Rag Time
Newly matriculated undergraduates poured out of the Sheldonian on Saturday morning, smartly sporting their new sub-fusc, when Oxford RAG moved in for the kill.
Dressed in costumes ranging from the weird and wonderful to the downright bizarre, they brandished water pistols and threatened super-soaker oblivion to unsuspecting young students.
The only way to save the white shirts was to stump up the price of a ticket to the RAG Matriculation Beerfest and raffle, held at the Turf Tavern.
Somerville RAG rep, Katherine Harding, accidentally hit a University Policeman with her water pistol. She was allegedly threatened with arrest for "assaulting a police officer" but with the offending weapon duly confiscated, matters were not taken any further.
Spirits were not too dampened by the incident and sources have revealed that Rob Hoyle, ex-RAG Treasurer, was seen dancing a jig dressed only in a towel, suspenders and a bow-tie.
Cheap spirits and real ale, donated by the Turf, were sold from 11am to 5pm, when the alcohol finally ran out. Over £1500 was raised for Barnardo's, Children in Need, the Terrence Higgins Trust and other local charities.
Oxford University RAG (Raise and Give) is the biggest University Society in Oxford, and dates back to 1870. Since all students at Oxford are automatically members of RAG, the team explained that everyone should become involved .
Fundraising events for more than forty charities are held throughout the year and include dragon boat racing, beauty contests and bungee jumping. This year will culminatewith RAG week in Trinity Term, when the organisers aim to let "madness and mayhem take control."
This term, RAG is organizing bunjee jumps in 3rd Week, a hitchhiking trail to Dublin, inter-collegiate quizzes, 'Raids on Cheltenam' and a massive Christmas party with OUSU in 8th week. Later in the year there will be a sponsored firewalk and a Mr and Miss Oxford Competition.
To find out if you've won a Playstation 2, a meal for 6 at Chutney's, HMV Vouchers or Space Hoppers please visit: http://users.ox.ac.uk/~oucrag/.
18th Oct 2001