Chevening Forum: Towards Sustainable Development Rewley House, Oxford, United Kingdom 5-6 May 2012 Conference Venue

The conference venue is in the heart of Oxford at Rewley house. This is also the Department for Continuing Education, which houses thousands of students throughout the year for both full time and part time courses. The venue is about 7 minutes from the coach station and the city centre. Here is the address: Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA, United Kingdom To find it on google map, simply click here.

The building is just next to the Wellington square garden and you should be able to see the building as follow.

The conference will be held throughout the whole building and so will your meals at the common dining area. Here, youd be using the main lecture theatre which is in the basement for the main plenary sessions. The breakup sessions will be spread across the conference venue of Rewley house from classrooms, to seminar rooms and some of you will be using the lecture theatre as well. Do bear in mind that you will only be provided with one lunch and two tea breaks.

More about Oxford City and Oxfordshire

Visit Oxfordshire and discover one of the most beautiful English counties, with the most inspiring city at its heart... Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town, although people are known to have lived in the area for thousands of years. Offering so much to see and do, all year round, Oxford and Oxfordshire make an excellent destination for all the family whatever the weather. Explore Oxfordshire's varied landscape, visitor attractions and rural heritage or experience walking trails and cycling routes which show you all the hidden treasures on offer here, which makes it the ideal location for short breaks, holidays - and even staycations. If you're looking for a cultural getaway or a romantic city break then Oxford is a must. Renowned for its history and heritage, exquisite architecture, and ancient University, Oxford sits at the very heart of this rural county. Take time out to enjoy the county's bustling market towns, discover the film and literary connections or simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river. Widen your horizons by visiting (free) world class museums, family appeal attractions or a variety of festivals held throughout the year catering for all ages and interests. We look forward to welcoming you to Oxfordshire. Website to Visit: http://www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/ http://www.oxfordcity.co.uk/ http://www.oxfordcityguide.com/

A Brief History of the University

As the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is a unique and historic institution. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. In 1188, the historian, Gerald of Wales, gave a public reading to the assembled Oxford dons and in 1190 the arrival of Emo of Friesland, the first known overseas student, set in motion the University's tradition of international scholarly links. By 1201, the University was headed by a magister scolarum Oxonie, on whom the title of Chancellor was conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the masters were recognized as a universitas or corporation. In the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of primitive halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford's colleges, which began as medieval 'halls of residence' or endowed houses under the supervision of a Master. University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, which were established between 1249 and 1264, are the oldest. Less than a century later, Oxford had achieved eminence above every other seat of learning, and won the praises of popes, kings and sages by virtue of its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges. In 1355, Edward III paid tribute to the University for its invaluable contribution to learning; he also commented on the services rendered to the state by distinguished Oxford graduates. From its early days, Oxford was a centre for lively controversy, with scholars involved in religious and political disputes. John Wyclif, a 14th-century Master of Balliol, campaigned for a bible in the vernacular, against the wishes of the papacy. In 1530, Henry VIII forced the University to accept his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, and during the Reformation in the 16th century, the Anglican churchmen Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley were tried for heresy and burnt at the stake in Oxford.

The University was Royalist in the Civil War, and Charles I held a counter-Parliament in Convocation House, and in the late 17th century, the Oxford philosopher John Locke, suspected of treason, was forced to flee the country. The 18th century, when Oxford was said to have forsaken port for politics, was also an era of scientific discovery and religious revival. Edmund Halley, Professor of Geometry, predicted the return of the comet that bears his name; John and Charles Wesley's prayer meetings laid the foundations of the Methodist Society. The University assumed a leading role in the Victorian era, especially in religious controversy. From 1833 onwards The Oxford Movement sought to revitalise the Catholic aspects of the Anglican Church. One of its leaders, John Henry Newman, became a Roman Catholic in 1845 and was later made a Cardinal. In 1860 the new University Museum was the scene of a famous debate between Thomas Huxley, champion of evolution, and Bishop Wilberforce. From 1878, academic halls were established for women and they were admitted to full membership of the University in 1920. Five all-male colleges first admitted women in 1974 and, since then, all colleges have changed their statutes to admit both women and men. St Hilda's College, which was originally for women only, was the last of Oxford's single sex colleges. It has admitted both men and women since 2008. During the 20th and early 21st centuries, Oxford added to its humanistic core a major new research capacity in the natural and applied sciences, including medicine. In so doing, it has enhanced and strengthened its traditional role as an international focus for learning and a forum for intellectual debate. Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk

