College bulletin: 20 January
College Bulletin – 20 January 2023
Putting the bulletin together every week is a team effort for the Communications department. Hannah Dudley chases people to find out what exciting events are lined-up in the coming week, and Karen Clare writes stories about everything from the arrival of the new writer-in-residence (what a cool job) to the creation of a new device to turn waste into energy.
Just over two weeks ago in the early hours of 3 January 2023, Karen’s beloved husband died suddenly at home. John Clare was the very best of men and some of you had the good fortune of meeting him at various College events. Karen and John’s son, William, also works at St John’s in the Catering department when he isn’t at Long Road Sixth Form College or playing D&D.
John was, like Karen, a former journalist and more recently a PR and Research Communications Manager for Cambridge University Press and Assessment. His employer has paid tribute to him and an article about his life and passions has been published in Cambridge Independent if you’d like to read more about this extraordinary man. Karen has also asked me to pass on her thanks for all of the lovely notes, cards and messages she has had from people in the St John’s community.
College news
Gone fishing: highly accurate test for common respiratory viruses uses DNA as ‘bait’
Eagles, daisies and a mythical beast: new social space designs takes inspiration from College’s history
The flick of a raptor’s wing, delicate flower petals and the swivelling horns of a mysterious mythical creature will give a unique new visual identity to a transformed social centre opening at St John’s at the end of January.
The specially commissioned graphic designs, unveiled for the first time, translates classic iconography drawn from the College’s 500-year history into fresh and contemporary form. Three logos, playfully echoing imagery and symbols found across St John’s’ architecture, sculptures and decorative detailing, will help define the modern social spaces of the updated Café, Bar and Buttery, appearing on everything from digital displays, menus and bar price lists to staff aprons and take-away coffee cups.
Full story and a preview of the designs
Enjoy sum new library exhibits
Learn about Mathematics and Mathematicians at St John's at the new Library exhibition to mark the centenary of the foundation of the Adams Society.
Find out more about alumnus John Couch Adams, other Johnian mathematicians and the history of the student society created in Adams’ name from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday until 21 April.
Volunteer at College’s debut ‘swish’ pop-up clothes event
St John’s will hold its first ‘swish’ clothes swap party on Saturday 4 February to encourage sustainable fashion habits among the College community while supporting local charities.
Do you want me toIf anyone would like to volunteer to help organise the swish party please contact Clara Manco.
Read more about the swish event
Career Festivals and Fairs
The University Careers Service is holding numerous fairs this term to help students with job applications and interview preparation.
What’s on
Chapel
Epiphany carol services – Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 January, 6pm
This service of readings and hymns celebrates the season of Epiphany, telling the narrative of the coming of Christ, the Magi’s visit, and the presentation in the Temple.
Ticket applications closed.
Student communion – Sunday 22 January, 8.30am
Student Communion takes place every Sunday at 8.30am, followed by a subsidised cooked breakfast in Hall.
Sung Eucharist – Sunday 22 January, 10.30am
Open to all, admission free.
Morning prayer – weekdays, 8.30am
Taking place in Ante-Chapel every weekday morning, lasting about 15 minutes.
Evensong – Monday 23 January, 6.30pm
Sung by St John’s Voices.
Compline by Candlelight – Tuesday 24 January, 10pm
Half an hour of beautiful choral music by the Choral Scholars (and friends), followed by hot chocolate and port.
Organ recital – Sunday 29 January, 6pm
Makoto James of St Michael, Cornhill, will be performing works by Howells, Litaize and Darke.
Open to all, admission free.
Sunday Evensong with Sermon – Sunday 29 January, 6.30pm
The preacher this evening is the Rev’d Canon Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of the College.
Open to all, admission free.
Follow the Facebook page, SJC Chaplain, for Chapel service updates; and Andrew is on TikTok @thedetoxpriest. The Chapel team is always keen to hear from more volunteers to read in services or assist in other ways: please contact Andrew.
Other events
St John’s Book Group for undergraduates – Friday 20 January, 5.30pm
Merton Hall Cottage.
Undergraduates are invited to join Vona Groarke, St John’s Writer-in-Residence, for the second book group meeting and first of Lent term. This month’s book is Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift.
If you are interested in joining this or the book group for postgraduates, English Faculty and staff, email Vona.
Dinner for Fellows and postgraduate students – Friday 20 January, 7.45pm
Hall.
Formal dinner for Fellows and College postgraduate students in their 2nd or later year. Invitation only. Closing date for replies Monday 9 January.
For further details please contact Kirsten Canavan, Assistant to the President (Fellows’ Dining and Events).
St John’s Picturehouse: The Farewell – Sunday 22 January, 8.15pm
Palmerston Room, Fisher Building.
The first Picturehouse society film of 2023 celebrates Chinese New Year with a screening of The Farewell, in celebration of the Year of the Rabbit. Billi's family returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch -- the only person that doesn't know she only has a few weeks to live.
