Sunday, 14 February 2010
Thank you
I was delighted to come home from work on Saturday night to be greeted by a surprise party for my birthday. Thank you to all the residents who were there and waited for me to arrive home - and to everyone who signed my birthday card. All your good wishes mean a lot to me. Thank you!
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Fire alarm & evacuation 09/02/10
The evacuation in the early hours of Tuesday morning was caused by someone activating the "break glass" call point outside the common room on the third floor.
I need to be sure this will not happen again. Evacuating in the middle of the night is obviously a huge inconvenience to the entire Hall community; but frequent false alarms can also engender a "boy who cried wolf" mentality, making this a serious safety issue.
Ideally, I want the person responsible to contact me and tell me what happened; we should be able to come to an arrangement.
It is in everyone's interests that we find out what happened as quickly as possible. If you know something about what happened contact me in confidence with any information.
I need to be sure this will not happen again. Evacuating in the middle of the night is obviously a huge inconvenience to the entire Hall community; but frequent false alarms can also engender a "boy who cried wolf" mentality, making this a serious safety issue.
Ideally, I want the person responsible to contact me and tell me what happened; we should be able to come to an arrangement.
It is in everyone's interests that we find out what happened as quickly as possible. If you know something about what happened contact me in confidence with any information.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Applications for readmission
Remember the deadline for applying to come back to Connaught Hall next year is 9am on 8th February.
If you don't have an application form (it should have been emailed to you), contact the Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau at info.halls@london.ac.uk.
Places are strictly limited and must be allocated according to quotas set by the colleges of the University. It is very unusual for anyone to be offered a third year in Hall. Places will not be offered to residents who have not fully paid their Hall fees for term 1; nor will places usually be offered to residents with disciplinary warnings on file.
I can support applications from residents with significant medical or social reasons for wishing to stay for a second year, and those who have made a major positive contribution to the social and community life of the Hall. Please contact me well in advance if you would like to be considered for any of these categories, or if you intend to apply but you fall into one of the excluded groups in the paragraph above: you can email me at warden@connaught-hall.org.uk or attend one of my open office sessions.
If you don't have an application form (it should have been emailed to you), contact the Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau at info.halls@london.ac.uk.
Places are strictly limited and must be allocated according to quotas set by the colleges of the University. It is very unusual for anyone to be offered a third year in Hall. Places will not be offered to residents who have not fully paid their Hall fees for term 1; nor will places usually be offered to residents with disciplinary warnings on file.
I can support applications from residents with significant medical or social reasons for wishing to stay for a second year, and those who have made a major positive contribution to the social and community life of the Hall. Please contact me well in advance if you would like to be considered for any of these categories, or if you intend to apply but you fall into one of the excluded groups in the paragraph above: you can email me at warden@connaught-hall.org.uk or attend one of my open office sessions.
Mediation-Arbitration meetings
Sometimes I receive complaints about other residents' behaviour (usually related to noise) that, whilst irritating or disturbing to the complainant, does not fall under the code of discipline. Because there is no disciplinary fix to some of these issues, they can sometimes become chronic and both sides of the dispute end up feeling frustrated.
During the last few years I have experimented with a means of dispute resolution in these cases called mediation-arbitration. In most cases we have managed to come to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties to the dispute. I just published an information sheet about this process (click here to view). Contact me or one of the Senior Members if you think a meeting like this would be useful in solving any disputes between you and other Hall residents.
During the last few years I have experimented with a means of dispute resolution in these cases called mediation-arbitration. In most cases we have managed to come to a satisfactory conclusion for both parties to the dispute. I just published an information sheet about this process (click here to view). Contact me or one of the Senior Members if you think a meeting like this would be useful in solving any disputes between you and other Hall residents.
Bulletin
Keep up to date with Hall news and events with the latest edition of the Bulletin: click here.
