Raisin Madness hits St Andrews

RAISIN REVELRIES RULED on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st November. Two tourists were overheard asking a local policeman on Sunday what was going on; his response was a single word: “Raisin.”

The alcohol section in Tesco was severely depleted, as was the town’s supply of shaving foam.

The town prepared for the festivities, with Student Services setting up the traditional first aid centre in the Mansefield building with first-aiders on call, and the police cancelling all leave for the weekend.

Raisin Sunday seemed to begin quietly, yet the calm atmosphere was betrayed by the odd delivery van dropping off a tower of alcohol four feet high, and the ‘let’s see how many Freshers we can fit into a phone-box’ game. After the Academic mothers’ parties, the town saw an influx of weaving, slurring students high-fiving strangers in the street.

Students ran around town for their scavenger hunts, obtaining photographic evidence of their antics for their parents’ approval with various unsuspecting townspeople of St Andrews.

Academic Fathers’ parties began as soon as the sun set, with City Road featuring a paddling pool and two girls dangling their legs from a first floor window.

Police were kept very busy, responding to several incidents during the night.

Monday morning saw the St Salvator’s Quad prepared for battle-royale, with first-aid posts, and rolls of paper towels to help any who needed it, and photographers ranked around the grass to capture every glorious foam-filled moment.

The procession made its way along North Street, marching past crowds of spectators. Notable costumes included the cast of Star Wars, the Teletubbies, crayons, the HMS Shinty even sailed past.

One Academic Father donned gown and crown and, sat regally upon his throne was carried to the quad upon a bed-frame, borne by eight struggling academic children.

Another Academic Father had a similar idea, lashing his children to his wheeled sleigh, and being drawn through the streets, shouting, “Mush”. Raisin receipts ranged from old doors and bits of fence to handfuls of jelly, lumps of ice and even a broken lamp post and an old banister.

The foam fight, as usual, was immensely successful, and enjoyed by all who attended – the long line of foam covered Freshers leaving the quad all wearing broad grins. Roll on Raisin 2012!