Opinion Editor, Grant Kuppenheimer, shares his experience at this year’s Summer Ball in the new venue of Wynyard Hall, creating a night of extravagance and celebration for first years and finalists alike.
*Note that this article is the personal opinion of the author.
With every passing minute, the pressure increased, the ability to contain my extremely full bladder becoming more challenging than a marathon as the coach rolled down the motorway. Is it this exit, or the next? When will we arrive!? They only said 40 minutes.
But the journey to Wynyard Hall was not 40 minutes, and after downing one beer and three VKs, I found myself in the most egregious biological struggle I had ever known. “So, Grant, what do you think about the upcoming general election? Personally, I think old Nige has a lot to offer once given the chance.” That’s great, Max, but I’ve had to pee since we pulled away from the SU, so right now, Old Nige is definitely not on my list of priorities.
The minutes continue, and the agony intensifies. As I look around the back of the coach, I discover that I am part of a loud minority of dedicated students who decided to ‘hydrate’ before the journey began, all in collective agony and all becoming ever so desperate as time passed. Then… at last! The sign to Wynyard Hall appears, and after ten agonising minutes, I jump out of the coach and, along with five others, make a mad dash for the toilet. The pain subsided, but my dignity was shattered. As I emerged, someone motioned me to take a glass of champagne and patted me on the back, saying, “welcome to the Summer Ball”.
The summer ball is considered the capstone event of the college, celebrating a successful year and one of many farewells to finalists
Every year, the SJCR and SEC (Social Events Committee) thoroughly plan and run the John’s Summer Ball at an external location. Like the annual Bailey Ball hosted during Michaelmas mid-term, the Summer Ball includes a drinks reception, three-course meal, ents, and a silent disco. The Summer Ball is considered the capstone social event of the college, celebrating a successful year and one of many farewells to finalists.
This year’s ball was held on 13 June at Wynyard Hall, a very extravagant venue with ample space for photos and ents activities. Many considered the venue an upgrade compared to last year’s Beamish Hall, a luxurious location in itself but still being outdone by Wynyard’s extravagance. Interestingly, the John’s Summer Ball was the first Durham student event hosted by Wynyard for several years making the end-of-year event ever so special.
After opportunities for photos and drinks at 18:00, students sat down for their three-course meal beginning at about 19:30. Students could pre-book table wine and choose from a set menu of either a meat or vegetarian entrée. Throughout the meal, entertainment included a magician who amused and bemused many students and odd drinking rituals where one would stand on a chair, shout “I am Spartacus”, ‘chop’ (down) their drink and motion for someone to continue the tradition. Unfortunately for them, most Johnians merely stared in bewilderment and continued with their meal. More group photos were exchanged, and socialization continued, coaxing students to finish their meal and move on to the ents portion of the ball.
Perhaps this revolving door of college life becomes most poignant at a Summer Ball, where the perpetual state of change in student life becomes most apparent
In conversation with one of the SEC exec members, I learned just how much planning (and funding) went into post-meal entertainment. Such activities encompassed a very engaging twister ride, a photo booth, Eden Crepes & Trevs Buttery, The Mockingbirds, a caricaturist, DJ, and ending with a silent disco. One event that deserves special attention is the talented cellist and John’s student Rosie Allen, who set an elegant tone for the ball and performed talented pieces as part of the entertainment offered to attendees. All events came free with the ball and helped explain why ticket expense was so high; the SEC felt that after the meal, students would prefer paying a bit more upfront to enjoy more free events later.
To conclude the event, students made their way to the dance floor as the DJ signed off, and the silent disco began (but with much wine consumed and ebullient emotions running, the disco was far from silent). At this point, the event photographer — James Macfarlane — captured some of the best shots of the night as he made his way amongst the crowd of joyful celebrators. With a bittersweet taste, the silent disco signifies the last ball for our 2024 leavers, an ending celebration of their time at John’s and Durham. Yet, for many first years, it was the end of their transition into college and university life, with much to look forward to in the coming years. Perhaps this revolving door of college life becomes most poignant at a Summer Ball, where the perpetual state of change in student life becomes most apparent. Whether you will go on to spend further years in John’s or are saying final farewells, we at the Chronicle wish you a very happy end of year and hope a wonderful summer holiday awaits.
Images courtesy of James Macfarlane.
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