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If you’re looking for a real challenge, this is it.
Jack Green Teacher
Teach First is a registered charity, no. 1098294
Join our Leadership Development Programme and help end educational inequality. teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment
TERMCARD MICHAELMAS 2016
P R E S I D E N T: Asia Lambert Newnham College
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President’s
Welcome
As i a Lamber t, Pr eside nt Mic hae l m as 2 0 1 6
Welcome to Cambridge and to the Cambridge Union. If this is the first time you’ve ever picked up a termcard from us, I hope that you’ll remember this one fondly and that you continue to come back for many terms to come. To our long standing members, welcome back and thank you for continuing to make the society what it is today. This is admittedly one of the strangest things I have ever had to write: believe me, if you’d asked me a year ago whether I would become President of this society I probably would have laughed at you, yet here I am - and so could you be too. There are so many ways to get involved with the Union and I hope that after enjoying what we have to offer this term you’ll decide to take up the mantel, send an invite or two, or get involved running our events. With 10 fantastic debates, over 15 speaker events and forums, and more varied social events than we’ve had at the Union before, there really is something for everyone this Michaelmas. The term will begin with our Open Week which is a brilliant way to try out the Union before becoming a member. This year we have two debates, two speaker events, two debating workshops and an all new Freshers’ Brunch to whet your appetite. If you decide to become a member before the close of our Open Week you’ll also have the chance to get your hands on a free ticket for our Freshers’ Ball on Saturday 15th October - the only Freshers’ Ball in Cambridge. Once the Open Week is over, stewards will start asking to see your membership cards before you’ll be allowed in, so if you don’t want to miss out, sign up!
It’s true to say that becoming a member of the Union is an investment. I can honestly say it’s the best investment I made during my time at Cambridge, however, if you don’t end up coming to our events then it is a waste. The Union covers topics and hosts more speakers from a wider background than any other society. We really do try to appeal to everyone, and no matter what your commitments there will be an event or two each week that you could attend. On that note, enjoy flicking through this Termcard and see what we have in store at the Union this Michaelmas. It has truly been a labour of love, sweat and even tears - but then again, it wouldn’t be a Union Termcard without it. Have a fantastic term and I really do hope to see as many of you as possible at the Union. Best wishes,
Asia Lambert President of the Cambridge Union
The Fellowship 2017
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Deadline for entry: 10 November 2016 Visit our website and apply online at www.wpp.com
The Fellowship was started, 21 years ago, to create future generations of leaders for our companies. Fellows tend to be intellectually curious people who are motivated by the challenges of marketing communications and by the prospect of working at the confluence of art and business. They spend three years on the Program: in each year they work in a different WPP company, in a different marketing communications discipline and, usually, on a different continent. Long-term prospects within a WPP company are excellent, with many former Fellows now occupying senior management positions.
To find out more, come and meet us on: Monday 17 October, 6pm University of Cambridge Bentley Room The Pitt Building Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1RP
Michaelmas 2016
Termcard
Contents Liz Frazer
45
Judith Kerr OBE
46
9
Tim Farron MP
47
The 1815 Bar and Café
10
Robert Buckland
48
Weekly Events
12
KT Tunstall
49
The Union Nightlife
12
Mark Littlewood
50
Members’ Discounts
13
Lorraine Pascale
51
Getting Involved
14
Vincent Cochetel
52
Members’ Streaming Service
15
Reggie Yates
53
Rooms & Facilities
16
David Bailey
54
On a Debate Night
17
Competitive Debating
18
Events
55
Freshers’ Brunch
56
Joining the Union Members’ Information
8
Debates
19
Debaters’ Drinks
56
Oxbridge Debate
20
Freshers’ Ball
57
Varsity Debate
22
US Election Debates
58
Refugees Debate
24
American Election ‘All-Nighter’
59
AI Debate
26
Poly Speed Dating
60
US Election Debate
28
Student Minds Comedy Night
60
Comedy Debate
30
Silicon Valley Forum
61
Healthcare Debate
32
BBC Radio 4 Any Questions
62
Positive Discrimination Debate
34
Mock PMQs
62
Youth Debate
36
Puppy Therapy Session
63
Presidential Debate
38
Speakeasy
63
Speakers
40
Standing Committee
64
Ade Adepitan
42
Appointees & Staff
65
Leomie Anderson
43
Other Committees
66
Oliver Stone
44
President’s Thanks
67
7
The Cambridge Union
Joining the
Union
Union membership gives you the chance to listen to and question incredible speakers, the opportunity to engage with fascinating debates, free use of our facilities and access to all our social events – all for around £2.50 a week over the course of a three year degree. All students and staff of the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, BPP, Law School Cambridge and Judge Business School are eligible to join. There are three types of membership available: Full Membership: £199 Lifetime membership of the Union and eligibility for a free Freshers’ Ball ticket.
