Reports
SCR & MCR
MCR
Stuart Flegg looks back on an important year in terms of integration
The main headlines from the MCR this academic year are around the themes of integration into the wider College and University community . MCR members have enjoyed events in College including many formals and the Informal Ball in Michaelmas . In the wider University , Grey MCR has been invited to a number of Inter-MCR formals across the University . This has given members the opportunity to see the University estate from the gardens of St John ’ s to the Great Hall of the Castle . We are fortunate to have been able to host our own Inter-MCR event
SCR
Alan Martin gives us a hint of some big plans for next year
Highlights of the SCR year are the Guest Nights . The normal Wednesday Formals go on as before , with a joint posgraduate and SCR formal happening also . The SCR also organizes a programme of Sunday afternoon talks to which all are welcome . Examples in the last year included the first public talk in Durham by the new Vice-Chancellor , Professor Stuart Corbridge . The thought provoking talk engaged with the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning economist , Sir W . Arthur Lewis . Later in the term , Seif El Rashidi , the former Durham World Heritage Site this year too . Postgraduates from across the University came into Grey dining hall for the first time in a number of years . This was popular with many of the guests ; Inter-MCR events are a well-established and greatly appreciated way to share the hand of friendship with those across the wider community . On a similar theme , there have been a number of trips and events throughout the year . There was an enjoyable trip to Newcastle to take part in the ‘ room escape ’ challenge , where teams had to work together to complete a series of puzzles and teasers . Minds have been expanded following a visit to the Baltic Art Gallery in a trip which concluded with an all-you-can-eat Chinese meal . There have also been lower key trips around Durham including , of course , to the college bars . Additionally , the Botanic Garden has proven a popular destination .
Coordinator , described “ The Rites of Durham ” an anonymous very detailed account , written on six scrolls in the mid-16th century , about Durham Cathedral and its traditions as a Catholic monastic Cathedral , before its conversion to an Anglican institution . More recently , Dame Gillian Weir , the world famous concert organist , showed excerpts from ( and discussed the making of ) her 1988 highly acclaimed BBC TV series in which she played six of the finest Organs in the world . We were left completely enthralled . Next year the SCR plans a series of talks , again open to all , but aimed primarily at fifth and sixth formers at local secondary schools , on “ Big questions in Science and Culture ”. The hope is that these talks will be inspirational and help with the choices of career . In the summer term the SCR arranges trips away from Durham .
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We have continued to host our research themed seminar series in conjunction with the Vice-Master and Postgraduate Tutor . These give students the opportunity to present their own research whether that be primary or from secondary sources . This flexibility has allowed for presentations outside of general subject areas and into students ’ own passions and interests . This has led to a great variety of knowledgeable presenters , with not all of them being from Physics !
RIGHT Grey Fireworks are a highlight for the whole Durham community
Here we are lucky , as a member of the SCR , Lloyd Langley , is the National Trust curator of Wallington Hall . In the past we have had enjoyable visits to this beautiful former home ( and walled garden ) of the Trevelyan family and benefited from country walks in the surrounding estate . Indeed , the visits have been so good that this June we are scheduled to go again . Other activities included a croquet party on the Master ’ s lawn . The Master , Tom , and Helen , continue to organize family events , one preceding the November Grey firework display , which are well received by SCR families . The SCR is self-financing and , in fact , gives money to the Grey Trust fund which supports travel for post-graduates to go on research visits .