THE CAMBRIDGE UNION
Lent 2019
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PR E S I D ENT’S WELCOME
Welcome back to Cambridge and Lent term at the Union! After a hectic Michaelmas, full of new people and opportunities, Lent brings breathing space and the opportunity to really get stuck into what the Union has to offer.
Antony Beevor and Eva Schloss – a holocaust survivor and step-sister of Anne Frank – will provide a historical perspective. And that’s not all – read on for the full programme and stay tuned for more exciting announcements soon. Panel discussions allow for meaningful discussions of topics not suited to the adversarial format of Thursday debates. With panels this term on topics as diverse as divestment, race, refugees, and attitudes to breast cancer, there’s nowhere better than the Union to discuss the issues that matter to you.
The Lent team has been working tirelessly to bring you a packed programme of events, so make sure to read this termcard as there’s bound to be something here for you!
This is an exciting term at the Union for another reason: work has finally begun on a major redevelopment of our buildings. Unfortunately some parts of the building will be out of bounds for this period but when work is complete in 2020 members will benefit from much improved facilities – see page eight for more details.
It’s an interesting time in politics all over the globe and this is reflected in our weekly debates. They kick off on January 17th with a lively debate on Britain’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, a topic that’s hardly been out of the news in recent months. We follow with debates on international development, Thatcher’s feminist legacy, gene editing in healthcare, racial identity in modern Britain, and the future of the NHS. With jitters running through the global stock markets, in February we ask whether we’ve learned the lessons from last decade’s crash. Finally, just two weeks before Britain leaves the EU, we examine the case for another referendum (assuming no public vote is called in the meantime).
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me (president@cus.org) or pop by the president’s office to the right of the chamber. I look forward to seeing you at the Union in Lent!
Will Smart President, Lent 2019
Our speaker line up has something for everyone, with big names such as Brian Blessed, Deontay Wilder, Mary Portas, and Marco Pierre White just some of the celebrities due to make an appearance in the chamber. If politics is more your thing then don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Peter Tatchell, Alf Dubs, or a former prime minister of Spain.
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CONTENTS MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION..................................................................................5 GETTING INVOLVED...................................................................................................6 MEMBERS BENEFITS..................................................................................................7 THE REDEVELOPMENT...............................................................................................8 UNION + AND OPEN TO AUDITION........................................................................10 DEBATES.......................................................................................................................11 This House Believes Britain’s Relationship With Saudi Arabia Cannot Be Justified............12 This House Believes British Aid Isn’t Working..............................................................14 This House Believes Thatcher Was A Feminist..............................................................16 This House Believes Genetic Modification Of Humans Is The Future of Heathcare............18 This House Is In The Mood For Love ...........................................................................20 This House Regrets The Snowflake Generation................................................................21 This House Believes British Identity Is Fundamentally Racist.........................................22 This House Believes We Have Not Learned From The Financial Crisis.............................24 This House Regrets The NHS’s Status As A National Religion..........................................26 This House Supports Another Referendum On Britain’s Membership Of The EU................28 SPEAKERS.....................................................................................................................32 Jo Dunkley................................................................33 John Leeson..............................................................34 Brian Blessed............................................................35 The Lord Dubs .........................................................36 Eva Schloss..............................................................37 Peter Tatchell...........................................................38 Nadine Strossen........................................................39 Robin DiAngelo........................................................40 Ann Olivarius...........................................................41 Diarmaid MacCulloch...............................................42 Mary Portas .............................................................43 Deontay Wilder.........................................................44 Dr. Rachel Glennester...............................................45 Tom Odell................................................................46 Maria Inez Feria and Raffy Lerma...............................47 Reggie Yates.............................................................48 José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.....................................49 Kaz and Josh ............................................................50 Antony Beevor..........................................................51 Bonnie Wright..........................................................52 Baroness Hale..........................................................53 Marco Pierre White...................................................54 Lady Arden...............................................................55 Emily Maitlis............................................................56 Andy Wigmore and Arron Banks..................................57 Tawakkol Karman.....................................................58 PANELS................................................................................................................... 59 Wilberforce Society Conference..................................60 Attitudes to Breast Cancer.........................................61 LGBT+ History Month...............................................62 Politics and Black Youth............................................63 Climate Justice..........................................................64 Decriminalisation of Sex Work....................................65 Migration, Refugees and Gender.................................66 Divest, Disarm and Decolonise Cambridge..................67 EVENTS....................................................................................................................68 STANDING COMMITTEE...........................................................................................69 APPOINTEES.............................................................................................................70 STAFF AND GOVERNANCE.......................................................................................71 PRESIDENT’S THANKS..............................................................................................72
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M EM BE RSHIP INFORMATION
Joining the Union provides you with more than membership of any other society in Cambridge. It will give you free access to all of our debates, speaker events, and panel discussions, plus our historic building’s facilities, all for life.
There are four kinds of membership:
All current students and staff of the University of Cambridge, and students at Anglia Ruskin University, the Judge Business School, and BPP Law School Cambridge are eligible to join.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP offers membership for a year. During the year, you have the option to upgrade to lifetime membership by paying the difference. This opportunity expires at the end of your year.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP offers all membership rights during your time in Cambridge and after graduation.
Benefits of membership include:
ACCESS MEMBERSHIP - Discounted membership is available to students in receipt of certain bursaries. Please check our website if you think you may be eligible.
· High-profile guest speakers · Weekly debates · Competitive debating with opportunities for funded international travel · Free room hire for members · Discounts at businesses in and around Cambridge · Social events · Discounts in the Union’s bar · Access to the Union’s live streaming service, so you can watch events even if you can’t attend in person
ONLINE MEMBERSHIP is only available for students not eligible for regular membership (such as those at other universities). It gives you full access to our live streaming service. To join or find out more please visit cus.org/join
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GE TTING INVOLVED
There are numerous ways to get more out of your membership, from helping at an event as a steward to running for election, with plenty in between.
