Harlac's Tongue

Spring 11 - Portugal Trip

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:39:00 --0100

Our Portugal Trip (by Nick Fimek)

For the long weekend in February five other guys and myself decided to head to Portugal. It seemed like the whole school was going to Ireland and we wanted to go somewhere warm so after a little research we booked a flight to Faro. Needless to say if you get six guys going to the same place it is impossible to plan anything so four of us were arriving in Portugal on Thursday and the other two booked the wrong flight and had to come in Friday. Upon arrival to Faro we were extremely excited to see the sun, kind of a rare sight in England, and the weather was beautiful. We were staying in Lagos, about a two hour train ride away from Faro, so we had to get a ticket at the train station and we had a couple hours to kill. Faro is a cool town but it wasn’t my favorite part of the trip, I was really glad I stayed in Lagos. In Faro we just kind of wandered around and went to a place called La Pizza, they put banana on the pizza and it was awesome. I told the pizza guy I was from Chicago and he kept asking me questions, I felt bad because I really couldn’t understand what he was saying so I did the whole smile and nod thing but I think he is under the impression that on the roof of the skyscrapers in Chicago there are a ton of gardens filled with animals. Hopefully he doesn’t go there and gets disappointed. Luckily we were able to make it to the train on time and get to Lagos, which was beautiful. The guesthouse we booked was amazing, right by the beach with a patio, a BBQ, a kitchen and we got two bedrooms. We went out that night and the town was empty, it felt like we owned the town. It was a good start to the trip.

On Friday the four of us headed to the cliffs, which were so cool, and did a little climbing. I’m not sure how safe it was but it was one of my favorite parts of the trip. You could see the tourists on the beach taking pictures of us, hoping we would fall for a good picture. Nobody fell but we all did get some great pictures. Our two other friends arrived when we were cooking dinner and we had a nice relaxing dinner, which all the groceries were really cheap so it was a great alternative to going out. After dinner we went out with a couple people who lived in the other bedroom in the guesthouse and had another good time.

Saturday the weather was beautiful, close to 70 degrees, so we decided to borrow bikes and just ride around. The bikes were pretty interesting because we hadn’t ridden bikes in years so a couple of us fell down but it was pretty funny when it happened though. The first place we went was a great beach, one of the nicest beaches I’ve ever seen. From there we just took our shoes off and wandered around. After the beach we went into town and had a great fish lunch at a really nice restaurant. Probably the best fish I have ever had. When we got back to the guesthouse we thought it would be a good idea to go out to the cliffs and watch the sunset, but most of the group fell asleep. Thankfully two other guys and myself were still up and got on our bikes towards the cliff. Of course, we got hopelessly lost on the way and the sun was going down fast. After going through some really creepy Portuguese back roads we made it just in time to the point, which was the best place in the whole area to watch the sunset because they were facing west. This was by complete accident and even if you were to ask me to take you there again. It was sheer luck that we got there, but the spot was perfect. This was my favorite part of the trip; just sitting on the cliffs watching the waves come in and the sun go down. I’m usually not into that kind of stuff but this was hands down the most naturally beautiful thing I have ever seen. We spent about an hour and a half up there and watched the lights around the distant villages come on. Because we were on a cliff, in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, I got a little paranoid and we rode our bikes back. Riding the bikes back in the dark probably wasn’t the best idea because we could barely ride our bikes in the day, but it was defiantly worth it. That night we went out and we had a really good time.

Fortunately we saw on the schedule that there was a train from Lagos to Faro that would give us enough time to safely get to the airport and have no risk of missing out train. Unfortunately we read the schedule wrong and that train wasn’t available on Sundays, which we didn’t find out until we got to the station. This could have been potentially disastrous and we were under the impression that we were going to have to be stranded in Portugal, which wouldn’t have been too bad, but we kind of need to go to class to graduate. Luckily the owner of the guesthouse was able to call some people and get us a cheap cab to Faro. I don’t think this was a legally licensed cab to the airport but it was cheap and I didn’t ask questions so it worked out. Actually, looking back we were pretty lucky with the whole situation. Finally we got to the airport, bid farewell to Portugal and headed back on the plane to England (I almost missed the flight because I fell asleep in the airport and nobody could find me but thankfully I made it). Overall this trip was amazing and turned out about as well as it could of. Portugal is cheap, beautiful and it doesn’t have that overly tourist feel and I would for sure recommend it.

