Charlotte Golding, Female and NB JCR Welfare Officer
On the 14th February 2020, the matriculands of 2018 attended the Halfway Hall formal dinner, to commemorate the midway-point through our degrees. It was a chance for us to reflect on how far we had come from our enrollment into the College, and how the community has shaped us into better academics and well-rounded individuals.
The evening was accompanied by the special addition of the 1473 wine, alongside food that was prepared by the colleges’ hard-working catering staff. The sponsorship of the formal, making it free of charge, made it possible for everyone to join in, and nearly the entire year made time to come and celebrate, and spend time together.
Before the cheese course, served with port, the Senior Tutor, Dr Miranda Griffin, gave a speech to celebrate this significant moment in our degrees, and to the memory of Miss Kate Smith. Miss Smith was the sister of Dr Sydney Smith, a Fellow of St Catharine’s, and was integral in facilitating the friendly community here, which we continue to cultivate in events such as these. It was a very special evening.
Jack Stebbing, JCR President & Male and NB JCR Welfare Officer
What better way to celebrate the mid-point in our time at Catz than with a formal with the whole year-group?! It was a wonderful evening and, thanks to the generous donation of our sponsors, it was available for absolutely everyone without having to worry about the financial strain it might otherwise have induced.
The Kellaway recital beforehand included some thrilling music by Catz students, and afterwards we joined the rest of the year-group for the pre-drinks reception in the McGrath Centre. The meal was delightful – I opted for the vegetarian option, which began with butternut squash velouté, followed by the main course, red onion and squash pithivier with chive and caper crushed potato cake, and chocolate and orange tart for dessert. The continuous refills of the special College 1473 wine were also very welcome. Overall, the delicious food and wine helped create a wonderful atmosphere for us all to enjoy a meal together, an oasis in the hectic Lent Term.
The McGrath Centre was packed afterwards for the cheese and port, with everyone milling around and chatting. It was a lovely opportunity to chat together, enjoy a fabulous meal and celebrate our time so far at Catz!