What is the ASNaC Society?
We're glad you asked. The Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (ASNaC) Society is a student society that is closely associated with the department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at Cambridge University. The Society is both the social wing of the department and a means for non-ASNaCs (those poor unfortunates not studying ASNaC) to pursue academic and social interests in the field. While the origins of the Society are sadly shrouded in the vaguely alcoholic mists of time, it is currently supposed to have been founded in 1947, shortly before the invention of CompScis.
What is this "Asnac Pub" I keep hearing about?
By long tradition, the popular weekly lecture for Part I Old English literature concluded at 5pm on a Friday and was followed by a brief trip to the pub. According to the old text on this bit of the website, this changed for a brief period, but is now re-established as the official start to the weekend. The current pub of choice is The Castle, on Castle Hill. An ASNaC presence in the pub is assured throughout termtime, and is frequent outside it. A jolly old time is had by all, further facilitated by the occasional and random re-appearance of long-departed ASNaCs who peddle their boring tales of yore. Stay there all night every week or just wander in for a quick pint every so often - either way you'll be welcomed warmly (if not coherently).
Legends speak of an Asnac lunch - tell me more.
Well, that's more a command than a question, but OK.
What better way to start the week than with a hearty meal? Every Monday a stalwart cadre of culinary colossi provide a sumptuous repast of the likes not seen outside the Hall of the Slain, costing a mere two pounds sterling. The service starts at one o' clock, and for a fair few hours the common room fills with hungry students: come for the food, stay for the company.
Are there any other events provided by the society?
Every so often, the Society actually organises a more serious form of event, generally in the form of a yearly black tie dinner (usually around January) and a series of lectures from individuals of varying eminence. Less formal than the the Department's official guest lectures, these generally tend towards the lighter side of all things ASNaC, but also provide a great chance to mingle with a few of the great names you'll know from your textbooks, without all the lecturers and grad students trying to overshadow you. Seasonal activites are also organised, such as picnics and Christmas parties.
This society sounds fun, but do you have documented proof of its assertions of jocularity?
Gesta Asnacorum is the official record of the students of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic. Edited by a crack(pot) team of volunteers, it purports to capture the very essence of ASNaC, from the wit and wisdom of drunken undergrads to the history of tenth-century Wessex set to the tune of La Cucaracha.
To submit articles to Gesta, please email the Gesta editors.
I feel that my desire for Asnaccery extends beyond the limits of Cambridge - what does the society do to accommodate my needs?
Occasionally, depending on demand and availability of minibuses etc., the ASNaC Society manages to get organized enough to go on a road trip, often to some extremely relevant location. Previous destinations have included Dublin, York (with the delightfully smelly Jorvik centre), Tintagel, Bede World (Yes, it's real!), and day trips to Maldon, Ely, West Stow and Sutton Hoo. A good weekend is guaranteed, as are well-informed tour guides, lively academic debate, and copious beer.