1249 Society Garden Party 2026

University College warmly welcomed members of the 1249 Society and their families to its second annual Garden Party on Saturday 12 July. The 1249 Society recognises those supporters who make regular contributions to University College with a minimum monthly gift of £12.49.

This year’s 1249 Society Garden Party took place on a sunny afternoon in the Fellows’ Garden, with guests also able to explore the Master’s Garden, which was in full bloom, and meet Percy, the College tortoise.

Upon arrival, guests gathered in the Fellows’ Garden for drinks before Vice Master of University College, Professor Peter Jezzard, welcomed everyone with a short speech. Afternoon tea was then served in Hall, with sandwiches, cakes and tea flowing freely for all, along with lots of animated and friendly conversations.

There was plenty to do for attendees of all ages, with face painting and a colourful art table getting creative juices flowing while garden games, bubbles and a Univ treasure hunt provided more energetic and exploratory entertainment. And for those who simply wished to sit and soak it all up, there were seats on lawns – in the sun and the shade.

The Garden Party offered a relaxed and sociable window of time in College for Old Members to connect or reconnect, reminisce and share Univ with their loved ones. Some groups and families had built a weekend trip to Oxford around the event and were already planning their return for next year.

Regular gifts to Univ, such as those from members of the 1249 Society, are of great importance to the College, providing a reliable income and allowing us to plan effectively for the future. For more information on how to become a member of the1249 Society, contact Grace.Lane@univ.ox.ac.uk.