2015 2016
G A A RGM MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK INCA TREK DARE UGANDA GORILLA TREK MOROCCO TREK LONDON TO PARIS PRAGUE AND ISTANBUL MARATHONS SKYDIVE HITCH TOUGH GUY 3 PEAKS LOST FIREWORKS BEER KELLER APOCALYPSE COLOUR DASH HUNGER GAMES GROOVE PLANE RAG RAIDS 1
2
S T N E T N O C 04 Welcome! 05 Hi – Jane and Karyn 06 What is Rag? 07 Choose
A Challenge
08 Mount
Kilimanjaro Trek
09 Morocco Trek 10 Inca Trek 11 Uganda
Gorilla Trek
12 DARE 13 London to Paris 14 Marathons – Prague and Istanbul
15 Sky Dives 16 3 Peaks 17 Hitch 18 Colour Dash 19 Apocalypse 20 Lost 21 Tough Guy 22 Fireworks 23 Beer Keller 24 Hunger Games 25 Groove Plane 26 Save the Dates 27 Rag Raids 28 Rag Committee 29 Rag Reps 30 Awards List 2014/15
31
Goodbye from Danni
3
E M ! O C L E W
Hi, i’m Rachael your VP Rag 2015-16!
Loughborough Students’ Rag is the fundraising section of the Student’s Union. It is home to some of the most challenging and rewarding projects in the world, raising over £1,000,000 annually for local, national and international charities
/VPRagLSU @VPRag_LSU Telephone: 01509 635036 Office: upstairs in the students union
I’ve been involved in Rag for my entire 3 years at Uni and it really has made my Loughborough experience. I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, dog sled across the Arctic Circle, cycled from London to Paris twice and raised over £15,000 on street collections and am the team leader for the Everest Base Camp Trek. I can’t stress enough how ridiculously amazing this section is for all the wonderful and life changing opportunities that are available to you! Loughborough Student’s Rag is one of the biggest and best student fundraising organisations in the UK and it’s only because of the tireless effort from the rag reps, committee and YOU the students that we can manage the ridiculous amount we do. So what are you waiting for? Choose Rag.
4
Hi
JANE & KARYN
Jane and Karyn here saying well done for picking up and reading this fantastic booklet of Rag information! We are here to assist Rachael, the Rag Committee, the Rag Reps and YOU with anything to do with fundraising and challenges. So if you are keen to jump out of a plane, dog sledge in Norway, cycle from London to Paris or get covered in colourful paint and help raise the next £1,000,000, then Rag is the section to get involved in. It’s tough to encapsulate the essence of Loughborough Rag in a single statement and it can be arduous to pinpoint an exact cause for its success. But it really just boils down to just one factor to explain why we’re so successful – the people. A quote from an ex student sums it up – Loughborough Rag helps develop key skills, whilst helping a good cause but more importantly it helps create friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime – regardless of how much we raise, that is something you can’t attach a figure to.
5
T A H W IS G ? RA
Some of our greatest achievements over the years are:
£72,424.11
RAG OF THE YEAR
435,762.18
HOSTED ONE OF THE BIGGEST & BEST
for the Royal British Legion in 2014
over the last 3 years for Breast Cancer Now
OVER £25,000 raised by one student in their 3 years at Loughborough
BEST PER HEAD compared to other Rags every single year
6
2012 and 2013
Rag conferences in 2012
RAISED OVER
£1,000,000
every year for the last 6 years
£14,883,014.63 raised since records began
CHAOOSE CHALLENGE
Come and sig n up to our o nce in a lifetime a dventures an d help make a d ifference to s ome unbelievable causes
Monday 12th r Octobe
Piaz z and a Roo m1
7
MOUNT
TREK
O R A J N KILIMA
5,895 metres. Africa’s highest point. The world’s biggest freestanding mountain. This is a challenge like no other, taking you all the way to Tanzania to conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro – a once in a lifetime experience that is guaranteed to be truly unforgettable! You will climb the vast mountain over a number of days, during which you can take in your amazing surroundings and be able to appreciate the breath-taking scenery and wildlife. The event takes place over the summer holidays, so you will be able to enjoy the African sun at its best, and have the chance to sightsee and photograph the beautiful areas around Tanzania and Zanzibar! The Kilimanjaro climb is one of our most popular and exciting events! So why not follow in the footsteps of hundreds of Loughborough students, alumni and even the odd celebrity, to reach the roof-top of Africa. This year the trek will be in aid of Meningitis Research Foundation, which is an amazing charity that aims to free the world from meningitis and help support the 3000 people suffering from it every year.
