The summer’s rain failed to prevent a highly enjoyable and successful weekend at Wills Hall. Members of Wills from every generation returned in numbers and as ever were welcomed on arrival by members of the Committee. The Sixty Ninth Annual Dinner was a lively and a happy evening and we were delighted to welcome as guest of honour Michael Liversidge, Dean Emeritus of the Faculty of Arts and distinguished Art Historian. The President of the Junior Common Room, Jonathan Cherry, also gave an excellent speech.

On Sunday, the annual service in the Monica Wills Memorial Chapel was well attended and was taken by Canon Lisle Sharp. We were pleased to welcome Professor Emeritus Phyllida Parsloe, seventh Warden of Wills (1991-1997), who read the second lesson. The Warden preached a fine sermon. After coffee, members and guests enjoyed a first class lecture with slides by Dr. Sarah Whittingham on Sir George Oatley, the architect of Wills Hall and a complex and brilliant man. The lecture started with Oatley’s life, his work in Bristol, for the University, and at Wills Hall. Finally Dr. Whittingham made a close study of Oatley’s beautiful Chapel in which we were sitting.

The weekend was rounded off by Sunday luncheon in Hall. The Hall’s chef and his team surpassed themselves with a lavish buffet. Once again this included two magnificent dressed salmon that had been landed by the Warden himself! We were delighted that many members have responded to our invitation to bring photographs of their time at Wills and we will use an array in publications and on the website. We are grateful to all at Wills who worked so hard to make us welcome and the weekend such a resounding success.

Date: 29th and 30th July 2007

Attendance: 95

Guest Speaker: Michael Liversidge

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