Aung San Suu Kyi visits Oxford

This morning, hundreds of people lined Catte Street to welcome Aung San Suu Kyi back to Oxford as she made her way to the Sheldonian Theatre to partake in Oxford's annual Encaenia Ceremony.  After years of isolation, her visit today was of particular significance as she was finally able to receive the honorary doctorate awarded to her in 1993, while under house arrest in Yangon. 

 

Today, Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded an advanced degree in civil law during Oxford's annual Encaenia ceremony.




Aung San Suu Kyi studied politics, philosophy and economics at St Hugh's and later lived in Park Town, north Oxford.

The Chancellor of Oxford Universty, the Rt Hon Lord Patten of Barnes.

Seven leading figures from the worlds of science, the arts, intelligence and business were also honored in this year's ceremony. For more information, check out the Univerity of Oxford website.

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 Examination Carnations

Traditions, traditions, Oxford is full of them, but the examination carnations are definitely one of my favorites. Whilst by Oxford standards they are a relatively new tradition, (thought to have originated in the late 1990s), carnations are worn during exam time to signify how far along each student is with their exams.  White carnations are worn for the first exam, red carnations for the last and pink carnations for all the exams in between.  

One suggested reason for this tradition is that students used to place a white carnation in their 

red ink-pots between exams, so by the last exam it was completely red.  

Unlike the strict academic dress called sub fusc, which all students must wear to exams, (another weird and wonderful tradition), carnations are not compulsory, but tradition also states that students must be given the flowers by someone else. Whatever the reason, I hope that this is one tradition that is here to stay - It is so nice to see people all around town buying each other flowers, wishing strangers luck and congratulating those wearing red. 

Where to purchase your carnations

The florists in Oxford sell out extremely quickly during exam time and the price per stem seems to go up every day! Try 'The Garden' or 'Jemini' at the Oxford Covered Market or if you're super organised, (or just plain lazy) you can order online at 'Oxford Carnations,' and have them delivered to your pigeon hole.

Photo: JCM Photos

The Oxford 'Summer Eights' Race Course

Have you made plans for tomorrow? The final day of Summer Eights should be a blast!

Unfortunately, with such a long and winding course it's impossible to catch all of the action, but the following three areas should provide you with the best vantage spots and their fair share of thrills and spills.

The starting area 

The starting area extends all the way from Donnington Bridge, past the Isis Farmhouse to Iffley Lock and is perhaps the only place you'll get to see all thirteen crews row. From here the boats take off in frantic, high-speed pursuits, attempting to make a quick bump and avoid the whole grueling battle while the pack is still tight. It does seem an awfully cruel race when for many, the race is over barely after it's begun, but it's a lot of fun to watch.

Don't get a fright if you're passing the fields beside the Isis Farmhouse -  A cannon is fired twice to give warning of the start (at 5 and 1 minute to go) and to signal the start of the race. 

Linacre M1 crew warming up before the race.

The 'gut'  

Located between Donnington Bridge and the Longbridges Boathouses, this bendy bit of the river causes its fair share of trouble. If you're after some carnage, this is the place for you. Here the river narrows and the current is at its strongest, making a domino-like effect of successive bumps (or concessions) highly likely. One of the crews even had to be rescued here today because it began sinking after a fatal bump!

It's called 'bumps' racing for a reason!

 

A perfect summer's day

The Longbridges Boat House is located on the southern bank of the Isis and shared by Green Templeton, Hertford, Mansfield, St. Hilda's, St. Catherine's and St. Benet's colleges.

The University College Boat House can also be found on the southern bank of the Thames a little further towards Folly Bridge. It distinguishes itself from the other boat houses with its sleek, architectural design and was opened in 2007 (after arson destroyed the previous 19th century boat house in 1999). Outside students dressed in sub-fusc celebrate their final day of exams.
 

The finish line 

The finish line sits just below Folly Bridge, within easy cheering distance of most college's boathouses and Christ Church Meadow. This is where most of the spectators gather and whilst the crews will be racing on the opposite side of the river, (what little of them remain), this area provides the best panoramic views of the course, within easy reach of the burgers and Pimms.

