Monday 30th June 2025
Blog Page 420

2020: A Year of Success for Oxford Chess

Daniel Sutton
-
0
2020: A Year of Success for Oxford Chess

The Oxford University Chess Club has won the 2019-20 ‘Club of the Year’ award from the English Chess Federation (ECF). Presented by the national governing body for chess and open to all clubs across the country, it is the first time that Oxford University has won the award, capping off a year filled with success on and off the board.

The chess club is one of the oldest societies at the university, founded in 1869. Several Grandmasters have been members, including the four-time Women’s World Chess Champion, Hou Yifan, in 2018-19. The club fields teams in local, national, and international competitions, holds popular social events, and teaches chess for all abilities. Pre-lockdown, you might have spotted the first team playing a Thursday evening home match at Balliol, a beginners’ lesson taking place in Christ Church on Friday afternoon, or players packed into the Kings Arms for casual games in eighth week. During the lockdown, chess has thrived online. The club held tournaments over the web, conducted lessons on Zoom, and faced teams in competitive matches from Dundee to Hawaii.

Much of this year’s success has come in competitive chess. Chess matches range from a few minutes long (think of the old Red Bull advert) to several hours – marathons of concentration. Strengthened by the arrivals of master-level freshers Victor Vasiesiu (Hertford) and Akshaya Kalaiyalahan (Regent’s Park), a seasoned first team became formidable. The club’s first accolades came in autumn 2019, when a strong line-up of Daniel Abbas (Magdalen), Filip Mihov (Balliol), and Jessica Wen (Queen’s) finished in the top 10 at an invitational universities’ tournament held in Nankai, China. Its biggest triumph, came in 2020, when the first team won the British Universities Chess Association (BUCA) Championships for the first time since 2011 to become national champions, achieving a perfect score. The first, second and third teams each placed top in their respective divisions in the Oxfordshire league – the first team had an unbeaten record, pipping arch-rivals Witney to the title. Stalwart former president Joris Gerlagh (Univ) was voted best player in the league. While some university sports clubs have glamorous summer tours and play in front of packed crowds, some of the chess club’s hardest-fought victories came on a cold Monday night at a church hall in Cowley and in the conference rooms at the Birmingham Airport Holiday Inn.

The ECF’s recognition also cited all the other initiatives the club has put on throughout the year. Pioneered by this year’s president, Aloysius Lip (Christ Church), the club arranged simultaneous exhibitions with Grandmasters Hou Yifan and Keith Arkell, drawing players from all over Oxfordshire. Its social events frequently attracted large crowds of 40-50 – at one pub night, former president Andrew Rogozinski accepted a challenge from a passer-by, played blindfolded, and won. The club also started new annual matches with Imperial, LSE, and Warwick, and set up new teaching partnerships with local schools. Its efforts have continued throughout the lockdown. Victor Vasiesiu’s lessons continued over Zoom, and were broadcasted on YouTube. Only last week, the club held a “Chess Week” of fun chess variants, organised in collaboration with the Invariants, Oxford’s maths society. The author thought he’d try his hand at ‘Atomic Chess’, but came third-bottom. In all, there are more opportunities than ever before to play chess in Oxford.

Reflecting on the last year, Aloysius Lip commented, “The whole committee and I have put in a tremendous effort over the past twelve months, so it really is gratifying to be recognised by our national organisation – basically the highest we can go. We’ll keep maintaining standards to make chess – the most inclusive sport – fun for the uni.”

It was not all success this year – Oxford lost the 2020 Varsity Match to Cambridge, relinquishing the title won in 2017 and defended the following two years. And unlike their Cambridge counterparts, who receive a half-blue for their efforts, Oxford’s best chess players are still unrecognised by the Blues Committee. But it has been a historic year for chess players at Oxford University, and for now, the nation’s highest award for a chess club will have to do.

Hope in the Dark: The ‘New World’ Playlist

Sam Spencer
-
0
Hope in the Dark: The ‘New World’ Playlist

2020 has not lived up to the Roaring Twenties revival we all hoped for. It has been rough. And the theatre industry has been hit significantly, with many closures and redundancies threatened. In a situation in which things will likely get worse before they get better, we could all do with a bit of escape and a bit of hope. This is what I’ve aimed to curate in this “New World” playlist. And no, sorry, Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” won’t make an appearance. These theatre tunes are more than romantic longing; they’re about the dream of a better world on the other side of tragedy, oppression, and even war. They show that even in the darkest of times, something better is waiting – somehow, someday, somewhere – on the other side.

