Memories of Renaissance at Oxford

Attending Renaissance Weekend in Oxford, US, was as close to a Rhodes Scholarship as I have ever been able to have (though, our patron and host was, indeed, a Rhodes Scholar himself, at Pembroke College). I have lots of photos, none of which I have on-hand; however, I was going through my super-old email and I discovered these two lovely emails from Linda Lader, wife of Phil Lader⁠—the power couple founders and hosts of Renaissance Weekend.

Email 1

We are very pleased you will be joining us soon for our Summer Renaissance
Weekend in Oxford! Please help us . . . to help you. In order to ensure
that you get the most out of the Weekend, kindly read this letter and the
attached materials thoroughly and let us know if there are changes in your
plans - especially if you want to decline any assignments!

Since time is of the essence, we want to be sure that you receive and can
access the attached documents. Therefore, please simply hit "REPLY" when
you have downloaded them and assure us that all is well . . . or advise us
of a fax number to which we should send these materials.

On Wednesday, July 31 from 2:00 p.m.
until 5:30 p.m.
If your lodging accommodation is: Register with Renaissance Weekend
at:
Randolph Hotel Randolph Hotel
Old Bank Hotel Old Bank Hotel
Christ Church College Pembroke College, across the street
from Christ Church College
Pembroke College Pembroke College
Other Randolph Hotel

Therefore, it is imperative that you let us know right away where you will
be staying.

After 5:30 p.m., please note that all Renaissance Weekend Registration
materials will be available for you at Oxford University's Pembroke College
for the remainder of the evening. As you will see from the attached
Program, our opening reception will be on the lawn at Pembroke at 6:00 p.m.
On Thursday, August 1, you may pick up your registration packet from the
Renaissance Weekend Help Desk at the Examination School - where all programs
will be held that day.

Some highlights of the Weekend ....
* OXFORD AND SURROUNDING AREA - All day Friday and Saturday afternoon will
be left free for historical, architectural and literary tours, punting,
museum-going and outings. 
* A WIDE ARRAY OF TOPICS, WITH FOCUS - "The View from Europe."
* ALL TYPES OF PANELS - There is an Academy and Seminars in addition to the
usual array of panels. Yes, there are too many choices, but there should be
ample opportunities for in-depth conversations with many of the other
participants.

Attached to this e-mail is the Summer Tentative Program
(SummerTentativeProgram.doc). The attached Sign-Up Form for the Bodleian
event (BodleianSignUp.doc) should be completed and returned to us right away
even if you have previously indicated your interest and intent in attending.
Please note that you should mail your payment ($135 per person) to
Renaissance Weekend as soon as possible.

Due to space and time constraints, participant names are not listed on the
Program ... just topics and times. In a separate e-mail from Debbie Shaw
you will receive your updated Registration Confirmation (please double-check
your critical name tag information) and your Program Assignments which you
should carefully check against the documents we are now sending you, and let
us know by Monday, July 15, if any adjustments or corrections are needed.

Please note that the Renaissance office will be closed after July 25. You
may reach the Renaissance Weekend team after that time by e-mail at
[email protected] or through the Randolph Hotel operator (Phone:
011-44-870-400-8200; Fax 011-44-186-579-1678. If calling from within the
U.K., please replace the "011-44" with "0").

Until we meet in Oxford, warm regards ... and thanks in advance for your
quick turnaround!
Linda and all the Renaissance Weekend team

Email 2

Below you will note both new information and important reminders on....
(1) Being good ambassadors 
(2) Transport to Oxford and getting around in Oxford 
(3) Important telephone numbers 
....(#s are listed as dialed within UK; drop 0 & add 011 44 if dialing from
USA)
(4) Blenheim Palace tour 
(5) Bodleian dinner and tours (URGENT message for those already signed up) 
(6) Teen Guidelines

(1) We trust you are getting ready for a very British adventure in Oxford,
an experience characterized by: walking, not driving..... waiting, not
rushing.... inquiring tentatively, not demanding.... speaking slowly, not
talking loudly..... and (especially for the benefit of our dedicated and
exhausted RW Team) accepting circumstances graciously and not grumbling. In
short, we all look forward to an adventure in shattering the stereotypes of
the "Ugly Americans"!

