Somerville formal in London
Slightly bemused by this.
“Somerville Formal In London has been founded by alumni of Somerville College, Oxford. Our aim is to coordinate events in Central London modelled on the classic format of Somerville Formal Hall. ”
So that would be really black tie on a Tuesday night, dodgy food, cheap wine, loud undergraduates, a bemused top table and dancing to bad music in your best dress in Filth then? (Not a venerable institution, Somerville, so no gowns, long Latin grace or any of that claptrap). Do I really want to repeat that experience?
Funnily enough, this was exactly my own reaction on receiving the self-same communication. Would we have to invite the same people that we did back then, do you think? That could make for some strained conversations…
Bless them for trying to think up new ways in which to part us from our cash, but think I’ll steer clear of this one.
Right, I’ll keep this fairly brief. A very good friend of mine spent 6 good months of his own time and money developing the software to house and run the Somerville Formal website. For no other reason other than philanthropy did he do this. That’s a lot of time and a lot of money.
Also, the seating plan is devised so you can sit next to those you love, and perhaps speak a little to others at the bar later on. If not enough people like you to the extent that you would not have a good time, perhaps you should keep that to yourself rather than insulting someone who is trying to everyone a good turn.
Also worthy of note is that this one has 50% more people coming than the last one. Can’t be all that bad can it?
And finally although not directly said, it is implied above that the occasion is some kind of money-raiser. NO - it does not raise ANY money. Every penny is spent on hiring the venue exclusively for us, paying the staff and paying for the food.
I hope that’s all cleared up now.
Hello Anon,
I didn’t mean in any way to impugn the hard work of the people who set up the nights. They look like great fun: it just struck me as a funny idea, is all. And Pete Morton and I have made a pact to attend the next one, which might make us sad too! I thought I’d post it up on the site so that any Somervillians who found me would see that too.