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Annual Membership: £110 Full membership for one year from the date of joining. Bursary Life Discount: £110 Those receiving a full bursary via The Cambridge Bursary Scheme are eligible for discounted membership. Simply purchase Annual Membership online and then bring your bursary documents to the Union Office where your membership will be upgraded for a small fee. To join the Union, go to www.cus.org/join or visit our stall at the CUSU Freshers Fair and contact Page, Joe and Rachel at members@ cus.org with any questions. You can collect your membership card at the Union Main Office between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Members’
Information
The Cambridge Union
The
1815 Bar and Café Happy Hour Monday to Saturday 19:00 to 20:00 Pint of Amstel House Spirit + Mixer Selected Cocktails Bottle of House Wine
£2.60 £3.00 2 for £6.00 £9.00
Funky Monday – ALL NIGHT Selected Cocktails
2 for £6.00
Cocktail Masterclass available on request (minimum of 6 people) – contact barmanager@cus.org
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Members’ Deals Filter Coffee & Tea 50p Paninis £2.00 Members’ prices on all beverages Café Deals Coffee, Croissant & Juice £3.00 (until midday) Sandwich & Pint/Glass of Wine £4.50 (Lunchtime only) Coffee & Cake £2.50 (Afternoon only)
Michaelmas 2016
MEMBERS’ DISCOUNTS
ALL YEAR ROUND D I S C O U N T S FO R
A L L S T U D E N T S
DURING OPEN PERIOD
Where better in Cambridge to work during the day & party into the night?
GREAT RANGE OF COCKTAILS REFILLABLE COFFEE*
FREE HIGH-SPEED WIFI
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES
FREE ROOM HIRE AVAILABLE
for members Why not come and celebrate with us?
CONTACT EVENTSADMIN@CUS.ORG *terms and conditions apply
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The Cambridge Union
The Union Weekly
Events Decided that this is the year you're going to get fit? Now's your chance: every week at the Union we will be hosting fitness classes. Put these in your calendar – you won't regret it! Group discounts will be available, so make sure to tell your friends and bring them along too! Zumba: Fridays at 5pm, starting from 7th October Yoga: Time and start date tbc
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Nightlife Last year it was Ballare. This year, we've gone one step further to take over both of Cambridge's mostloved clubs. See you on the dancefloor! Tuesday 1st Nov: Union Takeover at Ballare Halloween Special Reduced Entry and Queuejump for Union Members In collaboration with Big Fish Ents Friday 25th Nov: Union Takeover at Kuda Bridgemas Special Reduced Entry and Queuejump for Union Members
Michaelmas 2016
Members’
Discounts Big Fish Ents 2648 The Mitre Chill Frozen Yogurt Strada La Margherita Finn Jordan Hair and Make-up Salon
£3 entry before midnight 30% off and 2-for-1 cocktails (deals cannot be used in conjunction) 20% off drinks Sunday – Wednesday 10% off 20% off Sunday – Thursday 10% off food from the à la carte menu, Sunday – Friday 15% off Monday – Thursday and 10% off Friday – Sunday
Bella Italia
20% on food Sunday night – Thursday
Cafe Rouge
20% off food all week
Cambridge Cheese Company Cambridge Wine Company Las Iguanas Michaelhouse Cafe Primo Cycles
10% off cash purchases 10% off wine 20% off Monday-Thursday 10% off 10% off parts and accessories
La Raza
15% off Sunday - Thursday (excluding Sparkling Wine & Champagne)
The Fudge Kitchen
Fudge Fridays (buy 2 slices get 1 free) and 1 free fudge slice for each box purchased any day
Bellina Chocolate House Up and Running
15% off purchases over £10 on Mondays 10% off
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The Cambridge Union
Getting
Involved Whether you’re new to Cambridge this year or just want to meet some new people; if you’re interested in being part of Cambridge’s biggest society or inviting and meeting the world’s biggest names, we want you to get involved with the Union! All we are looking for is enthusiasm. Fresher or finalist, we urge you to get involved. Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone! Details of who to contact are below, and you can also join the relevant Facebook group to find out more! Student Officers & Appointed Positions At its heart, the Union is a student society, run by a diverse range of students, from first years to finalists of all subjects and degree types. The Standing Committee officers are mostly elected by the membership to create a term’s programme, consisting of the President, Vice President, Executive Officer, Speakers Officer, Treasurer, Social Events Officer and Debating Officers. In addition the Full Committee is appointed and so this is a way to get involved without election, with applications opening at the end of each term. You’ll receive further information via email. Positions include, Head of Events Management, Senior Guest Liaison, Head of Audio-Visual, Digital Media Editor, Head of Press, Head of Publicity, Chief Photographer, Secretary, Head of Membership, Diversity Officer, Women’s Officer and Access Officers. Stewarding hoem@cus.org The Union would be nowhere without our stewards. From logistics to security, stewards are crucial to an event’s success. You will no doubt have seen them at every event in their stylish high visibility jackets. With no previous experience necerssary, this is one of the best ways to start getting invovled with the Union. Stewards receive a £5 bar tab and a free panini after every event they help at. AV Team audiovisual@cus.org The Audio-Visual Team is responsible for filming and recording all debates and speaker events. Working alongside professionals, we will train you on the 14
equipment so no previous experience is needed. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with the Union, and also learn a new skill or pursue a passion in AV. Our Audio-Visual Stewards receive a £5 bar tab and a free panini after every event they help at. Guest Liaison Assistants speakers.liaison@cus.org/debates.liaison@cus.org GLAs are responsible for looking after Union guests during their time in Cambridge. The Union needs Guest Liaison Assistants for both debate speakers and individual speaker guests. This can be an unparalleled opportunity to spend time with some of the world’s most influential and high profile figures. Speakers Committee Anna Bockmuehl | speakers-elect@cus.org Members of Speakers Committee invite high profile speakers to the Union. You’ll be shown how to write an invitation, so no previous experience or application is necessary. Debates Committee Charles Connor | executive-elect@cus.org Debates Committee works with the Executive-Elect to secure the line-up for the main debates. Members of this committee will be responsible for writing invites to prominent speakers at the top of their fields to come and speak in the Union chamber. Time TBC. Treasurer’s Committee Tom McArthur | treasurer-elect@cus.org Members of Treasurer’s Committee work alongside the Treasurer-Elect to secure Member’s Discounts and initiate correspondence with sponsors. Time TBC. Ents Committee Andrea Borbely | ents-elect@cus.org The Ents Committee is run by the Social Events OfficerElect and will focus on organising the Union’s annual Lent Term Spring Ball, as well as setting up logistics for the weekly ents programme. All ideas and suggestions for events are very welcome. Wednesdays 5pm.
Michaelmas 2016
Members’
Streaming Service Can’t make it to one of our events in person but don’t want to miss out on the action? All Union events are streamed live in HD at www.cus.org/CUSLive as part of our Members’ Streaming Service. Simply log in with your online Union details and you can watch the events in the chamber unfold live on any device with an internet connection. By tweeting @CambridgeUnion with your name and college you can also ask questions and make points of information during debates, no matter where you are in the world. These can then be read out by the presiding Officer on the floor of the Chamber. If you have lost your online details, or joined the Union before online access, please email info@cus.org or call the main office on (+44) (0) 1223 566 421 to be set up with an easy to use online account.
Rooms &
Facilities Snooker All Union members can use the snooker table, situated in the Library, for free. Please ask at the 1815 Bar for cues. Room Rental All of the Union’s rooms are available to rent by Cambridge students. There are discounts for members, charities and society events. Please email eventsadmin@cus.org if you would like to enquire about hire rates. Party Packs Planning a birthday party, society social or College Bop? The Union has Party Packages available for memebers which allow you to book various rooms around the Union for your event, whilst letting us take care of drinks, catering and a sound system. Just email eventsadmin@cus.org to book your package.
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The Cambridge Union
If you are new to debating and the Union, our Thursday night debates are a great place to start. It’s where you can get involved with some fascinating discussions and bring up your points with the people who are shaping the debate.
