Last Monday, Jamie graduated with an MSc from Balliol College, Oxford University. It was a very hot day, and the wee man had to wear not only a whistle ‘n flute with a gown, but later on a mortarboard and extra gown.
The ceremony took place in The Sheldonian, which was designed by a young Christopher Wren.
Outside The Sheldonian
Most of the proceedings were in Latin.
Jamie and his proud Mum
Jamie and his proud Dad
After some drinks in the Balliol courtyard, we were ushered into the Dining Room, where Ted Heath, amongst others, looked down on me from his portrait on the wall, whilst I stuck into pan-roasted loin of cod with coco beans, crispy pancetta, and vanilla, followed by herb crusted slow-cooked blade of beef with glazed shallot, savoy cabbage and macaroni cheese, and then rhubarb and almond triffle. I was stuffed after that lot.
Then it was time for more photos, before a walk round some other colleges, until I was completely colleged-out..
After that, as tradition dictates, we went on to a restaurant (Gee’s) and enjoyed another meal.
Whole deep-fried crab
Duck hearts on toast, with beans
Pork chop with roasted courgettes
Venison
Crispy rabbit with carrots
Chicken
Chiperones with pasta
It was a fair nosebag, after which, we could hardly move.