Recent events
A selection of recent College events
Commemoration 2011
Literary Archive event
Lodge Lecture
‘Rosalind Franklin – A Family View’
Associates' London drinks reception
University Alumni Weekend 2010
Commemoration 2011
Commemoration was celebrated in glorious April sunshine as members from five years groups – 1941, 1951, 1961, 1986 and 2001 – were welcomed back. More than 170 alumnae returned to enjoy the weekend’s events.
To celebrate their 50th Anniversary, 41 alumnae who matriculated in 1961 attended a special morning session, which was opened by the Principal and facilitated by Professor Janet Todd (NC 1961), President of Lucy Cavendish College. Attendees discussed the paths they had followed since leaving college, their experiences and achievements along the way, and the impact that Newnham has had on their lives.
The Saturday programme featured lunch in Clough Hall, the Roll AGM and a talk and presentation from Dr Catherine Hills, Director of Studies in Archaeology, on ‘Archaeology at Newnham: digging in the garden’. The Old Labs was the setting for a musical workshop where some of College’s most musical students showcased their work, under the direction of Monica Buckland Hofstetter (NC 1983), Artistic Director of Orchestras at the TU Dresden.
On Saturday and Sunday the Library and Archives were open, hosting a special exhibition entitled ‘Newnham ladies: coming up and going to war’, and on Sunday morning Head Gardener Tony Arnold gave 25 alumnae a tour of the College Gardens.
Literary Archive event
One of our most exciting recent projects at Newnham is the creation of our Literary Archive. In February, we invited to Newnham the authors who had donated some personal part of their work to discuss the importance of women’s writing. Biographer Claire Tomalin opened proceedings with a fascinating discourse on biography; in particular her work on Dickens. Novelist Sarah Dunant followed with a rich visual talk explaining how Renaissance Art provided the inspiration for the characters of her Renaissance Trilogy. The founder of Persephone Books, Nicola Beauman, then led a discussion on why women write so well. Read more about the Literary Archive and watch the talks here.
Lodge Lecture
At a recent Lodge Lecture, Griff Rhys Jones (English & History, Emmanuel) divulged the tale of his ‘secret life at Newnham’. He recounted how he had lived at Newnham for a year with his girlfriend of the time because his digs in the Kite area were so cold and uncomfortable. The packed house discovered that one of his fondest memories was that she had introduced him to Twinings tea!
‘Rosalind Franklin – A Family View’
Jenifer Glynn (Franklin, NC 1948) returned to Newnham on 14 October 2010 to give a talk about her celebrated sister Rosalind Franklin (NC 1938). Organised by Anna Wakerley (NC 1976), head of the local Cambridge alumnae group, this was an early highlight of Michaelmas: current undergraduates and graduates, staff, Senior Members and alumnae gathered to hear Jenifer’s personal recollections of her sister, from their early family life to Rosalind’s love of climbing mountains. We owe Jenifer many thanks for sharing these memories with us.
Associates’ London drinks reception
On 21 September 2010, the Associates held their latest networking event for Newnhamites recently arrived to work in London. The reception was kindly hosted by Dr Tessa Stone (Niblett, NC 1991) at the London premises of Brightside UNIAID. These events offer recent graduates just starting on their chosen career ladder a chance to catch up with what is happening at College, meet up with old friends and network.
University Alumni Weekend 2010
This year's Alumni Weekend, 24-26 September, was a joyful occasion. Newnham was strongly represented in the University's schedule of events and lectures: Dr Carolin Crawford (NC 1982) gave a lecture entitled A Journey Round Saturn, its Rings and Moons; Dr Emma Mawdsley (Newnham Fellow) spoke on The (Re-)Emerging Donors: Challenges and Opportunities for Foreign Aid and Development; Dr Catherine Hills (Newnham Fellow) gave a talk about The Changing View of the Anglo-Saxon Migration to England: History, Genetics and Archaeology; Dame Fiona Reynolds (NC 1976 and Newnham Honorary Fellow) gave the keynote speech on Nature in the 21st Century; and of course Professor Dame Alison Richard (NC 1966, Newnham Fellow and out-going University Vice-Chancellor) delivered her final Vice-Chancellor's Address.
Newnham Reunion Dinner
On Saturday, 160 Newnham alumnae from matriculation years 1955, 1970, 1980 and 1990 and their guests gathered for a special Reunion Dinner. The evening began in the Principal's Lodge, where Dame Patricia Hodgson (NC 1965) extended a warm welcome. Her home quickly filled with the sound of old friends reunited and eager to make up for years apart, and the matriculation photos on display provided much food for reminiscence. Noise levels did not abate over the Dinner itself in Clough Hall, despite the wonderful feast enjoyed by all, and after brief but moving addresses from both Dame Patricia and Professor Dame Alison Richard over coffee, alumnae continued their evening of celebration and reunion in the SCR.
Newnham Conversation
On Sunday morning, Newnham was honoured to welcome back Katharine Whitehorn (NC 1947) and Sian Kevill (NC 1979) for the Newnham Conversation. Inaugurated in 2008, this has swiftly become a highlight of Alumni Weekend, standing out in the University's programme for both the warmth of its unusual format and its invariably outstanding speakers. Katharine and Sian captivated Newnham's packed Lucia Windsor Room with their hour-long informal discussion - a genuine conversation - on the theme of women and journalism.
Garden Tours
Over the course of Sunday morning, Tony Arnold, Head Gardener, offered alumnae and guests the chance to explore Newnham's gardens and learn a little about the work that goes into caring for them. His vast experience and humour ensured that these tours were, as always, a delight for all who accompanied him.