On a
Debate Night
The format used at the Cambridge Union is based on the British Parliamentary style. Each team, consisting of three or four speakers, argues either for or against a set motion and are called the proposition and opposition, respectively. The first proposition speaker begins the debate after which speakers on the Propositon and Opposition alternate. Each speaker has ten minutes to present their case. The first and final minute of a speaker’s time’ are protected. Outside of this, members on the floor are allowed to interrupt the main speeches, at the discretion of the speaker, to ask a question or give a brief point of information. To do so, they should stand and announce “on that point” or “point of information”. If a speaker doesn’t give way, then all is not lost. Members can give short speeches of their own after each pair of main speakers in proposition, opposition or abstention. Members are given voting cards on the way into the debate so they can express their initial thoughts on the motion. Once the debate is over the President will invite the speakers to leave and then direct members of the floor to vote. Members vote as they leave the chamber by walking through doors marked Ayes and Noes: Ayes for those wishing to vote in favour of the motion, and for those against, Noes. Unlike in Parliament, members can also abstain by leaving through the central door. We calculate the swing in audience opinion from before to after the debate. The results of the vote are then announced in the 1815 Bar around fifteen minutes after the end of the debate.
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Michaelmas 2016
The Union has a global reputation for its Members’ excellence in Public Speaking and Debating, and rightly so. Speakers from the Union regularly reach the finals of the European and World Championships, and often rank as the best speakers at those competitions. For those who want to, the Union is the best springboard possible for becoming a great debater. But, what makes the Cambridge Union unique is that it also focusses on developing the public speaking abilities of all its members.
Competitive
Debating
Our Debating Workshops, usually held on a Wednesday evening, cater to all levels of experience, and are led by Cambridge’s senior debaters. If you want to become more confident at contributing in supervisions, feel less nervous at interviews, or just feel like discussing global issues with a group of really fascinating people, then debating at the Cambridge Union is probably for you! We also regularly send members of the Union abroad to debate. This upcoming year Cambridge Debaters will be attending competitions in Scotland, Ireland, The Netherlands, France, Latvia, Estonia, America and Hong Kong, to name just a few! If you want to get involved, come along on a Wednesday, or contact our debating committee of Alasdair, Harry, Ets and Lydia at debating@cus.org for more information. Alongside Debating Workshops, the Union is really pleased to run Women’s Public Speaking Workshops too. These are focussed less on the activity of debating, but more on developing the kind of key skills required for public speaking and presentation in all walks of life. Hosted by a mixture of the Union’s female/non-binary identifying debaters, and outside speakers, such as businesspeople, barristers, and civil-servants, these events are great fun, and are really useful for boosting your confidence in an inclusive, positive atmosphere. Information about when they will be held is usually given in the Secretary’s weekly email, so keep your eyes peeled!
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Debates
The Cambridge Union
This House Believes That
Oxbridge Is Overrated
Thursday 6th October, 7:30pm
Sponsored by Teach First
With tuition fees set to rise and students questioning their courses’ value for money, we ask whether Oxbridge still deserves to be ranked among the best universities in the world. Is Oxbridge still significantly better than other UK universities and does it really compete with institutions like Harvard, Yale or MIT?
Post-debate entertainment will be provided by Selwyn Jazz
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Michaelmas 2016
Alfie is a journalist and commissioning editor on Guardian Students. He graduated last year with a First in English at the University of York, where he edited the university’s alumni magazine for two years.
Dr Julian HUPPERT Julian is a lecturer in Physics and Public Policy at Cambridge University. He was also the MP for Cambridge between 2010-2015.
Jenny BROWN
PROPOSITION
Alfie PACKHAM
Jenny is the Headmistress at St Albans High School for Girls which was named the Independent Secondary School of the Year 2015-2016 by The Sunday Times.
Prof. Graham VIRGO
OPPOSITION
Professor Virgo is the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and a Professor of English Private Law at Cambridge.
Greg HURST Greg is a writer and journalist. A former student at Jesus College, he is currently the Education Editor for the Times.
Lewis IWU Lewis is a Director at the Fair Education Alliance. He’s also a coach for the England Debating Team and won the World Universities Debating Championships whilst at Oxford.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Would
Ban the Broadcast of Recordings Produced by Terrorists
Tuesday 11th October, 7:30pm In 2014, the world watched ISIS beheading videos in horror. Since then, ISIS has used the media to spread propaganda as widely as possible. Tonight, the Oxford and Cambridge Union’s competitive debaters ask if the media is a tool of terrorism, or a vital role in defeating it.