Christ Church Meadow and beyond.

Oxford rowing jargon

If you're heading out to watch the Summer Eights this week, a quick lesson in rowing lingo 

might come in handy.....I never knew there were crabs in the Isis!
 

Blades - the 'trophy oars' awarded to crews who 'bump up' every day.

Boatie - Common slang at Oxford and Cambridge for someone who is obsessed with rowing.

Bowside - the right, or starboard side of the boat.

Crab or Catch a crab - a rowing error where the rower is unable to timely remove the oar blade from the water. Whilst in the water, the oar acts as a brake, slowing the boat down. A severe crab 
can even eject a rower out of the shell! Occasionally, in a severe crab, or 'over-the-head crab,' the 
oar handle will knock the rower flat and end up behind him/her.

Cox - the oar-less crew member who sits in the stern of the boat.

Eights - an inter-collegiate boat race held annually in Trinity term. 

    Erg - a rowing machine used for training.  

    Head of the River - the glorious title given to the winning crew of the first division.

The Isis - another name for the River Thames, a shortened version of it's latin name 'Tamesis'. 

Klaxon - a loud horn used if the racing line becomes completely blocked, if there is someone or something (usually a swan) in the water, or if a severe collision imminent. You'll here the marshal shouting “klaxon klaxon klaxon” over the radio to confirm that the race has been cancelled.

Rating - the number of strokes per minute. 

Sculling - a form of rowing where the rower uses two oars, or 'sculls.' 

Shell - often used to refer to the boat itself.

Spoons - the opposite of blades. A 'booby' prize awarded to rowing crews who are 'bumped down' every day, or to the boat finishing bottom of the river. In theory, such a crews are allowed to paint a wooden spoon in their college colours and write their names on it as a trophy of their 'achievement', or lack there of.   

Stern - the back end of the boat (or shell), where the cox usually sits. 

Stroke - the rower closest to the stern of the boat, responsible for the stroke rate and rhythm. 

Strokeside - the left or port side of the boat. 

Sweep rowing - a form of rowing where each rower handles a single oar. 

Torpids - an inter-collegiate boat race held annually in Hilary term.

Images: Oxford Rowing Colours, 1848.

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!

Linacre College - Celebrating 50 Years

Did you know that Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world? 

Its exact date of foundation is unknown, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. However, not all of Oxford's college's are quite this old....Linacre College for example, is a mere babe in comparison and is 50 years young this year. 

Congratulations on your 5oth Anniversary Linacre!  

Linacre's 50th Anniversary logo featuring Thomas Linacre. (Designed by yours truly).

Founded in 1962, Linacre College takes its name from Thomas Linacre, founder of the Royal College of Physicians and distinguished Oxford humanist. The College reflects Thomas Linacre's breadth of learning in its own multi-disciplinary purpose and ideals and its membership includes post-grad students from over fifty different countries.

Linacre College, Oxford from New College Recreation Ground.

Set within the beautiful surrounds of The University Parks and playing fields, Linacre is 

located just five minutes walk from the city centre on the corner of St Cross and South Parks Roads. 

Where is Oxford University?

Don't worry, if you have asked this question, you're not alone. Aside form the obvious answer, Oxford University is a collegiate university, so you won’t find it all neatly packed into one campus, 

it is all around you. This can be a little confusing if you are not familiar with the college system, but Oxford University is made up of 38 colleges and 6 permanent, private halls all of which are sprinkled throughout the city centre. 

Each college has its own individual buildings and grounds, faculty and traditions, providing students and academics the benefits of belonging to both a large, internationally renowned institution and a smaller, interdisciplinary, academic college community. 

Many of the colleges are open to visitors throughout the year, but may be closed or have set visiting hours during term time, so it's best to check each college's website before planning your visit. Christ Church, Magdalen, Trinity, Brasenose and New College are all particularly worth exploring if you don’t have time for them all.

Christ Church College, St. Aldates, Oxford.

Some of you may even recognise Christ Church's, Grand Staircase and Dining Hall from the famous Harry Potter movies. 

To follow in Harry's footsteps, click here.