Open office sessions in February
Monday 1 February: 22.15 – 22.45
Tuesday 2 February: 13.00 – 13.45
Saturday 6 February: 17.30 – 18.15
Thursday 18 February: 21.00 – 22.00
These are open sessions in the Warden’s Office on the ground floor. You can drop in without an appointment to discuss anything that is concerning you. If the office door is closed, please wait in reception until the door is opened.
You can make an appointment to see me at a different time by email (warden@connaught-hall.org.uk) or at http://warden.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Tuesday 2 February: 13.00 – 13.45
Saturday 6 February: 17.30 – 18.15
Thursday 18 February: 21.00 – 22.00
These are open sessions in the Warden’s Office on the ground floor. You can drop in without an appointment to discuss anything that is concerning you. If the office door is closed, please wait in reception until the door is opened.
You can make an appointment to see me at a different time by email (warden@connaught-hall.org.uk) or at http://warden.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Parties at Connaught Hall
I need your help to ensure that the Resident's Club can continue to organise parties in the bar whilst taking care to safeguard the wellbeing and security of residents, and protect the Hall from damage and unnecessary mess.
The last two parties have left rather more mess and caused more disruption in the rest of the Hall than I would expect. The next party will be on 12 February (for Valentine's Day). The bar will close at 1.30 instead of 2.00, and I should like everyone to bear in mind:
I have published new guidance for bar staff and DJs for the Valentine's party:
The last two parties have left rather more mess and caused more disruption in the rest of the Hall than I would expect. The next party will be on 12 February (for Valentine's Day). The bar will close at 1.30 instead of 2.00, and I should like everyone to bear in mind:
- Parties are held in the bar only; residents in the rest of the building who do not wish to attend the party should be able to study or sleep if they want to.
- Only alcoholic drinks purchased at the bar may be consumed in the bar, Bell room, and garden.
- All guests must be met at reception and signed in by a resident. Residents may be held responsible for their guests' behaviour.
- The party ends at closing time (usually 2.00). Those who want to continue partying after that need to go out to another venue. Student rooms, the common rooms, and the steps outside the front of the building may not be used for after-parties. The Hall should be as quiet as any other night by 2.20.
I have published new guidance for bar staff and DJs for the Valentine's party:
- The Licensing Act 2003 - a guide for bar staff
- Instructions for bar staff at late parties
- Instructions for DJs at late parties
I will review how parties are organised, the hours at which they are allowed, and how frequently parties may be held, after the Valentines' party. Please help keep mess and noise to a minimum so that I do not have to place restrictions on future parties.
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Christmas dinner
Thank you to everyone who helped out at Christmas dinner last week.
I was delighted that we could continue our Connaught Hall tradition of having our own residents play live music throughout dinner and for members of my team to serve residents their dinner at the table. And of course, the kitchen staff did a wonderful job of decorating the dining hall and preparing a really super meal for us all. As well as all this planned work, a number of students generously - and without being asked - gave their time to help with organisation on the day. Thank you again to everyone.
Photographs of our Christmas dinner are now online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/connaughthall/sets/72157603501357815/?page=3.
I wish everyone at Connaught Hall a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
I was delighted that we could continue our Connaught Hall tradition of having our own residents play live music throughout dinner and for members of my team to serve residents their dinner at the table. And of course, the kitchen staff did a wonderful job of decorating the dining hall and preparing a really super meal for us all. As well as all this planned work, a number of students generously - and without being asked - gave their time to help with organisation on the day. Thank you again to everyone.
Photographs of our Christmas dinner are now online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/connaughthall/sets/72157603501357815/?page=3.
I wish everyone at Connaught Hall a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Christmas address
Technical difficulties have prevented the podcast of my Christmas dinner speech being uploaded. This was the text of my speech:
I said in my speech to the welcome buffet this year that I hoped you would all quickly settle into the Hall and make it your home; and I see evidence every day that you are doing just that: there is a real sense of community at Connaught Hall this year, and I know many of you have made friendships here already that will endure long beyond your time at University.
