12th Biological and Environmental Reference Material (BERM) Symposium

Partners Programme

The following table summarises the main activities available for accompanying persons.

Tuesday 7 July
  • Day excursion to Blenheim Palace, home to 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Coaches will depart Keble College at 12.30, lunch at Blenheim from 13.00-14.00, Tours 14.00-15.00, Free time 15.00-16.00. Coaches depart the Palace at 16.00-16.30. www.blenheimpalace.com (additional fee payable). Please note this excursion is also available to symposium delegates.
  • Early evening ‘Informal welcome reception’ (included in the symposium fee)
  • Evening meal at Keble College (included in the symposium fee)
Wednesday 8 July
  • Day excursion Cotswolds tour. Collection from Keble College at 10.00, return at 16.00 www.the-cotswolds.org (additional fee payable)
  • Walking or open top bus tour of Oxford (no additional charge, places are limited and delegates will be required to sign up for the tours). Tours last one hour. Meet at the Porters' Lodge at 18:30.
  • Evening meal at Keble College (included in the symposium fee)
Thursday 9 July
  • Visit to Bicester village (outlet shopping). Pick-up from Keble College at 10.00, return at 14.00 www.bicestervillage.com (additional fee payable)
  • Symposium dinner at Keble College (included in the symposium fee)
Friday 10 July

Please note minimum numbers may apply for some excursions.

Oxford is an ideal base for visiting many historic locations in and around the city. There are a number of museums, galleries and university buildings in the area, including:

A short distance from the city are The Cotswolds - a unique area of England known for gentle hillsides (‘wolds’), sleepy villages and for being ‘typically English’. The Cotswolds are popular with both the English themselves and visitors from all over the world. For the technically minded, tours of the Williams Formula 1 team headquarters in nearby Wantage can be arranged. For the more active, a number of high quality golf courses are accessible, including the Belfry, home of the British Masters and four times host to the Ryder Cup. Please contact Destination Oxford for details (enquiries@destination-oxford.com).

Archer Yates Associates, a locally based events management company, has been engaged to organise a range of visits and excursions tailored to BERM12 participants' requirements. enquiries@destination-oxford.com. Please note minimum numbers may apply for some excursions.

This page will be updated at regular intervals, so please check frequently for the latest information.