not on operations he went on expeditions to Africa and Central America; the Zaire River in the Congo in 1974 and the Mayan Mountains of Belize in 1975, where he made an ITV Television documentary about the Mennonites (Dutch Anabaptist) whom he had met in 1972 when he wrote his dissertation. It was at this time that John Blashford-Snell asked him if he was prepared to join him with a project to give opportunities to young people to go on three-month expeditions and carry out community projects, scientific projects and adventure in remote parts of the world. Roger Chapman left the army as a Major after 16 years to work for 'Operation Drake' (1978-1981) — when 450 young people from 20 different countries took part in three-month expeditions in five separate countries — and its successor, 'Operation Raleigh' (1984-1990) — when 4,500 young people from 40 different countries went on three-month expeditions in 37 countries around the world. For his contribution to these two projects, he was awarded the Ness Medal by the Royal Geographical Society in London, and an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in Edinburgh. Between 'Op Drake' and `Op Raleigh' in 1982, he led two major expeditions — the British Schools Exploring Society 50th Anniversary Expedition to Greenland and a Scientific Exploration Society expedition to Honduras - and wrote several papers about expeditions. He led the last of 70 expeditions he had helped to organise for 'Operation Raleigh' to the Cameroons in West Africa in 1989. Roger and Caroline Chapman decided to return to their roots in North Yorkshire in 1991 and converted an old stone barn on the edge of Grewelthorpe Moors near Masham, some 11/2 miles from where they first met. Whilst Caroline wrote historical biographies, Roger went to work for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and then, on the invitation of his old Regiment, The Green Howards, to refurbish the military museum in the centre of Richmond market place. He is now the Curator. In his spare time he has taken expeditions to carry out battlefield archaeology in the Black Mountains of the
North West Frontier of Pakistan, on the Afghan border, where The Green Howards fought in 1868. He has written military history papers and is presently writing a book entitled 'Echoes from the Crimea' about the 19'h Foot in the Crimean War 1854-56. He still keeps in contact with his friends from Pembroke. He recently met two Rhodes Scholars — Judge Michael Ponsor and Dr Bob Black — when he lectured on `King George III's Army in the Revolutionary Wars' in Charleston in 2000. He attempts to attend Gaudies and Garden Parties. He follows with pride the activities of Pembroke Rowing Club, as a former Captain of Boats in
the early 1970s and was delighted to read of the success of both the men's and women's First VIIIs. However, he still remembers the support he had from George Bredin, the former Bursar of Pembroke, when Pembroke College VIII gained three bumps in 1972. He now acts as one of the judges for the 'Bredin Travel Award' for students from Pembroke to travel in wilderness areas during their vacations. He still feels that young people should learn to take more calculated risks in life. There is no better way to experience the thrill, than by travelling or going on expeditions in the remoter parts of the world.
Pembroke Golf Society - Richard Thompson (1956) Inter-College Tournament, Frilford Heath 11 toApril Alumni from 10 colleges take part in this annual event. It is played over the championship course at Frilford, which is a joy to play on but quite demanding. Each college enters a team of 10 and the aggregate of the best 6 scores count. Our total of 182 though creditable only achieved sixth place, the honours going to Corpus Christi with 204 points and Merton in second place with 200. The traditional dinner was hosted at Trinity, with Graham McCallum (1944) presiding and former Pembroke Master, Sir Roger Bannister, as Guest of Honour and
presenting the prizes. It was well attended and a high standard was set. The date for 2004 will be Friday 16th April. Match v Royal Ashdown Golf Club 23rd May This was the third visit to Royal Ashdown Forest, where a club team turned out to play eight members of the Society. It is a very hilly course which, while it has no bunkers, makes up for their absence with equally tough hazards. It would be good to be able to record a victory (we did halve last year) but alas this year the score was 3 — 1 to them. However, both sides seem to enjoy this fixture greatly and it seems set to become a permanent date in the club diary. Summer Meeting, New Zealand Golf Club 24th June Our fourth annual meeting was once again held in glorious sunshine. The New Zealand club again looked after us very well, although our numbers were a little down on last year. The course was in excellent condition, including the all-pervasive heather! It was a pleasure to welcome John Govett (1962) and Robert Lyons (1961) for the first time. Peter Letts (1954) won the 18-hole competition with a score of 40 points and Robert Lyons was second with 36. The Master kindly presented the prizes.