And I hope events like Christmas dinner and party, the Christmas tree dressing last Thursday, and our night out on Foundation Day, when 20 students from Connaught Hall had a chance to meet Princess Anne, help you to meet people you otherwise would never get to know.
I also said in my welcome speech that I wanted discipline to be a very minor part of my role this year - and I'm happy to say this wish has also come true. So thanks are due to all of you for that.
The Residents' Club Committee has been very active this term. As well as numerous Christmas-themed events in these last two weeks, they've organised three parties and a talent show; they've taken residents on trips to the theatre and the cinema; a group of residents went to Cambridge for a day; and several sports tournaments have either already taken place or are planned in the near future.
The Officers of the Club have also been active in helping to represent your views to Hall staff and to contractors like the catering department. The Club's financial situation is healthy and I hope they will continue to organise activities for you all to get involved in next year.
Now, the Residents' Club Committee are your representatives in Hall; if you think they should be doing things differently, or if you have suggestions for events they could organise or causes to support, I know they will be glad to receive your constructive feedback by email or in person. They are also currently considering ways in which they can engage more residents in the decision-making process in Hall.
If we all work together we can contribute to an even more dynamic and outward-looking, more representative, Residents' Club.
We have had a few problems with the lift and with one or two catering issues; but I hope you will agree that we've all engaged in constructive dialogue about these things and largely resolved them.
There will be some refurbishment work taking place over the Christmas vacation, and those of you who regularly use the bar in particular should notice some improvements when it reopens in January.
Most of you will be leaving Connaught Hall for a few weeks over Christmas.
If you are going away, make sure you have claimed your meal rebate and that you leave your key and swipe card at reception when you sign out.
If you're staying here during the vacation, remember that some of our meals will be provided at International Hall and Hughes Parry Hall but Connaught will otherwise be open as usual; the Senior Members and I will be here throughout if you need any help.
As always, get in touch if you have any suggestions; we can only make things better with your help.
If you are travelling during the holidays, I wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you back relaxed and refreshed next year.
And I wish you all a wonderful, happy Christmas, and a successful new year.
I said in my speech to the welcome buffet this year that I hoped you would all quickly settle into the Hall and make it your home; and I see evidence every day that you are doing just that: there is a real sense of community at Connaught Hall this year, and I know many of you have made friendships here already that will endure long beyond your time at University.
And I hope events like Christmas dinner and party, the Christmas tree dressing last Thursday, and our night out on Foundation Day, when 20 students from Connaught Hall had a chance to meet Princess Anne, help you to meet people you otherwise would never get to know.
I also said in my welcome speech that I wanted discipline to be a very minor part of my role this year - and I'm happy to say this wish has also come true. So thanks are due to all of you for that.
The Residents' Club Committee has been very active this term. As well as numerous Christmas-themed events in these last two weeks, they've organised three parties and a talent show; they've taken residents on trips to the theatre and the cinema; a group of residents went to Cambridge for a day; and several sports tournaments have either already taken place or are planned in the near future.
The Officers of the Club have also been active in helping to represent your views to Hall staff and to contractors like the catering department. The Club's financial situation is healthy and I hope they will continue to organise activities for you all to get involved in next year.
Now, the Residents' Club Committee are your representatives in Hall; if you think they should be doing things differently, or if you have suggestions for events they could organise or causes to support, I know they will be glad to receive your constructive feedback by email or in person. They are also currently considering ways in which they can engage more residents in the decision-making process in Hall.
If we all work together we can contribute to an even more dynamic and outward-looking, more representative, Residents' Club.
We have had a few problems with the lift and with one or two catering issues; but I hope you will agree that we've all engaged in constructive dialogue about these things and largely resolved them.
There will be some refurbishment work taking place over the Christmas vacation, and those of you who regularly use the bar in particular should notice some improvements when it reopens in January.
Most of you will be leaving Connaught Hall for a few weeks over Christmas.
If you are going away, make sure you have claimed your meal rebate and that you leave your key and swipe card at reception when you sign out.