“Somewhere”, West Side Story

West Side Story transplants the well-known tragedy of Romeo and Juliet into 20th century New York City, replacing family feuds with the racial tensions between the Puerto Rican “Sharks” and the WASP “Jets”. The song’s message of love, forgiveness, and hope transgresses the immediate racial context, and has struck a chord with all those longing for an accepting and harmonious future. For these reasons, “Somewhere” has found itself a poignant home in the LGTBQ+ community, featuring regularly at Pride events, and an interesting account of the queer history behind West Side Story can be found in David Speakman’s genremag.com article. Quite simply, “Somewhere” is beautiful. Just beautiful. Both in its lyrics and its music. Cynthia Erivo gives the best vocal performance of it I’ve come across (and a sweeping orchestral accompaniment) but for a real punch to the tear-ducts check out Titus Burgess’ rendition in tribute to the Pulse, Orlando victims. West Side Story will make its cinematic revival later this year, adapted by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner.

“I Know Where I’ve Been”, Hairspray

With the struggles faced in Hairspray’s 1960s Baltimore repeating in the 21st century, it is easy to sink into the feeling that we have made too few steps far too slowly. Where my generation has George Floyd, my mother’s had Stephen Lawrence – it has happened before and will happen again. “I Know Where I’ve Been” takes this pain, and the feeling of unending struggle, and creates a passionate rally for the new generation to not give up and to not lose hope. It’s a perfect listen for this Black History Month. Jennifer Hudson’s version washes clean all the stains left from Cats (and is that the little girl from Us??).

“The Last Night of the World”, Miss Saigon

Set at the end of the Vietnam war, Miss Saigon is full of characters dreaming of escape into a new world. Whilst “The Movie in My Mind” and “The American Dream” are both 10/10 pieces, “The Last Night of the World” takes its place on this list for its optimism. It is a song that makes you feel in love. Just like West Side Story’s “Tonight”, it captures the overwhelming romance of one perfect, unending night; we know it is set for tragedy but we’re happy to indulge in it until then. It features one of the best saxophone solos you’ll hear in a musical: best enjoyed at night, staring out your bedroom window at the moon. When the world’s falling apart in front of you… have a (socially distanced) snog and a dance. The best version is the 2014 cast recording with Eva Noblezada and Alistair Brammer but, in all seriousness, treat yourself to an evening in and watch the full 25th anniversary recording. It’s epic and intense and a flawless production. (Better than Les Mis. Just saying). 

“I’m Still Here”, Follies

Set in the ruins of a closing theatre, the National Theatre’s sold-out Follies revival in 2017 now seems tragically ahead of its time. Ok, not quite a “New World” here, but “I’m Still Here” is perfect for this moment. It’s a song about living; seeing everything come and go; about struggling and surviving, and staying standing throughout it all. Though many of the references may be lost to our generation, its message of perseverance and enjoying the whole wild ride of it translates effortlessly. 

These songs give just a slither of the power theatre has for providing escapism, entertainment, and hope. Whilst the likes of these large-scale musical theatre pieces may be some of the last to return to our stages, there is plenty of new and adaptive creativity emerging to fill the void. Theatre is currently in a dire situation, and it needs all our support: donations, bums in seats, box office sales. Things will get better, but for now we must all do what we can.

Check out Sam’s playlist on Cherwell Spotify (@cherwellmusic)

University testing service reports 61 Covid-19 cases in Freshers’ Week

David Tritsch
-
0
University testing service reports 61 Covid-19 cases in Freshers’ Week

Oxford University’s testing service has confirmed 61 positive tests for Covid-19 in Freshers’ Week (3-9 October). This brings the total number of positive tests since August 20 to 91. In total, there have been 1631 tests since the introduction of the service by the University.

In August, the University launched its COVID-19 testing service for all staff and students. A whitepaper published by the University states that after a booking is made, “the individual gets a timed appointment and is swabbed by a healthcare worker in the pod.” However, several students have told Cherwell that they had to self-swab when getting tested. One anonymous student said: “The person working there does their best to explain it to you but especially with the nasal swab everyone has a natural reaction not to do the swab properly because it is quite unpleasant.”

