Two Houses of Windsor – University of Reading
22 June 2001A retired distinguished Reading physicist and a Head Porter of Windsor Hall, the University Macebearer, will both be honoured when two new student housing blocks bearing their names are officially opened at the University on Monday 25 June.
Professor Charles McCombie and Mr Keith Greenow – who was Head Porter at Windsor Hall for 18 years – will both be present at the naming ceremony of the houses at Windsor Hall. The residential blocks will provide accommodation for 125 postgraduate students at the ISMA Centre.
Professor Charles W McCombie came to prominence with his work with R V Jones FRS (Head of Physics at the University of Aberdeen and previously Head of Scientific Intelligence during the War) relating to limitations imposed by fluctuations and noise on experimental measurements.
Since coming to Reading in 1964 as the University's first Professor of Theoretical Physics, the Theory Group has increased to its current seven active members, who make a substantial and internationally respected contribution to the research of the Department.
Keith Greenow became Head Porter at Windsor in 1976 following a career in the navy as a Chief Petty Officer, where he served on many warships including the Ark Royal. He was the first source of support for generations of students and his desk in the lobby was the focal point around which many student problems were aired and sympathetically dealt with.
In 1992 he became the University Macebearer at ceremonial occasions, a position he still holds.
Each new room at McCombie and Greenow House is ensuite with telephone and TV point and high-speed internet connection. Each kitchen is fully appointed and will be shared by eight students. Some of the rooms have been adapted for special needs.
The official opening will take place at Windsor Hall at 12 noon on Monday 25 June 2001.
For further details, please contact Sue Rayner or Carol Derham on 0118 931 8004/5 Fax 0118 931 8924