Life in John’s Editor, Luca Hughes Joshi, gives his account of Epiphany term’s first major college event, the Sports and Societies themed formal.
After attending probably the first John’s Chronicle board meeting in which most of its editors were suited and gowned (we’re a professional bunch: formals are no excuse for absence at this esteemed publication), it was time to embark on the journey from John’s Chronicle HQ – the Bowes Room (The Telegraph don’t get that level of luxury) – all the way across to Leech Hall.
The Catering staff delivered a classy affair as ever: an amuse bouche of salmon terrine, followed by a steak, and the amalgamative innovation that was a sticky toffee pudding cheesecake. Special kudos to our Catering Manager, John Dorward, and chefs, Colin Clifford and Ting Lee. Who needs Heston when you’ve got those three?
As per, all the courses were washed down with alcoholic beverages deemed suitable by the SJCR’s Formals Officer (always remember: bringing lager, spirits, and vilk leave risk of you being turned away at the door). Turning a glass full of water into a glass full of wine is overrated. The real skill is turning a glass full of wine into an empty glass. I’m sure most of the attendees were more than happy to take on that challenge, and I think it’s fair to say we were successful in that regard.
Turning a glass full of water into a glass full of wine is overrated. The real skill is turning a glass full of wine into an empty glass.
The JMS Band provided a welcome backdrop at certain junctures of the night, whilst images of the wide array of societies we have here in John’s were displayed on the projector at the front of the room (although I have to say I’m a bit disappointed by the lack of John’s Chronicle representation on the slide show).
And then it was speech time. Chris Courtman, and then our new Vice Principal (Locum), George Connolly, (an interview with him in The Chronicle is imminent I’m told) set us off; with SJCR Sports and Societies Officer, Jonathan Savine, and student representatives from a smattering of societies also speaking across the night.
And that was that. As ever, going to a formal proved to be a majestic evening. The perfect setup for a bar crawl in a suit, featuring a botched Mary’s mile, and a game of indoor cricket with an orange later that night.
Images: Helena Farthing and Sawan Lingden
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