While the University’s whitepaper notes that “[testing] may also be conducted via self-swabbing or supervised self-swabbing”, it reports a false negative rate (the probability that a test shows negative when a patient has the virus) “possibly of the order of 20%” due to incorrect technique used for swabbing and low viral load in asymptomatic patients. It is therefore likely that the numbers reported by the University’s testing service are underestimated.

The University’s testing Status and Response website also states that the figures released do not include positive test results received outside of the University testing service. It notes further that “due to the time interval between a test being done and the result becoming available, it is expected that there will be a mismatch between actual results and those confirmed to us on any given day”.

Current University guidance is that students and staff should not get tested unless they have been asked to or they display symptoms of Covid-19. The University’s whitepaper states that “one of the challenges the University faces is staff and students with no COVID-19 symptoms asking for tests unnecessarily”. The University of Cambridge, whose collegiate system mirrors that of Oxford, have set up a testing pod in the city for symptomatic cases, but have recently announced they will test all asymptomatic students in colleges.

The numbers this week follow Oxford Brookes University, which has been back since September, confirming 98 positive tests in the week leading up to October 2. Oxford Brookes University said “the majority” of those cases had been “traced back to social gatherings”. In a statement sent to councillors seen by the BBC, the University said it had issued about 150 fixed penalties to students “for breaches within halls of residences” since 12 September.

This week, several colleges have reported social gatherings of students that violated government and university guidance. St. Catherine’s College recently announced it would introduce body cameras for Junior Deans and porters to wear in order to record criminal behaviour. Several other colleges have cancelled events or closed JCRs.

On Thursday, Balliol College’s JCR committee cancelled events in the JCR during Freshers’ Week. In a post to the JCR’s Facebook group, Balliol’s JCR Vice President said: “It is impossible for us to enforce the regulations as we have been told we have to by certain members of college staff.” On the same day, Keble College’s Decanal team sent an email to all students, reminding them of “the absolute necessity of following the simple rules on social distancing and Covid policy in College”.

An email that was sent out to all Magdalen College students, stressed “just how lenient Magdalen are currently being relative to other colleges,” but also noted that “there is significant pressure from the central University to tighten our regulations, and limit interaction far more”. Magdalen and Brasenose are currently the only colleges to allow guests into College.

The University has implemented a four-stage emergency response, depending on how wide the spread of Covid-19 is. The current status is Stage 2, which allows the University to operate “in line with social distancing restrictions with as full a student cohort as possible on site”, with teaching and assessment taking place “with the optimum combination of in-person teaching and online learning”. A Stage 3 response would imply “no public access to the University or College buildings” and “gatherings for staff and students only permitted where essential for teaching and assessment to take place”.

Six of the best: live albums

Fred Waine
-
0
Six of the best: live albums

With the absence of ordinary gigs from our venues seeming certain to continue, our focus this week is on finding other ways to get your fix of live music: if you’re looking for instant access to the auditory sensations of an in-person concert, turning the lights down low in your bedroom and sticking a live album on your headphones is a decent alternative to the real thing. What’s more, this way you might get the live experience of favourite artists, past and present, who you just wouldn’t get the chance to see otherwise:

  1. Portishead – Roseland NYC Live (1998)

The eerie atmospherics, weird instrumentation, and stunning arrangement skills of trip-hop greats Portishead (backed by a full orchestra) are all on display in this live recording from New York’s Roseland Ballroom. Geoff Barrow’s impulsive DJing is exquisite and Beth Gibbons’ voice is as chilling as ever. All together now: “give me a reaaaason to love you…”

  1. Beyoncé – Homecoming (2019)

Released alongside the Netflix concert film of the same title, this live album only serves as further proof of Queen B’s status as the outstanding modern pop artist. Homecoming is a testament to and celebration of black culture, channelling RnB and hip-hop tropes, a brass band arrangement, and a lyrical focus on female empowerment into a sensational two-hour set.

  1. Tony Allen – Live (2004)

Perhaps the greatest drummer of all time, Tony Allen was performing at the peak of his powers right up until his death earlier this year. While the Nigerian featured heavily on Fela Kuti and Ginger Baker’s legendary 1971 live album, released at the peak of the afrobeat movement, this compilation of more recent live cuts is delightful. ‘Black Voices’ is a funky, swaggering, and pertinent highlight.

