The Inaugural President’s Lunch

For this event, alumni who matriculated before 1954 and their guests were invited back to College for lunch, an organ recital and tours of the Otranto Passage. With around 100 guests in attendance, and perfect weather, it was a truly joyful occasion.

The day began with a drinks reception in Canterbury Quad, where the weather was kind to us and the temperature perfect. This was followed by lunch in Hall, where the President reflected in her speech on all that College has achieved in the past years. 

There was a strong note of nostalgia as alumni reminisced about their time at St John’s.  Some who were here during the Second World War recalled going to the Buttery each week to collect their ration of butter and sugar, while we also heard about the tradition of ‘sconcing’, which required sconces in Latin to be presented to the Dean!   

After lunch we were treated to an organ recital by former President Sir Michael Scholar, who gave a beautiful performance of works by Bach on our splendid Aubertin Organ in the Chapel. The afternoon also saw a tour of the Otranto Passage, taking in Kirsty Brooks’ new artwork, and a view out over the ongoing construction of the Library and Study Centre.

It was a great pleasure for us to be able to host this event, and we look forward to welcoming alumni for similar events in the future.