British Studies, Spring 2011 - Part Two

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:00:00 --0100

We’re two-thirds of the way through the semester...where did that go?

While it seems to have passed very quickly we have crammed quite a bit into the last five weeks. In regular lectures and seminars our exploration of British history and culture has taken us from the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 to the beginning of the 20^th century and the end of the Victorian era, and there have been a wide range of supplementary activities integrated into the College calendar to enrich that exploration.

There have been two splendid evening lectures, the first delivered by Dr Heidi Strobel from the University of Evansville on the subject of Queen Charlotte and artistic ‘matronage’ (not patronage). Harlaxton’s Dr Edward Bujak presented the second lecture, the first in a series of events commemorating 40 years of the University of Evansville’s association with Harlaxton Manor. Both lectures were very well attended.

The British Studies faculty lent a hand with the Student Development Office’s Afternoon Tea event. However, information on the social, economic and political role of tea in the nation’s history probably played second fiddle to the rather fine array of cakes, sandwiches, biscuits (‘cookies’ if you must) and range of teas.

Two field trips have been organised for this middle section of the British Studies course. The first offered a comparison of Southwell Workhouse, the first such institution in the country with our own Harlaxton Manor. The comparison is designed to provide an insight into the Victorian mindset and it’s also a fine opportunity to make use of Harlaxton itself. The house was built at the height of the Victorian age, when concepts of ‘Britishness’ were evolving, becoming fused with notions of history, empire and class. Our students therefore learn about Britain in a building that evokes all the complexities of the British identity.

The second field trip was a voluntary visit to the University of Nottingham, some 25 miles away. This was organised by our colleagues in the Academic Services department and offers students the opportunity to use the library and get a taste of academic life in a U.K. university.

In addition there has been a rich selection of travel opportunities organised by SDO and our faculty colleagues to Stratford-upon-Avon, the Lake District, Ireland, Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge and North Wales. We hope that the British Studies programme offers some context and insight for our students as they travel with the College and by themselves around the United Kingdom and further afield.

Dr David Green

Harlaxton Happenings - "in Just-spring" at Harlaxton

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:38:00 --0100

“in Just-

spring “ at Harlaxton

It is “in Just- spring,” as the poet e e cummings would have written it (and did), and Harlaxton is showing early signs of its spring-time glory. Snow drops are everywhere, thousands of daffodil shoots are breaking through the earth (our students plant daffs every fall semester), the grass—which stays green all year, even under the snows—is growing richly luscious, and buds are appearing on hedgerows and trees. Waterfowl are flying in formation , stopping over on Harlaxton Lake; relieved birds are saying farewell to winter and cavorting in Harlaxton Woods; days are growing longer and longer, and all is coming back to life.

Spring comes early and lasts long in Britain. We welcome it at Harlaxton, at this mid-point of semester, with great joy. Our bumper class of 178 students (the Manor is essentially full) are studying hard, travelling through Britain and Europe, and discovering that magic of Harlaxton, the powerful Learning: All Together that changes lives.

Yes, it is “in Just- spring,” and it is good to be at Harlaxton, where all the faculty are brilliant, all the students are above average, and the energy never stops.

Gordon Kingsley

Principal

S11 Granada Independent Travel

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:37:00 --0100

Sunny Spain!

by Holly Cunningham

After spending a few cold weeks in the United Kingdom, I decided it was time to head somewhere that would offer warmth and sunshine! So my friend Colleen and I booked at trip to Granada, Spain, which turned out to be the most beautiful country I’ve visited thus far. It was so warm that we didn’t even have to wear our coats the entire time we were there! Granada is also filled with beautiful landscapes, views, and buildings. It was definitely a trip worth taking.