8
O C C MORO T
REK
NEW
THISR YEA
Situated in the North-West corner of Africa lies the Kingdom of Morocco; a country offering a wealth of diverse cultures, steeped in classical history. This trek offers something different for every traveller; not at least the once in a lifetime experience of trekking the High Atlas Mountains. This incredible mountain range spreads over half the Mahgreb and is located south of Marrakech, where your adventure begins. We will journey through the valleys, up to the high villages made of mud brick and ultimately ascend up to the summit of Mount Toubkal – North Africa’s highest peak at 4167m.
You will experience a side of Morocco that tourists rarely see and enjoy a truly authentic and enriching experience in the hidden jewel of Africa with available extension trips that involved camel riding and so much more! The Children’s Society is our chosen charity partner for this trek and is working to support vulnerable children in England and Wales.
9
INCATREK
Machu Picchu is known to be one of the wonders of the world. It’s stunning scenes and beautiful Peruvian culture is definitely something you’ll be telling your grandkids about. Setting out from the ancient Inca capital, Cusco, you face a true trekking adventure taking in the spectacular setting of this stunningly beautiful country. On route you will be faced with varying terrain from steep ascents and breath-taking mountain passes to humid jungle environments. Your reward shall be a spectacular final day at the lost Inca world, Machu Picchu.
10
Over the course of the trek, you will be able to experience first-hand the twisting paths rising high and low across the Andean valleys, this trek is no easy feat, but it is an opportunity to experience a world like no other, with a team you’ll never forget, visiting a place you’ll forever desire to revisit. The charity that you will be supporting for this trek is the Epilepsy Society who help hundreds of thousands of people every year.
UGANDA
GORRILELKA
NEW THISR YEA
T
Start your journey by trekking through breath-taking scenery of western Uganda, hiking through forests, up the sides of mountains and even crossing lakes in traditional dugout canoes. You’ll be staying on small islands which provide a fantastic opportunity to pick up on the local customs and learn the language. You’ll also spend an unforgettable day searching for the last remaining silver back mountain gorillas through Bwindi forest. You’ll feel like a true intrepid explorer as you see the gentle giants in their natural habitat. In addition to this, a main part of the trek is to help the community - you will transform the school field into a playground, filled with vibrant colours and a swing-set to match! Working alongside the build team, Evenings will be spent playing card games and visiting nearby attractions, all of which will vary from project to project. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the local community and work alongside the charity partner East African Playgrounds.
11
DARE
Dogsledding Arctic Rag Expedition. Want an adventure that will test your nerves? Then DARE is the one for you! You are taken to the Arctic Circle where you meet your team of huskies and dogsled 200km across the ice, snow and frozen lakes.
You will spend a few days camping out in the snow, having campfires and watching out for the breath taking Northern Lights. After crossing from Norway into Sweden you will then spend a night at the famous Ice Hotel – only one of two in the world. Spaces are limited so be sure to get down to our Choose A Challenge night for more info! The money you raise goes towards Make A Wish UK, which is a charity that grants incredible wishes to terminally ill children.
12
N O D N LO PARIS TO
Three days. Two wheels. The time of your life. From one iconic city to the next you will cycle approximately 240 miles through the heart of London, over steep hills, through the French country side and down the cobbled streets of Paris.
your way around the busy, narrow streets of Paris and finishing underneath the Eiffel tower!
Day one you will have conquered some of the steeper hills, made it through London and down to the ferry port where you will sleep overnight. Day two is incredibly picturesque and you will enjoy the long winding roads, tiny villages and wonderful weather. Day three will be the last and best day, managing to locate
Every penny raised will go towards helping the 8000 women and 400 men each year that are affected by breast cancer. You could be the next Wiggins, or just have learnt to take the stabilisers off, this trip is for anyone, so sign up at our Choose A Challenge event.
You have a dedicated team, a top night out in Paris and probably some interesting tan lines too.
13
PRAGUE
AND
S N O H T A R A M
ISTANBUL
NEW
THISR YEA
The Prague marathon lets you soak up the magic of the city in a unique and utterly exhilarating way. Beginning in the world famous Old Town Square, the course winds through the stunning architectural city. As a predominantly flat course, beginners will find this marathon very manageable and with the added bonus of music from over 20 bands at various points on the course you are sure to be motivated all the way to the finish line. After the race is over you will have chance to explore the city and as the Czechs are famous for their beers, you’ll definitely have earned a couple. The charity partner for the Prague marathon is Breast Cancer Now.