HELP BEHIND THE SCENES If you would rather help with the planning of a Union term, there are several committees running this term which you can join. Check your emails for the forms to sign up or email the relevant officer.
PARTICIPATE IN A DEBATE Debates are an opportunity to get your voice heard. Every week at least one space in the debate is reserved for a member. These spaces are filled via open audition in the week preceding the debate – check your emails for the sign-up form or email Rachel at executive@cus.org if you have any questions. If you speak in a debate you will be invited to the dinner beforehand.
DEBATES COMMITTEE Help to secure speakers for the debates in Easter term. Email Haneen at executive-elect@cus.org for details. SPEAKERS COMMITTEE
As an audience member you can also make points from the floor during the debate and doing so will get you invited to the post-debate drinks reception.
Help to secure high-profile and celebrity guest speakers for Easter. Email Adam at speakerselect@cus.org for details. GARDEN PARTY COMMITTEE
Every debate is preceded by an emergency debate on a topical motion, featuring exclusively student speakers. Should you wish to speak, join the ‘Emergency Debaters’ group on Facebook or email Haneen at executive-elect@cus.org
Help to organise food, drink, music, and more for our annual garden party in Easter term. Email Emma at ents-elect@cus.org for details. JOIN THE COMMITTEE
STEWARDING
Applications to join the Easter committee as an appointee will open on 21st February and close on 7th March. This term we will also be appointing the Vice President and Debating Officers for 2019/20.
Stewards are an essential part of every event, helping to check membership cards, hand out microphones, and count votes. Stewarding is one of the best ways of getting more involved in the Union and you’ll receive a ciabatta, a £5 bar tab, and a guaranteed seat for every event you help at. Search ‘Cambridge Union Society Stewards’ on Facebook or email Liam and Claudia at hoem@ cus.org for details.
Elections for Michaelmas term will be held on 8th March, with nominations opening on 22nd February. Please consult the constitution (available at cus.org/members/running-yourunion/constitution) for details of the available roles, paying particular attention to any eligibility criteria. In order to run for election you must have acquired the necessary number of debating contribution points as explained in the constitution.
AV STEWARDING If you would rather help run the live streaming system, email Daniel and Emily on audiovisual@ cus.org. AV stewards receive all the same perks as other stewards, plus full training on how to operate the AV equipment. No experience is necessary. 6
M E M BERS B ENEF ITS
Simply present your membership card to take advantage of these exclusive offers, and note that in some instances they may not be used in conjunction with other offers, so clarify this before making any purchases.
Cambridge Cheese Company- 10% Off
If you would like to suggest a new discount, or experience issues using any of the discounts listed, please contact Vincent Rustill through treasurer@cus.org.
Jack’s Gelato- 25% Off during Week 8 (7th-13th March)!
Fudge Kitchen- Free Slice with Any Box Purchased Gardies- 10% Off
LockHouse Escape Games- 10% Off Revital - 10% Off TM Lewin- 15% Off (email treasurer@cus.org for code) Up & Running- 10% Off
Hotel du Vin- ÂŁ180 Bed and Breakfast available all year even when booking for family, and 20% Off at Restaurant (collect your Society Du Vin card from the hotel)
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TH E R EDEVELOPMENT
Work has begun on an exciting redevelopment of the Union’s buildings and grounds. This will improve facilities for members and secure the future of our historic building.
Upon completion of the project members can look forward to: · A fully refurbished and enlarged bar serving fresh food cooked in a new kitchen · A lift to make the first floor and basement fully accessible for the first time · New toilets · The concrete façade on Round Church Street being restored to match the original brickwork · New entrances off Round Church Street and Park Street
The chamber is unaffected by the building work and will remain open throughout the redevelopment, which is due to have been completed by the autumn of 2020. Unfortunately some areas, such as the library, will be closed to members during this period. The 1815 bar has temporarily moved to the dining room (accessed via a new door on your left as you enter the building) but remains as well-stocked as ever and will return to its original home after the works have been completed. You will also find a temporary toilet block just outside the main entrance.
These are all in addition to various other essential repairs and upgrades to make the building fit for the future. We hope to keep you fully informed with the progress of this project and plan to hold a presentation on the works for any interested members. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact Will at president@cus.org
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After years of careful planning, the Cambridge Union Society was granted planning permission for the development and renovation of 1815’s Victorian Gothic home. Originally operating solely for the use of the Society and its members, we opened our doors to the public in 2016. Since then we’ve seen a huge number of customers through our doors, whether for a game of scrabble and a coffee, or attending one of our live music events. We’d like to thank every single one of you, and wish to invite you to our new, temporary home, in the Dining Room of the Society. Over the past months, we have been hard at work building, moving, painting and constructing a new bar in the small but historic room within the Society. You can expect much the same in terms of fantastic products at fantastic prices, from the same fantastic bar team. The new location gives us the ability to serve directly into one of the largest publicly accessible gardens, with a bar in the city centre. Keep an eye on social media (Facebook/Instagram @1815bar) and new blog at www.1815-bar.co.uk with updates throughout the renovation period. Along with information about a great new selection of events and promotions!
