Past and present members of one of Bristol University’s student halls of residence, Wills Hall, celebrated the arrival of a new pipe organ on Saturday [1 November]. The organ was given to the hall by members of the Wills Hall Association as a birthday present to mark its 75th anniversary.
The organ was dedicated in a service of Choral Evensong taken by the Dean of Bristol, The Very Reverend Robert Grimley. Following this a recital was given by David Bednall, a postgraduate in the University’s Department of Music, a sub-organist of Bristol Cathedral and a rising star in the organ world.
Chairman of the Wills Hall Association, Richard Cross said: “The organ was built in 1983 by the celebrated organ builder Peter Collins. It was installed in St Albans Abbey for the International Organ Festival that year and afterwards in the Christian Science Church, Clifton. Twenty-five years later, Mr Collins has rebuilt the organ in his Melton Mowbray workshop, adding four speaking stops and a case that complements the style of the Wills chapel.
“We are delighted to present a fine instrument by one of the country’s most distinguished organ builders. We hope that it will encourage Bristol’s talented students in their music-making and singing.”
The service of dedication and recital were followed by a special formal dinner where current students and WHA members were joined by a number of guests from across the University including Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council James Foulds and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor David Clarke.
Full reports and many more photographs of this magnificent event can be found the forthcoming Yearbook.
With the London Reception growing in numbers year on year, the WHA decided to hold an event in Bristol this year too. On 19th October, the Warden Donald Shell threw open the doors to his the Warden’s House at Wills to those former members of Hall who are still living in Bristol. Whilst this was a small affair, the reception was enjoyed by all as stories from the different generations were swapped. They were even joined by the Warden’s mother who was celebrating her birthday that day.
Those who were unable to attend this enjoyable event should not worry as there are plans afoot for future Bristol receptions.
Our Patron, Lord Chilver’s (Wills 1944-46, B.Sc. 1947) annual October reception was a sell out. Wills people from every generation enjoyed a tremendous evening of champagne, canapés and conversation at the Oxford and Cambridge Club. We were delighted to welcome the Warden and members of the Senior and Junior Common Rooms from Bristol. Book early for 2009. The date will be advertised in the Yearbook.
We were delighted to welcome the local Member of Parliament and Association. Member Stephen Williams (Wills 1985-87 LL.B. 1988) as guest of honour at our Bristol dinner. He spoke of his enduring affection for Wills. James Ashton-Bell, President of the J.C.R. gave a bravura speech on the continuing importance of Hall life to so many students. Sunday’s well attended service was led by Canon Michael Sansom {Wills 1963-66 BA 1966) of St. Alban’s Cathedral and gave a sneak preview of the new organ. Architectural historian, Dr. Sarah Whittingham returned with a lecture on the history of Wills, finishing with an impromptu tour of the Warden’s house, thanks to Donald Shell.
Stephen Williams to be guest of honour at Wills Dinner on 5th July 2008.
Photographs of the 2007 London Reunion have been added.
Wills Hall Association London Reception -- Wednesday 19th September 2007 6 - 8pm
Thanks to the hospitality of our Patron, Lord Chilver and of Lady Chilver, our members and their guests are warmly invited to a splendid cocktail party at the Oxford and Cambridge Club, Pall Mall, London on Wednesday 19th September 2007 6 - 8pm. Booking closes on 3rd September and places are limited, so you are encouraged to book as soon as possible. To book please contact Ian Whiteman.
Photographs of last year's highly enjoyable reception can be found here.
Wills Hall Association Presidents' Formal Dinner -- Saturday 10th November 2007
The Warden and Association are pleased to invite all former Presidents of the Junior Common Room back to Wills Hall for a special Formal Dinner in Hall. The Presidents and their consorts will join the Warden and students for what promises to be a very happy occasion. If you are a former President and have not received an invitation or if you would like details of how to book please contact Charles Gunter.
Photographs of the 2007 Reunion Weekend have been added.
The photographs of the portrait presentation can be seen here.
Bookings now being taken for 2007 Reunion. More details here.
We are delighted to announce that the Association has just recruited its five hundredth member. We are particularly pleased that it is Neel Gorasia, who we remember as the Treasurer of the JCR in 2004/2005. Neel lived in Wills from 2003 to 2005 and graduated in History last year. This shows the Association's continued growth from just 220 members in 2004. More details will appear in the 2007 Yearbook to be published in March.
Photographs of the 2006 reunion have been added to the site.
The 2007 Convocation Reunion Weekend will take place from Friday 29th June to Sunday 1st July and the sixty-ninth WHA Annual Dinner will be held on Saturday 30th June.