What better way to start the day than to parade around Durham, dressed in vibrant green? The 29th of February saw to the greatest, most widely anticipated event of the year – St Chad’s Day. Despite being in the midst of summative season where stress is at an all-time high, this was a day where coursework ceased to exist for the weekend, and Chadsians could finally close their notebooks and shut their laptop lids.
On any other day of the year, it would be highly unusual to see people in the Quad at seven in the morning. However, on Chad’s Day you should expect nothing less than a sea of green and the sound of pots and pans, whistles, and chanting. Kicking off the day with a champagne reception and groovy tunes, it was not long until everyone was ready for the North Bailey’s wake up call.
As is tradition, the first order of business is to make as much noise as possible. For those living on the Bailey, there is no such thing as sleeping in on Chad’s Day. The parade made its way around Hatfield, Castle, John’s, and Cuth’s, where our JCR President Lucie Goddard competed with other presidents in the traditional JCR Presidents’ competition. Spectacular results were produced, with three victories under her belt. If St Chad’s is known for only one thing, it would be for our enthusiasm. This clearly showed as the noise did not die down until our group photo was taken in front of the Cathedral and we were ushered back inside.
Once everyone had filled themselves with a green-coloured breakfast, the College gathered in the Cathedral for the St Chad’s Day Service. We were fortunate enough to have the Archbishop of York deliver a speech, and for students from St Chad’s Primary School of Witton Park to perform their own ‘We will praise you’, based on the music by Brian May. Items reflective of College life were placed on the altar, which included a frisbee, a shovel, a stuffed penguin toy, and a beer keg.
At the first chime of 12, Chadsians began their conquest for the title of Keeper of the Goat. Alexander Royce emerged victorious. He now has the honour of dressing as the College mascot – the goat – next year.
The quiet afternoon often gives people a chance to take a quick nap or grab a bite to eat. But this was soon disrupted with the powder paint party filling the garden with neon green, a chance to bask in the sun which had miraculously appeared after days of miserable, rainy weather.
The evening festivities entailed Family Fortunes, Take Me Out, and Mr & Mrs Chad’s all taking place in the Quad. Congratulations to Harry Scott and Hala Heenan for taking the title of Mr and Mrs Chad’s 2020! The rest of the night was filled with inflatables, pizza, and a silent disco. Rolling into the early hours of the morning, it was unsurprising to see a low turnout at college brunch the next day.