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U NION +
Running since Michaelmas 2017, Union+ aims to make the Union a true centre of student debate, accessible to everyone. Union+ events are open to everyone, not just members, in the spirit of ensuring as many voices as possible can be heard in our discussions. Throughout this term card you will see Union+ events clearly marked with the purple logo. They include some of our most fascinating speakers and panel discussions so there’s sure to be something of interest to everyone. Come along, bring a friend, and join in the conversation! Make sure to follow the Union+ Facebook page to stay up to date with what’s on: facebook.com/cambridgeunionplus UNION+ EVENTS THIS TERM 22nd January - Jo Dunkley, Astrophysicist 23rd January - John Leeson, voice of K9 11th February - Eva Schloss, Holocaust Survivor and stepsister of Anne Frank 12th February - Peter Tatchell, Gay Rights Activist 18th February - Ann Olivarius, Lawyer 25th February - Dr Rachel Glennester All Union Panels
S PE A KER S OPEN TO AU DITION
As a Union we are always looking to innovate with our speakers’ programme and this term is certainly no different. We are thrilled to announce a new initiative which will allow members to interview certain speakers. Throughout the speaker programme, Open Audition Events are clearly marked with a red logo. The expertise of our members will help us to fulfil our aim to truly challenge speakers, guaranteeing the best interview possible and helping members to get the most of their membership. Members will be selected to host interviews through open audition, so we recommend that you keep an eye on the Union’s Facebook page for further details or email Cecily at speakers@cus.org. OPEN AUDITION EVENTS THIS TERM 11th February - Eva Schloss, Holocaust Survivor and stepsister of Anne Frank 15th February - Nadine Strossen, Former President of the ACLU 18th February - Ann Olivarius, Lawyer 22nd February - Deontay Wilder, WBC Heavyweight Boxing Champion 26th February - Tom Odell, Singer 5th March - Kaz and Josh, Love Island Contestants
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D E B AT E S
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
BRITAIN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH SAUDI ARABIA CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED
Saudi Arabia’s role in orchestrating the Yemeni civil war, as well the Khashoggi incident, have contributed to the mounting pressure on the United Kingdom to cut diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia. However, in light of Brexit, is Britain in the position to be writing off potentially huge trade deals, and beyond that, should diplomatic relations be decided based on human rights records?
THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 7.30pm 12
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION GHANEM NUSEIBEH
PROFESSOR MADAWI AL-RASHEED
Founder of Cornerstone Global Associates
Saudi Arabian Visiting Professor at the Middle East Centre at LSE
ANN FELTHAM
DR. NAJAH ALOTAIBI
Parliamentary Co-ordinator at the Campaign against Arms Trade
Senior Analyst at the Arabia Foundation
MASSOUD SHADJAREH
STUDENT SPEAKER
Chairman of the Islamic Human Rights Commission
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
BRITISH AID ISN’T WORKING
Despite the 0.7% GNI contribution that Britain makes to development aid, the difference between party manifestos regarding aid shows that the best way to use this money is still widely disputed. With recent sex scandals in the aid industry, and general concerns about neocolonialism as well as effective allocation arising, the Union seeks to ask whether British Aid is actually working.
THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 7.30pm 14
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION MATTHEW RYCROFT CBE
SHAISTA AZIZ
Permanent Secretary for the Department of International Development
Labour Party Politician and Former Aid worker, Chair of Intersectional Feminist Foreign Policy UK
DR. JASON HICKEL
DR. TAMSYN BARTON
Anthropologist and Member of the Labour Party task force for International Development
Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact
STUDENT SPEAKER
STUDENT SPEAKER
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
THATCHER WAS A FEMINIST
2019 marks the 40th Anniversary of Thatcher’s rise to power yet she remains as controversial as ever. Among feminists she continues to be a point of division, with some arguing that she was a feminist icon by normalising female success, and others asserting that she did nothing to elevate the position of fellow women. This week the Union will explore these ideas, in the process, discussing what it means to be a feminist, and whether or not female politicians should identify as them.
THURSDAY 31 JANUARY 7.30pm 16
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION PROFESSOR WENDY WEBSTER
CAROLINE SLOCOCK
Author of ‘Not to Match her: A Feminist View of Britain’s First Woman Prime Minister’
First Woman Private Secretary at No. 10 under Margaret Thatcher
PROFESSOR JULIE GOTTLIEB
DR. LISA MCKENZIE
Senior Lecturer in British Political History at Sheffield University, with a focus on Women’s history
British Sociologist focusing on Class inequality
SIR PETER BOTTOMLEY MP
STUDENT SPEAKER
British Conservative Party MP who served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Employment and Minister of Roads and Traffic under Thatcher
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
GENETIC MODIFICATION OF HUMANS IS THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE With recent scientific developments such as He Jiankui’s orchestration of the birth of the world’s first gene-edited babies using CRISPR-‐‑Cas9, the genetic modification of human beings seems to become increasingly attainable. Therefore, in our Week 4 debate, the Cambridge Union has paired up with AstraZeneca to ask to what extent the genetic modification of human beings will be possible in the future, and crucially, whether we should embrace it for medical purposes.
THIS DEBATE IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY
THURSDAY 7 FEBRUARY 7.30pm 18
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION ANJANA AHUJA
ROBIN LOVELL-BADGE
Science Commentator at the Financial Times and regular contributor to BBC Newsnight and Prospect
Head of the Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics at the Francis Crick Institute
PROFESSOR FIONA WATT
STUDENT SPEAKER
Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council
ULTAN MCDERMOTT
STUDENT SPEAKER
Chief Scientist, Oncology, AstraZeneca
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THIS HOUSE
IS IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
This comedy debate is in collaboration with the Cambridge Footlights, who will have members speaking on the proposition and opposition of the motion.
THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 7.30pm 20
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THIS HOUSE
REGRETS THE SNOWFLAKE GENERATION This debate is a student politics debate and auditions will be held for speaking closer to the time.
WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 6.30pm 21
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THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
BRITISH IDENTITY IS FUNDAMENTALLY RACIST Although recent events such as Brexit, and even the World Cup, have drawn attention to the central role of ‘Britishness’ in how people conceive of themselves, it is notable that British identity is also prevalent in every day life, permeating our everyday discourse, identity, and actions. In this debate, the Union hopes to discuss whether British identity continues to be premised upon fundamentally racist notions of colonial history and exclusion of BME communities, or whether, in more recent years, it has become accessible to BME groups as multiculturalism increasingly becomes an important political agenda item.
THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY 7.30pm 22
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION SUNDER KATWALA
DR. ADAM ELLIOTT-COOPER
Director of the think-tank British Future, which aims to promote conversation about identity, integration and migration.
Research Associate on Urban Displacement at King’s College London. He is also a board member of The Monitoring Group, a community organisation which challenges racial violence and police misuse of power. DAVID NEITA
STUDENT SPEAKER
Vice Chair of the Society of Black Lawyers, known for his involvement in high profile campaigns including the Windrush scandal and Grenfell Tower
ALEX PASCALL
STUDENT SPEAKER
Alex Pascall OBE is one of the developers of Notting Hill Carnival and The Voice, Britain’s first black national newspaper. He is also notable for presenting the programme Black Londoners on BBC Radio London for 14 years from 1974, hosting speakers including Muhammad Ali. 23
THIS HOUSE BELIEVES
WE HAVE NOT LEARNED FROM THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CUFIS The 2008 financial crash was a crisis on an extraordinary scale, with economic and political consequences that are still being keenly felt more than ten years later. Have we learnt our lesson? Has the financial system reformed to protect investors and the general public alike? Or is another crash just around the corner?
THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY 7.30pm 24
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION NICK BAYLEY
PIPPA MALMGREM
Head of Regulation at the London Stock Exchange during the Crash
Special Assistant to the President of the United States for Economic Policy on the National Economic Council
IZABELLA KAMINSKA
LEONARD NG
Editor of FT Markets Commentary (Alphaville)
Co-head of the EU Financial Services Regulatory group at Sidley Austin
DAME HELENA MORRISSEY DBE
STUDENT SPEAKER
The current Head of Personal Investing at Legal and General Investment Management, previous Chief Executive at Newton, and founder of the 30% Club.
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THIS HOUSE REGRETS
THE NHS’S STATUS AS A NATIONAL RELIGION
In partnership with Cambridge MedSoc As healthcare technology advances and the population gets older, the NHS is finding itself under increasing strain with accusations of poor care, and inefficient spending. Despite this, it is widely defended by politicians of all parties - is Britain right to be as proud of the NHS as it is or does this cloud our judgment about how best to provide healthcare?
THURSDAY 7 MARCH 7.30pm 26
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION DAME ELIZABETH ANIONWU
SIR CHRIS HAM
Founder of the Mary Seacole centre for Nursing Practice and one of the top 70 most influential nurses in the NHS
Chief Executive at Kings Fund from 2010 - 2018
BARONESS JOLLY
ELEANOR SMITH MP
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and part of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents presidential team
Eleanor Smith MP is a British Labour Party Politician. Prior to being an MP, Smith was a nurse and the President of the trade union Unison in 2011.
STUDENT SPEAKER
STUDENT SPEAKER
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THIS HOUSE SUPPORTS
AN O T H E R R EFE R ENDUM O N BR I TA I N’ S M E M B E RSH I P OF THE EU
Just two weeks before Britain is due to leave the EU, the Union returns to the issue dominating British politics. Please note that the motion of this debate could well change in light of the events of coming weeks.
THURSDAY 14 MARCH 8.00pm 28
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PROPOSITION
OPPOSITION TBC
WILL SMART Fourth-year student at Peterhouse and outgoing president of the Cambridge Union
LORD CAMPBELL OF PITTENWEEM
TBC
Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats , advocate, and olympic athlete.
STUDENT SPEAKER
STUDENT SPEAKER
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RELOCATED TO THE DINING ROOM 30
What science can do Circulating tumour DNA AstraZeneca has pioneered the use of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the diagnosis of cancer. Pieces of DNA break off from a tumour and circulate in the bloodstream where they can be analysed to give genetic information about a patient’s tumour. This allows healthcare professionals to determine the right treatment for the patient using a minimally invasive blood test.
VEEVA ID: Z4-11671 Date of preparation: July 2018 Date of expiry: July 2020
SPEAKERS
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JO DUNKLEY Astrophysicist, Our Universe: Astrophysics and Women in STEM Jo is a leading astrophysicist at Princeton University and alumnus of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. She will be talking on her research and her new book, Our Universe, the history of our universe and its discovery, from the first star catalogues etched into ancient Mesopotamian clay tablets, to the metres-wide telescopes being constructed in Chile’s Atacama Desert today (for which Jo is on the research team!). Jo is also a passionate advocate for women in STEM, an will talk on the pioneering but overlooked women in science, and overcoming the challenges facing women in STEM today.
TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 7:00pm 33
JOH N LEESON Voice of K9 If you ever encountered Doctor Who, you likely have encountered John, voice of K9, the nation’s best loved (and perhaps only!) robot dog. John will speak on his time working on one of the most iconic British TV shows, in the company of David Tennant, Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen. The original, physical K9 himself will also be making an appearance!
In collaboration with Cambridge University Doctor Who Society
WEDNESDAY 23 JANUARY 7:00pm 34
BRIAN BLESSED Actor, Adventurer and one-time candidate for Chancellor of Cambridge University The legendary, larger-than-life British actor, Brian Blessed needs little introduction. From appearing in numerous iconic productions from Shakespeare to Star Wars, from Flash Gordon to I, Claudius. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, training as a cosmonaut in Star City, and even running to be Chancellor of Cambridge University, whatever is on your bucket list Brian has a story to tell about it!