If you're staying here during the vacation, remember that some of our meals will be provided at International Hall and Hughes Parry Hall but Connaught will otherwise be open as usual; the Senior Members and I will be here throughout if you need any help.
As always, get in touch if you have any suggestions; we can only make things better with your help.
If you are travelling during the holidays, I wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you back relaxed and refreshed next year.
And I wish you all a wonderful, happy Christmas, and a successful new year.
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Common rooms
We've had a couple of problems with the common rooms in recent weeks, so I want to make sure everyone is clear about the best way to use the common rooms whilst ensuring other residents are not inconvenienced.
There are some rules about using the common rooms, posted on the doors to the common rooms, and you can view this poster by clicking here.
The key things to remember are:
1. There are bedrooms immediately opposite and adjacent to both common rooms. They do have proper concrete walls (rather than the thin plasterboard that separates many bedrooms from one another) so it's ok to talk at normal volume in the common rooms any time. But they are not an appropriate place to hold a party at night: as with any other area of the building, no noise should be audible from outside the common rooms between 11pm and 7am.
2. Please don't "reserve" common rooms. They are for eveyone. If you need a room to study in, talk to someone in the Bursar's Office well in advance and they will see if there is anything they can do to help.
3. Leave the common rooms tidy. If everyone picks up their own rubbish and puts it in the bin, the room will be in a useable state for the next resident who wants to use it. They're only cleaned once every morning!
There are some rules about using the common rooms, posted on the doors to the common rooms, and you can view this poster by clicking here.
The key things to remember are:
1. There are bedrooms immediately opposite and adjacent to both common rooms. They do have proper concrete walls (rather than the thin plasterboard that separates many bedrooms from one another) so it's ok to talk at normal volume in the common rooms any time. But they are not an appropriate place to hold a party at night: as with any other area of the building, no noise should be audible from outside the common rooms between 11pm and 7am.
2. Please don't "reserve" common rooms. They are for eveyone. If you need a room to study in, talk to someone in the Bursar's Office well in advance and they will see if there is anything they can do to help.
3. Leave the common rooms tidy. If everyone picks up their own rubbish and puts it in the bin, the room will be in a useable state for the next resident who wants to use it. They're only cleaned once every morning!
Christmas tree dressing
Thank you to everyone (all 30 or 40 of you) who helped to decorate the Hall's two Christmas trees on Thursday. The trees look great.
I thought the mince pies and mulled wine were pretty good, and it seemed as though everyone involved enjoyed the chance to dress a Christmas tree - one of those things that you don't realise you will miss at home when you move to University!
On Friday is our Hall Christmas dinner. All residents are invited and you can see the menu and programme of entertainment here. You can also see the photos from past Christmas dinners at Connaught Hall.
I thought the mince pies and mulled wine were pretty good, and it seemed as though everyone involved enjoyed the chance to dress a Christmas tree - one of those things that you don't realise you will miss at home when you move to University!
On Friday is our Hall Christmas dinner. All residents are invited and you can see the menu and programme of entertainment here. You can also see the photos from past Christmas dinners at Connaught Hall.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Facilities Committee
Applications are invited for eight student representatives on the Hall Facilities Committee.
As a student representative, you will meet with Hall staff and members of the elected Residents’ Club Committee to help make decisions about:
There are four meetings a year, each lasting around one hour – so it’s not a huge commitment, and it’s a good point to add to your CV!
If you want to join, send a note of your name, room number & email address to facilities.committee@connaught-hall.org.uk no later than 6pm on 26 November.
If more than eight residents apply, members will be chosen randomly from the applications received. The first meeting will be in early December.
As a student representative, you will meet with Hall staff and members of the elected Residents’ Club Committee to help make decisions about:
- fire safety
- housekeeping
- first aid
- security
- catering
- smoking policy
- maintenance
- health promotion
- reception services
- recycling & re-use
There are four meetings a year, each lasting around one hour – so it’s not a huge commitment, and it’s a good point to add to your CV!