Photo taken at the Inter-College Tournament in April. Shows Nicholas Rigg (1977) and Graham McCallum (1944)
Dr. Pelczynski's Drinks Party, Thursday 10th April This event was not strictly a Development Office function, as it was thought up and organised by Martin Bowdery (1975). Martin Linton MP (1963) hosted the event, in the Macmillan Room at Portcullis House, opposite the Houses of Parliament, and Maria Eagle MP (1980) also attended. All three were pupils of Dr Pelczysnki and gave a short speech, with Dr Pelczynski himself following suit. Around thirty people attended, making the event a great success and one which will surely be repeated in the future. Perhaps you would like to adopt your favourite Emeritus Fellow and treat them to an evening out amongst friends? The Development Office would be delighted to help with such events. Our contact details are on the back page.
Martin Bowdery (1975), Martin Linton (1963), Dr Pelczynski and Maria Eagle (1980).
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Pembrokian Profile: Denys Whitehead (1947) After 4 1/2 years of Army life I had to decide my own future. Should I go to university? To study what? Should I be a priest like my father? I believed that his work was immensely worthwhile but my faith seemed to be non-existent. I wrote to my father's old Oxford College, Pembroke, and was invited to meet his old tutor, Mr. Drake. He agreed to admit me, to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He remembered my father clearly, and how he had done, after 36 years! I did not find my studies very interesting, and looking back now I wished I had switched to History, which did interest me. I learnt most from the evening societies. In the end I joined 3, the Labour Club, the Anglican Society and the Student Christian Movement. From the Anglican Society I began to learn some Theology and I met top Church leaders, bishops and archbishops. In the Labour Club, I did some canvassing for the local candidate and, attending one or two national conferences, shook hands with Clement Attlee, Prime Minister, and James Callaghan, a later Prime Minister. In the SCM, for the first time I mixed with Methodists and Baptists and Quakers. I also met many top Christian lay people and many very fine missionaries. I changed and matured. My faith grew strong, my understanding developed and my bigotry fell away. I found the missionaries very challenging. They talked about the worldwide Church of all denominations working in God's one world, and told us to be open to God's call to work in any part of it. I very much didn't want to hear any call by God to work in another country, so found their teaching quite disturbing. After Oxford, I needed a Theological College. I began at Lincoln, which my father had attended, in September 1949. There were 40 ordinands in a two year course and 4 staff. Two in my year became bishops and one became an archbishop and Primate of Australia. I was sent by the College on a course run for ordinands by the Church of England's Overseas Council, which co-ordinated missionary work. It was clear that the prime need was for English Christians to share their knowledge and concern. In 1950 the college held a 4 day Seminar on "The Church in Industry". We heard about the Iona Community's work in working-class Glasgow; about Industrial Chaplains in factories; about the worker Priests in France. All were agreed that working-class England was a mission field just as much as Africa. It was clear that the Church needed a Missionary Society or Team trained in such work, to work in British Industry. Leslie Hunter, as a Bishop in Sheffield, found there was a huge gulf between the Church and the dominant steel industry. I wrote to the bishop and was invited to spend six months as a labourer in a steel works. My job, with a "mate", was to inspect foot-wide thin coiled strips of stainless steel for cracks or
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holes, measure the usable width and cut off a length ordered by a customer, ready for dispatch. The bishop had told the local priest I was an ordinand. He came one morning and woke me up after a night shift. He wanted me to take a share in the Sunday services, perhaps preach, help in the Youth Club, perhaps meet the Church Council. I tried to explain that I often worked at weekends, was on shifts, so seldom free in the evenings. "But surely as an Ordinand, you would want to make time for some Church work and life?" He was not interested in my job, or the people that I lived with, or even my own life and background. I never forgot how a visiting priest looked to an average working man. I always showed a (genuine) interest in the working lives of the people I visited. I tried not to ask them to do time-consuming church work unless I thought they could spare the time and would like to if asked. My college recommended me to a parish in Lancaster. I responded that I would be available "When I've finished my job in Sheffield". The Bishop of Blackburn sent for me. "Surely in the Army you learnt that men swear and talk about sex. What more can you learn in Sheffield?" I refused. The Bishop of Sheffield offered me a job at St. Swithun's Church, Manor Estate, and I accepted. I was ordained Deacon in July 1952 and Priest in June 1953 in Sheffield Cathedral. At the end of 1954, the bishop suggested to me a move to Rawmarsh Parish, near Rotherham, about 10 miles away. The church had an excellent choir, trained by a keen young organist. The men used to go to the pub after choir practice and sometimes I joined them, to their astonishment. My church members didn't think I should waste time in pubs and clubs but the customers were extremely pleased to see me, and a number brought me their pastoral problems. I thought my job was not to bring them to church but to bring the love of God to them, apparently a rather revolutionary