FRIDAY 25 JANUARY 7:00pm 35
THE LORD DUBS Labour Politician ‘The Refugee Crisis and the Kindertransport: Lessons from Experience’
Alf Dubs, Baron Dubs, is best known for his passionate condemnation of UK asylum policy, and continued advocacy for refugees. He was the author of a 2016 amendment to the Immigration Act - the ‘Dubs Amendment’ - that was intended to allow child refugees safe passage to Britain. In a world when immigration, borders, and refugees are polarising issues, listening to the experiences of real people is more necessary than ever. Lord Dubs will speak about his life, having come to the UK on the Kindertransport after fleeing the Nazis from his birthplace in Prague.
FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 36
EVA SCHLOSS Holocaust survivor ‘Remembering the Camps: Auschwitz and Survival’ Eva Schloss, a survivor of Auschwitz and stepsister of Anne Frank, , will share her story. As someone who experienced the horrors of the camps intimately, she will speak on the real human cost of a period in history that is becoming ever more politicised.
In collaboration with Cambridge University Jewish Society Open Auditions to Interview
MONDAY 11 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 37
PETER TATCHELL Gay Rights Activist On LGBT+ Rights and Activism For LGBT+ History month, we welcome Peter Tatchell, a human rights campaigner, whose work in activism includes two attempted citizens arrests of Robert Mugabe, fighting Neo-Nazis in Moscow, and organising the first London Pride. Having campaigned through the AIDS crisis and homophobic government policies, the eventual repeal of Section 28, and the introduction of same-sex marriage, Peter brings a wealth of experience in LGBT+ activism to talk about.
In collaboration with CUSU LGBT+
TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY 6.00pm 38
NADINE STROSSEN Former President of the ACLU Hate: Free Speech or Censorship
What, if any, are the limits to free speech? Is no-platforming required to protect certain groups from discrimination, or is censorship only ever counterproductive? Nadine, the first woman and youngest person ever to lead the American Civil Liberties Union and an influential business leaders, will speak on her book HATE: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship, to address one of the most pressing questions today.
Open Auditions to Interview
FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 39
ROBIN DIANGELO Author of White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism Academic Robin DiAngelo coined the term ‘white fragility’ in 2011 arguing that it describes a defensive attitude exhibited by white people when their attitudes to race are challenged. How do we talk about racism today, is the language we use to talk about race effective, and how do we engage with all people in order to tackle it? Robin will address these questions and more in a fascinating and topical discussion.
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 40
ANN OLIVARIUS Lawyer Sexual Misconduct and the Law in the #MeToo Era Ann is Chair of the Executive Committee at the international law firm McAllister Olivarius, specialising in civil litigation, and has been on the forefront of representing victims of sexual harassment. Ann is also a prominent campaigner against ‘revenge porn’. Over a year on from the Weinstein scandal, CUWSL and the Cambridge Union presents a panel discussion on the continued successes and challenges of the #metoo movement in the UK. How has #metoo impacted police work and prosecutions? How does media law prevent women from telling their stories? What role can women lawyers play as advocates and activists? Joining us on the panel will be: Kate Parker, Barrister 5PB Lucia Osborne-Crowley, Reporter, Activist and Legal Academic Dr Olivia Smith, Senior Lecturer Criminology, Anglia Ruskin University
MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY 6.30pm 41
DIARMAID MACCULLOCH Historian The Life and Controversies of Thomas Cromwell Diarmaid MacCulloch is Professor of the History of the Church at the University of Oxford, who declined ordination to the priesthood because of the Church’s attitude to homosexuality. He will be speaking on his landmark biography of Thomas Cromwell and the successes and controversies that defined Cromwell’s life, from his reforms of the Church of England, enmity with Anne Boleyn and his execution at the hands of Henry VIII.
In collaboration with CLIO
TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 5.00pm 42
MARY PORTAS Retailer Mary Portas is one of the UK’s most high-profile businesswomen, whose high-flying career includes a retail consultancy working for clients ranging from Louis Vuitton to Mercedes, her own TV series and leading a government review on the future of high streets. Mary will speak on her life, how to make it in business and her new book, Work Like a Woman.
WEDNESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 43
DEONTAY WILDER American professional boxer Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder has been the WBC heavyweight boxing champion since 2015 and was the first American world heavyweight champion in 9 years. He is known for his knockout punches, with a 95% knockout-to-win ratio and 19 knockouts in the first round. He took on Tyson Fury in a much-anticipated fight in December 2018, and has since been challenged to a rematch.
Open Auditions to Interview
CANCELLED
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DR. RACHEL GLENNERSTER Chief Economist at the Department for International Development How can we use research and evidence to help tackle global poverty? Dr. Rachel Glennerster, Chief Economist at the Department for International Development in the UK, tells us about her work to help DFID make effective use of evidence to design effective programs and provide advice to governments in the “global south.�
In collaboration with Effective Altruism Cambridge
MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 45
TOM ODELL English singer-songwriter Tom Odell is one of the most exciting new indie artists, starting from the bottom performing at open mic nights before being discovered by Lily Allen. In light of his new album Jubilee Road, Tom will give an insight into the life of a successful artist in such a competitive industry, as well as how he feels music has been impacted by social media and Spotify.
