Senior Common Room

The Senior Common Room (SCR) is composed of the senior members of the community of St Mary's College. Our membership includes the College Officers and Senior Residents, Visiting Fellows, the College Mentors, and a diverse group of elected members from within the University and also from other walks of life. Like the rest of the College, the SCR is a diverse body including members from different countries and cultures and with a wide range of academic purpose of the University and the particular aims of St Mary's College. New members are encouraged, to keep the membership vibrant and fresh, with new ideas and a mix of views and cultures.

Members dine regularly on High Table, and enjoy a formal meal with waitress service at least once a week, usually on Tuesdays. Despite the tradition of wearing academic gowns, our weekly formal meals are relaxed and cheerful and members enjoy the friendly, international atmosphere.

Our termly programme of events includes lectures, wine tasting, informal poetry evenings, gourmet evenings and meals for special occasions, outings to theatres, museums or other places of interest. We are open to suggestions from the membership for new activities to enhance the range of activities available.

The SCR offers support to the JCR and MCR in various ways. We enjoy participating in their dances, dramatic and musical events, and invite members to many of the SCR activities.

Facilities offered by the SCR

The facilities available for SCR members include the use of an elgant common room which provides a quiet space for relaxation at any time of day, and where there are collections of novels and a television.

Newspapers are provided daily during term and for part of the vacations. Hot coffee and tea and chilled soft drinks are available at any time during term, and alcoholic drinks are available before formal meals.

Members are encouraged to use the facilities and comment to the SCR Secretary on how they may be improved.

Full membership of the SCR is achieved through formal nomination by existing members. A CV should accompany the nomination, which is duly considered by the Membership Committee and, if successful, announced at the next SCR meeting. SCR meetings are held once a term.

The present Officers are:

President: Professor Keith Lindsey
Secretary: Miss Linda Morrison (linda.morrison@durham.ac.uk)
Treasurer: Mr Jon Purcell (jon.purcell@durham.ac.uk)
Postal Secretary: Mrs Sylvia Graham
Membership Secretary: Foster Neville
Cultural Member: Dr Gillian Boughton
Wine Member: Mr Mike Daly
Book Club Member: Mrs Nicola Parker
Food Member: The Principal
Web Editor: Catherine Brewer

For further information please see the SCR Welcome Booklet, which can be downloaded to A5 booklet format (see related links on the right).