Editorial #304

Every time I write about St Andrews, I cannot help but write about the weather. We have reached that point in the semester where the warmth and excitement of September is behind us, while the cheer of Christmastime is yet to come. 

Rest assured, though, that the darkening days are yet to have affected our writers and reporters. In this issue you will find varying reviews of Welly Ball, an interview with our new Rector Arthur Bernhoff on his fascinating life experiences, and one student’s account of drinking absinthe for several days consecutively. Several writers also discuss the closure of the Post Office — another unfortunate loss for the town. That being said, there’s not a dull page.

This issue was one where I myself wrote an article for the section which I (a long time ago) used to edit. To be concise, it’s a defence of the religious and charitable, which brings me to my subject for this editorial: keeping the faith.

At this point in the semester, we have passed reading week, inching nearer and nearer to revision, and finally, exams. It becomes increasingly easy to feel doubtful and overwhelmed. I see people beginning to ascend the library stairs with fear in their eyes, worried that another season of scarce study spaces is upon us. 

But we all need something to anchor our faith upon. It might be a society Christmas dinner or the promise of returning home for the holidays. For myself, one great fountain of inspiration and source of confidence is this publication.

Over 130 people, every other week, put time and effort into the work which creates a newspaper. Amidst deadlines and generally dreary weather, writers like George Rook have written hilarious pieces on cheating at golf; Celia Irving, an enthralling piece on St Andrews’ historical Polish connection; and Soren Rasmussen, a truthful and honest account of the newest student-run detective agency. 

These writers are humorous, sharp-witted, and insightful. Their work reaches us during a period of hibernation, decline even. As Andy Burnham tells us to stock up on food and water in advance of emergencies, as daylight grows increasingly scarce, we more than ever need to read, to laugh, to believe in beauty, and to keep up our faith. I summarise: in short, we need to read The Saint. 

Arnaz