A final word.

The June Ball really was the greatest night of our lives. We hope you all enjoyed it too.

Keep living the dream, Castle. Keep living the dream.

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT.

HEY, WE'RE TOO EXCITED ABOUT THE BALL TO UPDATE THE BLOG NOW. PLUS THERE'S LOADS TO DO BEFORE THE BIG NIGHT. HERE'S A MESSAGE FROM WILL'S BROTHER, ALASTAIR.

SEE YOU ALL TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gifts.

 

"Katie" by Will

"Faye" by Gaz

"Das Emily" by Tom

"Annabel"  by Will (private commission)

Dress advice. It's not too late...

So you think you can dance?

 

Many people find dancing to be very embarassing; some even suffer from chorophobia, the fear of dancing. To combat this potential June Ball-ruining problem, we decided to put together a dance routine that we can pull out on the night. We don't know what  the theme is yet so we've deliberately designed it to be adaptable to most songs- you'll probably notice some jazz, ballet, and hip-hop influences!

If you're someone who gets nervous at the thought of dancing we'd recommend practising in front of a mirror, and learning a few 'core' moves to help you get down and boogie on the night. Don't let nerves ruin what is supposed to be the greatest night of your life.

When JBU met Heidi.

JBU: Some have called the June Ball a 'twelve hour date'. What did you learn on Take Me Out (TMO) that could help guests to cope with the pressure?

Heidi: It's always hard when you’re under pressure, but the main thing to remember is just to be yourself. There is no point pretending to be who you're not! Enjoy the moment, as it will go so quick.


JBU: What's the longest date you've ever been on?


Heidi: The longest date I have ever been on.... well , it was probably the worst date that seemed to go on forever. It was a guy from a dating site, who literally was nothing like his picture! I had to spend the evening with him and all his friends in a pub singing karaoke. I literally did not fancy him whatsoever and he spent the evening showing me off to his friends. I spent all night trying to think of an excuse to leave, but I did not have the heart to do that to him.  At the end of the night he asked for a kiss.... He got my cheek!!! awwwww ~ (IT was definitely a case of NO LIKEY, NO LIGHTY!!)

JBU: Traditionally guys buy gifts for the girls. What's a good gift for a date to the ball?


Heidi: I would say "perfume" ~ I love the saying "A woman who wears no perfume has no future." The guy will love the fact the girl smells nice and I am sure the girl would think it was a lovely thought. If that’s a little expensive, how about a candy necklace, looks pretty and if the guy is on good form he might get a little nibble!!!


JBU: You had some really nice dresses on TMO. What kind of dresses should the girls be looking for?


Heidi: How exciting for them!!! I would literally love this. Pick something that you will probably never get to wear again, something spectacular, so you get the WOW factor. Personally, I love colour, so would go for something bright, but black is slimming and can look very elegant. Make sure its comfortable and you can walk and sit down in it!! And most importantly, make sure you get lots of photos looking "STUNNING!"

JBU: A couple of the girls are taking another girl to the ball. Would you rather spend a night out with the girls or with a special guy?


Heidi: I think a Ball is very romantic and if the girl has been asked by a guy then they should definitely go together, however, I know only too well how it feels not to have a guy, so a night with the girls will be just as fun and I'm sure if she is looking beautiful, she won't be hanging out with the girls for too long!

 I hope you all have a great night, Enjoy every single minute. Lots of love. ~ Heidi ~ xxxx

Our picks of the wine.

We went to 'June Ball Wine Tasting' last night. It was a great event and an absolute bargain at just £10! We made sure to spit and rinse after each tasting to cleanse the palate. This meant we were really able to taste the flavours of each wine and make sure to choose the best wine for the evening. 

Here are our top picks from each category:

G7 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon - Loncomilla, Chile - £10.00

Colour: Red

Units per pound: 0.975

Gaz said: Powerful and generous on the palate, with mature and well structured tannins. Soft notes of pepper, tobacco and vanilla are interviewing with a deep and sweet black fruit. Delicious finish with a great persistence and equilibrium. Without a doubt the best red on the list!

