Record numbers of students in political activity :: Wessex Scene Online

Record numbers of students in political activity

23rd November 2004

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Mar 04 - Spotlight on: the debating society
Oct 04 - Debating to build on past successes
Oct 04 - Debating: The Drinking Society you can mention at interview
Dec 05 - Talking for England
Oct 05 - Debating Looks Ahead

There are a few clubs and societies that any university student will assume that they will find on arrival at their respective university. Debating happens to be one of them.

Although the most famous of all University Debating Clubs are associated with Oxbridge, it is more or less standard nowadays to find some form of debating organisation at every British University.

It is for that reason that the Committee of the University of Southampton Debating Society have put their all into ensuring that they can extend a warm welcome to those arriving at Southampton who may wish to engage in debating at a university level. Some of them may be newcomers; others may be veterans of debating at school level.

However our aim is to ensure that everyone regardless of their level of experience is able to participate in and enjoy the debates at our society. From day one of this year, our committee has endeavoured to make that the case.

The bunfight proved a wonderful opportunity for us to get started on the process of attracting keen new members. The relaxed and friendly manner of the committee alongside our policy of free membership and relentless leafleting by our stand minders meant that by the end of the day, it seemed many had taken a serious interest.

On Thursday 7th October, we welcomed over thirty people to our first debate of the year, on the motion that ‘This House would re-elect Tony Blair’. A busy Clubs and Societies room listened as eight speakers gave the case for and against re-electing the Prime Minister. Many of our new members joined us at The Stile pub for the social drinks that follow every debate.

We have held several further debates since then including on the US election with the motion that ‘This House endorses John Kerry for President’ as well as holding a training session led by our coach Will Hawkes in which Will gave out tips to our membership new and old on how to debate well.

Combinations of an enthusiastic committee and good attendance have made this a very successful year for the society so far. Not only has our attendance been up, but many new members have felt happy to engage in debate with older members be it from the podium or the floor. From what has gone on so far we feel extremely encouraged and confident that our year will continue well.

Looking ahead, we are planning on sending representatives of the Society to Inter-Varsity Debating Tournaments (IVs) later on this semester while we intend on hosting our own IV around March and we hope to feature guest speakers on a regular basis and include feature debates with other clubs and societies. Membership is completely free, and we will continue to meet at 8pm in the Small Meeting Room (Old Locker Room) with drinks from 7pm in the Union Bar, The Stag’s Head every week. No one has to speak if they don’t want to, we’re just happy to have you come along. What we really hope is that everyone can join us in helping to continue to make this a successful year.

For more information visit our web site: www.soton.ac.uk/~debating or email: debating@soton.ac.uk.

(photograph by Jaye Foster, from debating website).