Open Auditions to Interview
TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 46
MARIA INEZ FERIA AND RAFFY LERMA ‘Death and Drugs: Duterte’s War’ At the time of writing, Duterte’s ‘Drug’s War’ has claimed over 12,000 lives. Maria Inez Feria is head of the non-profit NoBox Philippines, which works on reforming drug-related policies and laws. Raffy Lerma, a photojournalist in the Philippines started his career covering the street protests that led to the ousting of former President Estrada in 2001, and now works independently to cover the War on Drugs. They will provide unique insight into a policy that has attracted international condemnation.
FRIDAY 1 MARCH 7.00pm 47
REGGIE YATES Actor and DJ Reggie Yates is a British television presenter, actor and DJ, who has appeared on programmes from Doctor Who and Release the Hounds to Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia, Extreme South Africa and Extreme UK, for which he was awarded Best Presenter at the Royal Television Society Awards. Reggie Yates will do a live recording of the Reggie Yates podcast, where he aims to enable a selection of fascinating guests to tell their life stories.
RESCHEDULED TBC 48
JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO Former Prime Minister of Spain José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is a former Prime Minister of Spain (2004-2011) and Secretary General of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (2000-2012). During his time in office, he authorized the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq, carried out peace negotiations with terrorist organization ETA and passed the Historical Memory Law. He is best known for his social policies, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, the expansion of abortion rights, the fight against gender violence, and the Dependency Law. He also led the reform of the Statute of Catalonia.
In collaboration with Cambridge University Spanish Society
CANCELLED
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KAZ Love Island Contestants Kaz and Josh finished third on Love Island in 2017, and are one of the few couples still together. Josh has commented that ‘finding Love has never been so easy’. Kaz and Josh will talk about their time on Love Island and the secret to their relationship afterwards.
Open Auditions to Interview
TUESDAY 5 MARCH 7.00pm 50
ANTONY BEEVOR Historian ‘The Second World War and its Consequences’
Antony Beevor is a historian who has written on topics including the Russian Revolution, the Second World War and the Spanish Civil War. His books have been praised for their treatment of the ordinary lives of combatants and civilians, their use of newly disclosed documents and their wide geographical range. Antony will be speaking primarily on the consequences of the Second World War and how it affects us still today.
WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 5.30pm 51
BONNIE WRIGHT English Actress Bonnie Wright is a British actress, most famous for playing Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films. Bonnie has also worked on a number of other projects, from modelling on the catwalk, to screenwriting, directing and producing. She is directing a short film, Medusa’s ankles, based on the story by A.S. Byatt.
WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH 7.00pm 52
BARONESS HALE President of the Supreme Court, The Changing Face of the Supreme Court Baroness Hale is the first Female President of the United Kingdom Supreme Court and an alumna of Girton college. Her career has spanned many areas of law, from her start as a judge in the Family Division of the High Court of Justice to ruling on Gina Miller’s Article 50 case in 2016.
THURSDAY 7 MARCH 4.00pm 53
MARCO PIERRE WHITE British Chef Marco Pierre White is the first British chef to ever be awarded three Michelin stars and was also the youngest chef to have done so. Marco has trained famous chefs from Shannon Bennett to Gordon Ramsay. Having come to London age 16 with “£7.36, a box of books and a bag of clothes”, Marco later opened his restaurant Harvey’s which earned its first Michelin star almost immediately.
WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 7:00pm 54
LADY ARDEN Supreme Court Justice Lady Arden is the third woman on the United Kingdom Supreme Court. An alumnus of Girton college who also gained a degree from Harvard Law School, Lady Arden first practiced company law. She has served on the Supreme Court since the 1st of October 2018.
DATE TBC
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EMILY MAITLIS British journalist Emily Maitlis is a British journalist, documentary-maker and newsreader for the BBC. She presents BBC Two’s news and current affairs programme Newsnight and covers elections for the BBC in UK, US and Europe.
TBC
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ARRON BANKS AND ANDY WIGMORE Prominent Brexit campaigners. Arron Banks is the largest financial donor in British political history and was featured prominently in the recent film Brexit: The Uncivil War. The self-styled ‘Bad Boys of Brexit’ were heavily involved in Leave.EU, a major campaign group separate from the official Vote Leave campaign. The origins of their donations have been the subject of much scrutiny, as have their links to Russian officials and the Trump campaign.
TBC
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TAWAKKOL KARMAN Journalist and Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2011 Tawakkol Abdel-Salam Karman is a Yemeni journalist, politician, and human rights activist. She leads the group “Women Journalists Without Chains,� which she co-founded in 2005. She became the international public face of the 2011 Yemeni uprising that is part of the Arab Spring uprisings.
TBC
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PA N E L S
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WI LB E R F OR C E SOCIETY CONFERENCE (£12 for Union members)
Making Minds Matter, 10.45am espite the fact that nearly half of adults believe in their D lifetime, they have had a diagnosable mental health problem, only a third have received a diagnosis. Health services still fail to treat mental health issues on par with physical health issues, despite increasing awareness and destigmatisation, and discussing how to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health issues is at the heart of this panel. Shifting Global Power, 12.15pm Brexit dividing the UK and Trump dividing America have highlighted the era of shifting global power and influence brought about with the economic growth of China and Middle Eastern nations over the last decade, followed closely by India. However, although political concerns in Western nations have reduced the confidence of citizens in their own influence, the growth of other nations present new opportunities for trade, and intercultural collaboration to solve some of our greatest challenges. Digital Disruption, 3.00pm
Much of the world’s media focuses on the huge challenges we face today, from issues of inequality, to the political tensions caused by the shifts in global power, to the threats of technology, to mental health issues in many parts of the world. However, overcoming these challenges presents many opportunities, such as the potential to bring millions of people out of poverty, utilise new technologies to benefit all our lives, and improve our wellbeing as a society.