14
The other marathon we have on offer is Istanbul. With this marathon you will experience the unique journey between two continents, running from Asia to Europe through the history of one of the oldest settlements in the world is what makes your efforts so rewarding. With the marathon in November 2016 you will have plenty of time to fundraise for Hope for Children, who aim to give every child a childhood and reach their full potential across the globe.
SKYDIVE
The ultimate thrill seeker challenge. 13,500ft up. Then 13,500 down! The skydiving challenge is like nothing you will have done before, after reaching terminal velocity of 120mph, you will safely glide down to touch ground.
This year, the event raises money for Breast Cancer Now – an incredible cause helping to fund research projects with the greatest potential to save and improve lives and ultimately find a cure for breast cancer.
It is an exhilarating journey with the most spectacular view you’ve ever seen! You can even buy a video or photograph of your jump while you’re there and relive the experience when you get home!
This summer event is truly unmissable so sign up with your friends, and even family!
15
S K A E P 3 One of the most recognisable challenges that has you reach the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in just one weekend! You’ll start with Ben Nevis (1344m) in Scotland on the first day, head on down south to climb Scafell Pike (978m) in the Lake District, and finish with an ascent of Snowdon (1085m) in Wales on the last day. So whether you’re a student or staff member this really is an event anyone can do! What better way to spend your weekend than trekking over 42km in distance and 3,000 metres up. The charity partner for this trip is Dementia UK, which is intent on improving the quality of life of dementia patients and those who are affected by the disorder.
16
NEW
THISR YEA
HITCH
NEW
THISR YEA
Hitch is an annual Hitch-hike to Morocco or Croatia, which takes place over Easter. With 23 years experience, and seeing nearly 9,000 hitchers embark on incredible adventures across the continent, Hitch is the safest, the biggest and the best hitch-hiking event in the UK.
Or head to Croatia, a 900 mile, incredible 7 countries and 6 day trip through France, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and Slovenia, before arriving in the “Land of 1,000 Islands”. Croatia hosts vibrant cities, renowned nightlife, incredible views and breath-taking scenery.
Morocco is a 1,200 mile, 4 countries and 7 day trip, starting in the UK, travelling through France and Spain, before experiencing an intoxicating blend of Arabic and African influences in the beautiful and vibrant Morocco.
With it only costing £15 to sign up you and your friends will have the trip of a lifetime, and what’s more, it’s all for Link Community Development!
17
COLOURDASH What better way to cap off your freshers than to go all out on a 5k run around campus covered in dry paint! Colour Dash is the first Rag event of the year, and is something that would definitely brighten up your day and clothes! You can walk, jog or run the 5k around campus whilst being covered in ridiculous amounts of dry paint (the same they use for Holi fest). For any freshers, it’s a great way to get to know the campus better and for the returners, you know it’s the snapchat story and new Facebook profile picture you’ve been waiting for. Colour Dash is Sunday 11th October this year, so bring your brightest and whitest t-shirt and prepare to get messy!
18
NEW
THISR YEA
E S P Y L APOCA
Everyone says they’d be amazing, everyone thinks they’d survive. Well then, prove it… Apocalypse is a brand new event to Rag this year. Based on campus, you’ll be put to the test and see how you would cope if a zombie apocalypse struck. After all you can never be too prepared.
You and your team will start at the Union Asylum and over the 5k run across campus you will have to fend off the zombies and locate the antidote and get back to the Asylum safely. From here you will be scanned to see if you are infected or survived! It’ll be capped off with a terrifyingly good party in Fusion as part of Stupid Tuesday night! Will you survive? #itscoming
19
LOST
Midnight. Blindfolded. Stranded. This event will test your nerve and your wit, as you and your team will be ‘kidnapped’ and left stranded 100 miles away from Loughborough Students’ Union. You have no money or map and as a team have to try and get back to the campus as quick as you can whilst completing as many challenges as you can. Buses will drop groups off at a variety of locations equal distances away from Loughborough. All teams will need to be quick thinking if they want the chance to make it back first and win! Lost raises money for local causes, helping a huge mixture of people in the local area. Sign up quickly as places go very fast! Let’s see what you’re made of.