Our first day there we just explored the city, visited some shops, and attempted to speak Spanish. One of the locals told us that we should not miss walking to the top of the city (up a tall hill) to experience an incredible view. Although the walk was pretty steep, it was absolutely worth it. Even just walking up the hill was beautiful; the streets are all narrow and made of stone, and the houses that line the streets are gorgeous! Once we made it to the top, the view was fantastic! It took my breath away. On the horizon we could see the entire city, surrounded by a light layer of fog, with the sun beaming through. But the most beautiful scene was that of the Alhambra, with snow-covered mountains as its backdrop. Words really can’t describe the beauty of this site.

The next day we decided to visit some local markets, followed by a trip to the Alhambra. The market was a colorful, lively place, with shops that were full of good buys! There were beautiful painted tiles and ceramics everywhere, handmade leather bags, jewelry, scarves, and so much more. Each shop was unique in it’s own way, although most sold similar products. The shop owners were also really nice, and usually willing to lower their prices a bit if necessary. Once we left the market place we caught a bus to take us to the Alhambra.

This was probably our favorite site from the trip. The Alhambra is enormous, beautifully crafted, and filled with fascinating history. The inside of the palace was one of the most incredible parts. Almost everyone wall is decorated in hand-painted tiles, as well as detailed carvings and décor. It was all so intricate and spectacular; we took hundreds of photos! Every corner we turned there was something new and excited to see, and we felt like we never wanted to leave. There is also an amazing view of Granada from the top of the tower, which was simply breathtaking. The entire trip to the Alhambra was definitely worth the small entrance fee.

Finally, we walked back to our hostel after a long day of site seeing. The next morning we visited a local restaurant before heading back to the airport. Luckily for us they printed the menu in Spanish and English, so we actually knew what all our options were. We both decided to get a ham and cheese croissant, orange juice, and hot tea. The orange juice was the best I have ever had in my life! It tasted as if I were literally drinking a fresh orange, and it was wonderful.

So all in all I would say that we had a great experience in Granada! It was a good way to experience a different culture while seeing beautiful new sites. This has been my favorite trip of the semester, and I would highly recommend visiting there.

S11 London Independent Travel

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:30:00 --0100

London: The Nick Fimek Story

The first weekend in Harlaxton everybody goes to London but I never booked the school trip because I am a bit of a procrastinator. I have already been to London a couple times before that so I figured I would be able to save some money and just do the trip independently, which after some thought was the right choice for me. So after some last minute planning I booked a train ticket, a hostel and was all set for a good weekend. I left for the train station after classes with my roommate and was excited for the upcoming weekend.

It turned out our hostel was in a rich neighborhood right next to Kensington Palace, which was surprising to me because I just picked the cheapest available hostel. I really liked the neighborhood, I felt comfortable and when I told locals I was staying in that area I got a ton of style points. As much as I wanted to look around for hours it was already late at that point and we just wandered around the neighborhood. There weren’t many tourists and we decided to stop at a few pubs before calling it a night.

The next day we hopped on the Tube and headed towards the British National Museum. The museum was massive and I would really recommend it for anyone, and it’s free. I am not a huge museum fan but this one was great, it had the Rosetta stone, mummies and tons of other artifacts from around the world. It would be easy to spend an entire day there and we spent most of our day there. After spending so much time in the museum we decided to just wander around the neighborhood and the nearby universities. It was fun wandering around and getting lost, London is a great city to just walk around with no plan. After a full day we met up with some other Harlaxton students and wandered around the pubs in the area before retiring to our hostel.

Our second day in London was a ton of fun also. The first thing we did when we woke up was head straight to Camden, which is an awesome neighborhood. Because Camden is kind of the hip, counterculture neighborhood in London people watching is a blast. We stopped off at the famous Camden market but I think it was more enjoyable to just to wander in and out of the old record stores in the area where all the locals hung out. I had a blast just meandering around Camden, talking to the people and looking at some of the outrageous things they were selling. Because it was such a nice night we headed to Westminster to see Parliament and just look around. Both of us had already seen that whole area on our previous visits so we weren’t too inclined to go in the actual building and look around. We ended up just sitting on a ledge next to Parliament facing the River Thames and just relaxed until the area was dark. Knowing it was our last night in London we opted to head back to Camden to check out the nightlife, definitely worth it. After an eventful day we both fell asleep instantly at the hostel.