If you want to join, send a note of your name, room number & email address to facilities.committee@connaught-hall.org.uk no later than 6pm on 26 November.
If more than eight residents apply, members will be chosen randomly from the applications received. The first meeting will be in early December.
Remembrance Sunday & Armistice Day
A national two-minute silence will be held at 11.00 am on Remembrance Sunday (8 November) to remember those who have been killed or injured in wars and conflicts worldwide. Her Majesty The Queen will lead a national service of remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, starting at 10.30. There will be a further national two-minute silence at 11.00 am on Armistice Day (11 November), marking the end of the First World War.
At Connaught Hall, the beginning and end of the two-minute silence on both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day will be marked by brief soundings of the fire alarm. We encourage residents and visitors to participate in a few moments of quiet reflection.
At Connaught Hall, the beginning and end of the two-minute silence on both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day will be marked by brief soundings of the fire alarm. We encourage residents and visitors to participate in a few moments of quiet reflection.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Open office sessions
Open office sessions for November now available: http://openoffice.connaught-hall.org.uk
Fall back...
Remember: BST ends at 02.00 on Sunday 25 October.
Set your clocks back by one hour at 02.00 (i.e. 02.00 becomes 01.00).
Set your clocks back by one hour at 02.00 (i.e. 02.00 becomes 01.00).
Foundation Day
I have some tickets for Connaught Hall residents to attend Foundation Day on Wednesday 25 November.
Foundation Day is the annual celebration of the grant of the Royal Charter to the University of London. Held in the evening at Senate House, the event begins with the presentation of honorary degrees to a number of public figures by the Chancellor of the University of London, HRH The Princess Royal. Following this ceremony, there is a reception where Her Royal Highness likes to meet many of the students present and guests can enjoy canapes and a glass of wine.
If you would like a ticket, fill in the online form at http://tickets.connaught-hall.org.uk/ before 10pm on Tuesday 27 October.
Foundation Day is the annual celebration of the grant of the Royal Charter to the University of London. Held in the evening at Senate House, the event begins with the presentation of honorary degrees to a number of public figures by the Chancellor of the University of London, HRH The Princess Royal. Following this ceremony, there is a reception where Her Royal Highness likes to meet many of the students present and guests can enjoy canapes and a glass of wine.
If you would like a ticket, fill in the online form at http://tickets.connaught-hall.org.uk/ before 10pm on Tuesday 27 October.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Residents' Club Committee
Congratulations to the successful candidates in tonight's election to the Residents' Club Committee:
President - Matthew MacLachlan
Secretary - Polly McKinlay
Treasurer - Alastair Heggie
Entertainment - Aria Shafa
Sports - James Hemsley
The results in full:
134 ballot papers were returned (turnout 63.5%).
There was one spoiled ballot paper.
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Entertainment
Sports
President - Matthew MacLachlan
Secretary - Polly McKinlay
Treasurer - Alastair Heggie
Entertainment - Aria Shafa
Sports - James Hemsley
The results in full:
134 ballot papers were returned (turnout 63.5%).
There was one spoiled ballot paper.
President
- Hugh Black - 35
- Matthew MacLachlan - 44
- Roland Nathaniel - 17
- David Whelan - 5
- James Wilson - 25
Secretary
- Ilona Brenninkmeijer - 53
- Polly McKinlay - 69
Treasurer
- Naaz Ahmed - 38
- Alastair Heggie - 65
- Chris Radford - 25
Entertainment
- Josh Lipworth - 47
- Aria Shafa - 82
Sports
- James Hemsley - 108
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Residents' Club Committee election
Nominations are now open for election to the Residents' Club Committee.