idea. In 1957 I was invited to go to London for an interview to be a member of the S.C.M. staff, to be a Chaplain to Christian students of all Churches. The job was in Manchester and, to my surprise, I found I was quite interested and took the job on a 3 year contract. There were several important, if subtle, differences if compared with a parish priest's work. The colleges were residential so students knew each other much better than church members do and met often. I was not in charge they were. I was set free from the mechanisms of organizing everything to be a pastor and resource advisor. When I needed to decide on my next job, for the first time I began seriously to think of working overseas. In February 1960 I was offered a curacy in Ndola, Africa. I was to be paid by St. Michael's Church, Kitwe. I could marry - but at the "Surely in the Army age of 37 I did not expect to. I you learnt that men swea would be booked and talk about sex. on a ship to Cape What more can you Town and a five learn in Sheffield?" day train journey
to Ndola at a total cost of £100. For thirteen years I had travelled all over Europe. Why not travel overland to Africa? I asked to be given £100 instead. My case was referred to the Bishop, who probably wouldn't approve. He said that he did not care how I got there as long as I got there. (Good for him!) I left Victoria Coach Station at the beginning of 1960 in a coach for Dover, Brussels, Liege, Aachen and Cologne. I hitched down the motorway to Salzburg. Then I took the train to Vienna. I had spent £10 and travelled 1,000 miles. The next 1,000 miles was done in two train journeys, from Vienna to Zagreb and Belgrade in Yugoslavia, then via Nish to Sofia in Bulgaria and on to Istanbul in Turkey. I spent two days in that fascinating city, then caught a bus to Mersin on the south coast of Turkey. The views were magnificent, 5,000 ft. mountains, sweeping plains, camels, and banana trees by the Mediterranean. Overnight we sailed to Cyprus — very British. I had a haircut and fish 'n' chips. Another night at sea and we woke up at Haifa, Israel. Then a two hour bus ride to Tel Aviv and another two hours to Jerusalem. There was no land route to Egypt so I made my only flight by Misrair from Jerusalem to Cairo. I dressed as a priest and was greeted by Egyptian officials with great cordiality. I knocked on the door of the Anglican Cathedral by the Nile and the Provost agreed to house and feed me for the 5 days until the train went south. I was in Africa, 4,000 miles from home, cost £42. I met my first African priest in Ndola, Fr. Filemon Mataka. The bishop took me into church just as I was, in shirt and shorts, asked me to swear the oath of loyalty to the Anglican faith and to the bishop, and licensed me as Assistant Priest of St. Michael's Church, Kitwe. My journey had covered over 9,000 miles, though only half of it by air, at a cost of £102. After a year at St. Michael's, Kitwe, I took a job as a full time student worker for the World Student Christian Federation, in Kabwata, Lusaka. During 1962-1963 I began spending time with Margaret Yates, a Physics student at the University of Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia. In 1964 I went on leave, staying in Ixworth with my mother, Muriel. Margaret had gone to Glasgow to study Hospital Physics. We went youth hostelling in Scotland, and she visited Ixworth. We got engaged at the end of the year and were
Overnight we sailed to Cyprus — very British. I had a haircut and fish 'n' chips.
married in St. Peter's Church, Kabwata, Lusaka, on Sunday July 11th 1965. We spent our honeymoon in the Inyanga Highlands of Southern Rhodesia, where we got cheap use of a house in return for taking the Sunday services. Margaret came with me on my tours. We were in the Northern Province when she became very sick. After some time, pregnancy was diagnosed. Peter was born in April 1966 and thereafter travelled with us. Ruth was born in October 1967. Then I travelled alone for a bit. Claire was born in 1970 and Timothy in 1972. The American salary ran out in 1972 and I began 5 years with a Christian Council of Zambia, running its Literature Outreach Department. I loaded the VW Kombi with half a ton of books and toured the country selling them at Mission Stations., Schools and Colleges. I equipped a building at MultiMedia Zambia as a bookshop. This work went on until 1977, when Zambia became very short of foreign exchange and I could not pay for the books I imported. I was then asked to be a Vocations Officer, meeting Anglicans in Secondary Schools and seeking future priests. Since the Church could not provide me with a car, this was difficult. In September 1979 I visited the Schools in Livingstone. I stayed with Fr. Richard Munn and his wife. There was a war only 10km away in Southern Rhodesia, with Freedom Fighters crossing the river at night and the sound of firearms from Victoria Falls heard most nights. The Freedom Fighters had murdered an Anglican in Livingstone and the police could do nothing. Fr. Munn kicked up a fuss about this, so he was interrogated by Security Police and had his passport confiscated. A lawyer advised him to leave the country, which he did a week after my visit. In November, Bishop Filemon Mataka told me to take his place in Livingstone. We took with us one goat, two geese and about thirty ducks, three cats and four children. We moved into Church house on February 8th 1980. In our 10 years at Church House we had 500 visitors staying with us. Half came from Zambia. Half were from 24 other countries, with the largest group from Britain. A third were missionaries, a quarter were black African and a fifth were clergy. In December 1989 I retired and we bought a house using money from my Church of England pension. Now we have lived there 131/2 years. We live on a Church of England pension, worth about 30 times my priest's salary.
