On Saturday 18th May, Somerville College welcomed over 70 guests to the annual Penrose Society Lunch and Concert.
These special events provide an opportunity for us to express our deep gratitude to all those who plan to support the College through legacy giving. Every legacy, big or small, says something significant about the role that Somerville has played in someone’s life. We feel honoured to hold that position, and delight in being able to say thank you. At this year’s celebrations, we were also very pleased to also welcome supporters of the Shirley Williams Fellowship in Politics, who last year enabled College to secure the teaching of this subject in perpetuity.
The programme for the day began with a concert of music from members of the Somerville Music Society, inspired by the student days of Vera Brittain and featuring Vera Brittain’s own piano. We are thrilled that we are able to share with you a film of this year’s concert, offering a glimpse of the memorable performances laid on by current Somerville student-musicians.
Performers at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Senior Development Executive Rebecca Coker at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Performers at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Performers at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Performers at the Penrose Society Concert 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Principal Jan Royall speaks at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Principal Jan Royall speaks at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Principal Jan Royall speaks at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Guests at the Penrose Society Luncheon 2024
Somerville's Head Gardener Alastair Mallick conducts a tour of the Somerville College Gardens, Penrose Society Concert and Luncheon
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Following the concert, guests enjoyed a drinks reception and very convivial lunch (see pictures below!) before embarking on a guided tour of the Somerville College gardens with Head Gardener Alastair Mallick. Highlights of the tour included the development of our wildflower meadow, the new designs for the Chapel borders and the innovative use of drought-tolerant plants in the succulent border (we even found time to say hello to the nesting mistle thrushes on the Quad, and their four adorable chicks).
We were thrilled that the sun shone for us, creating such a lovely atmosphere throughout the day. It was also wonderful to witness the many conversations taking place during the day as people reconnected with old friends and forged new bonds across disciplines and generations.
Thank you, once again, to everyone who joined us for this memorable occasion, and to the Somerville community for its continued and transformative support. We look forward to welcoming you all again to future events and to keeping you updated with our news.
For more information about leaving a legacy to Somerville, or if you are planning to leave a legacy and have not notified us of your plans, please contact Rebecca Coker – rebecca.coker@some.ox.ac.uk