Festive videos and messages for our University community
Tuesday, 15 December 2020
We may be celebrating Christmas differently this year, but our sense of community spirit remains strong. We hope you enjoy these short festive videos and messages.
Message from the Vice-Chancellor
"Thank you for everything you have done this year, including supporting additional demands that COVID-19 placed on our institution. Together we have been able to provide our students as positive an experience of the University as possible under the circumstances" wrote Vice-Chancellor Robert Van de Noort in a recent message to all colleagues.
The message thanks everyone for their incredible work this year, with Robert expressing his hope that everyone manages to get some well-deserved rest over the Christmas break. You can read the full message in this story.
University of Reading Christmas card
This year's University Christmas card highlights our expertise in drug research and animal husbandry, which is helping scientists find new drugs to treat COVID-19.
Sending the card by email
If you'd like to send the card by email, please complete the following steps:
- A GIF version of the card is available to download from this link. When you've opened it, right click and choose ‘save image as'. Save it somewhere easy to find, like your desktop or picture folder.
- Create a new email and click on the ‘insert' tab. Depending on your version of Outlook you'll see an icon either saying Pictures or Illustration - select this, and then choose ‘Pictures'. You'll then be able to select the GIF, which will be added to your email body.
- Add your message and send!
Christmas tree lights
Each December, we usually hold a big festive event where the University community joins together to watch the switching on of our Christmas lights. It is usually an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of the year, drink mulled wine and enjoy some delicious treats.
The COVID-19 restrictions make it impossible to hold this event this year, but we couldn't let the opportunity slip by. It may not be a cosy gathering, but we hope this video will help promote a sense of togetherness in our University community.
You can watch the video on YouTube.
Christmas message from the University Chaplaincy
As with our Christmas lights event, this year marks the first where we cannot all join together for our Christmas Carol Service by candlelight.
As a substitute, we are delighted to offer this short video. The Anglican Chaplain, Mark Laynesmith, introduces a brief Christmas message from the Rt Revd Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, and a wonderful performance of the Carol of the Bells by The Dairy Project.
You can watch the video on YouTube.
The Chaplaincy would also like to offer you an opportunity to donate to Reading's local food bank, ReadiFood. Donating is easy - simply text "RFFB24 £5" (or other amount) to 70070, or visit their donation page. We appreciate this is a difficult time of year for many, and so anything you can spare would be greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year!