Mitre Club Merrymaking

The Mitre Club Evensong and Dinner was a very special occasion. It was the 76th Dinner (we think!) but this year marked the first time alumni were also in attendance. Around 90 current students and alumni of all generations gathered together, starting with a spectacular Choral Evensong of Dyson in D and Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine. The glorious sound of an expanded alumni and student choir filled Keble Chapel, before everyone headed into Hall for a wonderful three course meal followed by port, coffee, and Keble mints.

The highlight of the evening — of course — was the judging of the Hat Competition by Lowenna, one of our Mitre Club presidents. Unsurprisingly, the field this year was exceptionally strong. We had some fantastic entries representing the ecclesiastical, musical, natural, and imaginary world. Congratulations must first go to Ollie, winner of best hat, for his incredibly elaborate creation depicting the natural world, complete with Salve Regina singing bird. Winner of most creative hat went to Max (not Max the Chaplain), for his highly detailed Biblically-accurate angel hat. Lastly, congratulations to our inaugural alumnae hat winners Suzie Merchant (2001) and her guest Laurence Cain, for their matching illuminated jellyfish hats.

The formalities of the evening drew to a close with “Guide me, O thou great Redeemer” as Cecilia and Ellen were crowned next year’s Mitre Club presidents. It was great to welcome back so many of our alumni to join in with our Mitre Club Evensong and Dinner, and, as it has been such a success, we hope to repeat the event next year.

Thanks to Freddy, our Head Chef, and his team for the spectacular meal, and to all those alumni and friends of Keble who give to enable us to maintain the wonderful Chapel and musical life of the College. In anticipation of the Chapel’s 150th Anniversary in 2026, we are preparing to launch a campaign to support the ongoing flourishing and development of Chapel and Choir life at Keble. If you’d like to find out more or get involved, please contact either the Chaplain (max.kramer@keble.ox.ac.uk) or the Development Office (tallulah.horton@keble.ox.ac.uk); we would love to hear from you.