The rate of technological change has reached a sensational level, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, driverless cars and increasing cybersecurity. However, there are growing fears of the security risks associated with this and also fears surrounding the impact of workforce displacement and possible inequality. Stephen Hawking stated that AI may “be the best or worst thing to ever happen to humanity” and it is clear that we must minimise the risks, and work to make the most of the potential these changes have to offer.
Discussing these challenges and their possible solutions is critical to fulfilling the potential of current transformations, and this conference seeks to play a part in that discussion.
Poverty and Progress, 4.30pm
Join the Wilberforce Society as they host this Conference in conjunction with us: delve into the challenges we face, and explore how we can all contribute to overcoming them.
Although the number of individuals living in absolute poverty has declined in recent decades, absolute and relative poverty remain huge issues, with billions of individuals people unable to fulfill their potential. On a local level, Cambridge has been ranked as the most unequal city in the UK, and the disparity between the wealth of colleges and homelessness that persists around the city is clear to everyone. If you have any questions or queries, contact Vincent Rustill at conference@wilberforcesociety.co.uk
SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 9.00am 60
ATTITUDES TO BREAST CANCER In collaboration with Pink Week
Dr Rosalind Given-Wilson A consultant radiologist specialising in breast imaging and screening, as well as paediatric imaging.
Join Cambridge Pink Week for a lively discussion exploring attitudes towards breast cancer. Topics under discussion will include attitudes towards screening, the use of the word ‘pink’ in relation to breast cancer, and the intersection of breast cancer and mental health.
Liz O’Riordan: A consultant breast surgeon who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in July 2015 at the age of 40. She writes an award-winning blog to help doctors and patients see what having breast cancer is really like (liz.oriordan.co.uk).
Breast Cancer Now Representative: Breast Cancer Now is a charity formed in 2015 by the merger of Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. It is the United Kingdom’s largest breast cancer charity.
Heidi Loughlin: A motivational speaker & blogger, who runs the Twitter and Blogspot pages “Storminatitcup.” She writes about her life with stage four inflammatory breast cancer, and is currently writing her first book.
FRIDAY 4 FEBRUARY 7.00pm 61
LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH In 1998, when many current undergraduates were born, a group of gay and bisexual men were arrested and charged for having sex. In 2019, Equal Marriage has been enshrined in law for 6 years. This panel will bring together politicians to talk about their party’s history with the LGBT community, what their party has done for LGBT rights and what they plan to do in the future. The President of CUSU LGBT+ will ground this discussion in Cambridge and talk about current LGBT activism in Cambridge. Daniel Zeichner - Labour Politician and MP for Cambridge Heidi Allen - Conservative Politician and MP for South Cambridgeshire Julian Huppert - Liberal Democrat and former MP for Cambridge Liam Michael Plimmer - President of CUSU LGBT+
In collaboration with Encompass Network and CUSU LGBT+
TBC DATE
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POL ITICS AND THE BLACK VOTE
Magid Magid - British-Somali activist and politician who has served as the Lord Mayor of Sheffield since May 2018 Lord Michael Hastings - Crossbencher at the House of Lords and previous member of the Council of the Overseas Development Institute and the Center for Global Development in the US
THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY 5.00pm 63
C L IMA TE JUS TICE
How we can prevent global catastrophe? Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our planet and civilization but is often dismissed by world leaders and is low on the list of issues that concern the public. Panelists will explore the case for re-examining the way we think about climate change, the race and inequality issues surrounding climate change, and what the movement should be focusing on.
WEDNESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 8.00pm 64
DE C RIMIN A L IS A TION OF S EX WORK
Should the law and the police support sex work - and if so, what measures can be taken? This panel is predominantly composed of representatives of sex work organizations, as well as some authors and academics.
MONDAY 4 MARCH 6.00pm 65
MIGRATION, REFUGEES AND GENDER
From sexual and gender-based violence, to lack of sanitary products and pre-natal care, displaced women face unique and harsh challenges that aren’t often talked about. This panel brings together representatives from organisations that work on the ground with refugees and aid in asylum applications to talk about their experiences, including former refugees.
FRIDAY 8 MARCH 7.00pm 66
DIVEST, DISARM AND DECOLONISE CAMBRIDGE
Over the past four years, there’s been an increase in the number of students and academics campaigning against the investments Cambridge University and its constituent colleges have in fossil fuel and arms companies. This panel will discuss whether a divested, disarmed, and decolonised Cambridge is one we would like to see, what it would look like, and how it could be achieved. Dr James Smith - Fossil Free Cambridge Dr Andrew Sanchez - Lecturer in Social Anthropology and member of the University Council Ewan Hawkins - Demilitarise Cambridge Dr Sam Ainsworth - Research associate and member of the University Council
WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 7.30pm 67
EVENTS
WEEKLY EVENTS Sign Language classes - 6pm-7pm, Wednesday evenings during term time Come along and learn sign language with the Cambridge University Sign Language Society please email Lauren at lsh34@cam.ac.uk if interested.