Magdalen College, High St, Oxford. ~ Don't forget that in Oxford, "Magdalen" is pronounced "Maudlin."

Did you know that Magdalen College even has its own deer park on campus?

Lincoln College, Turl St, Oxford.

When visiting Oxford's colleges, be sure to stay off the beautifully manicured grass in the quad-
rangles! As tempting as it may be, it is a privilege reserved solely for the Fellows of the College.
 

Emma Watson returns to Oxford

If you've been out and about in town lately and seen someone who looked just like Emma Watson, chances are it was probably her. Despite a net worth of nearly £24 million, she is having no trouble blending in with her fellow students and looks very happy to be back in Oxford. 

Emma Watson is currently studying at Oxford University Photo: emmwatson.com

Not only were many of the scenes from the Harry Potter films which made her so famous filmed in Oxford, she also attended school here as a child. Although born in Paris, Emma moved to Oxford at the age of 6 and attended Dragon School, which believe it or not, is an actual co-ed boarding/ day school in Oxford - Cool name isn't it? She also spent time at the Headington School before being cast as Hermione at just nine years of age.

Emma recently returned to Oxford to study English at Worcester College, on an exchange year from Brown University in the States. It seems a Hogwarts education just wasn't enough!

Want a feathered quill just like Harry Potter's?

My 7th 'Oxford' inspired gift idea is for all the Harry Potter fans out there and you'll certainly enjoy the visit to Turl Street to find it. Turl Street is a cobbled shopping strip in the heart of Oxford, which dates back to 1363 and funnily enough, is not unlike Diagon Alley. Here you'll find the Lincoln, Exeter and Jesus Colleges and a myriad of specialty stores lining the street, but your first port of call is the Scriptum Fine Stationary Store. 

Scriptum Fine Stationary 3 Turl Street, Oxford.

I'm sure many of you remember the scene from Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone where Snape misunderstands Harry's furious note taking during Potions class..."It seems some of you have come to class with powers so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention." I did feel sorry for poor little Harry, but what better way to inspire such wizardly diligence than with one of Scriptum's fine feathered quill's?

Christ Church College St. Aldates, Oxford.
(See link for opening times - The dining hall is closed to visitors at lunchtime during term time) 

Potter fans eager to follow in Harry's footsteps will also enjoy a visit to Christ Church College. Did you know that its Great Tudor Hall was the inspiration for Hogwarts’ dining hall?  I say 'inspiration' because the dining hall used in the Harry Potter films was actually an exact replica, created in a North London studio especially for filming - That said, apart from the floating candles it's very hard to tell the difference. To reach the hall, one must climb the College's grand staircase which featured in Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. This is where the first years meet Professor McGonagall for the first time, who explains the sorting ceremony they are about to undergo.  

As you climb the staircase and enter the hall, it's not hard to get swept up in the magic of it all, but if the experience leaves you longing for more, you can join one of the official Harry Potter guided walking tours. Tickets and information available at:

The Oxford Information Centre 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford. Ph: 01865 252200.

Oxford University Whisky Tumblers

By definition, 'Scotch' whisky must be made in Scotland but there's no reason why any discerning gentleman wouldn't be thrilled to receive these 'Oxford' University Whisky tumblers. (Especially if they come wrapped with a bottle of 12 year old Dalmore!) 

Oxford Whisky Tumblers £12.00 each Dalmore 12 year old Whisky among others available at the Whisky Shop 

The man's man drink of choice, whisky evokes a sense of power, mystery, intelligence and class and is drunk by men as smooth as its amber liquid. Men such as Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig and George Clooney have become synonymous with its essence, but Johnny Depp has taken it a bit too far. I'm all for bottling sex appeal, but this is just bizarre...

In a recent interview, he revealed that he wants his ashes mixed with whisky when he dies. I'm not sure whether it has anything to do with his recently released movie "The Rum Diary" or the fact that he drank a little too much, but it certainly takes the expression 'die-hard fan' to a whole new level.

The Oxford University Shop 106 High St, Oxford.

The Whisky Shop 7 Turl St, Oxford OX1 3DQ