All films are shown with a cinema-grade DCP projector and events are open to all University students and staff.
Mathematics and Mathematicians at St John's – weekdays, 9am-5pm
St John’s College Library.
Exhibition which is open to all, admission free, no booking required.
Live lunchtime meditation – Monday to Thursday, 1.15-1.30pm, starting Monday 23 January
Via Zoom.
Spend 15 mindful minutes relaxing or meditating with the University’s mindfulness practitioner, Dr Elizabeth English, in these weekday sessions, free to students and staff.
Palaeography for beginners – Tuesday 24 January, 3pm
Zoom.
Weekly ‘have-a-go’ sessions for anyone interested in reading handwriting c. 1500 – c. 1700, using documents from the College’s institutional archives. Sessions are informal and aimed at beginners, or those with a little experience who wish to practise their skills. Meetings are held online, using photographs of the documents which will be emailed out in advance along with the Zoom link.
Open to all, attendance free. If you would like to join in, please contact the archivist, Dr Lynsey Darby.
Pre-Dinner Lecture Series talk: Re-Write the History with Old Oriental manuscripts at Cambridge University Libraries – Tuesday 24 January 6.15pm
Boys Smith Room, Fisher Building.
Dr Majid Daneshgar, Munby Fellow at St John’s, presents an introduction into Cambridge University libraries in general and its main library in particular, which house thousands of old oriental works inscribed on paper, tree bark, copper, bones and palm leaves. Dr Daneshgar aims to display to what extent these libraries’ old documents which include novel ideas and interconnected intellectual themes may affect our understanding of the history of the Orient.
The lecture will last 20-30 minutes and be followed by audience questions and drinks.
Open to Fellows, affiliates and postgraduate students. Admission free.
UniVox rehearsals – every Wednesday during term, 5.15-6.30pm
Palmerston Room, Fisher Building.
UniVox is a non-auditioned contemporary choir for students across the University run by the new Centre for Music Performance (CMP) and hosted by St John’s.
Places are limited so must be booked via the UniVox page of the CMP website.
Special collection display – Wednesday 25 January, 2pm-4pm
Old Library.
The Old Library will be open on a drop-in basis for people to view a display of items from the special collections. Every Wednesday during full term with the exception of 15 February.
Open to College members and their guests, admission free, no booking required.
The medieval treasures of St John's College Library – Wednesday 25 January, 8pm
Main Lecture Theatre, Old Divinity School.
A talk by St John’s Fellows Professor Máire Ní Mhaonaigh and Professor Orietta Da Rold. The lecture will feature slides and will last approximately 45 minutes.
Open to College postgraduate students, Fellows, visiting Fellows and their guests as part of this term’s Sans Frontières events programme.
Admission free, booking not required.
St John's College Music Society (SJCMS) lunchtime recital – Thursday 26 January, 1.15pm
New Music Room.
Details to be confirmed.
Open to all, admission free, booking is not required.
Open Orchestra – Monday 30 January
The St Johns College Open Orchestra (SJCOO) meets fortnightly on a Monday evening during term time. The orchestra is always happy to have more musicians who want to meet for relaxed and fun rehearsals, and sight read through some fun numbers from a wide variety of genres from classical to film. Brass and string players are particularly needed.
Open to all University members (Grade 4/5 minimum, no auditions required). Time and location to be confirmed upon registration.
Further details and to register or email the SJCOO Director, Daniel Livermore.
Postgraduates Dine with Fellows – Wednesday 1 February, 7.30pm
Hall.
Open to College postgraduates. Postgraduates can attend one Dine with Fellows dinner per academic year.
Free of charge, limited places, register via Upay after 1 January. Booking closes at 9am on 31 January.
Clothes swap – Saturday 4 February, 11am
Fisher Building Foyer.
Recycle and refresh your wardrobe, while taking steps to protect the planet.
Women’s and men’s clothes and fabric accessories, in good, clean condition can all be donated from 10.30am, when the doors open. Alternatively leave your donations in the Swish container that will be located in the Forecourt Porters’ Lodge from 17 January.
If anyone would like to volunteer to help organise the event please contact Clara Manco.
Admission free. Open to College members, their friends and family.
Prof Andrew Wylie memorial service – Saturday 4 February, 12 noon
St John’s College Chapel.
A memorial service is being held for Professor of Pathology and St John’s Fellow, Prof Andrew Wylie, who died in May.
All welcome to attend.
The chemistry of wine and wine tasting – Wednesday 8 February, 6pm
The Wordsworth Room.
Dr Paul Wood, St John’s Fellow and Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry, presents a 45 minute talk followed by mingling and wine tasting.
Open to College postgraduate students, Fellows, visiting Fellows and their guests as part of this term’s Sans Frontières events programme.
£10 admission charge, details on how to sign up to be confirmed.
