St Benet’s Hall Association

For those who have studied, lived or taught at St Benet’s Hall, University of Oxford.

  • Funeral Details for Fr Adrian Convery OSB

    We are very sorry to announce the death of Fr Adrian Convery, former Chaplain and Pastoral Advisor at St Benet’s Hall and monk of Ampleforth Abbey, who died on 8th February 2024, aged 93.

    Fr Adrian’s funeral will be held at Ampleforth Abbey on Monday, 19th February at 11.30am.  If you would like to attend, please contact the Abbot’s Office at jbr@ampleforthabbey.org.uk

    Full details are available here

  • Round Up of 2023 News and Plans for 2024

    The Association has, sadly, got off to a slow start over the past year, as a result of illness and some other issues beyond our control. However, we are now back in action and making plans for the forthcoming year.

    We are currently looking at the possibility of holding an event in Oxford this autumn. Further details will be given as soon as we know more.

    We also hope to be able to finally start selling Benet’s merchandise before too long. (We have stock but not the means to sell it at present). Again, please watch for further announcements.

    For the time being, all announcements will be made on this website and through the Benet’s LinkedIn and Facebook sites, rather than through emails. We are, meanwhile, updating our alumni/alumnae database so please do not be surprised if your see messages on your social media asking for updated details.

    Finally, please spare a thought for the 44 Benetians who are still studying at Oxford; we hope that they are all happily settled into their new Colleges.


    NEWS

    The image of King Charles III on the new British coins was created by Benetian, Martin Jennings (1976). After reading English at Benet’s, Martin took the less obvious path into sculpture and has become well known with his much-loved statues including those of John Betjamin at St Pancras Station, George Orwell at the BBC’s Broadcasting House and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in St Paul’s Cathedral, all in London. This latest commission from the Royal Mint will be one of the most accessible sculptures in this country. The test run of 50 pence pieces alone numbered 9.6 million units.


    Martin was also a very popular after-dinner speaker at Benet’s in the recent past.


    DEATHS

    We are sorry to announce the following deaths from 2023:

    Mr Michael Baatz (1941), d. 20 January 2023, aged 100

    Mr Geoffrey Mocatta (1952), d. 12 August 2023

    The Reverend Gabriel Daly (1953) d. 3 August 2023

    Mr Beric Williams (1956), d. September 2023

    Mr Mark Havard (1956), d 9 October 2023

    Mr Miles Bellasis (1957), d. 24 January 2023. Miles was a good friend to Benet’s and a great supporter of College events.

    Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts (1973), d. 9 March 2023. Obituary here [NB Whilst the various obituaries mention Balliol, this was after his time at Benet’s]

    Dates shown in brackets are matriculation dates


    Dr Michael Kenworthy-Browne, formerly the College GP, d. 9 February 2023


    Finally, please do let us know of any achievements or other news that we can include in future updates.

  • Wishing Everyone A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

  • Graduation Day – 12th November 2022

    Many congratulations to the eleven Benetians who graduated today and very best wishes for your future careers; we look forward to following your progress.

    From October 2022, Benet’s alumni are considered to be not only those who have completed their studies but also those who have matriculated as members of St Benet’s Hall and are still studying at the University. The St Benet’s Hall Association would particularly like to encourage recent graduates and current students to join us at the next Benet’s Gaudy on Thursday 2nd March 2023 (ticket details will be announced shortly).

  • Requiem Mass – Saturday 26th November

    A High Mass of Requiem will take place on Saturday 26th November at 11:30am, in the Oxford Oratory, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HA.

    The celebrant will be Fr Edward van den Burgh of the London Oratory, a former Benet’s JCR President. It will be celebrated according to the 1962 Missal (the Traditional Latin Mass), and accompanied with Gregorian Chant sung by the Schola Abelis of Oxford under the direction of Dominic Bevan.

    The Mass is celebrated for the repose of the souls of St Benet’s deceased members, staff, and benefactors, with the support of the St Benet’s Trust and the Latin Mass Society. The service is open to all.

    For further information, please contact Dr Joseph Shaw at: mailto:oxford@lms.org.uk

  • St Giles Farewell Reception

    A bitter-sweet occasion: Benet’s farewell drinks reception was hosted by the Hall and the Master, Professor Richard Cooper, on Saturday 24th September in the Refectory at 38 St Giles. This was preceded by a Thanksgiving Mass at the Oratory Church in Woodstock Road, celebrated by the Abbot of Ampleforth.

    Alumni and Fellows from across the decades were joined by friends of the Hall, including those from the wider University and the Church. It was huge pleasure to welcome back the Chancellor of the University, Baron Patten of Barnes CH and Bishop William Kennedy.

    It was undoubtedly a fitting send-off: even the sun shone to allow the reception to spill out into the gardens. This was a day to celebrate the long and significant contribution that Benet’s has made to Oxford life and to acknowledge the affection that it has imbued in so many.

    With thanks to Roo Waters for the photos.
    All photos copyright © 2022 Roo Waters. All rights reserved.

  • Welcome

    Welcome to the website of the St Benet’s Hall Association whose purpose is to promote a close relationship amongst those who have studied, lived or taught at St Benet’s Hall, University of Oxford.

    We are a not-for profit organisation founded in 2007 by Benet’s alumni, Nicholas Kazaz (2004) and Ben Fleetwood-Smyth (2000). With the dissolution of St Benet’s Hall as a Permanent Private Hall of the University of Oxford on 30th September 2022, the Association will endeavour to preserve the ethos and vitality of Benet’s. We will continue to hold events and activities, such as drinks, lectures, sporting fixtures and an annual Gaudy. We also have plans to reintroduce a careers network to help in particular those in the early stages of their careers.

    The Association will work hard to ensure that Benet’s goes on to thrive in its new incarnation. It has often been said that Benet’s is not about buildings, it is about people – and that is even more so now. Please support us by coming to events, spreading the word amongst fellow Benetians and, ideally, volunteering to join the Committee as a Year Rep.

    We will be adding new posts to this website about future and past events, as well as updates on individual Benetians. We would welcome your news alongside any photos or memories that you would be willing to share on this site.

    Please contact us at: alum@sbh-oxford.org

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