Men-only Kate Kennedy club now open to women
Kate and Bishop Kennedy in the procession. Picture: Neil Doig
FOR more than 85 years it has been the exclusive men-only club for students at Scotland’s oldest university. But a late-night coup by two members of the Kate Kennedy Club at St Andrews University means women will finally be allowed to join in.
In a move which has caused ructions in the normally sedate surroundings of Prince William’s alma mater, a splinter group has formed the Kate Kennedy Fellowship.
The new group, which has the backing of the university’s principal, Professor Louise Richardson, will admit female members, breaking a tradition which goes back to 1926.
Set up to honour the niece of Bishop Kennedy, a founder member of the university, the Kate Kennedy Club has its roots in the 15th century.
It fell into disuse but was revived in 1926. It is most famous for its annual procession in which students dress as historical characters connected with the town, such as Mary Queen of Scots, John Knox and Andrew Carnegie. A male first-year student is selected on the morning of the event to dress as Kate.
Prof Richardson withdrew official support for the club and its procession in 2009, e-mailing all students to tell them its values were “completely at odds” with those of the university.
Earlier that year, she became the first principal of the university not to be offered an invitation to join the Royal and Ancient Golf Club due to her gender.
Yesterday, she once again wrote to students telling them the new Kate Kennedy Fellowship was “altogether more in keeping” with the university’s ethos. She also praised the two male students, Sunny Moodie and Pat Mathewson, who broke away to form the new club.
Prof Richardson said: “The traditions around Kate Kennedy have been a long-standing part of the lore of this university and the annual procession has been a highlight of the town’s activities.
“Three years ago, shortly after my arrival in St Andrews, I withdrew university patronage from the Kate Kennedy Club on the grounds that all members of our community should have equal access to the traditions of Kate Kennedy, that no group has a right to arrogate to themselves the role as sole preserve of the university’s traditions, and that in this day and age we cannot tolerate discrimination against women.”
Prof Richardson said she was “delighted” to endorse the new group, which will elect a core group of 36 fellows, and said she looked forward to the “best and most inclusive Kate Kennedy Procession ever”.
University insiders said they now expected the existing Kate Kennedy Club to die a “slow death”, with the support of life members and the right to host the procession set to pass to the new organisation.
Mr Mathewson, one of the students who broke away to form the new club, said: “All students will be members of the Kate Kennedy Fellowship. We will also appoint a number of Kate Kennedy fellows from the student body.
“They will be tasked with the practical work of organising the Kate Kennedy Procession, the opening and May balls and the numerous other charity and volunteering opportunities that are such an important part of the Kate Kennedy tradition. Every student is invited to apply.”
In a statement, members of the existing club said: “We have always been open to discussing our membership and will continue to consider these proposals. We look forward to welcoming the town and students to the Kate Kennedy Procession on 14 April and the May Ball on 6 May.
“We hope the university will not attempt to prevent us from putting on these special events that the townsfolk and students have enjoyed for over 85 years.”
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Comments
There are 26 comments to this article
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Mark Bishop
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 08:33 PMOh wonderful. St Andrews have joined us in the 21st Century. What a load of masochistic idiots. In case you have forgotten, women make up approximately 50% of the human race. Get with it and deal with it.
mcglynn
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 01:40 PMobvious - it isnt a registered charity. they still give away thousands each year, just because they dont brag about it or show off in the press doesnt mean it doesnt happen - i know that theyve funded a scholarship for years, and have given a lot of money to local charities as well as CHAS etc. discretion is the better part of valor after all...
standrews
Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 03:32 AMThese guys are standing up for what they believe in! This cultish all male club needs to be brought down because of the dreadful message it sends, and because of what it does! what does it do with the money it claims to raise for charity? i would like to see some accounts! the government will hold tax records for registered charities. i looked..i coudnt find any. would like an answer to this question...
Mercutio
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:50 PMAt least the harridan has not been offered membership of the R & A.
South Wales Scot
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 09:37 PMReally, who gives a shȈt!
Micheal Hudson
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 06:54 PMWhat the issue at its most basic level boils down to is that these two individuals are fighting for their belief that the rich History and Traditions of both the University and Town of St Andrews should be shared, recognized and celebrated by all rather than closely guarded by an elite group of wealthy individuals. The fact that they are an all male institution only underlines the backward thinking of the Kate Kennedy Organisation
BillKent
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 06:50 PM#14 - separate toilets for men and women is hardly a parallel or valid example for exclusive club membership. Perhaps you think that we should only have male marriages and female marriages? After all, who knows what would happen if we let men and women marry?
Tartancult
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 05:16 PM#17 Every tradition was once innovation -------------------------- No it wasn't.
The man from laramie
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 04:32 PMBeing myself a graduate from this establishment, I am pleased that the gaffer has put her foot down re the silly little boys' games. I have plenty of time for tradition, but not the type which seeks to keep women "in their place". Also a keen golfer, but disgusted with the R & A for denying her the normal coutesy of honorary membership. Last but not least, as a Fifer, we have no time for prats. Great town, wonderful university....but housing rather too many yahoos for anybody's liking (well, anybody from the region!)
andersm0
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 03:27 PMEvery tradition was once innovation.
Rhynieman
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 01:57 PMThe gender of the members of the KK club has always been in some doubt....Hooray Henry Oxbridge rejects with a desire for wearing fish net stockings and plastic bags on their heads...its called tradition ...when will Scotland learn to respect the English Class system...after all this is Saint Andrews.
Alan Craigie
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 12:56 PMasfwegsegz
george toot toot
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 12:06 PMWhat next in freedom of access - forbid separate toilets for men and women - forbid separate changing rooms in swimming poolssports events Ms Richardson should not impose her own view point on the university,.she should suggest and accept a majority decision concerning the orientation of the institution. Will she forbid boys' nights out and hen parties next.
GarryOtton
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:55 AMI'm loving that picture. It's so HOT! But it's not fair to infer all bishops like their boyz dressed as girls.
Curious Yellow
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 10:50 AMDon't they have better things to do with their time at university?
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