Sir Gregory Winter installed as Master of Trinity College

Sir Gregory Winter was installed as the new Master of Trinity College on Tuesday 2nd October. Sir Gregory is a genetic engineer, a former graduate of Trinity College and Fellow, whose research has been almost entirely based in Cambridge.

The ceremony itself was held in a traditional and historic manner. Sir Winter presented himself at the Great Gate, knocking on the doors of the side entrance after a nine-minute long peal of bells. Wearing his academic dress and holding his Letters Patent from the Queen, he handed this on to the Head Porter who then passed it on to the Vice Master for verification. After gaining official approval the Fellows of the College, gathered in order of seniority, processed from the Ante Chapel towards the Great Gate to welcome the new Master. Dressed in scarlet gowns and caps, they added to the heritage of the ceremony, which the College cherishes.

Other members of the College also put in the effort to look their best for the event. The Head Porter was wearing his gown and top-hat, and the students, who were perhaps for the first time in their lives allowed to step on the grass, also dressed up. A surprising number of both undergraduates and postgraduates along with various members of staff and their families gathered outside to witness the public part of the installation, most of them dressed in gowns, even though they were not compulsory for those not attending the ceremony.

The non-public part of the installation was then held in the College Chapel, and was surprisingly quick, with the new Master making record of his appointment in the Admission Book followed by the formal witnessing, in English and Latin, of the event, followed by Te Deum from the Chapel Choir and several short prayers. The ceremony ended by the Master entering the lodge alone after all others had processed outwards, waving their caps to bid him farewell.

The Master of Trinity College is responsible for superintending the running of the College and chairs meetings of The College Council and Governing Body. They must hold a Cambridge degree and usually are or have been members of the College.

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