Event report by Simon Leach (1980, Physics).

Named after the benefactor whose legacy of 1249 resulted in the foundation of University College, the William of Durham Club met on 24th May. These occasions are to recognise and thank those Old Members and friends of the college who have remembered Univ in their wills or who are considering this special form of giving. The event was well attended by 38 Old Members, their guests and fellows, being 76 in total.

After tea and coffee in the SCR, everyone moved to the chapel for two fascinating lectures, both on a botanical theme. Dr Henry Noltie (1975, Plant Sciences) gave an illustrated talk about the exhibition which he is currently co-curating at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Flora Indica: Recovering the lost histories of Indian botanical art is the first-ever public display of 50 rediscovered botanical illustrations by Indian artists commissioned by British botanists between 1790 and 1850. These exquisite watercolours of specimens from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar demonstrate the contribution made by Indian artists to botanical knowledge. This was followed by Peter Cockburn (1964, Plant Sciences) who gave an amusing talk about his experiences plant-collecting in Malaysia in the 1960s.

Before luncheon in the Hall, the Master, Baroness Amos, gave a warm welcome to all and provided an update on the life of the College. This was followed by Univ’s own Poet Laureate, Professor Pireeni Sundaralingham (1986, Psychology), who read a selection of her verses, some inspired by her work as a cognitive scientist. After lunch there was enchanting musical entertainment from the Fidelio Orchestra (Conductor: Maximillian Ren) which draws its musicians from Univ, Merton and Magdalen. They performed four pieces, all operatic works by Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835): Oboe Concerto in E flat major featuring soloist Tom Kirby; ‘Overture’ from Norma; ‘Casta Diva’ from Norma featuring soprano Annika Kofilaine; and the duet ‘Si fino all’ore estreme’ from Norma with sopranos Fiona Macrae and Gigi McCauley.

There was a final opportunity to circulate over tea and cake in the SCR.

Thanks are due to the Development Office for putting together a varied and interesting programme and for hosting a most convivial gathering.

Published: 16 June 2025

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