Fleur de Lys flashback
Clubs, societies and committees
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Trinity College, each month this year we are going to dive into the time machine and share stories and deliberations of our past students, as recorded in our annual student publication, the Fleur de Lys.
This month we're looking at clubs, societies and committees.
Trinity currently has more than 30 clubs, societies, associations and committees that residential students can get involved with during their time on campus, and our Foundation Studies students are encouraged to join groups like the multicultural and multi-faith club and life skills club.
Whether students are interested in volunteering, music, camping or eating cheese, there's a group to suit nearly everyone.
As Hal Colebatch said in 1964:
One of the main reasons that people attend Trinity College is for the companionship of fellow-students: we like to be able to talk and form groups with like-minded people.
As University students, we are supposed to be more ‘active’ than most people. We have the capacity and inclination to work out for ourselves the pattern of our life instead of accepting that which society lays before us.
We have the opportunity of forming groups to further our interests – sporting clubs, political bodies, cultural activities and informal discussion groups of all kinds … The College, by bringing us all together, makes it easier for us to pursue these things.
The ball remains one of Trinity students' most-loved events in the calendar, and is organised by a student committee. The following passage appeared in the 1919 social club report, referencing the ball, or dance in this instance:
Third term, usually a sombre one at this University, was heralded by the College Dance, which was held in the St Kilda Town Hall on 5th September. During the years of war, this function – the most prized of all our social activities – had naturally lapsed, but its revival this year was welcomed by all past and present members of the college.
In 1935, the Fleur de Lys mentions the creation of the Music Society, which was formed to organise the College's 'musical talent' into a society that might 'sing a little, play a little, and listen to good music well played'.
The author then said:
The future of the Music Society is in the lap of the gods.
Considering the Music Society is still running to this day, the gods obviously looked favourably on Trinity's talent.
The 1959 edition of the Fleur de Lys then shared some harsh words about both the freshers and older members of the Dialectic Society ... ouch.
Our new freshers provide a pleasing contrast with those of the last two years, and there is reason to suppose that, when they have outgrown some of their more irritating mannerisms, they will provide an excellent active nucleus for the society.
With a few exceptions, however, the older members are inactive and appear reluctant to speak unless leading the debate. It is also notable that increasing age brings with it increasing difficulty in making oneself understood.
In 1976, the Dialectic Society posted a more upbeat recap of the year, noting that quizzes were popular and well contested, the Art Show was successful, and that the Wigram Allen Essay Competition was a highlight of the year.
Dialectic Society 1976
Dialectic Society 1976
In 1977 a more unusual committee was proposed – the 'Trinity College Toilet Beautification Committee'. The aims of the committee were stated as:
- To create awareness and become involved in the true meaning of toilet visiting.
- To increase the value of this type of real estate.
- To help with the process of male and female relaxation and amusement, whilst proceedings are underway.
Unlike the Music Society and Dialectic Society, for example, which have carried over generations, the toilet committee didn't stick.
The clubs and societies at Trinity play a monumental role in shaping the culture of the College. They are the driving forces that bring students together. They are a place for friendship, personal development and inclusivity, and participation in a club, society, association or committee often helps create some of our students’ fondest College memories.
According to Peter Clarke, a student from 1977:
The future of the College … lies undoubtedly on the shoulders of the Committee[s]
The continuation and popularity of so many clubs and societies today is testament to the success of these extracurricular activities at Trinity, and their ability to take a university experience from good to exceptional.
Wine Cellar Society 1976
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