Derwent College

York is a collegiate university where college spirit can at times be running a bit low, but that has never been a problem for Derwent. Any Derwenter will be quick to tell you it’s the most sociable college on campus, be that down to successful events (Club Ds and Big Ds alike), victorious sports teams (they’re this year’s rugby and football champions), or simply that fact that they’re one of the smallest colleges and they have an easy banter target in next-door neighbours Langwith.

Much of this relatively unique spirit is down to the work of the college JCRC, and outgoing Chair Matt Jenkins was committed to keeping it up during his year at the helm. Additionally, promised a more accountable and accessible JCRC, a diversification of Derwent events and the introduction of a key card system for accommodation blocks – promises that were all fulfilled.

Like many before him, he vowed to improve integration of off-campus house Eden’s Court with the rest of the college. Despite having designated Eden’s Court reps on the JCRC, this once again proved a difficult task.

He also campaigned on providing a regular, fortnightly events calendar; an idea that was quickly scrapped when he took office. However, a regular JCRC newsletter was introduced in its place.

Vision quizzed Jenkins about the past year, talking D Bar, security reviews and his RAG superstars.

What are the greatest achievements from your term as Chair?

The improvement of drinks prices in Derwent Bar, the successful security review, the refurbishment of the JCR, quadrupling our sponsorship income and the highly successful freshers week have been my greatest achievements as Chair. They were all achieved through being proactive with services both within and outside the University. The drink deals in Derwent Bar are probably my greatest achievement – Commercial Services took a huge gamble on taking my advice to slash prices, and not only has it resulted in a busier bar but also a much more profitable bar. This puts it in a good position for years to come.

What are your greatest regrets from your term as Chair?

In the words of Dappy, No Regrets.

Who has been your “Committee Superstar”?

This is a tough one as there have been 7 or 8 people who have really stood out on the committee this year. However, if I had to pick one position it would be my RAG reps “Bucy”. Both Beth and Lucy (Derwent’s new Vice Chairs) were not only proactive but highly successful in getting Derwenters down to RAG events, as highlighted through raising the most money (and being mugged out of best dressed) at RAG Parade.

What advice would you give your successor?

Learn to take the rough with the smooth. Sitting through a two hour meeting at 9am on a Thursday morning or reading negative press about your college doesn’t get any easier, but it’s all worth it when big projects are successful and come together. For examples freshers took all summer to organise, but the feedback we have received from freshers made all the effort worthwhile.

Vision also asked Jenkin’s “Committee Superstars” former RAG reps and incoming Vice Chairs Beth Finnie and Lucy Hoban about their experiences on the JCR:

Being able to help organise Derwent’s infamous events has been so much fun! Working as part of such a big team has been rewarding but tough at times – there are a lot of loud voices to be heard during meetings! This just shows how passionate and committed everyone is in promoting Derwent spirit, so no one on the committee ever feels alone!

We are so happy and proud of our success as Derwent RAG reps, and our biggest success to date has to be the RAG parade! Dressed in ‘Under the sea’ themed costumes, the passionate crowd of Derwenters raised the most money out of all colleges. This, added to other money raised throughout the year, lead to us coming second in the college cup – pretty impressive for such a small college!

We have learnt a lot about working as part of a large team, which requires knowing when and how to compromise. We’ve improved other skills such as public speaking, leadership, organising events, communication and even cooking (for hangover breakfasts)! We will be grateful for these skills in our role as Vice Chairs next year, and also in our future careers, whatever they may be!

And, perhaps most importantly, here’s what some non-committee students have to say:

First Year Anna Laming: Derwent has an amazing social atmosphere! From the moment we arrived, freshers week was full of awesome events; slag and drag was a great way for the boys to embarrass themselves in skirts while proving a successful ice breaker. Integration within the college particularly with STYCs has been awesome and I think everyone feels proud to be part of the college.

Third Year Harriet Holmes: Choosing Derwent College was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. They always put on amazing events and Club Ds have given me an excuse to dress up as chav, which I enjoyed almost too much. Derwent has unparalleled college spirit and I’ve loved every second of the Derwent experience.

Finally, we asked Jenkins to you sum up his experience as Chair in three words and, well, this is what we got…:

Oh hi 2.2