The Ancient University City of Oxford

Pastel Pine

Founded in the 12 century, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world (a few worldwide are older, including Bologna and one in Morocco). The skyline of this city is known for its honey-coloured spires and domes, with the Radcliffe Camera (a library) one of the most photographed and painted buildings.

There is controversy over animal testing at the university. VERO is made up of Oxford boffins, who give the scientific arguments to switch to humane medical research.

Henley-on-Thames (and the royal regatta)

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Henley-on-Thames mixes classic English charm with stunning riverside views and a lively town centre. It’s known for its annual Royal Regatta, held each summer as a five-day rowing festival.

The former Prime Minister Boris Johnson used to be the MP here, before he was elected for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. After the disgrace of partying during the pandemic (when others could not hold the hands of their dying loved ones), he later was considering returning to politics, by standing again in Henley-on-Thames.

But the outgoing MP (with a healthy Conservative majority) insisted that this would happen ‘over my dead body’. He wrote ‘I would have voted for him to be chucked out of Parliament, had he still been a member’.

The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race began in 1829, covering a 4.2 mile stretch of the Thames, from Putney and Mortlake in London. Each boat has 8 rowers and a coxswain, who steers the boat and sets the race plan.

Over the years, there have been dead heats. In 1912, both boats sank as they filled with water during poor weather. One former rower was Hugh Laurie, in the race when his team (Cambridge) lost, after clashing oars!

The Man Who Broke the Four-Minute Mile

Fellow medical students celebrate, after Roger’s win

Roger Bannister is the man who broke the four-minute mile, something deemed impossible before he did it. Even today, only 20 seconds or so has been shaved off that time by Olympic runners.

Born in Harrow (London) in 1929, medical student Roger balanced training with his studies. In 1954, he lined up for the race in Oxford that would define him, and crossed the finish in 3 minutes, 59 seconds.

Australian runner John Landy broke the record just weeks later, as Roger had unlocked a new mindset that the four-minute mile was possible for a human. Roger soon retired from athletics, and become a respected neurologist and Master of Pembroke College.