Welcome to the summer issue of the e-newsletter
 
Above left: The Malcolm Bowie Bathing Pool
Above right: Waterlillies in Third Court
Amidst extreme temperatures, this summer at Christ's has seen a number of our usual pre-Covid activities return to College, including a host of well-attended alumni events. Over the hottest days this summer the Malcolm Bowie Bathing Pool has provided a much appreciated sanctuary for Staff, Students and Fellows alike.
Farewell...
 
Above Left: Jane and Peter at her farewell barbeque
Above Right: Portrait of Jane in Hall by Michael Gaskell
After six years as Master, we say goodbye to Professor Jane Stapleton, and her husband Professor Peter Cane. During her Mastership, Professor Stapleton's leadership steered the College through numerous challenges, and we wish her and Peter all the best for the future. We are delighted to have this exceptional portrait of Jane, our first female Master, hanging proudly in Hall.
Welcome...
Above: Simon and Olivia McDonald
On 1 September we welcomed Lord and Lady McDonald to College as Simon takes up his Mastership of the College. Simon McDonald is a British former diplomat who was the Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service until September 2020. Learn more about our new Master here: https://www.christs.cam.ac.uk/master
Fellows' News
Above: Professor Linda Colley
Congratulations to Honorary Fellow Professor Linda Colley who was made a Dame in the Birthday Honours for services to history, She is an expert on British, imperial and global history since 1700, and the author of many important books.
Above: Academic Promotions
Congratulations also to Dr Jenny Gibson, Dr Giovanni Mantilla, Dr Mary Franklin Brown, Dr Ned Allen, Dr Gareth Rees and Dr Hrvoje Jasak for their academic promotions.
May Bumps
Above: The 1st women's boat celebrating their Blades
It was heartening to see the May Bumps taking place on the River Cam again this year, for the first time since 2019. The College’s crews were led by a fantastic performance by W1, who achieved blades after bumping Girton W1, Clare W1, First and Third W1, and chasing down Churchill W1 on the final day in front of Christ’s supporters on the banks of the Cam, capping off a very successful May Bumps picnic. This meant that W1 finished ninth in the Women’s First Division, a brilliant performance all week. M1 had two strong row overs followed by unfortunately being bumped twice. W2 had a tough start to the week after being bumped three times, but rallied on the final day for a row over to avoid spoons. Christ’s M2 began the week with a row over, followed by being bumped twice, and finally a row over to hold off the chasing Emmanuel. Overall a successful return to the Bumps for Christ’s, with blades for W1 and no spoons. All eyes are now on the preparations for the Michaelmas Term, and we look forward to cheering on the Boat Club in the coming year.
CCBC Training Camp Fundraiser
From 2- to 4 September, CCBC will be collectively covering 1111km by ergo, swim, cycle, run and walk to raise money for their training camp to make it more accessible for all students. It is an important opportunity for the crews to put in dedicated time and get ready for Bumps. The Club is hoping to raise £3000 and would be grateful for any support you can give. Please donate via the following CAF page: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/21459.
May Ball
Above: May Ball survivors' photo (photo credit: Yvonne Tsai)
The College held its first May Ball since 2018, which saw the grounds and gardens transformed into a classical wonderland under the theme of Mythos. Entering the Great Gate, guests were treated to food, drink, and entertainment as opulent as that of Ancient Greece or Rome. The food was a standout, with offerings ranging from sushi to mac and cheese, barbecue to paella. There was no shortage of entertainment, including dodgems and an adult ball pit, to keep guests entertained before the headline act of Scouting for Girls, who entertained a packed crowd in the Fellows Garden. The most intrepid students and alumni made it through to the early hours of the morning for the survivors’ photo, capping off a magical evening for the College community. Thanks to all the May Ball Committee for their hard work in organising such an excellent event.
Family Day
Above: Inflatable fun at Family Day
We were delighted to welcome alumni and their families for the first Family Day in 5 years on Sunday the 3rd of July. Families were treated to a day of fun and games including an inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castle, face-painting and entertainment by Janina Vigurs. Children were treated to a reading of ‘Mole on Patrol’ by the author and illustrator herself, Chloe Applin who is our Acting Alumni Communications Officer. The event was a resounding success, and we look forward to hosting alumni and their families for another wonderful Family Day next year!
A thanks to our donors, and our inaugural Giving Day
We wanted to thank our incredible supporters, who have made such a difference to the Christ’s community over the past few months with their continued support and generosity. From over £325,000 raised in the annual Telephone Campaign, to the consistent responses to our pressing needs from Pieces, we are so grateful to have such an engaged pool of alumni, who have helped the College continue its mission despite the pandemic.
Your donations have enabled every aspect of our work during the last academic year: essential refurbishments done throughout College to keep it running efficiently; Outreach initiatives moving to a hybrid model of in-person and online approaches to reach the widest number of prospective students; and bursaries for the various students that need them.
With these successes, we are excited to announce that Christ’s will be running our first Giving Day this Michaelmas. Entitled Remember Christ’s, we will be encouraging you to contribute from all across the globe; sharing memories of College to welcome Lord McDonald, and supporting a number of new initiatives being developed to combat the cost-of-living crisis for our students. Further details, including how to take part, will be coming shortly - watch this space! #OftRemember
Choir Tour
 
Above Left: The Choir outside the Master's Lodge
Above Right: The Choir arrives in Washington
The culmination of the year was the long-postponed tour to the East Coast of the USA, which finally went ahead in July: 25 members of the choir gave 19 performances over 22 days in eleven states. A full report from the tour can be found in this year's soon to be published edition of The Magazine.
New Friends
 
Christ's welcomes two new four-legged friends, the adorable and inquisitive College kittens, Finch and Baines. Be sure to look out for them next time you visit College!
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