I really enjoyed my time in London and it is a great city to handle with little experience. London is so tourist friendly; pretty much anyone can have a great time without a lot of problems. The train ride back was a bit of a hassle, turns out they get really mad if you get on an earlier train than the one you bought the ticket for, but despite the best efforts of the conductor I made it back to Harlaxton. London was great; I saw some great sights and met some cool people, after that weekend I can’t wait for my next trip to London.

by Nick Fimek

Multiculturalism in Britain

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 13:19:00 --0100

Reports of and comments on Prime Minster David Cameron's speech on multiculturalism in Britain today:

Daily Telegraph

The Independent

The Guardian

British Studies, Spring 2011 - Part One

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:11:00 --0100

British Studies forms the core academic programme at Harlaxton Colllege. It is an interdisciplinary survey of British history and culture from earliest times to the present day and it’s taken by all Harlaxton students. In addition to regular lectures and seminars we organise various experiential and extra-curricula events while the themes and issues discussed in British Studies are blended into a wide range of College activities, particularly the travel programme organised by our colleagues in the Student Development Office. So far this semester those additional activities have included the following events.

The first of our evening lecture series: Dr Joanna Huntington (University of Lincoln) spoke to a packed Gold Room (extra chairs needed) on the subject of the Anglo-Saxon rebel Hereward the Wake.

Harlaxton’s inaugural Burns Night The Bistro just about held everyone who came for an evening of Scottish (and nearly Scottish) culture: there was haggis, poetry, one real Scot, many bad Scottish accents, and some rather good singing. (Thanks to SDO, stalwart members of the Visiting Faculty, the Catering staff and everyone else who helped, especially Dougie.)

Lincoln Field Trip It was a rather bleak day to be wandering around the Roman ruins dating back to about 50 A.D. but well worth it and there was some shelter in the castle (begun 1068), especially in the room which houses one of the original copies of Magna Carta. It was also warm enough in the cathedral (begun 1072) – home to two saints, a queen, numerous bishops and the site of occasional parliaments – it’s also a glory of Gothic architecture. (Once again thanks to all those who led tours and helped organised the day.)

Honors Field Trip to Irnham Hall and Church This provided a unique opportunity for British Studies Honors students to visit Irnham Hall and Church, once home of the Luttrell family, now home to Sir Simon Benton-Jones of Harlaxton’s Advisory Council. The Church once housed the famous Luttrell Psalter (c.1335), now one of the treasures of the British Library and a source we use extensively in the first section of the Honors course. (Many thanks to Dr Gordon Kingsley and Sir Simon Benton-Jones for their assistance in organising this.)

Peterborough cathedral: 67 students signed up for an optional visit to Peterborough led by Dr Phil Taylor, mainly to visit the cathedral (an abbey before the Reformation, with the most extraordinary 13^th-century painted ceiling). Some received a tour of the cathedral and spoke with the Director of Music there in preparation for the next section of the Honors course.

Oh and there’s an exam on Wednesday...

Dr David Green

Harlaxton Happenings - Harlaxton Lions

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:47:00 --0100

Tonight!!! In the Harlaxton College “Sports Hall” (seating capacity 3, standing room 74), the soon-to-be world famous Harlaxton Lions basketball team takes on the Grimsby Gators at 8:15 sharp—well, sort of sharp. Coach Otto invites all to “the match.

It’s college basketball in its pure and best form—refreshingly amateur, for fun and exercise and school spirit, an integral part of the powerful-good education—that’s education--that is the Harlaxton Experience.

So, come along to “the match” if you are in the area. If you’re not, we’re sorry, both ‘cause you’re not here with us in England but also because we probably won’t be on TeeVee.

Whatever. When you can, do come to Harlaxton College—ask anyone-- where all the faculty are brilliant, all the students are above average, and the energy never stops.

Gordon Kingsley
Principal

Spring 2011 Semester Begins

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:35:00 --0100

The Spring 2011 Semester Begins at Harlaxton College

Classes began Monday at Harlaxton College, the British Campus of the University of Evansville, with 178 students in attendance.

