User:XVI Chancer/sandbox
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 16' Club is a socially exclusive, invitation-only dining club for male students at St David's College (now University of Wales, Lampeter), also known as "The Sixteens", the "College Sixteen" or "XVI".
[edit] Founding
Foundation of the Club is impossible to place accurately, as original documentation has been lost and the only documents outside of the Founders' Library relate to the resurrection of the Club on the 11th of June, 1971. Proof of the existence of the Club after that point is easy to see as there is an inscription in the University wine cellar, in the vaults beneath Old Building, and members of staff of all generations can recall various deeds and misdeeds undertaken by Club members over the years. Prior to this resurrection however, there existed a small body of students in the 1830 to 1850s who banded together in secrecy to flout the strict rules which forbade students from appearing in the town without their gown, consorting with local women and frequenting the local alehouses. It is this tradition which the Club seems to have proven itself most reliable at upholding above all others.
[edit] Aims
The aims of the College 16 are loosely defined in the Codex as, "...to maintain the traditions of the University of Wales Lampeter and to provide and maintain a fraternity of gentlemen of calibre for mutual support whilst at University and in post graduate life."
The aims of The Returners are, conversely, enshrined in the "Five Great Rules".
THE FIVE GREAT RULES
1. Eligibility to join The Returning Members of The 16 Club (hereafter to be referred to as ‘The Returners’) shall be limited to any person who has been a member of The 16 Club at Lampeter and who has graduated. Alternatively they must have been redeemed through the Redemption process.
2. The Returners shall be managed by an Executive of a minimum of three, viz:
2a. The Returning Members Officer (RMO) is ‘Primus Inter Pares.’ His particular duties include the production of not less than one Newsletter per annum and the organisation of an AGM. This post is elected annually by the membership.
2b. The Keeper of the Purse is responsible for finances and links with The Club at College. This is an appointment made by The Returners’ Executive.
2c. The Lord Registrar is responsible for the Database and Communications. This is an appointment made by The Returners’ Executive.
3. The Returners’ Executive is collectively responsible for managing and deciding all aspects of the affairs of The Returners. These include an annual dinner, which is held with The 16 Club at Lampeter. The Returners may organise their own, additional dinners but it is recommended that these be held in The Autumn and Winter months in order not to detract support for the annual, summer dinner in Lampeter.
4. Individual Returners have the right to dine with The 16 Club at College, at any time (subject to The Chairman’s approval) and to wear 16 Club regalia.
5. When Dining Returners should strictly adhere to The Codex established for both them and The 16 Club in Lampeter.
[edit] Reputation
Due to a codified distinction between College Sixteens and graduated 'Returners' the Club has changed radically as those members comprising it pursue different loose interpretations of the aims of the Club. Notably, the Club has been in different eras compared to the Bullingdon Club, the Carbonari and vicars on a dirty weekend. Such contentious comparisons aside, the Club has as a result of its changeable nature been met with positive acceptance and vehement opposition as can be seen by the contrast between the calibre of its Guests of Honour in the 1970s and the scandals which almost starved the club of members soon after the millennium, and which still echo in College today.
