Kate Kennedy Procession talk on 22 March

Tatiana Mouravief Apostol spoke about the Kate Kennedy Procession, an historical parade organised by students of the Kate Kennedy Club in St Andrews to raise money for local charities. The club is named after  Katherine, adored niece of Bishop Kennedy in the  fifteenth century, who reputedly visited St Andrews many times, church bells ringing to welcome her (one of the bells in St Salvators Chapel is named after her). Characters in the procession are all famous figures from the town’s past, dressed in stunning contemporary costumes, many travelling in horse-draw carriages. A student of Russian and history, in 2022 Tatiana was the first ever female Lady Kate in the procession, and this year she takes on the role of Marshall of the Procession, in charge of all logistics -a huge task- dealing with publicity, permits, liaison, security, insurance, etc.. The procession, celebrating youth and the arrival of Spring, will take place on Sunday 2 April and will travel from The Scores, via North Street and around the town, ending at St Salvators Quad. Among the famous characters represented are Kings, Queens, golfers, the Admirable Crichton, Benjamin Franklyn, Bishop Sharp (the theatrical representations include his murder), John Knox, John Cleese, and new additions Jesse Moir, Mary Ann Baxter and martyr Paval Kravar. Origins of the procession date back to 1800, though some form of celebration of Spring and youth can be traced back to the 15th century. In 1881 it was banned by the university because of student rioting but was reformed in 1926 -and now its centenary approaches…….. The Kate Kennedy Club, originally and for many years only open to men, first allowed women in the procession in 1972, admitting them to the club in 2012, and is now open to all. In addition to raising money for charity, the club offers educational outreach and volunteering, continuing its long tradition of youthful endeavour. An appreciative vote of thanks was given by Michael Carslaw.

President Frank has performed in this historic procession for many years.  His wife Wendy has helped to update the costumes over the years to keep them authentic.