Skip to main content

Senior Common Room (SCR)

Hild Bede Senior Common Room (SCR) is a friendly community dedicated to promoting College's values and supporting students' social and educational activities. Its membership is drawn from all age groups and walks of life, allowing College mentors, College officers, College alumni and members of university staff from all departments and faculties to meet in a welcoming collegiate atmosphere, sharing ideas and entertaining visiting academics and guests.

Each year, the SCR allocates funds raised from its members to assist projects which benefit all, or the majority of, Hild Bede students. The SCR works closely with the students themselves, with the Student Representative Council (SRC) and with the Principal to identify the most appropriate and deserving recipients. These range from sponsoring events or buying equipment for clubs and societies to providing small grants to individual students to enable them to represent the college at national student cultural or sporting events.

The SCR also hosts scholarly activities, including regular talks which enable all to engage with cutting edge research in an informal and relaxed environment. You're cordially invited to come along, enjoy wine, a hot drink and nibbles. Entry is free and no advance booking required. Please see the University's What's On guide for details of individual sessions. 

The SCR is a visible presence at more formal College occasions, making up High Table at Formal Dinners and the Academic Procession at the Cathedral Service on College Day. Members are also welcome to attend chapel services - particularly the annual Carol Service - dramatic and musical productions and the Christmas and Summer Balls. In addition, there are regular events arranged especially for members, including the Burns Supper, quizzes, wine tastings and Sunday lunches.

There is a small annual fee payable for membership of the SCR - and there may be additional charges for certain College events.

If you would like to apply for membership of the Senior Common Room, please email hildbede.alumni@durham.ac.uk for more details.

Senior Common Room members have played a small but important part in Hild Bede Cheer's many victories: the SCR donated funds for the squad to buy new uniforms reinforcing the link between past and present students.