Aug 2014 Speaker - Robert Gardiner - Bursar, Jack of All Trades but not the Master

Tonight we had an illustrated talk from an experienced and entertaining speaker, Robert Gardiner,  on his work as Bursar of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge.

Robert took us through the huge range of roles that he has to balance in order to organise the life of the college including catering, gardening, building, finance, events, HR, recruitment, wine, inter-college liaison etc.  The college is relatively new, built in the 1960's, as an all womens college.  Unlike Oxford there are still some colleges that think it important to positively discriminate in the favour of women - even the statutes of the college assume his role will be filled by a female!  The architect was the same as the Barbican Centre in London and now the accomodation blocks are Listed Buildings. With a budget of around 7 million he has an enormous responsibility to see the money well spent and replaced each year.  With a staff of about 100 people he looks after the students and the 55 fellows who teach them.  What a challenge!

NOTE - We are visiting a new venue tonight - the Gonville Hotel, East Road, Cambridge - parking available on-site to the front, right side and rear of the main building plus bike racks and a charging point for an electric car.

www.gonvillehotel.co.uk/contact                            - off East Road near corner with Hills Road.

Good Disabled Parking and access at the back of the hotel (drive around to the right of the hotel).

The room we used was very convenient,  just off the Reception area, with a capacity of 40 people on round tables.  The access is flat and level throughout and the bar area and toilets close at hand.  The food was well cooked and served.  The screen, projector and laptop worked well.

Unlike our usual venue we need to BOOK A PLACE at this venue. 

Let Martin know, by the end of Thursday if you want to book your place.