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Varsity Debate Post-debate entertainment will be provided by Debaters Drinks
Michaelmas 2016
Etsuko is a second year Law student at St John’s College and is currently the Head of Debate Training at the Union. She has won the Split Open and has reached the finals of competitions including the Cambridge Open, Krakow Open, SOAS IV, and Inner Temple IV.
Lydia DAY
Lydia is currently a second year English student at Jesus College. She is the Head of Debate Participation at the Union. Lydia has been a top 10 speaker at multiple competitions. She has broken at competitions such as UCL IV, Trinity IV, Cork IV and Oxford Women’s.
Harry STOVIN-BRADFORD
Harry is a second year English student at Fitzwilliam College. He is one of the two Debating Officers at the Union. He has represented Cambridge in the knock-out stages of seven debating competitions, and this summer judged at the European Championships in Warsaw.
PROPOSITION
Etsuko LIM
Alasdair DONOVAN
Alasdair is a second year historian at Peterhouse and the other of the Union’s Debating Officers. He has been a top 10 speaker at competitions such as the Durham Open, represented Cambridge in the outrounds of multiple IVs and has also won the biannual Trinity College Dublin vs. Cambridge Debate.
Brian WONG
Brian is a second-year PPE student at Pembroke College, Oxford. He judged the ESL Grand Finals at Australs 2016 and an Open Partial Double Quarterfinal at EUDC 2016. He has also made the finals at several competitions, including the John Smith Memorial Mace 2016.
OPPOSITION
Richard NGO
Richard is a third year reading Computer Science and Philosophy at Hertford College. He’s debated across four continents, including winning multiple tournaments in New Zealand, breaking as a judge at the world championships in Greece and speaking in several Oxford Union debates.
Raffy MARSHALL Raffy is a second year Ancient and Modern Historian at The Queen’s College, Oxford. He is the winner of sixteen Debating Competitions and won the best speaker prize at a further eight.
Jure HEDERIH Jure is in his fourth year studying Medicine. He’s debated in over a dozen countries, notably reaching the finals of the Rotterdam Open and the Richard O’Sullivan Memorial Competition. 23
The Cambridge Union
This House Would
Open Its Doors to Refugees
Thursday 13th October, 7:30pm After Hungary’s referendum on 2nd October on the European Union’s plans to relocate refugees and migrants among member states, and the UK Parliament voted down an amendment that would have seen 3,000 child refugees welcomed, the Union asks whether we should be reconsidering our approach to the refugee crisis. 24
Michaelmas 2016
Daniel is the MP for Cambridge. He campaigned in support of an amendment that would have seen 3000 refugee children brought to the UK.
Lliana and Josie BIRD NAUGHTON Lliana and Josie are the co-founders of the charity Help Refugees. It all started when they set up the #HelpCalais to raise funds and goods in response to the refugee crisis.
Robert VERKAIK
PROPOSITION
Daniel ZEICHNER MP
Robert is a freelance journalist and writer specialising in legal affairs and security. He is the author of the book ‘Jihadi John: the making of a terrorist.’
H.E Ambassador MAZEN HOMOUD Ambassador Mazen Homoud entered the Foreign Service in 1986. He has previously worked as part of Jordan’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York before taking up his post as Jordan’s Ambassador to the UK in June 2011.
Godfrey BLOOM
OPPOSITION
Godfrey was the MEP for Yorskhire and the Humber from 2004 - 2014. He has previously spoken at the Oxford Union to make the case that ‘Immigration is Bad for Britain’.
James DELINGPOLE James is a journalist, author and broadcaster who has written for a number of publications including the Daily Mail, The Telegraph and The Spectator.
Alasdair MACLEOD Alasadair began his career as a stockbroker in the 1970s on the London Stock Exchange. He is now the Head of Research at GoldMoney.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Fears
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Thursday 20th October, 7:30pm Last year, Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk and Bill Gates warned of the existential threat artificial intelligence posed to mankind. As technology in the field of AI improves at a faster pace every year, we ask whether tomorrow’s AI will necessarily improve our way of life, or whether it may threaten, if not end it.
