Old Members enjoyed picnics, punting and prosecco in the late summer sunshine at this year’s Golden Anniversary Weekend.

Over 50 Old Members and guests made it back to College on Saturday 23 September to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of matriculating at Univ. For many, it was the first time they had been back to Oxford in decades.

It was a particularly special reunion for old friends, Father Robert Barringer and Fred Lamb (pictured), who flew all the way from The Americas to reunite at Univ.

After a quick catch up, things took a turn for the “wobbly” with punting on the Cherwell followed by a picnic. The group then set out for Jericho and a tour of the award-winning Blavatnik School of Government (BSG) building, as well as a lecture from Emily Jones, Associate Professor in Public Policy at the BSG.

In the evening, guests headed back to the river for pre-dinner drinks at the boathouse before a splendid meal in a private room at the Oxford Spires Hotel.

Sunday began with Chapel Service at which Richard Cook and Father Robert Barringer contributed. The group then split between a tour of the city with Alastair Lack (1964) and a tour of College with Archivist, Robin Darwall-Smith (1982).

The sun shone in the Fellows’ Garden for a “post tour” aperitif before lunch in the Hall. Passing College visitors couldn’t help peeping in to marvel at the wonderful formal table setting.

During lunch, Stephen Powels delivered an excellent speech thanking the 1967 Committee and Development Office for helping to organise the event and for their generous support of the 1967 Golden Appeal, which is directed to Univ’s Opportunity Programme.

The day ended with a talk from Robin on Univ in the time of Shakespeare and tea in the Butler Room.

We’d like to thank everyone who came back to College for making this year’s Golden Anniversary Weekend such a success. We hope to see you all again the next time you’re in Oxford.