Theta

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Never underestimate the powers wielded by a seven-foot long steel thermometer.

Details and dimensions:

Weighing in at over 100lbs (45kg), Theta MK IV is a seven-foot long solid stainless steel engraved metal bulb and six feet of steel hydraulic piping calibrated (logarithmically) from zero Kelvin to Infinity. Hot mama!

Made-for-telly history:

On the cold, dark night of 30 October 1958, Theta I appeared in a bath of flames on Imperial Institute Road… This proved a rather dramatic entrance for Theta I, born on 20 February, because she was then just a ballcock screwed on a four-foot-long broomstick and painted in RCS colours. Why a thermometer? Every student, save for the oddball mathematician, uses a thermometer at some point during their studies here. Theta I was christened at the Fresher’s Dinner that October night, where the following verse was recited:

“Freshers, into your guiltless hands we fling
Defence of this Thermometer, a thing
Handed down by generations, we recall
‘Twas made last year out of a cistern ball.”

It should be noted that Theta I was far more interesting than the drum previously used to announce RCS’s presence at RAG events, barnights, and Morphy Day. (No, the drum you see in the office is not the original. That was nicked from Southampton much later on.)

First violated:

November 1958 – ‘doh! Theta I was lost at Morphy Day that year. She was regained about two weeks later from the middle of the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens, where Guilds had floated her. (No word if this tomfoolery was amid tomato and flour fights.) Theta suffered many violations her first six years during the turbulent 1950s and 60s.

Last violated:

1991 – Bearer Steve Dorman was hit by a van defending Theta during a scuffle with C&GCU raiders outside the Royal Albert Hall. Dorman suffered a broken leg. (Note to Steve Dorman: Theta wonders if you’ve forgiven her? Please write.) This incident changed a few rules at Imperial so that mascotry could be pursued without actual bloodspill.

Rumours:

Theta Mk II was never recovered, and rumours of her eventual location ran from Euston left luggage office to a hotel in Belgium — indicating to Scotland Yard investigators a welcome attitude toward baggage (emotional and otherwise), and taste for waffles.

Tradition

If Theta is violated, the RCSU’s committee must throw her into the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens on her return, and commission a new Theta. Each version is a ‘virgin’.

Trivia:

RCS was without a mascot for the longest period ever — from mid-October 1969 to 10 October 1970 when Theta MK III began to take shape. Prior to Steve Dorman’s valiant attempt to protect her in 1991, Theta had not been violated since 1973.

Sources:

The History of RCS Mascotry from 1958 to 1987
Felix, Issue 988, p2, 4 February 1994

Is Theta more popular than other other Imperial mascots? Share your comments below.
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jezebel

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Jezebel is aptly named after a Phoenician princess of Sidon who won’t do what she’s told. Don’t mess with her, either: she pumps water — and attitude! — at 500 gallons per minute.

Details and dimensions:

Jezebel, number plate LP8389, is a 1916 Dennis ‘N’ Type fire engine weighing five tons and has 55 square feet of brass to polish.

Made-for-telly history:

Jez was there when Zeppelin firebombs covered the London skies. But her story begins a few years before…

Dennis Brothers built Jez in 1916 for the London Fire Brigade (LFB). They tested her on 27 January 1916. Jezabel, known then simply as LP8389, was one of a batch of six fire engines supplied to the LFB on 16 April 1916. She was initially posted to Vauxhall fire station under the threat of Zeppelin raids.

On Tuesday 28 November 1916, a German LGV C.IV seaplane heavily bombed Chelsea in the first aeroplane raid (as opposed to Zeppelin raid) on Britain. Ten people were injured and the raid caused extensive damage. It is probable LP8389 attended these incidents, too.

LP8389 was still at Vauxhall Fire Station two years later when a fire erupted on 30 January 1918. The fire raged at Branton’s cattle market in the early hours of the morning. Relief efforts were obstructed by a dense fog. A wall collapsed suddenly and seven firemen died. Many more were injured. This fire, later referred to as the Albert Embankment disaster, is noteworthy because it caused the greatest loss of brigade life (outside World War II) to date.

A bad luck streak continued for LP8389 on 27 February 1919 when she collided with a carrier’s van in Rotherhithe Street. But in a few short years things would change.

By 1932 LP8389’s life with the London Fire Brigade ended. She was sold to Joseph Crosfield and Sons Limited, a Warrington-based soap manufacturer, when LFB upgraded its vehicles. At this time she had no ladder, so Crosfield fitted an Ajax extension ladder. She spent the next years carrying hose reels and towing a trailer pump for the company.

By the 1950s, students of the Royal College of Science were looking for a suitable means of transport for their President. On finding that there was a fire engine for sale, the students made an offer of £50 for the vehicle. After consideration of the offer, the Joseph Crosfield firm was kind enough to donate LP8389 to the students of the Royal College of Science for the “educational value”.

Jezebel got her name shortly thereafter.

Have a detailed look at Jez’s life in the decades since — including her brief appearance on film, and break down at a wedding.

First violated

May 1959 – Jez was stolen from a University of London event by University College, but was recovered a couple of days later.

Last violated:

If you value your life… don’t even try: Jez has lots of fans.

Rumours:

Sitting on Jezebel brings good luck and/or a sore arse for 48 hours.

Tradition

No one must touch a fresh coat of paint… even royals. Consider yourself warned. In 1965 at Imperial, the Queen Mum almost became a victim of Jezebel’s new paint job, having her pristine white gloves saved from the stain of scarlet coach paint by of one of its quick thinking keepers who shouted: “Don’t touch, Ma’am. It’s still wet!” Gallantry at its finest.

Trivia:

Jezebel might be the least ‘green’ mascot because she only does four miles per gallon! Good thing the old bird stays home most of the time these days…

Sources:

• Royal College of Science Motor Club
• About RCS Motor Club
• RCS Motor Club History
• Felix Online, 11 March 2011

What’s your favourite Jezebel memory? Share your comments below.
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