Activities
The Merton MCR organises a whole host of events and activities for its postgrads. You can view the most recent termcard (a calendar of this term’s activities), but below are some of the events we run on a regular basis. Merton MCR is fortunate to have an extremely generous budget allocation from College which we use to run events at heavily subsidised rates (often free) for members.
- MCR Cocktail Parties – The MCR unites with the JCR for each Merton ‘Bop’ (four in Michaelmas and Hilary, two in Trinity). Before every bop, the MCR runs a Cocktail Party with FREE drinks to get you in the mood for the cheese-fest which follows (the music, not the food, although that is available courtesy of Hassan’s Van); always very popular.
- Exchange Dinners – we organise around three “exchange dinners” each term. These involve dining with other MCRs at their college, followed by a return leg at Merton with second desserts open to all in the MCR afterwards; a great way to sample the halls of Oxford and meet people from across the University. Bookings are made online.
- High Table – MCR students are entitled to dine at High Table, with the fellows of Merton, once each term. The meal is free of charge, and entails three or four courses, followed by a veritable feast of ’second desserts’. Excellent wines are also available for a small fee added to your college bill. Bookings are again made online.
- Tasting Events – we organise around three ‘tastings’ each term, for a charge of around £10, which is subsidised by the MCR. Recent tastings have included: ‘Cognac and Armagnac: Vintages and Single Estates’; ‘Whisky: Single Barrel Classics’; Chocolate and Desert Wines; and Wine and Cheese. One of our Mexican members has recently suggested a Tequila tasting, which is in the pipeline for the near future!
- JCR v MCR Events – around once per term it is becoming traditional for the MCR to challenge the JCR in a ‘grudge match’ of various themes. Last term 20 brave warriors from each side headed out of Oxford to battle it out at Paintball; this term we are taking to the tarmac to use our superior driving experience in a Go-Karting Grand Prix.
- Film Nights – we organise film nights at least once per week, on various themes and to suit various tastes. Suggestions are very welcome.
- Seasonal Activities – we supplement the often quirky Oxford calendar with events of our own. For instance, we usually organise a party to precede the Merton ‘Time Ceremony’ (which involves walking backwards around Fellows Quad for one hour wearing sub-fusc…strange I know), and a Champagne Breakfast to follow the May Day Festivities (Magdalen Choir sing from the roof of their chapel at sunrise, and then several foolhardy individuals jump into the river…also rather strange, but entertaining nonetheless)
There are many more activities besides, including: games nights, quizzes, speaker events – the important thing is that what goes on depends on what we the MCR members say we want – if you have any suggestions please let the social secretaries know!
FACILITIES IN MERTON MCR
The MCR itself (the ‘Middle Common Room’) at Merton provides an excellent space for events organised by the MCR; for bookings by individuals; and perhaps most importantly, as a general meeting place for MCR members, particularly after lunch in college. Facilities include:
- Coffee Machine!!! – Arguably the centrepiece of the MCR, and certainly the focal point for meeting during the day. The coffee is free, and freshly ground from beans restocked by the Treasurer on an almost daily basis.
- ‘Living room’ with sofas and a bar – Could be a myth, but this is supposedly one of the oldest rooms in the college, and by extension the university. This is where most of the MCR social events take place, for instance the cocktail parties and the exchange dinner receptions. It’s also where MCR members gather during the day, to read the papers (we have most broadsheets and popular current affairs magazines on subscription) and drink their coffee…
- Flatscreen TV and Hifi – At the moment the options for music appear to be jazz, jazz or jazz, but we hope to expand the collection soon!
- Kitchen – well-stocked kitchen with fridge, dishwasher, and hobs for simple cooking.
- Bathroom including shower – not sure the shower is used much, but hey it’s there for those that want to…