The Gaudie 2011

This coming April 30th, we invite you all to take part in The Gaudie, one of the main traditional events of our student calendar which consists of a torch-lit procession from the Castle to the Pier.

The Gaudie is held to commemorate the courageous deeds of John Honey, a brave student of this university who, on January 3rd 1800, risked his life by swimming into the heavy seas and saving 5 lives... [read more]

This coming April 30th, we invite you all to take part in The Gaudie, one of the main traditional events of our student calendar which consists of a torch-lit procession from the Castle to the Pier.

The Gaudie is held to commemorate the courageous deeds of John Honey, a brave student of this university who, on January 3rd 1800, risked his life by swimming into the heavy seas and saving 5 lives from a sinking ship off the coast of East Sands.

Starting at 8:30pm, we will gather at the Castle, where The John Honey Award will be presented to a student who has recently shown outstanding courage. From there, we will light flaming wax torches and, heralded by pipers, we will make our way down towards the pier.

Upon our arrival to the pier, a short address on Honey's achievements will be delivered, followed by the release of five Chinese lanterns in remembrance of the 5 souls he saved. To conclude, there will be a minute of silence that will be broken by a short commemorative song by the acapella group "The Other Guys".


Legend has it, that in the early morning of the 3rd of January 1800, many witnessed the situation where, at the height of a fierce winter storm, wind and rain drove the Janet of Macduff into a sandbank and tore it to pieces 300 yards off-shore. No one, however, dared to engage the terrifying elements that stood between them and the drowning crew.

Heedless of onlookers, who advised him otherwise, Honey tore his clothes apart, tied a rope around his waist, placed a knife between his teeth and, prepared to battle with the angry seas, he dove into the stormy and freezing waters.

As he reached the ship, it became clear that due to cold and exhaustion, the sailors were unable to reach the shore alone, he thus swam each of them back to safety but, in doing so, sustained several injuries.

The story, unfortunately, finishes with Honey dying a few years later due to injuries sustained on his last trip to the ship where he was struck across the chest by a falling mast.

Honey's deeds were described by a journalist as "heroism of the highest type that towered above the reach of self-interest, egotism or love of approbation"; he was indeed the epitome of the selfless individual.

Regardless of his early death, John Honey's deeds are no secret to many in the St Andrews community and his courage and heroism are admired by many throughout the history of our town and university. For this reason, those who meet at the Castle on Saturday 30th April will help preserve this tradition and celebrate a true display of human courage, heroism and humanity.

We look forward to seeing as many of you there.


- The Kate Kennedy Club -



For more information on the history of the event please visit:

http://www.saint-andrews.co.uk/History/honey.htm

http://www.standrewsfreshers.com/index.php?content=traditions&subcontent=may_dip

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