Will said: A lot nicer than the stuff they serve in the Undie. It doesn't make me gag and the after taste is just about bearable. Two out of two thumbs up.

Alma Mora Viognier - San Juan, Argentina - £8.00

Colour: White

Units per pound: 1.27

Gaz said: Lovely aromatic wine with shades of apricot and peach. Las Moras is already recognised as a producer of some of Argentina's best fine wines and the finest viognier. This is great value for money; you won't see a Las Moras on the market for the price again. Get involved!

Will said: I don't normally drink white wine but this one is unusually moist. It's also the second cheapest white wine on the list and has an unusually high units per pound ratio.

Pinot Grigio Blush Sartori - Veneto, Italy - £8.00

Colour: mix of red and white
 

Units per pound: 1.078

Gaz said: A delicate pink colour, this elegant wine from Sartori has crisp, clean, summer fruit flavours on the palate and a style that sits slightly on the sweeter side of off-dry. Incredibly versatile and very drinkable!


Will said: This type of wine confuses me. It's both red and white. What's the deal with that? Like most wines though, it's not something you enjoy whilst you're drinking it but it's definitely good enough to get drunk on. Recommended.

Hope this helps. Let us know what your top picks are in the comments box below.

WANTED: WARM URINE AND NICE WINE.

JUNE BALL NEEDS MORE MONEY.

PLEASE GO TO THE WEST COURTYARD BETWEEN 1815 AND 2015 TOMORROW TO PEE IN A POT FOR THE JUNE BALL.

JUNE BALL GETS £5 FOR EVERY PERSON'S URINE!

HELP MAKE THE GREATEST NIGHT OF YOUR LIFE EVEN GREATER!

In other news we are VERY excited about wine tasting tonight.

Expert Analysis: Bavarian Cultural Exchange vs June Ball

Alastair, Will's brother, was kind enough to do some detailed analysis of the differences between the June Ball and the Bavarian Cultural Exchange.

For the Bavarian Cultural Exchange the main expense was the marquee, but a significant amount was also spent on entertainment and food (sausages). Alastair suspects a small amount was spent on drink for the entertainers and event organisers.

For the June Ball a larger proportion of the budget is likely to be spent on entertainment, food and drink. Alastair has suggested that more money will be spent on balloons for the June Ball than for the Bavarian Cultural Exchange and that the tickets will be of a higher quality (either stiffies or half-stiffies).

He's also allowed us to reproduce the following graph, from his best-selling book "Balls":

It seems we are likely to have much more fun at the June Ball than we did at the Bavarian Cultural Exchange. Bring on the good times!!!!

Expert opinion: what goes in to planning a ball?

The stats we refer to are still being analysed by Gaz (and SPSS). We will upload them later.

A joly good ball.

I was hanging out with Dom earlier. He was in Durham doing a show and wanted to meet up. He said he really likes the blog and was keen to get involved, possibly because the royalties from Trigger Happy TV aren't paying like they used to.

He gave me a copy of his new book (available on Amazon) and even signed it, which I said was a little formal between friends but did support our mission to make the world a little better.

"Dear Will, don't let the bullies put you down x Dom Joly" - Dom Joly, 2011

It's actually a really good read and I haven't been able to put it down.

Hopefully I'll be finished in time for June Ball and I'll have lots of new conversation topics, including the time Dom went skiing in Iran!!!!

The twits on twitter.

On top of the great news that we've been hand picked to attend the June Ball, along with other leading lights from the college, we are proud to annouce the launch of JUNE BALL UNSOLD, our new mechandise store. Initially sales are only going to be taken online but we are looking to acquire premises as soon as possible after these wretched exams. June Ball Unsold caters for everyone:

Are you a male/female who likes to wear clothing to protect your modesty, keep warm or keep up with the latest fashion trends? Get this all-in-one t-shirt for just £7! No assembly required.