(2) How are you getting to Oxford? Our suggestions....
FROM GATWICK OR HEATHROW: 
Oxford Bus Company (www.oxfordbus.co.uk; phone 01865 785 410)
Follow signs to Buses. 
From Heathrow Central Bus Station, which serves Terminals 1, 2 & 3, Oxford
Bus leaves from Bay 10; 
...from Heathrow Terminal 4, look for Bay 15.
Bus leaves Heathrow every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 11:50 pm. 
From Gatwick South Terminal, depart from Bay 8; 
...from Gatwick North, from Bay 4.
Bus leaves Gatwick every 30 minutes from 6:10 am to 11 pm.

FROM LONDON:
The Oxford Tube (www.oxfordtube.com; phone 01865 772 250) 
These buses run every 12 minutes from 5 locations in central London. 
Get off on Oxford High Street if staying at Old Bank or Eastgate. 
Back track half a block (but never say "block" for linear distance in the
UK... it means something totally different!) for the Eastgate. For the Old
Bank, continue for 500 meters (3-5 minutes), and the hotel is opposite Catte
Street (pedestrian). 
(You may notice a directional sign for the Old Bank by the Eastgate Hotel at
Merton Street... ignore it unless you are driving---it's the long way round
to the car park.) 
If staying at the Randolph, get off the bus at the next (and last) stop,
Gloucester Green, which is 3-5 minutes walking distance from the Randolph.
For Christ Church, Pembroke, the Old Parsonage and excess baggage, the taxi
stand is through the Green, outside the Odeon theatre.

Trains from London Paddington Station to Oxford 
(All UK Rail inquiries 08457 484 950)
Trains run between Paddington and Oxford every half hour throughout the day,
18 and 48 minutes past the hour, and they take one hour. Upon arrival in
Oxford, a taxi is recommended for all lodging locations, and they are found
just outside the station.

PRIVATE CARS & TAXIS:
(This is new information, not sent to you previously.)
These Oxford-based companies pick up from the airports, from London or
elsewhere. Booking in advance is required for airport pickup. They are
listed from least expensive to most expensive (the third promising only
Mercedes):
001 Taxis Tel: 01865 240 000 Fax: 08700 717 171
ABC Taxis Tel: 01865 770 681 Fax: 01865 772 277
Pryors Cars Tel: 01235 511 111 Fax: 01235 816 372

Should you rent a car, the Old Bank has parking for guests at no charge, as
does the Old Parsonage, but space is very limited. The Eastgate arranges
parking for a charge, and to park at the Randolph guests must make
reservations with the garage in advance (Phone 01865 248 689). Parking and
driving in Oxford have been rendered extremely difficult.... intentionally!
You certainly will not need or want a car during the Renaissance Weekend
activities, unless you wish to use it for outings on Friday or Saturday
afternoon. Just bring your walking shoes... and an unbrella, just in case.

(3) Other Important Telephone Numbers:
Directory Assistance 192
Emergency 999

Christ Church College Porter 01865 276 150
Eastgate Hotel 08704 008 201
Old Bank Hotel 01865 799 599
Old Parsonage 01865 310 210
Pembroke College Porter 01865 276 444
Randolph Hotel 08704 008 200 
(The Randolph is the best location to leave messages for the Renaissance
Team. Because they are now traveling, they may not be able to respond to
messages or email until Monday, July 29.)

(4) The opportunity to sign up for a private tour of Blenheim Palace,
including transportation and the options of lunch and a visit to lovely
Woodstock, will be available at Registration.

To remind you, Registration is Wednesday, July 31 from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m at
Pembroke College (for those staying there or at Christ Church College), at
the Old Bank for its guests, and at the Randolph Hotel for everyone else.
Evening activities (and latecomers' Registration) will take place at
Pembroke College, beginning at 6 pm, except for Camp Renaissance, which will
always be held at the Randolph Hotel.