20
Y U G H G U TO
This event will test every bit of emotional and physical strength you have. Tight spaces, fire, electricity and water, your fears will be faced in gruelling conditions. Tough Guy is a world famous assault course with over 250 manmade obstacles. 5000 participants each year travel far and wide to take place in the event often described as “the toughest race in the world”. The course starts with a 10k run through a mud ridden field where you will have to run through hills and deep mud puddles before you face the toughest obstacle course in Europe.
You’ll be tested in many different ways from electric tunnels to fields of fire as well as dealing with freezing water. You’ll have the chance to fundraise for a selection of different charities chosen by the one and only Mr Mouse (founder of Tough Guy). Don’t miss out on the chance to challenge yourself to the limits and become a Tough Guy.
21
FIRE S K R O W
Loughborough Students’ Rag is host to the biggest fireworks display in Leicestershire, and raises thousands of pounds to support local charities. Be sure to save the date 7th November, as the Union lawn transforms into a vibrant and colourful funfair with burger stalls, hook a duck and dodgems! The night will go off with a BANG as we have our light display and fireworks show which is fun for all the family. So bring your parents, grandparents, flat mates  and even the dog down to what is sure to be one of the best and brightest nights of the year. And for the first time at our fireworks event, we will be showing a video projection onto the Hazlerigg Building so come and have a look!
22
R E E B
KELLER
Ever wanted to spend a night with your mates, sampling some of the finest beers and ciders whilst listening and dancing to a traditional German Oompah Band? Of course you have. Our annual Beer Festival lets you sample from kegs of an assortment of delicious beers and ciders! Set up inside the Union, the Beer fest goes on over a whole weekend, a great event to check out with your friends, trying out a variety of pints with all the money going straight to Rag to help support local charities. The highlight of the festival is the infamous Beer Keller, the big evening event of the weekend starring the lederhosen clad Oompah Band that will have you dancing, singing at the top of your voice and banging your tankard on the table! Without a doubt one of the best events, so much so the alumni turn out is incredible and people come back every year for more. Get your tickets early from your halls Rag Reps or the Rag office as they sell out fast, and what’s more your lovely Rag tankard is included in the price! So keep Saturday 30th April, during May Bank Holiday weekend, free in your diary for the best event of the year in the Union!
23
HUNGER S E M GA Will you volunteer as tribute and fight for your hall? Each hall on campus will put forward one male and one female tribute to be locked in the union and fight to the bitter end and claim glory and an amazing prize for their hall. Last years district winner was from the mighty Butler. Can you knock them off their top spot? For more information talk to your hall Rag reps. Raise money in your hall to determine your choice of weapon. The more your raise the better your chances of surviving. So dodge bullets, peer around corners and stay low. …and may the odds be ever in your favour.
24
NEW
THISR YEA
GROOVE PLANE The legendary bar crawl around the union is making a comeback!
All halls compete in a variety of crazy challenges whilst stopping off at each bar throughout the students’ union. You will be given a passport and have it stamped off at each country themed bar. With there being numerous tasks throughout the evening, you will need to be on top of your game to make sure that your hall comes out victorious to take the coveted title of Groove Plane Champions. So let the Rag committee and reps take you on a ‘journey around the world’ and get ready to have the night of your life!
25
T HE
S E T A D E SAV
Poppy Fountain Display in Hazlerigg Rutland Fountain MID OCTOBER TO MID NOVEMBER
For a few weeks we will have a display of large poppies spill over the fountain and onto the grass in front of the Hazlerigg Building. Be sure to make your ÂŁ5 donation, leave your message, and lay down your poppy.
Xmas Jumper Day 1ST DEC 2015 With a vibrant Christmas Market, our own LSU Sing carol singers and more mince pies and candy canes than you can shake a stick at! Guinness World Record Attempt 2015. With 1175 people last year we broke the record – do it again! In aid of
26
RAG RAIDS
Rag raids are one of our biggest fundraising outlets and consist of standing on streets, in train stations and even on the underground with a bucket, some silly fancy dress and your mates.
Raids are a great way to explore cities you’ve never been to and experience a night out in a new place with likeminded people. You can also earn yourself Star Fundraiser stash and prizes such as t-shirts, jumpers, mugs and even a onesie, depending on how much you collect throughout the year. “It’s such a rewarding thing to do and when you see the donations rolling in and finish the day with a heavy bucket it’s an amazing feeling” Last year we raised a whopping £144,160.08 for charities including Breast Cancer Now, Royal British Legion, Meningitis Research Foundation, Children in Need and St Mungo’s Broadway and so many more. So come along on one of our raids and see how much you can raise!