  1. IDLES – A Beautiful Thing: Idles Live at le Bataclan (2019)

Bristol punks IDLES truly do offer the best live show available right now. While, for the moment, we are unable to experience the pure joy of their sweaty, giddy moshpit, this 2019 recording faithfully exhibits the band’s double threat of visceral sound and heartfelt message. Joe Talbot’s ever-earnest between-song chat deserves a mention too.

  1. Aretha Franklin – Amazing Grace (1972)

Still the best selling Aretha album of all time, Amazing Grace was recorded with choral accompaniment at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. The subject of a 2018 documentary/concert film (which Ms Franklin herself opposed in a legal battle), this legendary live performance remains best experienced through the 1999 remaster, which showcases the soul icon’s rousing, spellbinding voice. Beyoncé’s Homecoming is unlikely to have existed had Aretha not set such a precedent 47 years earlier.

  1. The Smiths – Hatful of Hollow (1984)

Although technically a compilation, rather than a live album, this release brings together 16 of the best live takes ever recorded by Johnny Marr and Co.. John Peel’s Radio 1 sessions tended to result in studio magic, and this is no exception: the renditions of ‘This Charming Man’ and ‘Still Ill’ included on Hatful of Hollow are up there with the classic originals.

Listen to selected songs from Fred’s chosen live albums below:

Freshers’ Flu – Why My Mum Invented COVID

Brittany Perera
-
0
Freshers’ Flu – Why My Mum Invented COVID

I got the talk today. You know the one. The birds and the bees. Or, in this case, the singular bird who did not interact with any bees in any other than a friendly manner until the said bird and a very well educated, hard-working, thoroughly cultured, preferably Sri Lankan, highly ambitious, respectful-to-their-elders bee were united in eternal matrimony. I admit, the metaphor got away from me a little. 

Coconut oil being massaged into my hair, coriander boiling on the hob, the announcement caught me a bit off guard. Imagine a slight Sri Lankan accent and a stern motherly voice. “Better not to be doing the adult things.” But maybe this would be better with a little context. 

Two cultures, both alike in dignity

In times of (un)fair Corona, where we lay our scene

From ancient tradition one plans to be set free

where alcohol makes the liver unclean

From forth the fatal minds of these two foes

Parents worry they’ll lose the apple of their eye;

with misadventures and revealing clothes

Do with Fresher’s Week, her dignity will die.


All caught up? Okay, so in terms of clarity and good exposition, it wasn’t the best way to go, but come on, 10 points for style right? Thank you Mr Shakespeare. 

Anyway, in brief:

Parents live in Sri Lanka.

Move to England in 2002, armed, already with 2 kids.

Parents have a third child – me. The only one to be born in Britain so they aptly call me Brittany, thrusting that western birth on me like a tattoo. 

They’re living the dream: 3 girls, all hard-working, kind and all that jazz (I’ll stop tooting my horn now don’t worry). They send all 3 to an all-girls Grammar School.

Oldest daughter makes it through school, no major drama and woohoo the family has a pharmacist!

Middle daughter races through, acing it, no major drama again and whoop whoop Oxford Medic, hello!

Final daughter.

Aces GCSEs, and somewhere between the summer of year 11 and 12, hello hormones, teen angst and the sudden desire to live a little. I don’t want to bore you so I’ll whiz you through the details, crash-course-style. And don’t think I’m proud of any of this – it was all 100% sneaky, 100% immature and 10000% stupid. So brace yourself.

Goes on a residential, meet some boys (gasp!), makes friends, realises she likes one of them as a little more than a friend and ‘Trick or Treat!’ it’s Halloween. Halloween party with the boys? Yes Please! Parents would never allow it, so of course, I lie, say I’m at a friend’s sleepover miles away to where I actually am, get myself some alcohol (Smirnoff big up), but not before discussing the transaction loudly in a cafe, and go to the middle of nowhere for the night of a lifetime. 


After being overheard by my parents’ friend – a policeman, no less – discussing Vodka – my parents are on the prowl, finding me at a boy’s house, drunk, and dressed like a spooky Halloween skeleton. Fast-forward past the secret boyfriend and a ‘suggested’ break-up by the parents, 2 years of being as good as gold, honest and true and here we are. 


Freshers. 

Artwork by Rachel Jung.


