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The Gentlemen Patricians of Downing College is a male drinking society of Downing College, Cambridge . The club is commonly known as the ''Patricians Club'', or simply the ''Pats''. It is one of the most well known and controversial drinking societies in Cambridge. CAMBRIDGE DRINKING SOCIETIES Most colleges at Cambridge University have both male and female drinking societies. Often entry to such societies is based on sporting participation, although many societies, including the Patricians Club, have no requirements for sporting participation. Members of societies will regularly organize "outings" with societies of the opposite sex from other colleges, as well as holding various social events throughout the academic year. The usual identifying feature of male drinking societies is the club tie. HISTORY The Patricians Club was founded by Henry VIII , although the precise date of its foundation is lost. Henry was the original President of the club, and wrote its liquid constitution. This document is now held by the current President, who carries a copy of it in his blazer pocket at all times. CLUB CONSTITUTION The colours of the Patricians Club are magenta, black and green. These represent the magenta and black of Downing, with the green of the club's traditional cocktail, Green Goddess. The Patricians Club is a private organisation, and not an official college society. Membership is open to male members of the college. Although graduate members of college can join, it is predominantly an Undergraduate club. New members are selected by the current membership at the end of their first term or the beginning of their second term at the college. Membership is exclusive, and myths abound about entry criteria. Contrary to popular belief, sporting, school or social background are not factors. Prospective members are assessed for suitability and drinking ability, and those who are lucky enough will be invited to initiate. The details of the initiation remain a closely guarded secret. The Patricians Club differs from many of the other Cambridge drinking societies in that its members join early in the first year, rather than in their second year. Once initiated, a Pat is a member for life. The club is run by its President, assisted by the Secretary. The Secretary is selected at the end of his first year; after spending a year as Secretary, he will in turn become the President before the start of his third year. Members wear blazer and tie at all club events. The club tie is seen as the most important symbol of the Pats. It is revered and desired by those outside the club. PATS NIGHT One of the defining features of the Patricians Club, setting it aside from other inferior drinking societies, is the weekly Pats night. This is held every Friday during term at a local ale house, and attendance is strictly compulsory for all members. Consumption of ale is mandatory and excessive. Fraternisation with the opposite sex is forbidden, and all vag must be dissed. After sufficient ale has been consumed, the members of the Pub will often return to Downing College to dominate the College Bar . SOCIAL EVENTS As well as Pats Night and outings with female societies, the club also organizes various social events throughout the year, including the Annual Pub Crawl and Cocktail Party. The highlight of the year is the Pats Garden Party, one of the key social fixtures of May Week . This is held on the college paddock on the Saturday before Suicide Sunday ; the elite of the Cambridge social scene attend what is seen as one of the best garden parties of the summer. The extremely potent Green Goddess cocktail is served by the club at all of its social events. |
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