27
RAG COMMITTEE 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
(1) VP Rag: Rachael Lynch
(4) Vice Chair: Zack Rushby
(2) Rag Administrator: Jane Turner
(5) Raids Officer: Corey Hackett
(8) and (9) International Events Co-ordinators: Golda McNamee and Tom Allitt
(3) Rag Assistant Administrator: Karyn Calverley
(6) and (7) Events Co-ordinators: Danny Harvey and Jonny King
(10) Employability Officer: Charlotte De Burgh Marsh
28
(11) Marketing Co-ordinator: Lauren Johnson (12) Social Media Co-ordinator: Sophie Geraerdts
RAG REPS 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Butler Court (1) and (2): Joe Millican and Vicky Vaisberg
Falkner Eggington (9) and (10): Jess Doyle and Tomas Johnston
John Phillips (17) and (18): Danielle Pearson and Steven Zhong
The Holt (25) and (26): Alex Mackinder and Erin McNulty
Cayley (3) and (4): Bud Hedges and Louisa B端low
Faraday (11) and (12): Henry Huyton and Mollie Meredith
Robert Bakewell (19) and (20): Jack Morris and Livi Sutton
Towers (27) and (28): Ed Gomm and Reece Coyne
Harry French (13) and (14): Lana Parkin and Richard Soler
Rutherford (21) and (22): Kyle Lynch and Olumide Ojagbemi
Hazlerigg Rutland (15) and (16): Charlotte Deal and Sophie Culverwell
Telford (23) and (24): Ellie Glock and Michael Dunne
David Collett (5) and (6): Calum Williams and Nathan Bowerman Elvyn Richards (7) and (8): Emma Postlethwaite and Gemma Gutteridge
William Morris (29) and (30): Ashleigh Dale and Elliya Gemili
29
AWARDS LIST 2014/15 Largest Fresher Raid Faraday Hall
Driver of the Year Todd Martin
Raids League Telford Hall
Rag Chair Award Corey Hackett
Best Fresher Raid Telford Hall
Best Student Poppy Appeal Collector Jake Zipfel
Most Improved Hall Royce
Jane Turner Award Sarah Musgrave
Best Hall Per Head Hazlerigg Rutland
Lifetime Achievement ‘The Real’ Dave Edwards
Best Fresher Collector James Williams Best Fresher Tour Collector Toby Mountain Turner Cato Cup Rag vs Action Football – Rag
30
Best Oncoming Rep Ashleigh Dale Best Outgoing Rep Matt Sibley Team Leaders of the Year Chris Lane and Charlii Leaper
Star Fundraiser Rachael Lynch Andy Tribe Hands On Award Corey Hackett
Best Hall William Morris
GOODBYE
FROM
DANNI
When we started out on this journey we hit some pretty early obstacles. However, I had the most positively determined people making up my committee and hall reps. They have poured their heart and souls into this section and I couldn’t have asked for better people to share the late nights, early starts and the ridiculous socials with. Not many people can say that they’ve raised one million pounds and had half of the challenges we’ve had to face so congratulations to you all. You’ve done yourself proud.
We are often described as the best but how do you define ‘the best’? No Rag can be simply defined by numbers, we aim for high figures but they are not what make us. The people are what make a Rag and I believe my Rag, your Rag, our Loughborough Students’ Rag is made of the best people and the best volunteers, they can call us the best, but we are so more than that, we are exceptional.
I am so incredibly honoured for everything you have all achieved this year, you are without a doubt the most selfless people and it has been an absolute privilege to have worked with you. Loughborough Students’ Rag has been a phenomenal.
Danni x
Thank-you for the best year I have ever experienced. I can’t wait to come back for more!!
31
2015 2016
RAG MAG
MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREK INCA TREK DARE UGANDA GORILLA TREK MOROCCO TREK LONDON TO PARIS PRAGUE AND ISTANBUL MARATHONS
SKYDIVE HITCH TOUGH GUY 3 PEAKS LOST FIREWORKS BEER KELLER APOCALYPSE COLOUR DASH
HUNGER GAMES GROOVE PLANE RAG RAIDS 32
@VPRAG_LSU