Anti-lockdown protest takes place in Oxford

Abigail Howe
-
0
Anti-lockdown protest takes place in Oxford

Anti-lockdown protests took place in Oxford’s Bonn Square at 12pm today, organised by Piers Corbyn’s group Stop New Normal.

The event, called the Oxford Peaceful Political Rally, aimed to protest the extension of the Coronavirus Act and the presence of police at their events.

Signs protesters held included lines such as “This is now tyranny”, urging the government to “copy Sweden”, and “Covid-19 equals control”, leading to “Covid1984”. One sign compared current restrictions to the Nazi government.

At the event, one speaker referred to the country’s current coronavirus restrictions as “arbitrary” and “disproportionate”, continuing: “My forefathers died in the First and Second World War, so I can enjoy the very freedoms I have today. I will not give away my freedoms.”

Organised speakers included Piers Corbyn, Jeremy Corbyn’s brother who has previously described coronavirus as a “hoax” and referred to climate change as “nonsense”, and Geza Tarjanyi, an anti-fracking protestor.

The event was advertised by Stop New Normal on their website. It said: “Join Piers Corbyn in a peaceful political rally protesting about the extension of the Coronavirus act and ‘Special Powers’ police attacks on peaceful protests.”

Stop New Normal describes itself on its website as: “A political movement campaigning to stop parliament renewing the Covid-19 oppressive legislation. We are fighting against the government’s Covid policies which cause illness and death – and fighting for action to cut claimed virus illness and save lives”.

Their aims include stopping social distancing, test and trace, and the obligatory wearing of masks. Additionally, the group wish to end investigations into a potential coronavirus vaccination and to “take down 5G”. There were anti-vaccination placards at the protest.

Their website also includes a plea to donate to Piers Corbyn as he appeals a £10,000 fine – given as a result of the anti-lockdown protest held at Trafalgar Square on 29th August 2020.

Image Credit: Millie Wood.

Professors accused of transphobia lead women’s equality programme

Abigail Howe
-
0
Professors accused of transphobia lead women’s equality programme

The Oxford Martin School has appointed the Professor of Modern History Selina Todd to lead the new programme ‘Women’s Equality and Inequality’. Along with co-lead Professor Senia Paseta, she will “identify drivers of individual upward mobility and of generational uplift that can help to eradicate educational and economic inequality for women around the world”, according to a statement from St Hilda’s College.

Professor Todd, whose writing includes research on working-class history, feminism, and inequality, has previously been accused of transphobia due to her self-described ‘gender-critical’ beliefs and is a “strong supporter” of Women’s Place UK, an organisation criticised by trans-rights groups. 

Professor Todd and Professor Paseta both co-signed a 2018 letter to the Labour Party regarding the Party’s inclusion of transgender women within their all-women shortlists. The letter claimed that this stance was “asserting gender identity over sex-based exemptions” and did not uphold women’s rights to “sex-segregated spaces”. The letter continued that “we will not tolerate women being slurred with the misogynist insult TERF [Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist] or being called ‘cis’ against their will”.

An open letter to the University, signed by 400 students in its first 48 hours, speaks out against “two professors with a history of transphobia” leading the Oxford Martin School programme. It asks Todd and Paseta to “publicly commit to including trans women in their research.”

The open letter states: “We also fear the beliefs of these professors will negatively affect the scope and quality of research with which they are associated, resulting in the minimisation or neglecting of trans related issues.”

It further states that the appointment of Todd and Paseta “reinforce the feeling amongst trans students that the University does not care about their wellbeing”.

A spokesperson for the Oxford SU LGBTQ Campaign told Cherwell: “Oxford SU LGBTQ+ Campaign of course welcomes the foundation of this programme, but finds the involvement of Selina Todd, whose anti-trans beliefs and activism is well-known, to a project that aims to help ‘eradicate educational and economic inequality for women around the world’ very troubling.

“When trans women of colour and those in the global south experience vastly higher levels of unemployment and poverty, this raises serious questions about the project’s commitment to uplifting all women rather than a select few.”

Selina Todd was disinvited from the Oxford International Women’s Festival in March on the basis of her views of gender identity. The Oxford University History Faculty criticised the decision, saying they could not “accepted the exclusion” of Selina Todd and that “it is not always straightforward to balance the rights of women with the rights of trans people”. Prior to Todd’s invitation being withdrawn, feminist writer Lola Olufemi dropped out of the event, mentioning Todd’s views on transgender women as a reason.

