With 150 people expected for the dinner from a range of around 20 clubs and societies we were expecting a great evening. The night began with everyone arriving to a drinks reception in their finest ball attire.

Everyone was seated and we began with the colours and stars awards for all that had nominated from their respective group. Apart from me dropping a shield and slightly damaging it we got through the mass of certificates awarded for all the hard work from students within their club or society smoothly. We then continued to enjoy the wonderful food supplied by the university catering team.

As we moved onto the bigger awards of the night we congratulated the men’s rugby team on winning their BUCS league by presenting them with their winner’s plaque. This was swiftly followed by all 30 of the attending rugby team joining me on stage and shaking the hands of everyone on the top table. I expected nothing less.

Starting with the community award, which celebrates the work of a club or society that has given something back to the local community. This year it was awarded to Women’s Rugby team who held a very successful charity rugby match against Cambridge University to raise money for an ill young girl so that she could get a specially made wheelchair to suit her needs. This award was thoroughly deserved.

Next we had the most organised award which is exactly what it sounds like. The winners, women’s basketball were awarded for their constant hard work and precise planning throughout the year.

The newcomer award this year went to the American Football team who had become a purely Cambridge based team and through hard work and planning had got a solid team together of at least 30 players and competed in their league winning some of their matches.

The fresher of the year award was next, this award goes to a specific first year student who has joined the university and made a real impact within their club or society. This year’s winner joined women’s basketball scoring over half of their points in the year. Congratulations to Nadege Talva, a very worthy winner.

Captain of the year this year may have been slightly unexpected this year as the winner’s team had not had a very successful year, however their captain worked hard and persevered throughout the year keeping her team motivated. Congratulations to Katharine Roach from women’s hockey.

Next was the Superstar award which celebrates the hard work of a society member. This year’s winner was Adam Marsh for all the hard work he has done within his society but also for all the work he has done for the Student’s Union, including filming our union council meetings and also our elections results night.

Society of the year was this year presented to a new society that has put a smile on everyone’s face but have also held many events and grown into a massive society in their first year. Congratulations to the Harry Potter society, well deserved winners.

Next was the biggest club award of the night which celebrates one club that has had an outstanding year. There were many clubs that could have one this, like Men’s Rugby after winning their league, however this year’s winners were the judo team for having such success at their BUCS championships and continuing to be one of the most successful clubs at ARU.

Finally was the Doug Cosnett award which focuses on one person from any club or society that has gone that extra mile and worked hard all year for not only their club but people outside of their club and the university. This year’s winner was Sophie Dall, for her amazing work raising money for an ill little girl and her events gaining coverage from the local media and also involving many other clubs and societies as well as Cambridge University.

The night was enjoyed by all and was a great way to end the year. It was fantastic to see so many students celebrating all that they had achieved over the year. Congratulations to all the winners and also all that attended.