The group included both former football and cricket players, as well as AaB members who had been awarded the club’s gold pin.

The AaB members were clearly curious about what the event would involve, but after we had carried out our traditional “Our thirst first” ritual and the chief bencher delivered his welcome along with a few anecdotes, they quickly caught the spirit of what was about to happen—as was clearly reflected in the atmosphere.
The Guild was introduced, as were the benchers, and the historical expert, Henrik Schou, shared the story of the old house. Although the chief bencher had jokingly suggested it might take an hour or two, the story was told concisely, including the tale of Jens Bang, who built the house four hundred years ago. The Thirst Master ensured that the benchers could wet their throats after taking in all this information.

The ceremony then moved on to the actual induction of the new members. They were called to the high table, where the chief bencher reviewed the Guild Charter, which describes how one should behave within the guild and what penalties one might incur in situations where the Charter’s rules are violated.

Despite these rules, all applicants still wished to be inducted. Everyone was therefore presented with the golden key, which grants access to the premises via the secret passage.

Next came the city walk. Led by music, the newly inducted members and the Benchers made their way through modern Aalborg and returned to old Aalborg via the alley behind Jens Bang’s Stone House. Here, the Guild’s historian provided further insight into the Guild’s activities, including how Duus was bombed at Nytorv in 1943 during World War II.

The master of the ceremonial then ensured that the secret entrance could indeed be opened by having one of the new members test the golden key. It worked, and everyone proceeded through the secret passage back to the cellar, where the chief bencher welcomed them.

Once everyone had gathered at the bar, the newly inducted members were offered a refreshing drink, having been without alcohol for about an hour. The drink was the ancient Viking beverage mead.

Accompanied by music, the new members were then asked to take their seats, where they were introduced to the Guild’s special lunch. They were welcome to enjoy the meal and beer but were instructed to wait before drinking the served spirits. These were later “sung down,” which had a positive effect on the already excellent atmosphere.

All guests were then presented with a fine C4 Guild pin, with encouragement to wear so they might recognize fellow members elsewhere and instantly share a common bond.

The Guild’s two-man band then took over the musical entertainment, met with great enthusiasm from the newly inducted members.

As all good things must come to an end, and with the atmosphere at its peak, the chief bencher informed the gathering that the Benchers would now take their leave and expressed his hope that all the newly inducted would enjoy a wonderful day in Aalborg.