Green Templeton celebrates a socially-distanced Christmas in the Quad

Green Templeton College staff gathered to celebrate a socially distanced Christmas in the Quad on Thursday 17 December.

Colleagues admired the Christmas tree outside the Lodge and chatted over mince pies, mulled wine and soft drinks while Christmas music played, as they marked the end of Michaelmas term in a COVID-19 secure way.

A staff member raises a cup of mulled wine in a toast as the Radcliffe Observatory shines in the distance

Green Templeton staff enjoy a socially-distanced Christmas catchup in the Quad

Staff members mark the end of Michaelmas 2020 with mulled wine and minced pies in the Quad at a social distance from each other

Plates of mince pies and jugs of mulled wine on a table in the college Quad

A cup of mulled wine and a mince pie on a table next to Christmas decorations

The festive staff event was organised by the Events and Catering Teams, alongside other separate Christmas in the Quad gatherings for students and families.

There was plenty of excitement at the student event too, with friends who hadn’t seen each other in person for lengthy periods of time overjoyed to catch up with each other, albeit at a distance!

Meanwhile, at the family friendly event children were treated to hot chocolate as they admired the Christmas lights in college.

The Events and Catering Teams also spread some cheer during the last week of term by delivering festive hampers full of goodies to students.

 

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The hampers were filled with an assortment of treats including cheese and crackers, candy canes, chocolate and decorate your own gingerbread kits.

We hope everyone who received one enjoyed the contents!

A chocolate yule log, mince pies, chocolate and candy canes sitting on a table

The Events and Catering Teams launched their own Instagram account in Michaelmas.

Follow Instagram @observatory_team for behind the scenes photos of mouthwatering food, recipe ideas, and events updates!

Created: 22 December 2020

We are delighted to announce Green Templeton’s Community & Giving Week, taking place from 20–26 June 2026🥳

Throughout the week, we’ll be raising funds for student support while celebrating our wonderful community. There will be opportunities to volunteer you time to help our students, take part in college competitions and unlock additional funds through community challenges. 

Early giving is now open, and thanks to a group of generous supporters, we have £20,000 to match donations ahead of 20 June. 

Explore our Giving Week platform and make an early gift - link in bio!
📷 The Green Templeton College Photography Competition 2026 is now open!

This year’s theme is ‘The student experience’ — and we’re looking for striking, imaginative photographs that explore this and what it means to you! 
🟢 Open to: students, alumni, fellows, common room members, associate members and staff
💷 Prize: £200
📅 Deadline: Monday 1 June 2026 at 13:00
Submit up to three photos to: communications@gtc.ox.ac.uk, including when and where they were taken. We can’t wait to see your work!
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