Linacre Lecture 2023 – Thursday 9 February, 5.30pm
Main Lecture Theatre, Old Divinity School.
This year’s Linacre Lecture is entitled Dyslexia, Rhythm, Language and the Developing Brain and will be given by Professor Usha Goswami, Director at the Centre for Neuroscience in Education, Professor of Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience at Cambridge University and Fellow of St John’s. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception.
Register for the lecture by Friday 3 February.
St John's College Music Society (SJCMS) orchestral concert – Thursday 9 February, 8pm
St John’s College Chapel.
The Society will be performing Mozart's symphony no. 40, Carwithen's piano concerto and Sibelius' Andante Festivo.
Open to all. Tickets available on the door. Free for members of College community, £5 for other students, £10 for others.
A tour of the Chapel windows – Saturday 11 February, 2pm
Meet in the Ante-Chapel.
The story of St John in the College’s stained glass, presented by College Fellow Professor Patrick Boyde.
Open to College postgraduate students, Fellows, visiting Fellows and their guests as part of this term’s Sans Frontières events programme.
Attendance free, booking not required.
A tour of the Old Library – Wednesday 15 February, 2pm
Meet in the Upper Library entrance on E staircase, Second Court.
With Dr Adam Crothers, Special Collections Assistant.
Open to College postgraduate students, Fellows, visiting Fellows and their guests as part of this term’s Sans Frontières events programme.
Attendance free, booking not required.
Pre-Dinner Lecture Series talk – Tuesday 21 February, 6.15pm
Boys Smith Room, Fisher Building.
Presented by Dr Paul Murray, Diocesan College, and Colenso Visiting Fellow at St John ’s. Details to be confirmed.
The lecture will last 20-30 minutes and be followed by audience questions and drinks.
Open to Fellows, affiliates and postgraduate students. Admission free.
St John’s Book Group for postgraduates, English Faculty and College staff – Wednesday 22 February, 5.45pm
Merton Hall Cottage.
Postgraduates, English Faculty and College staff are invited to join Vona Groarke, St John’s Writer-in-Residence, for the second book group meeting of Lent Term. This month’s book is Julian Barnes' 2011 novel, The Sense of an Ending.
If you are interested in joining this or the book group for undergraduate students, email Vona.
David and Absalom – Wednesday 22 February, 7.30pm
Main Lecture Theatre, Old Divinity School.
Directed by St John’s Fellow Professor Patrick Boyde this is a semi-staged performance in the original Hebrew, dramatised from the Second Book of Samuel. Watch unfold a 3000 year old story of adultery and ambition, rape, rebellion and retribution, love and loyalty. With images and original music. Surtitles translating the Hebrew into English will be projected on to a screen during the performance.
Open to College postgraduate students, Fellows, visiting Fellows and their guests as part of this term’s Sans Frontières events programme. Attendance free.
Please note that this event replaces the previously advertised dramatisation from Isaiah.
Pre-Dinner Lecture Series talk – Tuesday 28 February, 6.15pm
Castlereagh Room, Fisher Building.
Presented by Dr Anna Florin, Research Fellow at St John’s. Details to be confirmed.
The lecture will last 20-30 minutes and be followed by audience questions and drinks.
Open to Fellows, affiliates and postgraduate students. Admission free.
Postgraduates Dine with Fellows – Wednesday 1 March, 7.30pm
Hall.
Open to College postgraduates. Postgraduates can attend one Dine with Fellows dinner per academic year.
Free of charge, limited places, register via Upay after 1 February. Booking closes at 9am on 28 February.
Pre-Dinner Lecture Series talk – Tuesday 7 March, 6.15pm
Boys Smith Room, Fisher Building.
Presented by Dr Ann Benson, Leverhulme Emeritus Fellowship, and Beaufort Visiting Fellow at St John’s. Details to be confirmed.
The lecture will last 20-30 minutes and be followed by audience questions and drinks.
Open to Fellows, affiliates and postgraduate students. Admission free.
How Cambridge works – Wednesday 8 March, 8pm
Main Lecture Theatre, Old Divinity School.
A talk by Richard Partington, Senior Tutor.
Open to College postgraduate students, Fellows, visiting Fellows and their guests as part of this term’s Sans Frontières events programme.
Attendance free, booking not required.
Botanic Gardens tour – Sunday 19 March, 2pm
Join Professor Tim Bayliss-Smith for a tour of the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens to see the spring flowers.
Open to College postgraduate students, Fellows, visiting Fellows and their guests as part of this term’s Sans Frontières events programme. Students should bring their University cards for free entry.
Further details to be confirmed.
And finally
The countdown to the opening the new Buttery, Bar and Café has begun in earnest – some of you have been lucky enough to preview the new spaces already and invitations for trial dining sessions will be landing in various inboxes over the coming days. In the meantime, here is a sneak peek of the new Buttery featuring the magnificent living wall and vaulted timber ceiling.