The spring student body includes students from the University of Evansville and Baker University (Kansas), Butler University (Indiana), Bethany College (Kansas), Eastern Illinois University (Illinois), Grossmont College (California), James Madison University (Virginia), Judson University (Illinois), Texas Woman's University (Texas), the University of Southern Indiana (Indiana), the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Wisconsin), and Western Kentucky University (Kentucky). UE faculty members teaching at Harlaxton this term include Michael Cullen (biology), and Young Kim (political science).

The Harlaxton curriculum features the core course, the British Experience, and is supplemented by a range of classes in the liberal arts and pre-professional studies. Course-related field trips and optional weekend travel provide opportunities to engage the culture both in Britain and beyond. Harlaxton College, currently celebrating its 40^th anniversary, has served as the British Campus of the University of Evansville since 1971, providing world-class education in a splendid English manor house in the East Midlands countryside.

Earl D. Kirk

Director of Study Abroad

University of Evansville/Harlaxton College

Spring 2011 Arrivals

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:24:00 --0100

This blog entry will be updated as more details become available.

Sat, 8th Jan
09:00 (UK time) - All students due to arrive this weekend have now arrived at Harlaxton. Today we begin with an Opening Convocation and follow with various orientations and other activities before attending a formal Principal's Reception later this evening.

Fri, 7th Jan
15:00 (UK time) - The fourth and final coach/bus has arrived. We have picked up all students except five who will now make their own way to Harlaxton

12:30 (UK time) - The second and third coaches/buses have arrived. The final (fourth) coach/bus has left Heathrow and we expect it to arrive at about 3pm. Unfortunately, five students missed the coaches and will make their own way to Harlaxton.

11:30 (UK time) - The first coach/bus has arrived and the second and third are about s about 45 mins away. Students are grabing a bite to eat, having a wander and asking lots of questions.

10:10 (UK time)
The second and third coaches (buses) have now left Heathrow and are due to arrive at Harlaxton at approx. 13.00.

Fri, 7th Jan
09:00 (UK time)
Students began to arrive at Heathrow from 05.55 this morning and are being greeted by our couriers. The first coach (bus) of approx. 50 students left Heathrow at 08.40 and is due to arrive at Harlaxton at approx. 11.20.

Thurs 6th Jan
21:00 (UK time) - We are ready!
Our couriers are preparing to head down to London in a few hours to meet our Spring 2011 students at Heathrow airport.

We hope to expect the first arrivals at about 06:00 but we are aware of a few flight delays. We are regularly monitoring the situation and will be as flexible as we can regarding airport pickup.

All students have been given information by Earl Kirk on what to do if any of their flights are delayed or they miss the Heathrow airport pick-up and we have repeated the essense of that advice here.

My best advice is to read the departure packet thoroughly. Prepare yourself. Keep the packet handy at all times. It tells passengers what to do and who to call in case of delays of problems, whether in the USA or the UK. Be sure you keep those phone numbers at hand in case you need to alert us to flight delays or changes. Students, be sure to keep me (Earl Kirk) up to date if you have travel changes.

The packet also provides step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions for how to get to Harlaxton Manor via the train if necessary—in case you are delayed well after the time the Harlaxton coaches can wait at the airport. If passengers are delayed on the morning of Friday 7 January, phone the manor (+44 (0) 1476 403000) upon arrival at Heathrow to see if the pick-up team is still at the airport, and then follow instructions. We will do our best to help you if at all possible. Just know that sometimes circumstances are beyond our control and you may be called on to help yourselves and your travel companions.

Fall 2010 Departure Delays

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:45:00 --0100

Severe weather in London has delayed the return to the US of about fifty students who traveled in Europe after semester's end.

It is a difficult situation but people at every level are doing what they can. Under the circumstances our students are handling the situation very well and we are proud of their resilience.

We are in regular contact with the group.

Update - Sunday, 19th Dec at 20:46

All students have now had the option of lodging at an airport hotel or returning to Harlaxton Manor.

Students who booked the group flight through Haynie Travel of Evansville can be assured that their agency is working around the clock to re-book students on the earliest flights available. Your contact at Haynie Travel is ron_enlow@haynietravel.com.

Students who booked on their own should contact their airline or travel agency as soon as possible. Heathrow Airport updates are available at http://www.heathrowairport.com.

