Welcome to the Durham Union Society
So here we are, 176 years after the first meeting of the Durham Union Society, and it is now my honour to welcome you all back to what I hope will be a thought-provoking Epiphany Term which, by challenging existing perspectives and beliefs, will serve to widen the horizons of all the Union’s members.
This term will see motions debated with subject content ranging from Mother Teresa to Russia and from Brexit to feminism. These debates will be substantiated by varied addresses featuring, among others, MPs from different political persuasions, an Ambassador, a mental health campaigner and the founder of UKIP. Our first debate will focus on whether the Union believes that borders should be a thing of the past, while Richard Tice will deliver our first address on the subject of the EU referendum.
Our line-up of speakers this term will include former Shadow Chancellor Peter Lilley, Nirj Deva MEP, Dr Joanna Williams, Chair of the London assembly Jennette Arnold and businessman Martin Ainscough CBE.
The Epiphany Term must also rise to the challenges of building on the foundations set in Michaelmas Term. To this end we will continue the recent trend of hosting more social events than in previous years; this will include an Epiphany Welcome Social and also special themed socials highlighting the Winter Olympics and others.
The Union also boasts one of the world’s great student debating programmes for those who enjoy competitive debating. Indeed, only recently our A Team reached the quarter-finals in the World University Debating Championships.
Getting involved in the running of the Union, whether it be as a student debater, as a member of the Union’s General Committee or as an officer or standing member, is an exceptional way to enhance your CV, meet lots of interesting people and gain an insight into how one of the oldest student societies in the world operates.
The Union has been enhancing the lives and experiences of Durham students for the last 176 years and together with your support and enthusiasm I look forward to guiding it through its next chapter.
Very best wishes,
Jack Gilmore
President, Epiphany 2018
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Upcoming Events
Until then, from everyone at the Union, have a fantastic Christmas holiday!