For details and to sign up, visit the election website:
http://election.connaught-hall.org.uk
For details and to sign up, visit the election website:
http://election.connaught-hall.org.uk
Social events
Social events in Hall this week:
Connaught "my Kodak" picture challenge: Monday 5 October (afternoon)
Pub quiz: Monday 5 October in the bar (evening)
Circle Line pub crawl: Tuesday 6 October (afternoon)
Tea party with cakes: Tuesday 6 October (evening)
First-floor reception with wine: Tuesday 6 October (7-8pm in the Tavistock Room)
Visit to the Trocadero centre: Wednesday 7 October (afternoon)
Welcome buffet with wine: Wednesday 7 October (6-7pm in the dining hall)
Sports afternoon: Thursday 8 October
Speed meeting: Thursday 8 October (evening)
Ground-floor & basement reception with wine: Thursday 8 October (7-8pm in the Bamforth Room)
Third-floor reception with wine: Thursday 8 October (7-8pm in the 3rd fl Common Room)
Trip to the British Museum: Friday 9 October (afternoon)
Curry night: Friday 9 October (evening)
Trip to Camden market: Saturday 10 October (afternoon)
Freshers party: Saturday 10 October (8pm-2am in the bar)
Rounders in Regent's Park: Sunday 11 October (afternoon)
Film night: Sunday 11 October (evening)
Fourth-floor reception with wine: Sunday 11 October (7-8pm in the 4th fl Common Room)
Connaught "my Kodak" picture challenge: Monday 5 October (afternoon)
Pub quiz: Monday 5 October in the bar (evening)
Circle Line pub crawl: Tuesday 6 October (afternoon)
Tea party with cakes: Tuesday 6 October (evening)
First-floor reception with wine: Tuesday 6 October (7-8pm in the Tavistock Room)
Visit to the Trocadero centre: Wednesday 7 October (afternoon)
Welcome buffet with wine: Wednesday 7 October (6-7pm in the dining hall)
Sports afternoon: Thursday 8 October
Speed meeting: Thursday 8 October (evening)
Ground-floor & basement reception with wine: Thursday 8 October (7-8pm in the Bamforth Room)
Third-floor reception with wine: Thursday 8 October (7-8pm in the 3rd fl Common Room)
Trip to the British Museum: Friday 9 October (afternoon)
Curry night: Friday 9 October (evening)
Trip to Camden market: Saturday 10 October (afternoon)
Freshers party: Saturday 10 October (8pm-2am in the bar)
Rounders in Regent's Park: Sunday 11 October (afternoon)
Film night: Sunday 11 October (evening)
Fourth-floor reception with wine: Sunday 11 October (7-8pm in the 4th fl Common Room)
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Open office sessions
My open office sessions for October are as follows:
Saturday 3 October 17.00 – 18.00
Wednesday 7 October 19.00 – 19.45
Saturday 17 October 20.30 – 21.30
Thursday 22 October 20.00 – 21.00
These are open sessions in my office on the ground floor.
You can drop in without an appointment to discuss anything that is concerning you. If the office door is closed, please wait in reception until the door is opened.
If you prefer to make an appointment to see me a different time, use the online form at warden.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Saturday 3 October 17.00 – 18.00
Wednesday 7 October 19.00 – 19.45
Saturday 17 October 20.30 – 21.30
Thursday 22 October 20.00 – 21.00
These are open sessions in my office on the ground floor.
You can drop in without an appointment to discuss anything that is concerning you. If the office door is closed, please wait in reception until the door is opened.
If you prefer to make an appointment to see me a different time, use the online form at warden.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Noise
We've received a few noise complaints already this year about noise mostly in the early hours of the morning when residents come home from a night out.
Please remember the walls in Hall are pretty thin and the layout of our corridors means the noise from voices and slamming doors travels a long way and can disturb a lot of people. This was a problem identified by many respondents to last year's noise survey, the results of which are published here:
http://www.scribd.com/full/15504181?access_key=key-14av9ejuuqu4b3fjzue6
So please keep your voices down when you get back after a night out, try not to let doors slam shut, and be aware that if you're in the corridor or standing outside the front of the Hall smoking, any noise you make could wake up lots of people.
If you're having problems with noise, email us at noise@connaught-hall.org.uk.