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S TA ND ING COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rachel Tustin
PRESIDENT Will Smart
VICE PRESIDENT Imran Mateo
SPEAKERS OFFICER Cecily Bateman
TREASURER Vincent Rustill
DEBATING OFFICER Joy Jia
EXECUTIVE-ELECT Haneen Zeglam
PRESIDENT-ELECT Abdullah Shah
SPEAKERS-ELECT Adam Davies
DEBATING OFFICER Trenton Sewell
TREASURER-ELECT Jamie Siviter
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ENTS OFFICER Samuel Longton
ENTS-ELECT Emma Jing
A PPOINTEES
WOMEN’S OFFICER DIVERSITY OFFICER ACCESS OFFICER Alex Murray Maya Chandran Nikki Eames
WOMEN’S OFFICER DESIGNATE ACCESS OFFICER DESIGNATE Eileen Maguire Nia Moseley-Roberts and Sara Dehvari DIVERSITY OFFICER DESIGNATE Maha Munir Secretary Heads of Events Management Deputy Heads of Events Management Heads of Audio-Visual Deputy Heads of Audio-Visual Senior Guest Liaisons for Debates Deputy Guest Liaison for Debates Senior Guest Liaisons for Speakers Deputy Guest Liaison for Speakers Heads of Publicity Deputy Head of Publicity Head of Press Deputy Heads of Press Membership Officers Head of Engagement and Marketing Head of Digital
Alycia Leach Claudia Anderson and Liam Buckley Molly Bolding and Joseph Hearn Daniel Mackinnon, Emily Dunstan Louis Van Steen, Faizaan Pervaiz Alexander Wettig Flora Bowen, Khadija Tahir, Seb Putman Zehn Mahmood, Tudor Musat Olga Trinder, Sinead Mulhall, Oliver Layzell Sophie Weinmann, Josh Kimblin James Wilson, Maya Mehan James Webb and Lucinda Hobden Piper Whitehead Avinash Sekar, Luke Hallam, Lily Hilton Angela Xia Luiza Mirzoyan
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S TA FF A ND GOVERNANCE
TRUSTEES The Rt. Hon. The Lord Smith of Finsbury PC (chair) Dr. Nigel Brown OBE Dr. Nigel Yandell Nick Heath FRICS The Hon. Daniel Janner QC David Branch
Araba Taylor Rachel Green David Robinson The President of the Union, Will Smart The Vice President of the Union, Imran Mateo
THE DIRECTORS OF CAMBRIDGE UNION SOCIETY ENTERPRISES LTD Col. (Ret) William Bailey The President of the Union, Will Smart The Vice President of the Union, Imran Mateo
Dr. Nigel Brown OBE Rachel Green David Robinson
REVIEW COMMITTEE Joshua Blanchard Lewis (ex officio Vice President, 2008-9) (Chair) Alex Forzani (ex officio Vice President, 2012-13) Nick Wright (ex officio Vice President, 2014-15) Page Nyame-Satterthwaite (ex officio President, Michaelmas 2017)
STAFF Col. (Ret.) William Bailey MBE - Bursar Joe Burman - General Manager Nathan Caples - Senior AV Technician Louise Gamon - Membership Secretary Katherine Rickett - Events Coordinator Sabine Edwards - Advertising & Sponsorship
Bartlomiej Fajer - Bar Manager Sam Heap - Catering & Assistant Bar Manager Leonardos Markakis - Bar Supervisor Yasmin Williams - Bar Supervisor Phil Caldecoat - Site Supervisor
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PRES I DENT’S THANKS I’m especially grateful to two former presidents for the examples they set. Maria, it was a pleasure to be able to work with you last Easter – I owe a lot to your enthusiasm and leadership. Charles, thank you for showing me the ropes in Michaelmas and for being such a bottomless source of advice and encouragement.
Much as I would like to claim credit for the contents of this term card, the reality is that almost all the events this term owe their existence to the hard work of someone else. Were I also to include all of the wonderful people who have helped me during the two years I’ve been on the committee then this list would run to several pages, so I’ll try to keep things brief.
Adam – who could have known when we started on the AV team back in Lent 2017 that we’d end up working so closely together for the next five terms? I hope you’re enjoying your retirement.
Imran – your competence and dedication to the Union is beyond doubt. Thank you for your hard work on the KPIs and other things I choose not to understand. Best of luck keeping the place going in Easter, but for God’s sake get some sleep.
Thanks also to everyone else I’ve worked closely with over the years: Jason, Henry, Kira, Liam, Gabriel, Amy, Jade, Jali, and Tom among many, many others.
Rachel – without your astonishing work ethic there’s no way this term’s debate line up would be anything like as strong as it is. Thank you for your relentless enthusiasm and your unique sense of humour which have made this job much less stressful than it could have been.
Everything the student committees do would be for nothing without the help of our staff, so thank you to Louise, Joe, Nathan, Phil, and Sabine for being the Union’s resident adults. Thanks especially to Katherine for designing this term card and to Bart, Sam, and Leo for running the best student bar in Cambridge.
Cecily – how you found the time to send the sheer quantity of invitations that you did will always remain a mystery to me. Thank you for soldiering on through the Christmas vacation and for your unwavering commitment to putting on a line up of speakers worth listening to.
Bill – thank you for all of your advice, and for managing the almost impossible task of running the Union professionally whilst ensuring it remains fundamentally a student society. I look forward to seeing the culmination of years of hard work when the refurbishment is complete.
Vincent – being treasurer you could have kept a low profile and hoped that no-one would notice. That you’ve put so much energy into the role and solved problems I didn’t even know existed is a credit to you, so thanks to you and your strange love of all things sponsorship.
Thanks to the trustees who give up their time every month to keep the society in good working order. Finally, thank you to my friends at Peterhouse and to my family for putting up with me and for providing welcome breaks from Union-related talk.
Sam – thank you for stepping up to a role that seemingly nobody wanted. Your initiative in the face of building work that threatened to prohibit any social events this term will, I’m sure, be appreciated by a grateful membership. Thanks also for ensuring that Peterhouse had its fair share of representation on this committee.
Will Smart President, Lent 2019
Alex, Maya, and Nikki – you have incredibly difficult, ill-defined, but nonetheless vital jobs. Thank you for making them your own despite the challenges, and I look forward to working with you even more closely this term to help realise all your ideas. 72