Encaenia Procession & Ceremony

Encaenia, (pronounced en-scene-ya), is the ceremony at which the University of Oxford awards honorary degrees to distinguished men and women and commemorates its benefactors. The ceremony takes place at The Sheldonian Theatre and is held annually on the Wednesday of ninth week during Trinity Term.

The Encaenia is depicted in the Morse episode, 'Twilight of the Gods', above. (Track forward to 2:25). 

This year's ceremony will take place on Wednesday the 20th of June. Whilst the ceremony itself is restricted to university dignitaries and special guests, the procession to and from the Sheldonian Theatre should not be missed!

Start:      10:30am - Exeter College, Brasenose Lane, Oxford
Finish:   11:30am -  Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford

Let the trashing begin!

If you happen to be hit with a handful of glitter in the cobbled back alleys of Oxford this month, congratulations, you've just been trashed. In Oxford, 'trashing' refers to the tradition of throwing flour, eggs, confetti and other such substances over one's classmates when they finish their final exams. (But don't worry, only those wearing red carnations, need be concerned).

Photos by: (left) Malin Hu, Pembroke College 2010, (right) Becca Hayes.

Sadly, following a spate of complaints from locals (and some extraordinarily rowdy behaviour), the University fun police have issued a new code of conduct reminding students that "a minimum fine of £80 could be incurred if students use water-pistols, or throw anything including champagne, glitter and confetti." Nevertheless, tradition dies hard - so think twice before ducking down the alleyways this month, you're bound to uncover a trashing! 

Oxford Summer Eights

It's 'Eights Week' this week and if the sun keeps shining like it has done today, it's set to be an absolute ripper! For those of you who are not yet aware, the Oxford 'Summer Eights' is a rowing event comprising four days racing from Wednesday to Saturday of 5th week in Trinity term. This year Summer Eights will take place from the 23rd to 26th May, so head down to the Isis and join thousands of spectators, as they watch and cheer all the lycra-clad boaties battle it out for glory.

What is 'bumps' racing?

A bumps race is a form of rowing race where a number of boats chase each other in single file, with each boat attempting to catch and "bump" the boat in front without being caught by the boat behind. Bumps racing was adopted in Oxford because the Isis is narrow, making side-by-side racing impossible and is said to have been first devised at Eton College. From here, ex-students carried the race to Oxford and Cambridge.

During Summer Eights, thirteen boats compete in each division and begin the race lined up one behind the other. The starting position of each crew is carefully measured, allowing 1.5 boat lengths between each boat. The cox of each boat must hold a rope, anchored to the bank, to ensure that this position is maintained until the race begins. Once the cannon sounds, the rope is dropped and the boats sprint off in a single file, trying to catch the boat ahead. This makes for a very exciting and competitive race as boats move up the field very quickly. 

Oxford University Rowing Clubs: Blade designs 

'Bumping up'

It is not necessary for the boats to physically touch, (although they often do), the front of the chasing boat need only pass the boat infront. Once a bump has taken place, both crews must stop racing and move to the side of the river, allowing the rest of the division to pass them. Crews who successfully bump the boat in front of them (or 'bump up') exchange starting positions the following day.  (Initial starting positions are determined by where each crew finished the year before). 

'Head of the River'

The ultimate aim of a crew is to become 'Head of the River' (top of the first division), but crews who have successfully 'bumped up' each day are also awarded 'Blades.' These are trophy oars, painted in their college colours with all the names and weights of the successful crew emblazoned on them. Less sought after is the possibility of getting 'spoons', where the crew has been ‘bumped’ every single day. 

Race Times 

23 May     11:55am – 6:45pm,  from Iffley Lock to Folly Bridge

24 May     11:55am – 6:45pm, from Iffley Lock to Folly Bridge

25 May     1:00pm – 4:00pm, from Longbridges to Christchurch Meadow

26 May     10:55am – 5:45pm, from Iffley Lock to Folly Bridge

Note: You'll catch the best rowing between 5-7pm each day and Saturday should not be missed! 

Please remember that I too am new to all of this....so if I've confused any of the rules (or left any out), please enlighten us all in the comments section below!

Oxford Town and Gown 2012

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Town and Gown 10k is just around the corner, so if you haven't registered yet, now is your chance. Visit the Muscular Dystrophy website to register today!

Oxford Town & Gown Sunday 13th May 2012, 10:00am, Parks Road, Oxford

  

A note to drivers: Unfortunately during race time, there will be a number of road closures 

in the heart of town, so the area is best avoided.

Mother's day reminder

'Mothering Sunday' may have come and gone, but 'Mother's day' is just around the corner. 

Don't forget to pop Mum's card in the post this week to make sure it gets there on time!

For last minute, emergency posting and a selection of proper 'Mother's Day 'cards,

check out moonpig.com. (They are otherwise very difficult to find at this time of year!)

Happy May Day Oxford!

May Day Celebrations

It's May Day tomorrow and every year on May Day morning thousands of people gather around Magdalen Bridge at dawn break to hear choristers sing from the Magdalen College tower  – a tradition dating back to 1509. Whilst waking up at the crack of dawn to see a choral performance might not sound like your cup of tea, it is one Oxford tradition that shouldn't be missed!

Make sure you have an early night or prepare for an all nighter as the choristers begin at 6am! Grab yourself a croissant and coffee on the way and join the crowds under the tower, along the High Street or on Magdalen Bridge but be warned, the area is often packed from as early as 5:30am. Arrive any later and you may find that you can’t get close enough to hear the choir! 

