Russian Society

From Yorkipedia

[edit] History

The history of the Russian society is largely mysterious. It was definitely listed as a society in 2003-2004, yet attempts to contact the organisers failed to produce any clues as to who was involved, what they did, how to join etc. There was a rumour that it had been formed by mafia-type individuals who took the YUSU money and ran. This is unconfirmed.

The society was reformed in 2005, with the committee of Matt, Ruslan and Iskander, and was fairly active for the academic year, with two vodka tasting events, several film nights (including Night Watch and 9th Company), and other socials. Some members reputedly attended the Russian Winter Festival 2006 where rock legends DDT performed.

YUSU in 2006 performed some kind of perestroika on the budgets, and therefore many societies, including the Russian Society became worse off for funding, despite applying for grants in time. Thus the activities and socials were smaller, and attended in smaller numbers. Efforts were further hampered by many students in the society being finalists, and not having much free time. Nevertheless, some students managed to get down to London to visit the fantastic Absolut Ice Bar, which, as the name suggests, is constructed entirely from ice.

Unfortunately the society was not ratified for 2007-8 due to lack of interest and the graduation of the entire committee. The website also appears to have been removed. It would be unwise to assume emails will be answered.