Have you had a child out of wedlock? Help your child blend in with this June Ball Untold bodysuit (£9.50).

Do you think of your dog as an accessory instead of as a companion? Want to show your support for June Ball Untold? Buy this dog vest (£12.50)!

Stumped for gift ideas for that special lady you're taking? Look no further than this commerative charm bracelet (£119).

These, and many more of your favourite products, are available at JUNE BALL UNSOLD

The news we've been waiting for...

What do Will and Katie, Tom and Emily, and Gaz and Faye have in common?

The answer is that they will all be JUNE BALL GUESTS in 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the best news I've had in ages. I haven't got time for any analysis or reflection now because I have an exam in three hours. I'll try and do a proper update this afternoon. Congratulations to all who got a place. Commiserations to those who didn't.

THE NEED TO KNOW

If you know anything about June Ball please leave a message in the comments box below. Comments of support for this cause are much appreciated.

New haircut, new friends, new beginnings.

The poll results are in; a whopping 35% of you voted for the crew cut, with pompadour a close second (26%), and quiff in third (21%). I knew you guys would want to see a photo of the new cut whilst 'salon fresh' so I made sure to get one when I was actually in the salon. It was quite awkward but I did it anyway for all the JBU fans!

This is the 'Justin Timberlake' crew cut. It's quite short all over but a little longer on top. I think it looks really good. Katie (my date) said she likes it, which is good because she'd strongly implied I'd be in trouble if I didn't get a 'normal' hair cut.

As you can see from my replies I thought she was joking. It wasn't until I realised she hadn't sent any SMS kisses, a good barometer of lady feelings, that I knew she was serious. A massive thanks to everyone who voted 'crew cut' for keeping us together; hopefully your hard work will secure me some real kisses on the night.

The new hair cut seems to be having the desired effect. I've already noticed some additional interest from the fairer sex. In fact Paris (University Cheerleader), who regular readers/viewers will remember we shortlisted as a potential date for Tom, actually sat opposite me at lunch today! Nothing like that to boost your confidence before June Ball.

Let me know what you think of my new cut by leaving a comment below. I was thinking about using some gel to spike it up but I think that might be a bit '90s'. What do you guys think? Also Gaz isn't getting a hair cut until Friday so you've still got time to vote for his new style (see last post).

Hair cuts

Will and Gaz are getting hair cuts later this week. It will be the last cut before the big day. What do you think they should go for?




Also check out this funny video (wait to the end)

Theme ideas

In this video we discuss the ball's theme and get an exclusive look at Tom and Will behind the scenes. Sorry for the lack of updates- we've had exams!

Crouching Tom, hidden weapons.

The June Ball is meant to be the greatest night of your life but not many realise that over 17% of Durham students will experience physical or verbal aggression during their time at Durham. It's important to prepare for any eventuality but, as all karate masters know, combat is the last resort. That is to say: "you learn to fight so you don't have to fight."

This video features extremes of violence and some foul language. We have provisionally rated the film as an 18 (UK). ***DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RECREATE THIS AT HOME***



Apologies for the end of the video. Will has agreed to allow us to upload the video because of the critical nature of its content. We have now reconciled our differences and have drawn up an official definition of the term 'safety word'. This is available for download here.

The close of play.

Applications have closed! If you haven't got your application in now, it's too late. We just ask that people are respectful of other people's decisions, both with regards to attendance and choice of dates. Let's all have fun together.

For more information on zero-sum game theory click here.

Click here to donate to Beatbullying.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 6PM

Just wanted to remind you all that June Ball applications have to be handed in by 6pm tonight. You must fill out the online application form and hand in a paper copy with your cheque in a sealed envelope. Colin told us to write our names on the envelopes so make sure to do that too. Hope you enjoy the light-hearted video reminder!

