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.