Pembroke Talent at the Edinburgh Fringe David Williams (1969) is continuing his Oxford amateur acting, 30-odd years on, appearing at the Pleasance, Edinburgh, for the whole of the Fringe season in August. He would be delighted if any Pembroke people made it to the play. The play is "Cyril's Little Moments of Weakness and Strength" by Julian Garner, whose most recent play, "Silent Engine" won a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Festival last summer. This sensitive, witty essay on human frailty charts the relationship between two brothers in their late
middle age. Football fanatic Josh is now blind and wheelchair bound. Cyril, the younger, is his harassed yet committed carer. Their claustrophobic existence is by turn very funny, exasperating and deeply sad. Enter Alice, just turned sixty and lonely, and there is a glimmer of hope for Cyril. David Williams, now the Deputy Head of a large comprehensive school, is cast in the role of Josh. See him from 31st July until 25th August (at 4.25pm) at the Pleasance (Courtyard) in Edinburgh. Running time 1 hr 15mins without an interval.
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Do you know who this is? An anonymous Pembrokian has come across this picture, given to him, he thinks, by Ronald McCallum. He thought that perhaps it might be of one of the 19th Century Masters of the College but this does not appear to be the case. If you can help shed light on the identity of the gentleman pictured, please get in touch with the Development Office.
Revenue Assists Anonymous Giving As from April 2004, it will be possible for anyone completing a self-Assessment tax return to assign to a nominated charity all or part of any repayment due to them in respect of their income in 2003/2004 and incorporate the benefit of Gift Aid. Payments will be made by the Inland Revenue anonymously direct to our bank account.
Contacting the Development Office John Barlow (1952) Development Director Tel: (01865) 276417 Email: John.Barlow@pmb.ox.ac.uk Joanne Bowley Development Office Manager Tel: (01865) 276478 Email: Joanne.Bowley@pmb.ox.ac.uk
Write to us at: The Development Office, Pembroke College, Oxford, 1 1DW 1
Pembroke website www.pmb.ox.ac.uk 12
Diary Dates Correct as of July 2003 but may be subject to changes Friday 26th September
Society Dinner
Activity Day Sat 27th September (see enclosed sheets for both of the above) Double Headship Dinner Fri 24th October (please see page 5 for further details) Fri 26th March 2004 Gaudy for years 1988-90 (invitations will be sent out nearer the time) Fri 16th April 2004 Inter-Collegiate Golf (Richard Thompson can be contacted via the Development Of'f'ice) Gaudy for years 1961-66 Friday 25th June 2004 (invitations will be sent out nearer the time)
A Pioneering Pembrokian Professor Geoffrey Raisman (1957), neurobiologist from the National Institute for Medical Research in London, has been leading pioneering research in the repair of severed spinal cord. During the successful experiment, scientists used nerve endings from a rat's nose to repair its own broken spinal cord. The procedure involves an injection of nerve-endings from the lining of the nose to serve as a 'bridge' between the two sides of the severed spinal cord. Within a year to 18 months work should begin to replicate the groundbreaking results in paralyzed patients. It is hoped that the culmination of Dr Raisman's 30 years of research could significantly benefit the estimated 400,000 people in Britain who live with varying degrees of spinal cord injury.
Blackstone Tie After over 40 years of wear, some members let us know that their Blackstone Ties were getting slightly worn. The tie had been abandoned by the Blackstone Society over the years but has now been revived for a whole new generation of law-minded Pembrokians, and for the previous generation whose ties have seen better days. To purchase a Blackstone tie (featuring a red hand holding the 'Scales of Justice'), please email catering @pmb.ox.ac.uk or telephone (01865) 276425 for details. Ties cost £15.50, exclusive•of postage and packing.
Please note that the Development Office can now accept payments via Visa, Mastercard and Debit card