Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Wednesday, 11 August 2010

St Bede's reception

Last night I was at St Bede's Hall here in Oxford for a reception to welcome back to Oxford, at least temporarily, and to his new position at St Bede's as chairman of the Board of Directors, Fr Tom Weinandy O.F.M.

The event was an occasion for old and new friends and associates of St Bede's to meet, or to renew acquaintance. Fr Tom spoke about the vision for the Hall and welcomed overseas contacts from the North American College in Rome and from Belmont College in the USA.

I also spoke to Fr Mark Elvins, the Guardian, about the Centre for Franciscan Studies the Oxford Greyfriars are seeking to develop, including some excellent lectures this last academic year.

I was delighted to meet again Prof. James Carley from Toronto, whose work on the Arthurian legend, and particularly in relation to Glastonbury, I have used in connection with my research on Richard Fleming. Prof. Carley is in Oxford as a visiting scholar for the coming year.

There was a positive spirit to the occasion which should auger well for the students planning on coming to study at St Bede's in the future.
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