College life – Christmas is coming…
The Christmas holiday period in the College is always special, for Christians and non-Christians alike. This year, due to the pandemic we have more Members than usual staying in College over the holidays and we’re doing as much as we can to ensure there’s something to entertain and delight both Members and staff.
Goodenough College Dean, Alan McCormack, reports:
We were greatly relieved to hear that London, and the College, are in Tier Two of Government restrictions, rather than the more draconian Tier Three. That means we’ve been able to reintroduce seated dining in the Great Hall, to open up a few more spaces for Members to meet – while following Government guidelines – and introduce an all new ‘blended’ programme of College activities.
Our Members are wonderfully appreciative of whatever we are able to deliver to inform and entertain. Right now the Christmas tree and decorations are up in the Great Hall and there’s a huge sense of excitement amongst the Members about being able to enjoy some face-to-face, albeit socially distanced events, alongside our online offerings.
To give you a small taste of the schedule, in the run up to Christmas we have the traditional Christmas concert, giving up to 30 Members a truly uplifting evening and an opportunity to learn about the poetry and music of Christmas!
That’s followed swiftly by a Dining In night, and by a series of full-on fitness sessions outdoors at London House, featuring Gerson, our fitness guru. Gerson’s online sessions have been very popular so we expect a high demand for the face-to-face sessions, whatever the weather delivers.
I’m delighted to be resuming my series of educational walks, “The Dean’s Perambulations”, and relishing the opportunity to introduce overseas Members to British Christmas traditions in a special talk on 17 December (accompanied by hot chocolate and Fabulous Festive Fancies).
On Christmas Eve I’ll be joined by Registrar Caroline Persaud to give Members a Dickensian Christmas Soiree, following a candlelit Christmas Supper in the Great Hall. And, on the big day itself, there will be a traditional Christmas lunch with multiple sittings to accommodate Members.
All of this, of course, is in addition to our fabulous range of online events.
I hope you all enjoy an equally enjoyable holiday season. Seasons greetings and good cheer from everyone here at Goodenough.