Todd has also supported Woman’s Place UK, an organisation which campaigns for sex-segregated spaces and promotes discussion about the impact of the Gender Recognition Act on cis women. The group has been criticised by the Labour Campaign for Trans Rights, who called the group a “trans-exclusionary hate group”. The campaign’s pledges labelling WPUK as such were signed by politicians including Lisa Nandy, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Dawn Butler, and Emily Thornberry.

The Oxford LGBTQ Student Union Campaign have previously described Woman’s Place UK  as “transphobic”, arguing that they are “threatening trans people’s rights and safety”.

In a statement published by St Hilda’s College, Professor Todd said about the Oxford Martin School research: “We’re very proud that Oxford will be home to this new research programme on women’s equality and inequality. The idea for this initiative grew in part from a St Hilda’s research initiative called ‘Mind the Gap’, which brought together academics at all levels, including students, to discuss shared concerns in the research of inequality. That cross-disciplinary focus will also characterise this new research programme in Oxford’s Martin School.”

Professor Paseta said: “We are delighted to launch the Oxford Martin Programme on Women’s Equality and Inequality. We agree with Hilary Rodham Clinton that ‘women’s rights is the unfinished business of the 21st century’. Our research on women’s social mobility aims to contribute to the eradication of educational and economic inequality for women around the world.”

Neither Professor Todd or Professor Paseta responded to requests for comment. 

Image Credit: David Levene and Eyevine.

‘Crash Map’ reveals Oxford’s most dangerous cycling roads

Madhur Wale
-
0
‘Crash Map’ reveals Oxford’s most dangerous cycling roads

According to the Crash Map, an online tool for tracking road accidents, there were 111 ‘serious’ pedal-cycle accidents in Oxford between 2015-2019, two of which resulted in fatalities. 

The Plain roundabout, situated at the junction of Magdalen Bridge, Cowley Road and Iffley Road, saw the highest concentration of bicycle accidents, with 55 collisions over the last five years.

This suggests that roundabout’s safety has worsened since 2017, when the Plain roundabout was ranked the second most dangerous junction for cyclists in the UK. The 2017 ranking was based on data from 2009-2015, a period which saw 45 collisions at the roundabout – ten fewer than the period between 2015-2019.

Following closely behind, Iffley Road and Cowley Road emerged as the riskiest cycle routes, with 52 and 47 bicycle accidents, respectively. The route spanning Magdalen bridge and the High Street came in fourth, with 44 total accidents, four of which were ‘serious’. Headington Road and Abingdon Road were the site of over 30 accidents each.

Richard Owen, Director of Road Safety Analysis Limited, first developed Crash Map in 2010 with the intention of making road safety data from the DfT more accessible to the public.

When asked about how Oxford’s roads could be made safer for cyclists, Owen told Cherwell: “The biggest one is 20mph [speed limits] in urban areas… But then also there is compliance – you need to make sure that roads are designed so that cars can’t exceed those speed limits. Beyond that, if you’re looking at longer distance, fast roads, then there needs to be a segregated cycleway. Restrict mixed-use traffic on these types of roads.” 

Image credit: Tejvan Pettinger/ Flickr.

St. Catz Junior Deans will not wear body cameras, after students coughed at college staff

David Tritsch
-
0
St. Catz Junior Deans will not wear body cameras, after students coughed at college staff

Junior Deans at St. Catherine’s College have announced that they will not be wearing body cameras, upon discussion with the Dean. This follows an incident on Sunday night when students broke social distancing regulations, refused to disperse, and coughed in the direction of Junior Deans. The Dean had then announced that Junior Deans and Porters would be equipped with body cameras to record criminal behaviour.

On Sunday night, three St. Catherine’s Junior Deans reported a large number of JCR members disregarding social distancing rules in the JCR and marquee. When approached, “some of the students refused to give their names, and agreed to disperse only when presented with the prospect of police involvement,” according to an email first seen by the Oxford Blue which was sent out to all JCR members. The email also said that some students coughed “in the Junior Deans’ direction.”

In the email, the College Dean announced that “with immediate effect” Junior Deans and Porters would be equipped with body cameras to “enable them to record events and interactions and to identify individuals acting in breach of College regulations.” The email continued: “They will be supported by University security personnel and will call the police immediately for assistance if at any point they feel personally threatened or witness potentially criminal conduct of the type witnessed this weekend.”

