Season’s greetings from Green Templeton!
Wishing happy holidays to everyone!
Our artist-in-residence Weimin He has produced this beautiful image of our iconic Radcliffe Observatory, entitled ‘The Tower of Hope’, to mark the end of Michaelmas 2020.
‘Tower of Hope’. Weimin He, 2020
It has been an unusual year for everyone and we wish a peaceful, happy holiday to all members of our community and a wonderful New Year.
We appreciate this year may be especially difficult for those unable to visit family and friends. We are also mindful the challenges that COVID-19 brings will not take a break over the holidays, so the college is providing full welfare support across the vacation. Find out more about welfare support at Green Templeton over Christmas.
All the latest updates from Green Templeton on COVID-19 can be found here.
As we wind down to the end of the year, you may be interested to look back on our news archive for 2020 and revisit college highlights such as our Giving Day, the Photography Competition 2020, and the launch of our #DIFFERENTEQUAL campaign to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about racism.
The college also welcomed a new Principal earlier this year. Sir Michael Dixon, former Director of the Natural History Museum, joined the college in September. Read our first interview with Sir Michael on his early thoughts on joining Green Templeton.
Of course, much of this year has been dominated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our college community has contributed to the coronavirus challenge in a variety of ways. More about Green Templeton Fellows’ work around COVID-19 is available here, while our Alumni CoVoices pages detail how alumni have been aiding with the pandemic and how their lives have changed.
Finally, if you have some free time over the holidays why not try out a recipe from the Green Templeton kitchen? Our Head Chef Chris Lyford has recommended some delicious and simple recipes to whip up at home!
We look forward to seeing you all in Hilary!
Update 23 December
From Saturday 26 December at 00:01 Oxfordshire will be in Tier 4 (Stay at Home) of the UK Government local restrictions. All indoor facilities will be closed at from that point until further notice.
As conservation work continues on the Radcliffe Observatory, we were delighted to climb to the very top of the impressive scaffold and enjoy a unique perspective on this iconic landmark.
Along the way, we uncovered some fascinating details—and a few cheeky surprises—carved into parts of the stonework. ✨
These hidden marks offer a glimpse into the stories, craftsmanship, and personalities that have become part of the building’s rich history. Stay tuned as we continue to share more behind-the-scenes moments from this remarkable conservation project.
Congratulations to all of the @gtcball2026 survivors 🪼🫧🪸🧜🌊✨
From the ocean floor to the dance floor 🌊🪸🫧💙🧜 🐙🪼
We had an incredible evening at the Nautilus Ball! @gtcball2026
The Radcliffe Observatory is having a conservation makeover...
Behind the printed wrap is a complex network of poles and platforms, giving specialist teams access to every part of this remarkable building.
The Observatory is now undergoing a new phase of work that combines careful conservation of its historic fabric with major environmental upgrades.
Protecting one of Oxford`s most iconic landmarks for generations to come. 🏛️
Over the past week, we have celebrated the extraordinary Green Templeton community through events, volunteering, competitions, challenges and fundraising for student support. It has been wonderful to see alumni, fellows, supporters, friends, staff and students coming together to show our support for students.
From the Garden Party and the Photography Competition, to the Memory Wall and Biscuit Decorating Competition, the week has been filled with moments that reflect the warmth, inclusivity and spirit of our college.
Thank you to everyone who made a gift, attended an event, volunteered their time or followed along throughout the week. Together, we have raised over £65,000 for student support. These gifts will help students pursue opportunities, navigate financial pressures, participate fully in college life and thrive during their time at Oxford.
#ThankYou
#GivingWeek
#Fundraising
#StudentSupport
#Oxford
