PHOTOS - Matriculation

Haha, it would appear that the illness affecting my posting of pictures here has taken its medication, plenty of bedrest and is now back fighting fit.

Matriculation was a while ago, but there you go. One needs to attend this ceremony to be formally admitted into the university. About 80 years ago there used to be an exam at Matriculation: to get IN to the university you needed to sit an entrance exam, in the previous year say, then sit another at Matriculation to make sure that you hadn't lost your touch. They got rid of that, and their was much rejoicing.

So now it is largely ceremonial, the students get a big photo taken at their college and then troop down to the Sheldonian Theatre [top] for a brief service conducted by the Chancellor. The actual service was over in about 5 minutes, then we hit the pub, which was supposed to open at 11, but we talked them around to an hour earlier.

I must say that there is nothing like a hearty, flat, warm, slightly-tasting-of-meat- English ale at 10:15 in the morning. Fortunately at 11 back at Balliol was a brunch put on in the MCR, in which I was able to atone for the beer with smoked salmon, finger sandwiches, and all of those little things, of which you need to eat about 20 to feel satisfied.

We went to BEERFEST in the afternoon, where you pay a nominal amount [which goes to charity] and walk around sampling beer for an afternoon. The return journey wasn't as linear as the one setting out. I still have the glass, and intend to build up a set over my time here.

There were some hardcore people there from the Campaign of Drinker's Rights, or something. People grumbling that pints are not always full pints, and that glasses should be made bigger to acommodate for the head of teh beer. I have been on the lookout for that in pubs henceforth, prepared to demand the extra 3.33% of beer that was ommitted. Crafty devils.