How to get to Oxford Oxford is about 60 miles (90 kms) northwest of London and has excellent road and national rail links. Regular coach services connect Oxford with the capital and also with Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports. From London airports London Heathrow and Gatwick airports are linked to Oxford by The Airline coach service, which operates a direct frequent service twenty-four hours a day (tel: +44 (0)1865 785400). London Stansted airport is linked to Oxford by the National Express 757 coach service, running every two hours (tel: +44 (0)8705 747777). A list of taxi companies, many of which offer a bespoke airport pick-up service, can be found on the Tourist Information Centre website. By train A direct service operates between Oxford and London Paddington (approximately every 30 minutes), and between Oxford and Birmingham New Street via Banbury and Coventry. Other services operate from the north via Birmingham New Street; from the South via Reading; and from the west via Didcot or Reading. For information contact National Rail Enquiries (tel: +44 (0)8457 484950). By coach Frequent 24-hour direct services connect Oxford with London (peak times every 1020 minutes). The Oxford Espress service includes Victoria Coach Station, Grosvenor Gardens, Marble Arch, Baker Street/Gloucester Place and Hillingdon (tel: +44 (0)1865 785410). The Oxford Tube service includes Grosvenor Gardens, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd's Bush, and Hillingdon (tel: +44 (0)1865 772250). For information on coaches to other major cities and airports contact National Express (tel: +44 (0)8717 818178). Coaches arrive at Gloucester Green Coach Station in the city centre. By car Birmingham-Oxford: M40-A34 Bristol-Oxford: M32-M4-A34 Cardiff-Oxford: M4-A420 Edinburgh-Oxford: A74(M)-A74-M6-M42-M40-A34 Glasgow-Oxford: M74-A74(M)-M6-M42-M40-A34 London-Oxford: A40-M40-A40 Manchester-Oxford: M56-M6-M42-M40-A34 Newcastle-Oxford: A1-A1(M)-M1-A43-M40-A34 Nottingham-Oxford: M1-A43-M40-A34

Parking in Oxford Many Oxford streets are now closed to traffic and parking is severely limited. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park and Ride bus services which operate between the city centre and parking areas on the outskirts at Pear Tree, Woodstock Road (north); Water Eaton (north); Seacourt, Botley Road (west); Redbridge, Abingdon Road (south); and Thornhill, London Road (east). Please note that Thornhill and Seacourt are often full, particularly on University Open Days. We therefore recommend that drivers coming to Oxford from the east (including London), the south and the west use the Redbridge Park & Ride, while drivers arriving from the north can choose between Pear Tree and Water Eaton. Taxis Taxi ranks are located at Oxford Railway Station, Gloucester Green Coach Station and St Giles' in the city centre. A list of taxi companies can be found on the Tourist Information Centre website. More information

The Airline National Express Train timetables and information The Oxford Espress The Oxford Tube Oxford Park and Ride Tourist Information Centre

Journey planners

Transport Direct - door-to-door journey planner Multimap Streetmap CycleStreets

Map of the main University and College sites

Download a map of the main University and College sites

(526kb)

Accommodation Accommodation is not included in the conference fee. It is strongly advised to book your accommodation well in advance as hotels fill up quickly. Please find below a list of accommodation options for you to choose from during your stay in Oxford. Hotel Barcelo A 40 minute walk to St Hughs College, or a 15 minute taxi/bus ride (allow 30 minutes during rush hour). T: 01865 489988 Remont A 30 minute walk from St Hughs College, or a 10 minute bus journey. T: 01865 311020 The Old Parsonage Luxury accommodation, a 10 minute walk from St Hughs College. T: 01865 310210 E: reception@oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk Oxford rooms The University of Oxford room booking service. Basic accommodation is available in some of Oxfords prestigious colleges, including limited rooms at St Hughs College. Book online with a credit card. StayOxford For several other accommodation options, please use this website for accommodation. Central Backpackers (Oxford)
Central Backpackers, Oxfords premier Backpackers Hostel accommodation. Located in the centre of Oxfords Historical University city on one of Oxford's most happening street Park End, lined with restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs. T: +44 (0)1865 24 22 88 E: oxford@centralbackpackers.co.uk

YHA Oxford Budget dormitory accommodation that has quite a good standard of maintainence. Just five minutes away from the train station T: 0845 371 9131 E: oxford@yha.org.uk

Oxford Hostels A list of hostels and cheap guest house you can choose from. CouchSurfing An alternative if you are interested to explore into would be to surf with people who offer their couch for you to stay for free! Here, you can also get to meet other people in Oxford and perhaps experience Oxford in a different and unique way!

A Day Tour in Oxford (6th May 2012)

For this day, we have specially catered a walking tour for visiting students for the conference. The tour is an introduction to the main places that you should not miss in Oxford! The tour is 2 hours and we have engaged two guides that will take up to 19pax for each one of them to ensure you can enter some of the colleges and hear them clearly. This will begin in the afternoon because most places will be closed in the morning because they will be in use. The name of the tour is called Oxford Past and Present. This is the main introductory tour of Oxford. The guide will take you through the heart of the historic city centre illustrating the history of Oxford and its University and describing the architecture and traditions of its most famous buildings and institutions. The tour will include the following places such as the Divinity School, Radcliffe Camera, Clarendon Building and Bodleian Library. Wed be having you to visit some colleges on the inside to have an idea how a typical or traditional college would cost. The package tour arranged would cost at GBP6 per person (as compared to the walk in student rate of GBP8) for a maximum of 57pax (3 groups) which includes the access to Divinity school. If we are able to get up to another 19, it would be kept the same for the fourth tour guide group. So do respond and wed let you know if you are firmed up. Here are the details: Name of Tour: Oxford Past and Present / Official University and City Tour Tour Time: 1300H 1500H (starts and ends on time) Meeting Point: Oxford Tourist Information Centre Mode of tour: On foot Attire: Casual Cost: GBP6 per person (at your own expense, to be paid during registration) Limit: 57 pax