Celebrating the Bannister Mile

This evening, I had the privilege of attending a special reception at Pembroke College to mark the 71st anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sporting history: Sir Roger Bannister’s legendary sub-four-minute mile.

It was a particular honour to gather in the college where Sir Roger served as Master from 1985 to 1993. His leadership left a lasting impact on Pembroke—helping to strengthen its academic reputation and expand its facilities. Today, his legacy lives on through the Bannister Building in Rokos Quad and scholarships awarded in his name, but perhaps more profoundly through the values he embodied: discipline, vision, and quiet determination. We were warmly welcomed by Sir Ernest Ryder, the current Master of Pembroke, whose generous hospitality made the evening truly special.

It was also a privilege to be joined by members of Sir Roger’s family. Charlotte Bannister-Parker and Thurston Bannister offered gracious words of welcome and shared their reflections on their father’s life and legacy. Their presence grounded the evening in warmth and humanity, reminding us that this was not only a celebration of athletic achievement but also of a remarkable man deeply loved by those closest to him.

I was especially pleased to be accompanied by Emily, the High Sheriff’s Cadet from Scouting. Throughout the evening, she engaged guests in intelligent and thoughtful conversation, representing the energy and potential of young people with poise and confidence. Her presence was a powerful reflection of my theme for the year—Hearing the Young Unheard—which seeks to give greater voice to young people across Oxfordshire, and to recognise the value they bring to civic life.

Earlier in the day, the Bannister Community Mile brought together people of all ages to run or walk through Oxford—ending at the very track where Roger made his mark on the world. The event was more than a re-enactment; it was a statement of unity, of aspiration, and of belief in what’s possible.

And during the elite races held at the Iffley Road track that afternoon, history repeated itself in thrilling fashion: the four-minute barrier was broken not once, but four times. A stirring tribute to Bannister’s legacy—and proof that his spirit continues to inspire excellence, drive ambition, and remind us all of what human beings can achieve.

Sir Roger was just 25 when he made history—not much older than many of the young people whose voices we seek to elevate through the Shrieval theme this year. His story reminds us of the importance of belief—in ourselves, in others, and especially in the rising generation.

As he once said, “We run, not because we think it’s doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves.” That sense of purpose, joy, and relentless forward motion is what we celebrated this evening at Pembroke—and what I hope we continue to pass on to those who come next.