We handed in our forms in on Thursday. It was a strange feeling afterwards. For the first time it felt like we were really going to the ball. Plus there was a real sense of relief to get everything sorted. We wanted to get the forms in early, just in case they have too many applicants and decide to allocate places on a first come first serve basis instead of according to the priority list. Unlikely but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Anyway fingers crossed we get places.

Best of luck to all our followers in the upcoming exams, and more importantly in your applications for June Ball!  Hope to see you all there.

Boys, watch and learn.

SORRY FOR LACK OF UPDATES. BLOGSPOT HAS BEEN DOWN FOR THE LAST FEW DAYS, AND FOR SOME REASON DELETED THIS POST (ORIGINALLY POSTED ON WEDNESDAY 11 MAY).

After a lot of discussion this afternoon I finally decided which girl I want to ask to join me on the greatest night of my life. Emily seemed like the ideal choice because I won't get nervous around her. She has a great smile, is about the right height, and won't embarrass you if you have to leave her talking to your friends for a couple of minutes. Plus she knows loads of the exec so I figured by going with her I'd get to talk to them at various points in the evening. Also her dad's a big-dog at a FTSE 100 company so there's an outside chance I'll get an internship with him this summer if we go together.

Here's what happened when I made the call:

She said yes. Looks like I'll be needing to take some business cards and a copy of my CV with me to the ball!

The other good thing about going with Emily is that she was so excited to be asked that she took care of the paperwork and paid for my ticket.*

Click here to download our application form.

*EDIT: Emily said she's not paying for my ticket. She thought it would be easier to hand in one cheque. I have to give her cash.

Popping the question

With Tom still deciding who to ask to the June Ball and Gaz already having secured his girlfriend, Faye, as a date, I decided to bite the bullet and pop the question. I've been seeing Katie for about six months now, and I really wanted to ask her in a way she'd never forget. I told her to wrap up warm and meet me outside Q-Block at 9pm.

I got the car, and drove her to a secret location about 45 minutes outside Durham. I could tell she was excited because she kept asking where we were headed. As we got close I asked her to shut her eyes - I wanted the reveal to be special.

When we arrived at our destination (South Shields) I helped her out of the car and down onto the beach, where I'd set up a picnic and some candles earlier in the day. Unfortunately the tide had come in quite a bit and the blanket was very wet. It also seemed like a dog had a bit of a go at the food before we got there. I was upset but could tell Katie was pleased I'd made an effort.

We sat down, gazed up at the stars and chatted for a bit. I told Katie I loved her, and wanted her to go to the June Ball with me. She didn't say anything for about five seconds, instead choosing to stare lovingly into my eyes.

The tension was unbearable.

She grabbed the back of my neck and pulled me in for a passionate kiss. As we pulled away I said "I don't speak in tongues, but I'll take it that means yes?" Her look said it all; I had a date to the June Ball. In all honesty it was one of the happiest moments of my life.

We spent another hour or so on the beach, talking, laughing and kissing, before heading back to Durham to fill out the application form.

A difficult decision

The June Ball is truly a night to remember. The all night event runs from 1745 on 21 June 2011 until sometime just after six the next morning. With some billing the June Ball as a '12 hour date' it can be very nerve-racking time for the guys as they try to find a girl (or guy) they feel comfortable with. Will and Gaz are lucky enough to be in loving and committed relationships, but Tom faces a very difficult decision with just four days to go before the application deadline. In this video Tom and Will discuss the options, and try to decide who Tom should ask.

The invitation

 

 We just got our invites to the June Ball, the most prestigious event in Durham. It is held annually in Durham Castle, which is part of a World Heritage site. The celebrations start with a reception and meal and go on through the night, culminating in a 'Survivor's Photo' and breakfast the following morning. Every room of the Castle is opened for one night only and jam packed with entertainment, food, and great company. It's going to be the greatest night of our lives.