Social (Distanced) Events

Picnicing has been a popular way to meet up whilst following the regulations and maintaining social distancing. In July, the BioEscalator team met at Bury Knowle Park in Headington for a team picnic. This was the first time the whole team had been together since the lockdown began in March. They celebrated a special birthday for Hannah, one of the senior receptionists, and the completion of Bushra’s college course. Bushra has been the BioEscalator’s Apprentice Laboratory Technician for the last two years and has now left to start university. The day involved a very large chocolate cake, which you can see the Laboratory Manager, Khwaja, enjoying in the photos above, prosecco and presents for Hannah and Bushra.

It was wonderful to see the team in person again, rather than through a computer screen. The weather was perfect and it was lovely to be able to relax and catch up with everyone. I even brought my little dog along to join in fun. She didn’t have any cake though! - Rachel Barrett, Senior Receptionist/Events Administration

In August, members of Professor William James' lab in the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology jumped for joy as they renuited at a socially distanced picnic.Taking place after months of lockdown the lab picnic was an opportunity for the group to reconnect with each other in person whilst ensuring safe social distancing in an outside setting. 

It was lovely seeing everyone in 3D and catching up without headphones for the first time this summer. - Sharat Warrier, Researcher

The department has assisted in funding small picnics for lab groups and teams over the summer months following the cancellation of the Dunn School summer party in July, usually a highlight of the department's social calendar.