This year’s Socs Ball saw the glitz and glam of Holloway’s societies descend upon the Thistle hotel in style. After a classy drinks reception, complete with a jazz quartet and much posing for photos, the main event got under way. Out of the ever successful performing arts societies, Shakespeare Society emerged victorious scooping two awards; the first for most improved society and the second the RAG outstanding contribution award, to honour their incredible read-a-thon, which saw members shivering outside the Windsor building whilst working their way through all 37 of the bards plays in 99 hours.
Best new society went to Sustainability Society, who have made a serious impact this year with plans to hopefully bring a bike hire system to Royal Holloway in the near future. The outstanding individual achievement of the night saw cheers erupt from the Insanity radio table for Julian Farmer, who was the well- deserved recipient of the Co-President’s cup, rewarded for his exceptional contribution over his time at RHUL to our media outlets, as both Editor of the Orbital and Station Manager of Insanity. Insanity were also recognised for their year’s work engaging with people from wider community with the community shield award.
Though the sparkling ballroom echoed with the woos and squeals of our more dramatic societies’ winners throughout, the night undoubtedly belonged to the lively, letterman jacket-clad members of Computing Society. You’ve probably spotted them around campus in their notorious yellow and blue jackets, but love them or hate them, Computing Soc’s committee have worked tirelessly to put the society on the map this year and were rewarded with Society of the Year. Chants of ‘Comp Soc, comp soc’ boomed around the room as the ecstatic committee led by President Filippo Di Paolo collected the award.
It’s been a great year for societies at Royal Holloway, and if I could squeeze every completely deserving winner into this tiny review, and those who perhaps weren’t honoured with awards but still worked exceptionally hard, I would! What remains to say is a huge congratulations to all from the Orbital team, and a massive well done and thank you to Brianna and the SA team for an unforgettable night.