The group of old boys who have injected new life into the campaign for a university sports complex describe themselves as “resident and alumni members of the Hawks’ Club”.
For most of the university, the Hawks’ Club is the place where Blue-tacs disappear on Sunday and Wednesday nights on the arms of tricenarian land economists.
For the rest of the week, the Club serves as the communal watering hole of anyone who manages to play a recognised sport against Oxford.
The Hawks’ Club dining room, the scene of a particularly colourful evening last year.
The Hawks’ were set-up when the Eagles, the John’s sports society, rejected the idea of including sportsmen from other colleges in 1870.
Two years later a group of mainly cricketers – who, oddly, don’t seem to have represented the university against Oxford at any sport – set-up the club.
Its headquarters is situated behind former-Tab HQ the Maypole on Portugal Place, overlooking the houses where so many of its senior members take residence.
Fact File
Founded: 1872
Members: University Sportsmen who have earned a Blue, Half Blue or Second Team Colours competing in a Varsity match against Oxford.
President: Ian Ralby,St John’s College
Colours: Maroon and Gold
Did you know?: They promote and run the door of Cindies on Wednesday and Life on Sunday.
Notable alumni
Mike Atherton OBE – former England cricket captain.
HRH Charles, Prince of Wales – the heir to the throne was elected as a Hawks’ Club member in 1968 as a polo player.
Hugh Laurie OBE – the actor, comedian and footlights alumnus found time to pick up a full Blue rowing in the Boat Race in 1980.
Lord Bilimoria – the founder of Cobra beer attended Sidney Sussex in 1988.
I'm a blue (Da ba dee da be daa be da ba deee)
Great originality is a sign of greatness, well done that man.
Hawk for life
Hi again guys,
So just to confirm, there's no chance of finding an actual Hawk here? Just, I've had a bit of a history with them, they keep trying to steal me in their talons and/or devour me.
Anyone who could let me know that would be great, cause the last thing I want is to be a deadmau5!
All the best,
Rat
I once went along to the Hawks' club,
To go and meet lots of blues
But when I descended down those stairs,
I really didn't have a clue!
Don't quit your day job 'poet'
Unless, as his name suggests, his day job is as a poet.
Hey guys!
I really hope to become a member of the hawks club one day! The guys on the rowing team seem to think I have the potential to be a blue, I hope they're not just saying that! lolllol, I'm on Homerton M6 at the moment, but I'm progressing at a rapid rate! I've already managed to reach 14 situps when I could only do 10 at the start of term! As that Sebby guy says, 'watch out for my guns!' rofl!
Anyway, guys, I'm going to go back to bed, had a heavy night out with the Epics last night, lmao! Messy times!
Oh, and I've recently joined Twitter! How cool is that! I get to follow my favourite website ever (the Tab) so much easier than before! Keep up the good work Tab, you guys are the BEST EVER!
Stay safe everyone! Rofl,
R. x
Who is Sebby???
It's a funny play on my name and if you look south, you'll see it.
Im in the Hawks Club and who authorised you to write this article?
Please remove.
Robert, I am detecting negative any energy on your part. This suggests you're mind and soul are not in equilibrium with each other. I sympathise with your internal conflict
You may wish to consider working in collaboration with a Grammar Judge