It has been tremendous to see blue skies and bright sunlight over Durham this week. The fine weather is additionally welcome now that exams are over. I hope that your exams went well and that you are enjoying the sun. It is certainly good to see so many of us relaxing in the Plaza and beside the pond.
I was disappointed by the Government's decision to place Portugal on the amber list. Political wisdom says it has been done to reduce the risk of new variants arriving in the UK and ensure that lockdown can end entirely on 21st June. If this is the case, I can almost forgive the decision. College Balls and College Days are so important, and you could not deserve them more.
Beyond this plain truth, I have a personal gripe. Last week, Mrs Principal and I cancelled a holiday in the USA and booked a break in Porto. It is the second time that we have cancelled flights, hotels etc. Still, we are not giving up yet. We are scheduled to fly in August, so we are keeping all digits crossed and hoping that Portugal, Britain's oldest ally, will be reclassified as green before our departure date.
As you prepare to enjoy the weekend, a plea for your help and support. Our first ever Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for our College takes place in The Hub on College Day. I hope it will become a cherished annual event as such services are at other Durham Colleges. I hope you will attend and help to make it so. Our Service will, of course, be distinctive. However, to make it as special as possible, I still need some musicians to give short performances. If you play beautifully and have an idea for a piece you could perform at this special occasion, please let me know or get in touch with Freya Firth-Robson, President of South Music Society. Rumours that I plan to employ a press gang to round up wandering musicians are only a little wide of the mark. My preparations are beyond the planning stage!
Have a great weekend - and if you are representing the College at sport, I may see you at Maiden Castle.
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