Winter Trip to Oxford 2005

On a very cold morning in February, with snow lying at our feet, around 50 Society members gathered in Oxford for the annual winter event. Members received a very warm welcome at Wadham chapel from curate, Rev Emma Percy, and everyone admired the commemorative tablet to Kilvert. The Bodleian Library proved very interesting, with its ornate ceiling. David Elvins read from the diary here and we then went on to the university church of St Mary. David again read again from the diary and Michael Sharp read a poem by Sir John Betjeman. Kilvert’s father, Robert, was installed in a room virtually in the roof of Oriel college and we could just make out where his room may have been situated. We walked on down to Dead Man’s Walk and Christchurch College, one of the richest colleges in Kilvert’s time. The party dispersed for lunch, gathering again to hear an interesting talk from Dr Clifford Davies on Kilvert’s time at Wadham. Dr Davies showed us round the beautiful common room, with the table set with ornate silver dishes. He then led us up a winding staircase to the ‘desserts room’. Apparently, after their main course, the students would ascend the steep staircase, (possibly working up an appetite) to receive their dessert. The day ended with a commemorative service in the chapel, led by Rev Emma Percy. It was time to brave the very cold weather and head for home. The photograph below shows some of the Society members looking around the Senior Common Room at Wadham.