Humans of Pembroke - Matyáš & Gordon

This is the first in a new series of blogs which looks at how members of the Pembroke community are coping during the lockdown. Each week we're planning to feature profiles of four people - an undergraduate, postgraduate, Fellow and member of staff. If you would like to take part, please fill in this short online form: https://forms.gle/myZbFYLMArbvPb8e9

We kick off this project with the thoughts of PhD student Matyáš Moravec and the Head Porter, Gordon Murray.

The Graduate Parlour, Junior Parlour & the College Recorder

Matyáš Moravec, PhD Student

My name is Matyáš Moravec (2016) and I am doing a PhD in Philosophy of Religion in the Faculty of Divinity.

I was in the US when the Czech Republic closed its borders on 16th March, so I decided to return to Cambridge.

What’s it been like living in Pembroke?

I’m intending to submit my PhD in July, so the lockdown has been a good way to focus on writing up. In the evening I tend to have a busy schedule of Skype calls, keeping in touch with family and friends. However, I’ve really missed the Graduate Parlour and the social life that happens there.

The College has been really supportive and I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to stay in Pembroke. The food provided by the Kitchens has been really good. It’s also nice to be able to chat with the catering staff. After I pick it up, I tend to find a bench and eat it in the gardens.

Luckily, I was able to take out some library books before the lockdown and I can access any other resources I need electronically. One notable change is that I will have to submit my thesis via Moodle to the Board of Graduate Studies, rather than a hard copy.

Although I’m based in the Faculty of Divinity, as I am working on the problem of time and eternity in philosophy of religion for my thesis, I do some supervising for the Faculty of Philosophy. So, I’ve had to find a way to supervise my students remotely this term.

What are your plans beyond Pembroke?

Before lockdown I was in the process of applying for academic jobs. The lockdown has meant that Interviews were suspended and very few new jobs have opened up. I’m not sure when things will start again, which is concerning.

However, I’m lucky in that I have a paper to write and some side projects lined up in Cambridge for the summer months.

What have you been doing to relax?

I was supposed to be running a marathon in April, so I’ve kept up my running during the lockdown. I’ve headed out to villages like Coton and Grantchester, but tended to avoid the centre of Cambridge during the early part of the lockdown as it was so empty, it felt really strange - like an alien invasion had taken place!

Over the past two years, I have been reading Proust’s 'In Search of Lost Time', in the original French. I’ve used the lockdown to accelerate my progress a little, and have been reading volumes five and six.

Gordon Murray, Head Porter

Gordon joined Pembroke as Head Porter in 2018.

How has your role changed over the last few weeks?

My role has remained the same overall, we have had to adapt due to some staff having to self-isolate and that has meant the team have had to remain flexible in moving their working hours around to ensure we are here in the right numbers to look after the College and its hostels and all those we provide a service to, day and night. Social distancing measures have seen the Plodge become a one-way system, for both counters and pigeon holes, we have a queuing system to enter and you exit via the other door so as not to cross paths.  It's working really well and those students/staff and couriers seem to be complying with it. We are undertaking daily security visits to our hostels, sports ground and Boat House, as well as the whole College site and Mill Lane premises. Why? Because sadly empty and unoccupied buildings can attract unwanted attention, plus we want to ensure that those students who remain in Cambridge within the College properties receive a safe living environment, through our weekly fire alarm tests and security visits.

What’s it like to still be working in College?

It’s definitely strange, a College without the whole student family (Grads / Undergrads and the International students ) is not what I joined for. I believe students are the heart and soul of the College, so when most are not here it is a very different place!

However I have to say there is still a community feel in Pembroke in these unprecedented times we are all in at present, the front gate is still wide open, it’s great to see those students that are still here when they venture out for mail/exercise and food from the servery, the catering team are still here and providing lovely meals each day for those in College, Students, Fellows and staff alike, all the College staff have risen to the challenge we currently face and it’s great to see staff smiling and having a laugh. Other teams I see regularly are Housekeeping / Maintenance and Seb and Jay the gardeners. They have all had to adapt too and it's impressive what a few can do for so many. I have to say the gardens are as good as they have ever been. The fellows that remain on site can be seen taking their daily exercise which also allows the College to feel a community.

Do you have a message you’d like to pass on to your co-workers and the students?

Remain Calm, Carry On and Keep Smiling. Together as a Pembroke family, we will all get through this. The Community of Pembroke College is as strong as any community having to deal with this virus and all the implications it has brought with it. The Pembroke Porters look forward to seeing everyone back in Pembroke when the time is right.  Until that time the Porters will be here carrying on, so contact us if you need our support or help! Stay safe and Stay Alert!    

Are there any books/film/TV series/music you’d recommend?

Books;  If you want some inspiration in these difficult times read 'Spaceman' by Mike Massimino. You will not want to put it down its inspiring for students and staff alike!

TV; Only Fools and Horses it's timeless and will always make you smile.

Music why not listen to some of the soundtrack from Les Misérables (Do you Hear the People Sing / Master of the House) - that will move you! Passion and Soul together.

Look after each other and we hope to see you all again soon!

Photos:

Old Court by Matyáš Moravec

The Head Porter mowing Old Court Lawn by Seb Little (Head Chef)