Latest News
College Choir at Lichfield Cathedral
The Christ Church College Choir travelled to Lichfield in Staffordshire on Saturday October 28th to sing Evensong in Lichfield's magnificent three-spired Cathedral. In fine voice as ever, the choir was greatly appreciated by the people and clergy at the service and warmly invited to sing there again if they are able.
Slavery and Sugar
The exciting programme for Christ Church's Spring Special-Interest Weekend has been announced and is sure to spark considerable interest. Linked to the 200th anniverary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire in 1807, it will offer a choice of two fascinating themes: the History Option is entitled Empire, Sea Power & Abolition – the Food & Drink title is Sweet Secrets and Strange Delights.
Senior Common Room Welcome
New Members of the Senior Common Room at Christ Church were welcomed in the customary way last week. After sharing dinner in the Hall all those attending went out onto Tom Quad and stood around Mercury to listen to the ringing of the twelve cathedral bells. This musical celebration is arranged by the Curator of the Common room each year to welcome its new members.
Freshers Welcome
This week one hundred and twenty seven new undergraduates arrrived at Christ Church and were welcomed by their second year college 'parents'. Equipped with a Freshers' Week 'T' shirt, room key and programme of events for their induction over the next few days, they have been made welcome and shown the ropes of life in college by those who did the same last year.
Michaelmas Gaudy
A Gaudy took place at Christ Church on Friday 29th September, to which Christ Church members who matriculated between 1984 and 1987 were invited. Among the guests were the rower Jonny Searle, Lord Armstrong and Sir Ian Blair. All those who attended the great programme of events and the fine dinner in Hall enjoyed the warm welcome and the chance to catch up with good friends from their time here as undergraduates or graduate students.
Eighteen Michaelmas Ordinations
On Sunday 24th of September eighteen women and men were ordained as deacons and as priests at Christ Church Cathedral to serve in parishes throughout the diocese of Oxford. In the morning eleven were ordained deacon by the Bishop of Reading and in the afternoon seven were ordained priest by the Bishop of Dorchester.
Spies, Lies & Intelligence
The Conflict series conference attracted over 250 participants in early September. The speaker list was headed by Professor Sir Michael Howard (photo left) and other speakers included Bill Duff, formerly with the Special Branch of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, and Oleg Gordievsky, former KGB Colonel and head of its London station.
Three Peaks Charity Triumph
One blazing hot day this Summer four Christ Church members of staff completed a grueling 26 mile walk, covering three high peaks in the Yorkshire Dales to raise a total of £820 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Well done to Tom Ford. Michelle Pittam, Philippa Duffin and Linda Palmer!
Disability Equality Scheme
As part of the extension of access for people with disabilities Christ Church intends to publish a Disability Equality Scheme. To be effective this must take account of the views of members, staff, visitors, worshippers and others - whether with or without disabilities.
International Welcomers
Christ Church is very pleased to welcome a team of young people from European countries for a three week ministry of welcome in the Cathedral. Katrin, Gema, Annonciade, Liesbeth and Jean-Baptiste are here as part of the ARC (Accueil, Rencontre, Communaute) project which operates in many Cathedrals across Europe. For the next three weeks they will be welcoming visitors in their own languages and giving Cathedral tours.