Although a more recent tradition, jumping from Magdalen Bridge on May Morning is one tradition students are determined to keep alive. Despite active discouragement following a spate of injuries during the 2005 celebrations where around 40 jumpers were injured and some even taken to hospital you might wonder what keeps driving them, other than alcohol that is. One student interviewed after jumping last year said he “did it for the ladies.” Nice.

Despite the early hour, there's a fantastic atmosphere due in part to the fact that many of the college bars open all night and pubs open from sunrise. Having just woken up or even after sampling a few early morning pints, you might not believe your eyes if you start seeing green bearded men, walking trees or people climbing the lamp posts, but it's all there and much much more! 

The choral performance is followed by general revelry and festivities including impromptu music and Morris dancing which usually begins around 10:30am. In the mean time, treat yourself to a nice breakfast at The Grand Cafe, Zappi's Bike Cafe, Ashmolean Museum or a number of other breakfast spots around Oxford. (Booking is advised). 

Note: If you want to sound like a local remember "Magdalen' is pronounced 'Maudlin.'

 

The Oxford Morris Men

Have you ever seen such a jolly bunch of men? I didn’t know quite what to think when I first laid eyes on these chaps. Men wouldn’t be caught dead dancing around waving hankies like this where I come from, but hey, maybe they should loosen up a little. There’s nothing wrong with having a dance with your mates, tapping sticks and ringing your bells is there???

Morris dancing is a form of English folk dance which is believed to have descended from pagan spring and summer fertility rituals or “good luck” ceremonies.  Morris dancers have been performing in Oxford since the 15th century and thanks to groups like the Oxford City Morris Men, Morris dancing has lived on in the Cotswold region long after its popularity ceased elsewhere.

You’ll find the Morris Men at pubs in and around Oxford on summer evenings from May to July, at numerous locations at the May Day morning celebrations, at fetes, festivals and other events all year round.

British Summer Time (BST)

Don't forget to wind your clocks forward an hour before you go to bed tonight.

British Summer Time is finally here! 

The White Rabbit - Through the Looking Glass. Illustration by Sir John Tenniel.  

British Summer Time (day light saving) begins at 1:00am on the last Sunday of March each year when clocks are moved forward to 2:00am. Whilst we may all lose an hour of sleep tonight, I don't think anyone will be complaining. With extra daylight in the evenings and a long summer ahead, there’s plenty to look forward to after the clocks go forward.

Mothering Sunday (Mother's Day)

In the UK, mothers are honoured on the fourth Sunday of lent, i.e. today, but before all my fellow expats start freaking out, it's important to note that in Australia and the US at least, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This year it falls on the 13th, so there's still plenty of time to make that all important phone call, get your Mum's gift organised or schedule in time for a Skype date.... just be sure to purchase your Mother's Day cards now - there won't be any left in May!

Perhaps all the lucky Mums amongst you will even get to celebrate Mother's Day twice this year! 

Need a post friendly gift idea this Mother's Day? We love this personalised 'Supermum' Print £45 by More Than Words

Happy Mother's Day to all the Super Mums out there!

Guy Fawkes Day

“Remember, remember the fifth of November 

Gunpowder, treason and plot. 

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason 

Should ever be forgot..."

'Guy Fawkes' night, or 'Bonfire Night' marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament and King James I. Named after the most famous of its conspirators, bonfire night has become an annual tradition celebrated on the 5th of November and began in 1605 when Londoners were encouraged to light bonfires to celebrate the King's escape. 

Join in the celebrations tonight at Oxford’s Firework Spectacular and bonfire night held annually at South Park. (Bound by Headington Rd, Cheney Lane and Morrell Avenue). Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gates and all proceeds go to local charities. Gates open at 5pm and fireworks commence at 6.45pm. 

Christmas Greetings

I know it's a little early, but unless your family like to celebrate Christmas in February, you’ll need to plan ahead this year to ensure your loved ones receive their Christmas cards and parcels on time! Heavy snowfall caused chaos for the Royal Mail last year. Road, rail and air services were all heavily disrupted and only a third of December’s first-class post was delivered on time.

You can check the Royal Mail’s last recommended posting date for countries all over world but as a general rule, you’ll need to have everything off by the first week of December.

Broad Street, Oxford. 18 Dec 2010.

Whilst there's no guarantee that it will actually snow again this year, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Don't forget to wind your clocks back!

Sadly, British Summer Time, otherwise known as 'daylight saving' will come to a close at 1am tomorrow morning. Whilst for many of us this marks the dreaded onset of winter and dismal hours of daylight, there is some good news - You'll need to turn all your clocks back an hour before going to bed tonight, which means you'll get to have an extra long sleep in tomorrow morning! 

The White Rabbit - Through the Looking Glass
Illustration by John Tenniel.  

Let's get things started with a bang!

Bonfire night is fast approaching and fireworks are officially on sale as of today! Unlike in many other countries, it is completely legal to buy and light fireworks in the UK provided that you are over 18 and do so on your own property. So whether you fancy some rockets, a ‘Bang in a Box’ or your very own ‘Showstopper’ you can stock up on fireworks at Fantastic Fireworks or a number of other local retailers. (Fire works will be available for sale up until the 10^th of November).


Look for fireworks marked with the ‘BS 7114’ or ‘CE ’ (which shows that they meet the British or European safety standards) and be sure to read the Firework Safety Checklist before doing anything!

If you’d prefer to leave it to the pros, you can join in the celebrations at Oxford’s annual Firework Spectacular and Bonfire night held at South Park on the 5^th of November. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate on the night.

Image by Margaret Stranks