Making a promise in saintly company

Taking your promise in the scouts is a serious business, and two young freshmen in an Oxford troop eschewed their village hall venue last week to take their first official salutes in the dignified presence of the statue of St Edmund.

It was an integral part of visit to the Hall organised by Jonathan Yates, Tutor in Materials Science. He was leading the group on a tour of the College as part of their Community Challenge Award.

"Part of the award requires them to investigate an aspect of their local community," explained Jonathan, who's been involved with scouting for many years. "Growing up in Oxford the scouts are all used to walking past the colleges, but few had had a chance to go inside and they certainly hadn't been able to explore behind the scenes before. Many of them were surprised that so many people live in the college, as well as it being a place for learning."

Jonathan was aided by the new MCR President Christian Beck (DPhil Materials), as well as William Gunson and Adrian Murdock (DPhil Materials), who helped plan the event and escort the scouts.

The memorable event of the tour was, perhaps, predictable. "They liked the cosyness of the MCR," said Jonathan, "but the highlight was a torchlight tour of crypt."

For the two new scouts, it was certainly a first meeting to remember.

Below: the scouts assemble around the statue of St Edmund