Jock Burnet

Jock Burnet was Bursar of Magdalene College, Cambridge from 1949 to 1977. But he was much more than that, for he was a man who touched many lives. He was a don who had much influence behind the scenes, not least in Cambridge, the Church of England, independent education and court games. He founded the Jesters Cricket Club whilst still a schoolboy at St Paul's and out of that grew what many would argue is the premier court games club in the world – the Jesters.

2008 sees the 80th anniversary of the Jesters and, in 2009, the 60th anniversary of the Rugby Fives Dinner, the Past versus Present. These milestones will be commemorated by an Appreciation of Jock, more a portrait than a biography. The list of contributors includes: Bishop Peter Walker, Bishop Simon Barrington Ward, Dennis Silk, Julian Barker, Robert Dolman and Bob Dolby.

As so many of us remember, Jock was absolute for friendship. So the hope is that this short book will not only bring back the best of memories but also give insights into a man who had such an influence for good. The book is an invitation to return to 28, Selwyn Gardens to spend an afternoon with Jock and, of course, stay on for whisky and dinner.

This publication of 500 copies will be designed by Humphrey Stone and has the full backing of Rhoddy and Susie Voremberg and David and Ann Burnet. Any profit will go to Mencap.


Richard Morgan 2008