(5) We anticipate a lovely dinner at the Bodleian Library/ Divinity School
on Friday, August 2 for those who have signed up in advance. Since seating
is strictly limited to 150, age 15 and older, notification of any
cancellations or change in plans is requested immediately to enable us to
fill spaces from the Wait List. (If your space is filled, your payment will
be fully refunded.) However, due to circumstances beyond our control, there
has been a change in plans for the afternoon Tours of the Bodleian Library,
which necessitates a new Sign Up and reallocation of reservations. This will
take place at Wednesday's Pimm's Reception at Pembroke College. Details
follow:

After extensive negotiations, we have "maxed out" the numbers of tours
possible during Renaissance Weekend, which necessitates the Bodleian being
closed to public tours on both Friday and Saturday of our events. Should you
wish to take a tour, during the Pembroke Reception it will be necessary for
you to sign up for one of the times listed below. (Apologies for making you
do this again!)

Friday AM, August 2
10.30 am, tour for a total of 15 people
11.30 am, tour for a total of 15 people
A total of 30 people to take a tour in the morning.

Friday PM, August 2
3.20pm, 3.30pm, 3.40pm and 3.50pm, for a maximum of 15 at a time
A total of 60 people to take a tour in the afternoon.

Saturday AM, August 3 
10.30am, tour for a total of 15 people
11.30am, tour for a total of 15 people
A total of 30 people to take a tour on Saturday. (These individuals will
thus miss an hour of Renaissance Programs at the nearby Randolph Hotel.)

Those of you who have done the math recognize that this plan only
accommodates 120 of 150 people. What to do? Anyone who will be arriving
early or staying late can take the tour Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday this
week or next. (Just e-mail us and we'll happily make arrangements.) Some of
you didn't sign up for a tour.... maybe because you spent the best years of
your youth at this very spot? Or maybe some of you can unselfishly forgo the
experience... or perhaps your diary (calendar) is full? (You'll see the
"show" rooms at dinner Friday night anyway.) If you miss out and you wish,
we will refund your $5 - $6 tour fee ....or I'll try somehow to make it up
to you! Since we are straining the flexibility of this 800 year old
institution to the limit, this is the best I can propose.

Which brings me to another point. Why can't I give you an exact figure for
the cost of the tour? You guessed it .... that falling dollar. As you
exchange and spend your money in the days ahead, be assured: we are
literally feeling your pain as we cover the meal and meeting expenses for
our time together with devalued dollars.....

But, as the British say, "Mustn't grumble. Could be worse." Indeed, we
anticipate a great time together in Oxford. Speaking of great times, I
didn't forget....

(6) Teen Guidelines. Teens and parents of teens: You will receive more
information in your Registration Packets, mostly pertaining to times and
places.... For now there is just one big issue: alcohol. In the UK one can
be served beer in a pub at 16, at 18 it is legal to buy and consume any
alcohol; these laws are not even strictly enforced. At a meal, wine will
likely be offered to adolescents if adults are at the table (and maybe even
if they are not). Obviously there is no way we can control or even monitor
the behavior of teens in Oxford. Thus we urge you to discuss your
expectations regarding alcohol, hours and the like... thoroughly, candidly
and realistically before your arrival in Oxford. Our expectation?
Appropriate behavior .... and not just from teenagers!

We look forward to learning from you in the days ahead ... and we wish you a
good journey and happy (?) packing in those suitcases soon to roll down the
streets of beautiful, historic Oxford....

Linda

In the summer of 2002, I had the privilege of attending a very special Renaissance Weekend at Oxford University—a gathering that would not only connect me with some of the most remarkable minds in various fields but also take me on a journey through one of the most historic and prestigious universities in the world. It was my closest experience to a Rhodes Scholarship, even though our host, Phil Lader, was himself a Rhodes Scholar and had attended Pembroke College, where I would be staying during the event.

For ten days, I found myself immersed in an intellectually vibrant and historically rich setting. From my humble quarters in Pembroke College’s student housing to grand banquets in Tudor Halls, every moment felt like a step back in time, and yet the conversations and connections formed were as relevant as ever.

Arrival at Oxford: History in the Air

When I first arrived at Pembroke College, I had no idea what to expect. My accommodations, Stairway 10, Room 11, were modest but functional—a typical Oxford student cell with just enough charm to remind me that I was walking in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest minds. Pembroke itself, founded in 1624, has been home to notable scholars such as Samuel Johnson and J.R.R. Tolkien. I often found myself thinking about how these academic giants had once walked the same paths and engaged in the same intellectual pursuit that I was about to experience during the Renaissance Weekend.