The following day (Tuesday 6th October), the Dean sent a second email to all JCR members, apologising for the wording of the previous email: “In my efforts to hammer home how seriously I take the welfare of our junior deans, I left all of you under the impression that you will be spied upon and your privacy invaded. This is not the case and I have been in contact with the JCR about this issues [sic] this morning.”

A few hours later, the Dean clarified that the body cameras would indeed be implemented, but they would be used “in exceptional situations only, if and as necessary to deal with dangerous or otherwise unacceptable behaviour, including particularly where students refuse to provide their names or co-operate with reasonable requests from the College’s welfare and support staff.” The Dean also pledged to ensure that all images are “appropriately and securely stored and destroyed in agreement with current legislation.” 

On Tuesday evening, all four Junior Deans co-signed an email to the JCR, stating: “Upon discussion with the Dean, none of the Junior Deans will be wearing body cameras. We are fundamentally against the idea. It jeopardises the trust that you place in us and risks the relationships we have worked hard over the years to build with the JCR.” The Junior Deans also extended an invitation to daily virtual welfare hours to all students.

Students who breach St. Catherine’s College’s Covid-19 regulations may face a range of consequences including: “exclusion from face to face teaching; reporting to the University proctors or public authorities; formal censure on their academic record (for later reference to professional bodies and prospective employers); loss of College scholarships, JCR committee positions and other privileges; suspension; and in the most serious of cases, termination of College membership.”

The University, St Catherine’s College and St. Catherine’s College JCR have been approached for comment.

Image credit: Tim Waters/ Flickr. License: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Oxford awarded £1 million to fight homelessness

Ellen Hendry
-
0
Oxford awarded £1 million to fight homelessness

Oxford City Council and charity Aspire have made a successful bid for government funding to tackle homelessness and move people who had been sleeping rough into permanent, safe housing.

The newly-awarded portion of Government money will be split three ways. £897,233 will go to providing 124 rooms of interim housing for people in vulnerable housing or rough sleeping before the pandemic and £25,000 will go to moving people into more settled private rented housing, by paying deposits and helping with rent in advance. 

The remaining £142,312 will go to Aspire to refurbish empty properties and make them available as move-on accommodation for people who have experienced homelessness.

Aspire CEO, Paul Roberts, told Cherwell that: “The timing of this funding support could not be better. It will enable us to complete the conversion of the remaining three of the five vacant properties in central Oxford made available by one of the Oxford Colleges.

“This will provide move-on accommodation and dedicated support for another 17 homeless persons currently temporarily housed in hotels.”

In March, the Government announced the ‘Everyone In’ scheme to try and urge local authorities to provide as much accommodation as possible to those sleeping on the streets during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Throughout the country, around 15,000 individuals were moved into temporary or permanent housing. To stop those helped from returning to unstable housing situations, the Government launched the Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP). 

This has various streams of funding which aim to ensure people do not return to homelessness. £105 million was provided for emergency housing support, including securing hostel and hotel rooms for rough sleepers particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. 

Support for individuals wishing to reconnect with family and friends was also promised. £433 million is planned to be spent between now and May 2024 to move people into permanent residence. A £23 million fund is also available to support drug and alcohol treatments. 

In Oxford, 241 people have already been housed under ‘Everyone In’ arrangement, including 93 people who have been helped into more permanent housing. This includes Saïd Business School providing 12 rooms, University College providing six rooms, and Pembroke College assisting with catering. Numerous commercial hotels and hostels also made rooms available.

More people sleep rough in Oxford than in most UK cities, excluding central London. The number of rough sleepers in Oxford has increased by 400% since 2012. O’Hanlon House, one of several homeless shelters in the city, provides beds for 56 people over 22 years of age, and about 20 younger people. In November of 2019, it was estimated that 43 people were rough sleeping in central Oxford.

Image credit: Andi North/ Flickr. License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

1...419420421...2,514Page 420 of 2,514

Support Student Journalism

Cherwell is Oxford’s oldest independent newspaper, established in 1920. We are entirely student-run. By supporting us, you will contribute to keeping our paper in print and online. Every donation makes a difference.

Donate

Explore

Follow us

More

Oxford Student Publications Limited © 2025 - All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

Website by James Ashley