John's freshers' photo fiasco
Freshers at St Johns are yet to receive their matriculation photographs due to an error at a well-known Oxford company.
The problem was revealed in Fifth Week when the College's Head Porter telephoned Gillman and Soame to enquire about the photographs, the delivery of which was already three weeks overdue.
The company, who are usually responsible for matriculation photographs in each college have said that the delay was due to the fact that films of individual photographs had been destroyed by mistake.
The individual photos, which would have shown the students in their sub-fusc immediately after the matriculation ceremony, had to be re-taken this Monday.
Many first years are said to be appalled at the quality of service provided to them by Gillman and Soame. Large numbers have declined the chance for a second shoot because of the inconvenience of having to arrange appointments around the academic obligations they have during term-time.
Moreover, the threat of rain meant that the photographs had to be taken indoors in front of a screen instead of outside in the college grounds as in the original photographs.
JCR President Daniel Wilson commented that having new photographs taken so long after matriculation and indoors "just isn't the same". He added that "the situation is ridiculous, and many of our freshers are disappointed".
The college is now looking into alternative companies to deal with their photography in the future.
Other colleges have reported no such problems with their freshers photographs, stating that the quality of Gillman and Soame's service was "the same as in previous years."
Gillman and Soame were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.
22nd Nov 2001