The beauty of Oxford's colleges is overwhelming. Lush, green courtyards, ancient stone walls, and archways that have stood for centuries—they give the university an aura of both permanence and reverence. Every turn felt like stepping back into a time when knowledge was revered as a sacred pursuit. It didn’t take long before I began to feel the gravitas of the institution, which would only deepen as the days progressed.

Renaissance Weekend: Intellectual Exchange and Personal Connections

Renaissance Weekend, founded by Phil and Linda Lader, is an invitation-only gathering designed to bring together thought leaders from diverse fields for open, off-the-record conversations. Phil, the former U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, has hosted these events for decades, drawing participants from politics, business, science, and the arts. Oxford, with its centuries-old tradition of intellectual excellence, was the perfect setting for such a meeting of minds.

The conversations were open, honest, and without the constraints of public scrutiny. I spent days in the Examination Schools of Oxford, engaging in deep discussions on everything from politics to philosophy, science to spirituality. What made it so special was the diversity of perspectives and the freedom to truly explore ideas without fear of judgment. It was a place where differences in age, religion, race, and education didn’t matter. Instead, we connected on a deeper level, united by a shared curiosity and desire for personal and national renewal.

During one of these sessions, Phil Lader shared his famous story of juggling glass and rubber balls—a metaphor for balancing the priorities in our lives. Work, he said, is a rubber ball; if you drop it, it bounces back. But family, health, friends, and spirit are glass balls. If you drop them, they can become cracked or shattered. In a room full of high achievers, this story was a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life.

The Banquets: Dining in History

One of the most unforgettable experiences was dining in the Great Hall of Christ Church College, which served as the inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films. Built in 1529, this hall has hosted countless dignitaries and scholars over the centuries, from Lewis Carroll to William Gladstone. The grandeur of the space, with its long wooden tables, stained-glass windows, and portraits of historical figures, made me feel like I had stepped into a different era.

But the experience wasn’t just about the historical significance of the place; it was about the conversations that took place there. I was surrounded by people who had accomplished great things in their respective fields, and yet we were all equals at that moment—sharing ideas, stories, and laughter. That’s what Renaissance Weekend does so well: it brings people together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and curiosity.

On Friday, we dined at the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, one of the oldest and most revered libraries in the world. The library, founded in the 15th century, holds some of the most important literary and scientific works ever created, from Shakespeare to Galileo. Walking into the Divinity School felt like entering a cathedral of knowledge. It was awe-inspiring, not just because of its architectural beauty, but because of the centuries of wisdom contained within its walls. The conversations that took place over dinner that night seemed to carry extra weight, echoing through the halls of history.

Oxford After Dark: Cobblestones and Conversations

When the official sessions ended for the day, the evenings were filled with exploration and camaraderie. Oxford at night is something special. The wet cobblestone streets, illuminated by gas lamps, give the city a magical feel, as if time itself has slowed down. I, along with the younger Renaissance attendees, spent many late nights wandering the city, indulging in local food and drink. Doner kebabs became a nightly ritual as we soaked up the energy of the place and shared in the euphoria of the weekend.

Oxford’s nightlife offers a stark contrast to its academic seriousness during the day. Students, tourists, and locals crowd the pubs, sharing stories and pints well into the early hours. These nights were just as important as the formal discussions because they allowed us to connect on a personal level. It was during one of these late-night escapades that I realized just how special Renaissance Weekend was—it was more than a conference; it was a community.

The London Interlude: The Baroness and Me

Before heading to Oxford, I spent a few days in London, catching up with old friends and navigating the city’s bustling streets. I spent time with Vivienne (who I referred to as Audrey), a baroness who introduced me to a different side of London—one filled with elegant gatherings and delightful conversations. London’s energy is intoxicating, especially during the summer when the parks are full of sunbathers and the streets hum with activity. One memorable afternoon, Vivienne and I walked through Hyde Park, people-watching and enjoying the warm weather.

