Welcome to the new academic year and I hope you all had a great summer break. As the start of the Michaelmas term looms there is plenty to look forward to in both the College and the SCR. The full programme of our events for this year can be found on our website.
Just to highlight a few of our SCR events for your diaries:
Dr David Petts from the Department of Archaeology will showcase his recent widely acclaimed research. David is an Associate Professor in the Archaeology of Northern England and convenes the Department’s North-East England Research Group. His main research interests focus on the social archaeology of the 1st millennium AD, with a particular focus on the development of Christianity. As part of this he is carrying out fieldwork on the Holy Island on the site of the Anglo-Saxon monastery of Lindisfarne. His lecture on the 28th October at 18:30 will be followed by a wine reception and dinner.
At the time of writing the Book Group are working to get another author visit for November and we are finalising a walk from the Priory to the Cathedral by Keith Taylor. Charlotte is busy with a programme of social events. If you are able to lead a walk (including a pub visit) during the Epiphany Term, in the local area, then please could you let Vicky Brown know as soon as possible. We will circulate you all by email when we have further details of these events but keep your eyes on the website.
It is hoped the long awaited Prowse Room make-over will start this term. Phase 1 will be to update the furnishing and TV to try and make the room more welcoming. As pressure comes on for the use of all meeting rooms in College it would be great to see more use being made of the Prowse Room.
Please note if you are a college mentor to tell your students about the new SCR Arts Scholarships. Application forms will be available in Michaelmas term and advertising should appear around the College. Van Mildert has a thriving arts community and the SCR aims to foster this spirit through two general Arts Scholarships granted to full and part time students from any discipline, currently registered for undergraduate or postgraduate study at Van Mildert College. The purpose of these Scholarships is to encourage the development of the arts life of the College across the areas of music, theatre and the visual arts whilst also nurturing a student’s personal development. Awards of up to £250 are available.
The SCR prides itself in playing an active and supporting role in the life of the College. Our mission is to deliver academic, cultural and social events that enrich the life of the College community and our members. At the AGM this year a number of key positions will become vacant on the Executive. Nominations are sought for:
- SCR Secretary
- Deputy Treasurer
While neither of these roles is particularly onerous it is difficult to see how the SCR can continue its present level of activity if these positions are not filled. Please contact Howard Armstrong ([email protected]) if you are interested (or can be persuaded) to stand for either of these positions or indeed are happy to be involved in the ongoing work of the SCR.
I look forward to meeting with you at our events or the Wednesday lunches.
Howard Armstrong, SCR President
For more in-depth articles from members of the SCR and College Executive, and information about our activities, please consult our printed newsletter, which can be downloaded from here.