Fancy a Rag?
EIGHTH WEEK LAST term saw Oxford's vainer students descend upon Bar Med for the first ever University Beauty Contest. The more handsome couples who made it through the preliminary college rounds were invited to vie for the prestigious title 'Mr and Miss Oxford University', all in the name of charity.
The contest, designed to publicise the annual University RAG ("Raise and Give") week taking place in 4th week this term, raised over £400 for the charity and was attended by throngs of enthusiastic spectators, eager to catch a glimpse of salacious activity and naked flesh. With scores of potential "Mr. Oxford University"s willing to strip down to their boxers for the crowd, they were not disappointed.
Judges were selected from each college, a set-up that led to accusations of favouritism on all sides. The judges from Jesus apparently took this to heart and walked out after their couple were eliminated in the first round. Controversy also surrounded Trinity's 'double entry' for 'Miss. Oxford'; two girls handcuffed together, leading to accusations of 'two for the price of one'. The majority of the crowd seemed to appreciate this effort, however.
'Miss Christ Church', Rebecca Eden, achieved further fame when she went on to appear on E4's "Chained", winning the bisexual round.
A 9-week Trinity term calendar featuring the contestants, including the eventual winners, Jenny Richardson (Miss. St Peter's) and Henry Duff (Mr. Lincoln) is now available from the RAG office for the price of £3, with all profits to charity.
The success of the Beauty Contest will encourage RAG organisers, who hope to reverse the waning interest in RAG over recent years. This term's RAG week will include such events as bungee jumping, an Ann Summers party, a barbecue, a party in Gloucester Green, and the ever popular five-a-side football tournament.
According to Jon Treadway, RAG sabbatical officer and event organiser, Bar Med have agreed to allow the contest to be staged again next year, despite the dubious debauchery, making it a regular event in the Oxford calendar.
3rd May 2001