On another night, I found myself at a dual birthday party where I mingled with an eclectic group of people—partners from large consulting firms, heads of European operations for major companies, and even more caviar than anyone could consume. These moments, while fleeting, were filled with laughter and connection. Even as I look back, the vibrancy of London during those days stays with me as a cherished memory.

Punting, Palaces, and Parting Thoughts

One of the great things about Renaissance Weekend is that the schedule is designed to allow for free afternoons to explore the local area. In Oxford, this meant punting on the River Cherwell, visiting Blenheim Palace, and taking leisurely walks through the city’s gardens. Punting, a quintessentially Oxfordian activity involving flat-bottomed boats and long poles, was a delightful way to see the city from a different perspective. It was serene and relaxing, a perfect contrast to the intellectual rigor of the morning sessions.

Visiting Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, was another highlight. The opulence of the palace and its surrounding gardens is a testament to Britain’s aristocratic past, and walking through its halls was like stepping into a history book. The afternoon spent there was a reminder of the lasting impact that history has on the present and future.

As I reflect on my time at Renaissance Weekend in Oxford, I am filled with gratitude. It wasn’t just about the intellectual stimulation or the historical venues—it was about the people, the conversations, and the connections that were formed. Phil Lader’s story of the glass and rubber balls has stayed with me as a reminder to always prioritize what is truly important in life. The experience was greater than the sum of its parts, a journey that continues to shape my thinking and my relationships to this day.

Oxford, with its ancient spires and scholarly gravitas, was the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable experience. Renaissance Weekend is more than just an event; it’s a community that fosters growth, learning, and connection. And for me, those ten days in Oxford were nothing short of transformative.

FAQ:

Q1: What is Renaissance Weekend?
A: Renaissance Weekend is an invitation-only, off-the-record gathering founded by Phil and Linda Lader in 1981. The event brings together leaders from various fields to discuss diverse topics in a relaxed, non-partisan environment.

Q2: Why was the Renaissance Weekend in Oxford special?
A: The 2002 Renaissance Weekend at Oxford University was the first to be held outside the United States. The historic setting of Oxford added a unique and rich atmosphere to the intellectual discussions and events.

Q3: Where did the participants stay during the Renaissance Weekend in Oxford?
A: Many participants, including me, stayed in Pembroke College's student housing. The ancient courtyards and student cells added a historical dimension to the experience.

Q4: What is Phil Lader’s glass and rubber ball story?
A: Phil Lader is known for telling a story about juggling glass and rubber balls. It serves as a metaphor for balancing life's priorities: work is a rubber ball that bounces back if dropped, but family, health, friends, and spirit are glass balls that can be damaged or shattered if not carefully balanced.

Q5: What notable Oxford sites were part of the event?
A: Attendees had the chance to experience the Tudor Hall of Christ Church College (featured in the Harry Potter films), dine at the Bodleian Library, and explore Oxford’s famous landmarks like Blenheim Palace and the River Cherwell.

Q6: What kind of discussions took place during Renaissance Weekend?
A: The discussions were wide-ranging, from politics and technology to personal growth and spirituality. The environment was open and off-the-record, allowing participants to speak candidly.

Glossary:

• Renaissance Weekend: An exclusive gathering founded by Phil and Linda Lader to promote intellectual discussion and personal connections among leaders in various fields.

• Phil Lader: Co-founder of Renaissance Weekend and former U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s. Known for his insightful story of the glass and rubber balls.

• Pembroke College: One of Oxford University’s historic colleges, founded in 1624. It hosted many attendees, including myself, during the Renaissance Weekend in 2002.

• Christ Church College: Another of Oxford University’s historic colleges, known for its Tudor Hall, which served as a model for the dining hall in the Harry Potter films.

• Bodleian Library: One of the oldest libraries in Europe, it houses priceless works of literature and science. The Renaissance Weekend banquet was held in the Divinity School here.

• Punting: A traditional boating activity in Oxford, involving navigating a flat-bottomed boat using a long pole. It was one of the recreational activities offered during the free afternoons.

• Blenheim Palace: A grand stately home near Oxford and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, it was one of the historical sites participants could tour during the event.