
on 5 November.
The principal guest was Professor Richard Penty, Master of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, founded in 1596. He had agreed to talk about being a Master of a Cambridge College; its most famous alumnus, Oliver Cromwell (well, next to Carol Vorderman), and current challenges facing universities.

Historically, Sidney Sussex Masters had law and order duties, inter alia, to maintain the moral fibre, but today the tasks are more prosaic. Richard is the 27th Master (like me) and claims he got the job because of a failed election strategy!

The particular style of education at Sidney Sussex is expensive and many students receive additional financial support. Our Water Conservation Trust offers bursaries to Masters students studying Engineering for Sustainable Development and Richard was very grateful for these.

Notwithstanding the erudition of the speeches, the partying went on. The Loving Cup ceremony again perplexed, but we coped. There was a sing-along. We all departed into the London night at 10.45 – as planned. Thanks go to the Master Grocer and his staff, the musicians from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and to Richard Penty for an enjoyable evening. And, of course to the 100+ guests who struggled in the face of civil unrest to make it a very special evening.
No comments:
Post a Comment