We went to my PhD supervisor's remembrance service in the college chapel. Obviously it mostly wasn't appropriate to take photos but I did get my phone out as the chapel was filling up. It was the most beautiful service you can imagine. The choir was amazing and sang some unusual pieces. Their sound is very pure as the chapel has no echo compared with King's. One of my friends did an address and pitched it perfectly, emphasising the great affection and regard we held him in without actually making us fall apart. The congregation was full of the great and the good of science including Tim Hunt who has embarrassed himself this week with his comments about female scientists. He ran the lab below Richard's and I can honestly say I never encountered a jot of sexism when I was working in any of Cambridge's science departments (the same was not true of industry or of the college where many of the fellows objected to the admission of women). Tim has achieved many and great things on a regular basis and women scientists are pretty robust creatures (who don't cry!!) so I hope the good things haven't been completely obliterated by the power of Twitter!
If you have time to spare try and find John Taverner's 'Song for Athene' and play it loud enough to hear the sung bass line.....
Gorgeous chapel....love that shine & reflection on the floor! Love the light or lack of it here.....shows up those magnificent windows! Tim Hunt could have bitten his tongue off I imagine.....such a stupid thing to say!
@happypat Well when my friend was saying how much Richard supported women I couldn't look at him! The thing is if you know him you can hear him saying it and it's funny but if you don't... In the old days you could get away with saying something daft in a far away place. I do feel sorry for him because you have to be SO careful - I get tied up at parent council meetings trying not to give the wrong impression and then when you're a bit stressed it all comes out wrong!
@judithg So true Judith......the Internet is a powerful tool! Shame his illustrious career is ending with such a sour note. How often have I felt I should have bitten my tongue!
I'm listening to this now - from the Westminster Abbey Choir! Heavenly! My curiosity is aroused now with what that man said! Great feel here of the service!
