Herts of Gold

16 May 2014

Hertford alumni were given a flavour of Hollywood when Hugh Grant dropped by our fundraising event in support of the Bridge to Bridge Oxford to Venice bike ride.

Guests were entertained by stories from a range of speakers, all of whom were asked the same question – what is the most unlikely thing you have ever done? The Principal introduced our speakers by admitting that cycling 1,100km between Oxford and Venice was certainly “the most unlikely, ambitious and frankly terrifying” thing he has ever done. Jacqui Smith shared her recollections of caravanning in Wales as Home Secretary – while Margaret Beckett, as Foreign Secretary, caravanned abroad. Alan Rusbridger spoke about his bold attempt to learn Chopin’s First Ballade, Op 23, a notoriously difficult piece, in a year; and Anthony Geffen recollected his hair-raising climb of Everest, in the footsteps of George Mallory.

The evening raised £6,813 for the bike ride, and all donations will go towards student support (bursaries, scholarships, hardship grants and outreach). You can find out more about the bike ride and sponsor our cyclists on our blog.