Theological Society

positive programme for change: the Thirteenth Science Exhibition. on 21st and 22nd March.

The theme for the exhibition was topical and exciting: Science and the Environment. This idea was particularly well executed by the physics department. The production of power from wind (most lectures) and solar power (my lectures) to a study of transformers and perpetual motion (Mr Hamilton) were among the exhibits. In the Rutherford Laboratory exhibits were designed to emphasize the applied aspects of science. The demonstration of the heat retention of double glazed windows and of cavity wall insulation was most impressive to a shivering Calif ornian.

Mr P. L. Harris, the noted alchemist, informed this reporter that every aspect of chemistry is in some way related to the environment. The various smells which emanated from the Ramsay Laboratory made one realize that the environment can be both harsh and odiferous. The exhibits were reasonably easy to understand and were explained with sophistication.

Professor M. H. Williamson, whose short address opened the exhibition, emphasized the range of sciences concerned with ecology. This aspect of his talk was proved correct when one walked around the St Peter's campus and observed the wide range of exhibits. Under the broad umbrella of biology alone much was to be noted. Boys showed their skill in dissection—always a crowd pleaser. Two less theatrical but important displays were on soil fertility and water pollution.

The most impressive aspect of the exhibition was the energy and enthusiasm of the boys as they explained their displays. Boys noted for a certain sullen reticence found a new ability. Their explanations were articulate and accurate. This writer was also pleased that over 300 boys took part in the days' events. It would have been easy to have a few star students demonstrate projects, but the science staff involved most of the boys in the planning and construction of the 102 displays.

The exhibition also drew on the skills of several non-scientific areas. The geography, maths and English departments were well represented.. Perhaps that is why I ended the day feeling optimistic. The problems of science and the environment will be solved if men of good will leam to shed their narrow specialities and co-operate in their attempts to solve problems.

R. D. WILKOFF.

There have been four meetings this year. The first was well attended, but the following three were supported by a small but enthusiastic corps of members.

The first meeting was held in the Studio (the weather being too cold for a meeting in the Stephenson Room), on Friday, 11 th October. Before the meeting it had been decided that in the past people had enjoyed hearing other people stating their religious views, and it was suggested that the meeting should take this form. So the meeting consisted of short talks by three members of the staff on "What I believe and why". 28

(Photo: Northern Echo)

Mr Armstrong spoke first and told us of his sudden conversion to Christianity due to an illness of a relative. He has a firm belief in God and felt that letting Christ into his life had been the best step in his life. Mr Macdonald then spoke about his beliefs, stating that as a geographer, he cannot help feeling that the earth is a great manifestation of God. He stated that he had an orthodox Christian background. Mr Depledge then talked, and told us that he was not a Christian but a christian— in other words someone who does good works because he enjoys helping others, and as far as he is concerned, God need not necessarily exist.

The second meeting was held over at Beverley House on Friday, 8th November. Here Mr John Mitchell spoke on "Christianity and the occult". Mr Mitchell told us that he was brought up as a strict Evangelical, but found himself interested in ghosts and psychic phenomena. He has been on several courses about faith healing and gifts of the spirit. He believes that most people have the power to heal, from God, but it is only manifest in a few. Many questions were asked and the meeting was closed.

The next meeting was held on Friday, 29th November, in Room G. The speaker was Mr Teale, the former Chief Probation Officer of York. He outlined his job of helping "old lags" in petty crimes to reform. He stated that probation is becoming a common alternative to prison. He also stated that a number of people were entering the service of Probation Officers with University (Social Sciences) degrees. He recommended the job as being very rewarding. •

This meeting was the last of the Winter Term, and we said goodbye to our long-standing chairman, James Clappison.

In the Easter Term we had only one meeting. At this we welcomed our new chairman, Charles Knowlson. The speakers were Mr Wilkoff, our exchange master from America, Mr Hubbard and Barry Creasy. They were all talking on "What I believe and why". Mr Hubbard stated that he believed in a God that was loving and kind, he stated that he was an Orthodox Christian. Barry Creasy stated he believed in reincarnation, although incorporated it into a Christian philosophy. Mr Wilkoff stated that he did not believe God looked after him personally and cared for him. He found that his religion—Judaism—was a very good background and support for his views. The meeting was closed after many questions had been asked.

Thus it has been quite an eventful year. We all hope that next year attendance will be greater and we hope to provide some interesting speakers. Some time next term there will be an outing to a synagogue in Leeds. Mr Mitchell has promised another visit and we have quite a few suggestions ourselves. We look forward to another eventful year.

I thank both chairmen during this year, James Chappison and Charles Knowlson, and also Howard Gatiss, who has acted as my deputy; also Mr Kemp-Welch for arranging meetings.

B.C.