Update - Monday, 20th Dec at 14:30

Haynie Travel now has rebooked all members of the original group flight for later this week. Passengers with questions about their re-booking should contact Ron Enlow at ron_enlow@haynietravel.com. The staff at Harlaxton College and the University of Evansville and Haynie Travel will continue to monitor developments.

Update - Tuesday, 21st Dec at 18:00

Over half the Harlaxton group flight passengers who were delayed in London due to excessively severe weather have now managed to secure flights to the USA. Some have already arrived in the USA and others are currently en route. Any passengers unable to secure an earlier booking have confirmed seats this Friday. All passengers have lodging. Haynie Travel continues to work tirelessly and effectively on behalf of our students. Haynie and Harlaxton continue to monitor developments.

Update - Wednesday, 22nd Dec at 23:00

Eighteen members of the original group flight remain at London Heathrow Airport, where weather conditions improved today. Two passengers have confirmed seats on a US-bound flight for Thursday, and the remainder are confirmed for a Friday flight. Haynie Travel and Harlaxton College continue to monitor developments. To follow events at Heathrow, go to:

http://www.heathrowairport.com

Update - Thursday, 23rd Dec at 16:00

This morning, five of the delayed Heathrow passengers were able to secure seats on flights to the USA and are currently in the air and homeward bound. The remaining thirteen passengers are all reconfirmed on BA 297 for Friday, scheduled to depart London Heathrow at 4:15 pm local time, due to arrive at Chicago O'Hare at 6:55 pm local time. Haynie Travel and Harlaxton College continue to monitor developments.

Update - Friday, 24th Dec at 16:00

The final 13 passengers from the delayed Harlaxton group flight are currently boarding BA 297 and are due to arrive at Chicago O'Hare at 6:55 tonight, Christmas Eve. A happy holiday to them and their families.

Harlaxton Happenings: Christmas Greetings

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:10:00 --0100

Final Exams are happening just now, and our students and American faculty leave either for home or for Italy on Thursday.

Nothing much more to say for this semester, then, except to wish you—as the British say-- a “Happy and Blessed Christmas.”

We have been enjoying beautiful snows for a week now, very unusual for this country and this time of year. Prof. Mike Chlebanowski, Art professor from our Partner Hannibal LaGrange College in Missouri, got up early and caught Harlaxton Manor with a morning cloud in just the right position. The card and greeting are his work, and with his permission it comes to you from all of us at Harlaxton, where all the faculty are brilliant, all the students are above average, and the energy never stops.

Gordon Kingsley

Principal

Harlaxton Happening: A Royal Wedding

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:46:00 --0100

Prince William and Kate Middleton have set their wedding date.

April 29, 2011, it will be, and in Westminster Abbey. Not too shabby! But, then, it’s the future King and Queen of England! (Actually, William will be “William the Fifth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith." Kate will be Queen of England, though as a commoner she will be Queen Consort and not Queen Regnant.)

British people are all agog—there’s nothing like a Royal Wedding, and Britain does ceremony better than anyone. It represents for them hope, love, romance, the future—a welcome respite from the daily dire economic news and governmental efforts to contain the “rolling crisis.” (Though at least this nation is doing something about it, instead of its political parties blaming and screaming at each other and doing little else.)

We’re thinking about inviting Will and Kate to Harlaxton Manor for their wedding reception, even their honeymoon if they want to hang out here. Harlaxton does about a dozen wedding receptions a year in our beautiful state rooms, scheduling them at times when the gatherings don’t interfere with our teaching and learning and student life. It helps balance the budget.

Wonder what would happen if we gave William and Kate a really good deal to catch a train to Grantham after tying the knot in Westminster Abbey, then getting Tom and Street Cars Taxi to haul them out to the Manor for only six British pounds. We could save them some cash, and every newlywed needs a little money.

We could put them up in the Schroeder Presidential Suite—our poshest room—and they could walk down the stairs for dinner in the Refectory with our students. Maybe go to the Bistro afterwards, for a pint? If they want privacy, a walk in the Bluebell Woods? Maybe shoot some hoops with some of the guys? Ping pong? Lift weights or use some of the fitness equipment in the Sports Hall? I don’t guess they’d want to run the mile on the lane out front.

