4 minute read
A marriage at Mansfield
Although our College has held civil partnership blessings, in July 2024 Mansfield was delighted to host its first ever same-sex marriage in Chapel: the wedding of alumnus, Darryl Davies (Theology, 1991) and his partner Richard Porter. Verity Armstrong (Legacy and Planned Giving Manager), caught up with Darryl to chat about his big day and what Mansfield means to him.
Tell us about your big day
Ours was one of the first same-sex marriages in an Oxford college chapel. Richard and I really appreciated how Mansfield moved mountains to secure the licensing so that we could get married at College. Over 30 years after being a student at Mansfield, I was delighted that eight of our 102 guests were close friends from my time here. It meant a great deal to me, as College is not just a stunning backdrop, but was my home all those years ago and continues to mean so much to me. Richard has also enjoyed joining me for many events here over the years.
What are your memories of Mansfield as a student?
I didn’t choose Mansfield, but Mansfield chose me, and I am so glad that it did. At the time, Mansfield had only a small number of undergraduates so you had the advantage of getting to know everyone. I had come from a state school but I never felt that it mattered as I was struck by how grounded everyone was and College wasn’t in the least pretentious. I was one of five children in my family and it was the first time I had left home so it was nerve-wracking. Also, same-sex relationships had only been legal for about 25 years and there was still some stigma in society, so I could have felt very isolated, but there was no judgement from this friendly community. I became the JCR Bench LGB Officer at the time and there was great support in College. I had three very happy years at Mansfield and I am delighted that it continues to lead in accessibility and widening participation.
Who or what inspired you during your time at College?
The people and the place inspired me. I made great friends and was taught by amazing tutors. My tutor, the Revd Dr John Muddiman, was a remarkable scholar with a truly interdisciplinary mindset that made his tutorials an inspiring learning experience. Mansfield made a great home during some of the most formative years of my life – the place itself is wonderful.
What did you go on to do after graduating?
I became a chartered accountant and have stayed in finance ever since. One of the great advantages of a career in accounting is that these skills can take you anywhere.
What advice would you give to your younger self and to students today?
I wouldn’t change anything. I am so glad I studied Theology and feel extremely fortunate to have enjoyed such a rich educational experience. I would say to students today that you don’t need to panic about career choice. Don’t be afraid to take risks and live – try different things and see where life takes you.
You’ve generously left a gift in your Will to Mansfield. What motivated you to do so?
I had just bought my house and, when writing my Will, I thought carefully about how it could benefit others. I knew that by leaving a gift in my Will to Mansfield it would benefit many others and felt confident that it would be used wisely. An Oxford education opens doors. It was such a positive experience for me that I wanted to give something back to help future generations of students.
I know that Mansfield continues to grow and evolve as times change and needs change, so I felt it important that my legacy wouldn’t be about preserving things how I knew them to be, but to support the future needs of the College. I have unashamed gratitude for Mansfield and I know it will continue to transform lives as it did mine.
Leaving a legacy, bequest or planned gift to Mansfield, whatever the size, will have a lasting impact. If you would like to inform us of your legacy intentions or if you are interested in finding out more about leaving a gift in your Will to Mansfield, our Legacy and Planned Giving Manager, Verity Armstrong, would be happy to hear from you. Please contact: verity.armstrong@mansfield.ox.ac.uk and you can find out more information on our website: www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk/wills.