Please remember the walls in Hall are pretty thin and the layout of our corridors means the noise from voices and slamming doors travels a long way and can disturb a lot of people. This was a problem identified by many respondents to last year's noise survey, the results of which are published here:
http://www.scribd.com/full/15504181?access_key=key-14av9ejuuqu4b3fjzue6
So please keep your voices down when you get back after a night out, try not to let doors slam shut, and be aware that if you're in the corridor or standing outside the front of the Hall smoking, any noise you make could wake up lots of people.
If you're having problems with noise, email us at noise@connaught-hall.org.uk.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Apologies
There will be afternoon tea in the reception lobby between 2 and 5 pm this Sunday (27/09).
Unfortunately I will only be able to attend right at the end of afternoon tea as I have to work in my emergency department at short notice this weekend. I will dine in Hall this Sunday so if you wanted to talk to me at afternoon tea, come and find at dinner instead. I will also be at afternoon tea on Sunday 4 October as planned.
My next open office session is at 5 pm on Saturday 3 October.
Unfortunately I will only be able to attend right at the end of afternoon tea as I have to work in my emergency department at short notice this weekend. I will dine in Hall this Sunday so if you wanted to talk to me at afternoon tea, come and find at dinner instead. I will also be at afternoon tea on Sunday 4 October as planned.
My next open office session is at 5 pm on Saturday 3 October.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Welcome & fitness room
It's been a pleasure to meet some of the first wave of new residents to move in this weekend. I hope you are all starting to settle in and looking forward to lots more arrivals over the next two weeks.
Quite a few people have been asking about the gym / fitness room.
The University has asked us to close the gym on insurance / health & safety grounds: if we kept the gym open and someone hurt themself, our insurers would not pay out, which would cause problems for the injured resident, the hall finances, and all the other residents whose facilities would suffer as a result of the hall having to foot the compensation bill.
I do really think this is a shame but the truth is that the fitness room was only ever used by a small minority of residents and its closure opens up the possibility of us creating a new, exciting social space in the basement that should be more widely used. This is a project that the elected Residents' Club Committee for 2009-10 will enjoy.
Be sure to let us know if you have any ideas for how we could use the old fitness room in future.
Quite a few people have been asking about the gym / fitness room.
The University has asked us to close the gym on insurance / health & safety grounds: if we kept the gym open and someone hurt themself, our insurers would not pay out, which would cause problems for the injured resident, the hall finances, and all the other residents whose facilities would suffer as a result of the hall having to foot the compensation bill.
I do really think this is a shame but the truth is that the fitness room was only ever used by a small minority of residents and its closure opens up the possibility of us creating a new, exciting social space in the basement that should be more widely used. This is a project that the elected Residents' Club Committee for 2009-10 will enjoy.
Be sure to let us know if you have any ideas for how we could use the old fitness room in future.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Welcome podcast
I just posted a welcome message on the Connaught Hall YouTube channel:
podcasts.connaught-hall.org.uk
podcasts.connaught-hall.org.uk
Monday, 7 September 2009
Welcome events
Sunday 27th September & Sunday 4th October, 2pm to 5pm
in the reception lobby
Wednesday 7th October, 6pm
in the dining hall
Wednesday 14th October, 6pm
in the dining hall
(provisional date)
in the reception lobby
Afternoon tea hosted by the Warden and Senior Members: tea & cakes and an opporunity to meet the staff and other residents; families and friends also welcome to take a break from moving in!
Wednesday 7th October, 6pm
in the dining hall
Welcome buffet supper: a special buffet-style supper with wine, a formal welcome from the Warden, introductions to the staff, and another chance to mingle with other residents.
Wednesday 14th October, 6pm
in the dining hall
(provisional date)
Residents' Club Committee elections and General Meeting: candidates standing for election to the Residents' Club Committee make their speeches and residents can vote for their preferred candidates. Residents will also be asked to vote on proposed amendments to the Club Constitution - draft copy available to download at constitution.connaught-hall.org.uk.
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