Yeah. Maybe we ought to ask them. I can see Lucy’s headlines now: “Prince William and Kate Now Honorary UE Alums.” And her lead, “’I bleed purple,’ said the future King of England as he huffed and puffed up the Harlaxton Manor stairs to join his new bride in the Schroeder Presidential Suite. ‘I always wanted go to UE instead of St. Andrews, and now I’m finally getting my chance.”

Yeah, maybe we’ll try it.

Why not? We’re used to excitement around here. If this works, it will create just one more good moment at Harlaxton College, where all the faculty are brilliant, all the students are above average, and the energy never stops.

Gordon Kingsley

Principal

The Mystery of Dovecote Hill

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 15:03:00 --0100

Students and faculty from Harlaxton have had the unique opportunity to take part in an archaeological dig at Harston – a small village some five miles from the college. Harston itself was a settlement referred to in Domesday Book (1086) and may have had more ancient origins as this dig is revealing. The site appears to be a 10^th century Saxon burgh built either as defence against Vikings or when the Saxons returned to take back the Danelaw (that area under Danish control in the 9^th and 10^th centuries). The burgh, if so it proves to be, may have been built on the site of an even earlier fortification.

Professors David Green (Harlaxton) and John Richards (Baker) have taken groups of students over to the site where they have been involved with digging, clearing the site and technical drawing. We’re very grateful for the opportunity to become involved with this fascinating project and hope that Harlaxton students will continue to play some part in the unravelling of the so-called ‘Mystery of Dovecot Hill’ when the site reopens in February/March next year.

Below are extracts from the most recent newsletters written by site director Rene Mouraille

“In September 2010 a breakthrough was made when a large wall 1.20m in width was uncovered close to the surface. Fragments of pottery from within the build of the wall turned out to be Torksey and Stamford ware all of pre-conquest origin. Furthermore beneath the Saxon wall there is evidence for a large ditch and if speculation proves to be correct, then this may be as much as 9m wide. If this feature is defensive in structure it may well date to either the Iron Age or the earlier Bronze age. This is very exciting and we maybe on a major breakthrough in the history of not only Harston but the entire area!”

“Yesterdays work [involving Harlaxton students] enabled us to clear all the turf and topsoil from over the watchtower feature to reveal and doorway complete with steps leading into the tower the ground floor of which comprises crushed ironstone.”

“The students from Harlaxton College managed to find the edge of the Natural in Trench 8 and also found a fantastic example of a piece of Torksey ware in the main ditch area. So we have now have got something to work against to find out if a large Iron Age ditch does exist beneath the Saxon Wall which in itself has also proved to be not on the same alignment as previously thought but at a different angle within Trench 8.

The students also working in Michael Harrison’s section have uncovered the footings for Saxon Wall 1001. They are at least 5ft in diameter and are of an earlier build than the present Saxon boundary wall.”

Harlaxton Happenings - Thanksgiving is special in a faraway land.

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:51:00 --0100

So we will celebrate it as very special, this Thursday at Harlaxton. It is a class day, of course—and a work day. Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Britain.

But when evening comes, we will have a student-led Thanksgiving Service in the Ridgway Great Hall, where we will voice thanks for our families back home and our friends on both sides of the ocean and for the opportunities that are ours and for the gifts, and gift, of life.

And then we will feast. Suzanne Kingsley has helped our Catering Staff learn a true American Thanksgiving Dinner, and they have responded beautifully. The meal will be delicious, we will go back for more, and then for some more.

And then, in front of a huge roaring fire in the Great Hall, we will relax, talk, enjoy the beautiful scene, and feel ourselves at “home,” even far away from home.

We will even nod a greeting to our neighbors (four hundred years removed), the Pilgrim Fathers and Mothers who celebrated the first Thanksgiving. They were from the towns and villages of Lincolnshire—right at Harlaxton’s doorstep—leaving here to create new lives in a “New” England.

So it will be fitting that we reverse the saga, bringing that good and blessed American Thanksgiving back where it all began, to England’s green and pleasant land.

It will be good.

Gordon Kingsley

Principal