JENNA GOLDBERG

Dear all,

The Griffin has had it rough in the past; from being a subversive student publication to looking like a corporate newsletter, from cleverly disguised cryptic gossip to gratuitous scandal stirrer, it's been through various reincarnations. It has, nevertheless, survived to tell the tale and we celebrate its 102nd birthday this year.

This special anniversary edition has many delights for your leisurely perusal but I couldn't help notice as I sat back in my chair to survey the events of Lent 2005 that there is a common theme running through Downing's achievements this term. It's something that really shouldn't be overlooked for it has serious repercussions for every member of the college. I shall list the achievements in question and the first person to guess the common theme gets to spend a day holding hands with the faculty member of their choice:

• Downing holds its first ball in a very long time
• Downing wins Netball Cuppers
• Downing rowers are Head of the River
• Downing elects a new JCR president
• A Downing football team doesn't get relegated

That last one should be the clincher if you hadn't got it before then. That's right, you men of Downing hang your heads in shame, for it seems that Lent 2005 shall from here on in belong to the women. Charlotte Ford has presided over the Ball Committee, Katrina Beechey is the first female JCR president in six years and the women are head of the river.

Where would the women be without the support and inspiration of their loyal menfolk? Cheering them on at the river, decimating the opposition from the sidelines of the netball court and holding back their hair after they've celebrated just a little too hard.

Of course, the male Downites have not been resting on their laurels all year; last term saw cuppers victories for both the Cricket and Squash teams; Barry Bridges and Richard Hardyment at the head of a very productive JCR committee oversaw the rebanding of rooms, revitalised ents and some CUSU kerfuffle that, I'm told, was quite important.

This issue of the Griffin has hopefully got something for everyone, it's here so that in twenty years when you've retired from your heady career in management consultancy you'll flick though these pages and remember what it was like to be young , carefree and institutionalised.

Lots of love,

Jenna

P.S. If there's something you'd like to see in these pages that isn't here do . If there's something you hate, do be quiet about it.

And just a quick word from me to welcome you to the first ever edition of The Griffin Online. I hope you enjoy this new colourful format brimming with dozens of extra photos of your crazy antics, and that it will be the first of many, many more to come. Please do what you think of it and what you'd like to see changed. We've put a lot of work into making sure this is as accessible and easy to navigate and read as possible so do tell us if you experience any problems.

Have a fantastic Easter!

PRIYAN