A warm welcome back to Durham for the Easter Term, a term which can be best described as a roller-coaster ride! At the Union, we have been working hard to ensure that this ride is as safe, enjoyable and thrilling as possible.

I have tried to select debates which deal with some of the most pressing issues at the moment. The topics range from the desirability of foreign aid to the relevance of feminism, not to forget the ever-divisive issue of bankers’ bonuses. The speakers include James Delingpole, Godfrey Bloom and Natalie Bennett, all of whom are leaders in their respective fields and promise to be both entertaining and inspirational. As the world’s largest democracy moves to the polls, the address by the Indian High Commissioner could not be better timed.

We also have a fantastic array of socials lined up, during both the revision and post-exam periods. As promised in my manifesto, the Puppy Room will be running during the revision period as a much needed stress-buster for our members. To celebrate the end of exams, we’ll be running a free Bollywood-themed social. This will be followed by a wine and cheese tasting evening in our atmospheric Reading Room, and the legendary Union Garden Party.

On the student debating side, we will continue to run Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Debate, training workshops and will also be holding the Robson Cup Tournament, which aims to find the Society’s best speaker. Our bar, 24 North Bailey Club, will continue to provide safe haven for all the stressful evenings in the revision period and the jolly evenings once exams are over. 24 NBC’s widely acclaimed Pub Quiz will run this term as well.

This year has been all about changing perceptions of the Union, and the Easter Term seeks to finish this project. We hope that by the end of the term, the Union will be seen to be the most open, transparent and friendly society in Durham, and it is my belief that we are close to the finish line in this regard. The term card contains details of elections and members’ privileges. The weekly emails will strive to be more informative while being humorous. The website has been refurbished and is being maintained by the newly elected Technologies Officer. It features a new ‘Suggest a Speaker’ tab and a comments form along with regular updates of events, elections and ways to get involved in the running of the Society.

Please feel free to give me a shout if you have any questions or comments. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Rishiraj Goenka - Easter President 2014