Hi members, of the best society EVER
I am getting emotional writing this knowing that my first year as a fresher is almost over! But that only calls for bigger and better things next year... more Wednesday nights, more face paint, more front left at mischief (AKA reclaiming cricket corner) and in particular, voting me for next year social sec!
Having been inspired by Ellie and Tallulah and their love for UOLWCC, which I think they have done a pretty good job at projecting on to everybody else too, I could not think of anything better than applying for social sec and finding an even better excuse to miss uni next year.
Looking back at the start of the year, I was super nervous to join a society, but having been bought up in a family that took an active role in cricket, I thought it was the perfect option. I could not have been more right about that decision! From the first social I went to, to having the best 4 days ever in Lit de Mar, I have had the best time and made some of the best memories with the best people. Cricket has not just been so much fun, but everyone has been so welcoming and made me realise this was the society for me! Maybe the copious amounts of alcohol also encouraged me too. But it has certainly made me want to carry on this legacy and hopefully provide next year's freshers with the fun, welcoming environment and opportunities I have been lucky enough to experience.
But where would I be without the 2025/26 committee. Helping to make women’s cricket what it is, I truly believe they have shown us firsthand the need for good leadership in many aspects. Everyone has been a real role models and helped us all develop over the year by creating an environment where this was possible- whether that be on or off the pitch. In particular, a special thanks for Tallulah, supplying my needy requests for Sourz in pop world (I love my mum) and Ellie reassuring me that no one remembered how drunk I was at Mischief every Wednesday (hangxiety fears me). No, but seriously, both have set such an amazing example and raised the bar extremely high for next year's social secs.
I would consider myself a very chatty, confident and organised individual. Reflected in my role as a part-time waitress, having to organise substantial pre-orders and bookings and helping to manage large events such as weddings, christenings and parties. Being a waitress has also helped me develop my skills when working in a team and with new people, having to listen to one another's ideas and help each other through stressful situations. My role as a teaching assistant has also provided me with the experience of handling groups and ensuring everything runs smoothly, as well as making sure people listen to me yet also knowing I am a friendly face if anyone needs help. I am also very lucky to be supported by the most incredible family and friends, who remind me never to take myself too seriously and always be up for anything- which I probably do not need much encouragement for a lot of the time!
I truly never believed a society could play such huge a role in my uni experience. From falling up the stairs in mischief, gravity clearly wasn’t on my side that night, to consuming more bottles of wine than I would ever dare to tell my mum, cricket has provided me with many unforgettable moments which I sure I will only be able to add to next year. Not to forget that my flatmates probably still have not recovered from the smell that lingered on me and in the corridor after welcome drinks. But I would not change any of it, not even the 30-minute queue for the pop world toilets, which has turned into a somewhat character-building experience.
If I have not mentioned my love for Wednesday nights enough (I am seriously getting withdrawals). Here are some ideas I have for socials:
Cops (Old girls) and Robbers (Freshers): Fresher must be paired up with an old girl, to try and out run the cops in a bar crawl/fridge to fridge scenario. Fingers crossed you will not get caught or its straight to “jail” for freshers.
Iconic duos: Old girls will get paired with a fresher, to try and break the ice at the start of the year. Duos must complete challenges and tasks, the best duo wins.
A night at the races: Old girls get dressed to the nines and prepare for a Wednesday night at the races, as freshers turn into horses. Bets are placed, let's hope your horse wins because if they fall so do you- in other words chop your drink!
As well as this, I want to build on having more sober socials. I will aim to work collaboratively with welfare sec as they are a great way for us all to get to know each other better. Training is also something I would like to encourage next year’s freshers to attend, having not picked up a cricket bat in many years I found the idea quite daunting this year. However, I am very keen to give it a proper go next year and I hope I can transfer the same attitude onto the freshers.
Sorry about the length of this, I could probably just about chop a pint in the time it took you to read this- I promise I am getting better; I will be practicing over summer.
The only thing that leaves me to say is, get me back to Leeds and I am looking forward to seeing you all at the AGM!
Bound by wicket always,
Love Jess x
