Churchill College was founded in 1960 as the national and commonwealth memorial to Winston Churchill.
Winston Churchill was very impressed by MIT and wanted a British version, but the plans evolved to the more modest proposal of creating a Scientific and Technological based college within the University of Cambridge. Churchill wanted a mix of non-scientists to ensure a well rounded education and environment for scholars and fellows. The bias to science and engineering remains as policy to the current day, with a general aim of a ratio of 3 technology to 1 arts amongst the college population.
Churchill is situated on the outskirts of the town away from the traditional
centre of old Cambridge, but close to the University's main new
development zone. Its 40 acres (160,000 m²) of grounds make it the physically largest of all the colleges. It was also the first major work of modern architecture in the University of Cambridge, whilst retaining the traditional layout of staircases and courtyards.
Churchill was the first men's college to admit women—within 20 years
all others had followed suit.
In the centre of the college is the Churchill Archive Centre opened in 1974
to provide a home to Sir Winston's papers, and also more recently endowed with papers from former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Cambridge University Radio is broadcast from Churchill College.
The Mastership of the College is a Crown appointment. To date the College has had five Masters:
At the farthest end of the college is Churchill College Chapel. The idea of a having a religious building within a modern, scientifically-oriented, academic institution deeply annoyed some of the
original fellows, reputedly leading to the resignation of Nobel Prize winner Francis Crick in protest. Eventually a compromise was found: the
chapel was sited away from the other buildings, and funded and managed separately from the rest of the College itself, being tactfully referred as "the Chapel at Churchill College".
According to the anecdote, Crick had agreed to become a fellow on the basis that no chapel be placed in Churchill. A donation was later made to Churchill College for the establishment of one, and the majority of fellows voted for it. Winston Churchill reputedly wrote to Crick, saying that no-one need enter the chapel except under free will so it need not be a problem. Crick, in short order, replied with a letter containing 10 guineas saying that if that were the case, here were 10 guineas (1 guinea = 1 pound, 1 shilling) for the establishment of a brothel.
Ents
Every week of the Michaelmas and Lent terms, Churchill is host to The Pav, a weekly music event unusual for Cambridge events in that it is free and open to all university members. (The name Pav orginates from the pavillion buildings of the college where the event was traditionally held. In recent years however, the pav has been held in the main bar area.)
While many older colleges hold balls in May Week, Churchill holds a Spring Ball every February. Past themes have included Showdown (2005), Arabian Nights (2004), Hakuna Matata (2003) and Ocean Bound (2002).
During May Week the college JCR organise a free garden party.
Churchill College JCR
All undergraduate members of Churchill College are automatically members of the Churchill College JCR. The JCR represents undergraduates in various college meetings. The JCR elect members annually to the 15 posts of the JCR committee. These posts are:
- President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Access and Academic Affairs Officer
- Environment and Ethics Officer
- Winston Editor—Winston is Churchill College JCR's free fortnightly publication
- Equipment and Communications Officer
- International Officer
- External Officer
- Webmaster
- Ents (affectionately known as Entsmaster)
- LBGT Officer
- Women's Welfare Officer
- Men's Welfare Officers
Members can opt out of the JCR if they wish, but this is rarely done.
Art
The college contains many examples of artwork including pieces by Andy Warhol and Dame Barbara Hepworth.
External links
Last updated: 08-02-2005 23:20:54