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Sponsored by Hindawi
Michaelmas 2016
Dr Seán Ó Héigeartaigh is the Executive Director of Cambridge’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk. Since 2011 he has played a vital role in international research on the long- term impacts and risks of AI.
Kathryn PARSONS Kathryn is the co-founder and co-CEO of Decoded, a tech start-up which aims to increase digital literacy. A Cambridge graduate, she was named as one of the Fifty Most Inspiring Women in European Tech in 2015.
Sir Nigel SHADBOLT
PROPOSITION
Seán Ó HÉIGEARTAIGH
Sir Nigel Shadbolt is the Chairman and Co-founder of the Open Data Institute as well as the Principal of Jesus College, Oxford. He has conducted extensive research in the field of AI since the 1970s and is a former President of the British Computer Society.
Rory CELLAN-JONES
OPPOSITION
Rory is the Technology Correspondent for BBC News and has covered almost every big technology development of the past 15 years, from the dotcom bubble of the 1990s, to the rise of Google and Facebook. His previous blog, Dot.Rory was named in the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Blogs.
Prof. Murray SHANAHAN Professor Murray Shanahan is a Professor of Cognitive Robotics at Imperial College London. He recently published The Technological Singularity, a critically acclaimed popular science book which discusses the possible scenarios that could arise if AI continues to develop at its current rate.
Dr Ben MEDLOCK Dr Ben Medlock is the co-founder and CTO of SwiftKey, the global best-selling app that has transformed the text input industry and is preinstalled on hundreds of millions of smartphones worldwide.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Has
No Confidence In the American Electorate
Thursday 27th October, 7:30pm On 8th November, the American people will choose between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Given the global impact this Presidential election will have and the uncompromising divergence of both candidates in their vision of the world, we ask whether the American people should be trusted on Election Day.
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Michaelmas 2016
Mark is a lecturer in Politics at Reading University, a contributor to the American Politics Group with a keen interest in the US government and the celebritization of American political culture.
Lucas FEAR-SEGAL
OPPOSITION
Lucas is an English barrister, but a product of the US elementary school system. His first job was working as a fundraiser for Sen. Obama’s primary campaign in Pennsylvania, and was President of the Cambridge Union in Easter 2009.
PROPOSITION
Dr Mark SHANAHAN
Nina ANSARY Nina is an Iranian-American historian, bestselling author and expert on women’s rights in Iran. In 2014, Women’s eNews recognised Nina as one of the ‘21 leaders of the 21st century’.
William BARNARD William is the former Chair of Democrats Abroad UK. During his chairmanship he saw participation of expatriate Americans in the Presidential elections more than double.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Believes
The End is Nigh
Thursday 3rd November, 7:30pm What do Brexit, Donald Trump and UK Politics have in common? All will be on the agenda tonight for the Union’s Comedy Debate, featuring fresh talent from the Fringe and closer to home.
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Sponsored by OC&C
Michaelmas 2016
Joe is a stand up comic who was awarded Comedy Central’s Funniest Student in 2010. Since then he has opened for Frankie Boyle, written for ‘The Revolution Will Be Televised’ and most recently performed at the Edinburgh Fringe with his show ‘10 Things I Hate About UKIP’.
Christof EPAMINONDAS Christof is a former President of the Union, who is trying to redeem himself by making people laugh through sketch comedy and stand-up. His next sketch show, “88mph”, starts next Tuesday at Pembroke. He hates inappropriate advertising.
PROPOSITION
Joe WELLS
Francis BOULLE Francis is a diamond heir and entrepreneur who you will all know from the hit TV series, Made in Chelsea.
Sara BENINCASA
OPPOSITION
Sara is an American comedian and author. She covered the 2008 US Presidential Election for MTV and is well known for her vlogs, which frequently feature Benincasa in a bath tub alongside various comedic personalities.
Finn McREDMOND Finn managed to graduate this summer from Peterhouse with a degree in Classics. She’s now signed herself up for another year of academic trauma at LSE and lives in the party central that is Balham.
Ken CHENG Ken is a former BBC Radio New Comedy Award finalist. A former Cambridge student, he dropped out to pursue a career as a professional poker player.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Believes
Free Healthcare Is Too Expensive
Thursday 10th November, 7:30pm Recently, Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive of NHS England, announced that the NHS would require close to ÂŁ21bn in the coming years - ÂŁ13bn more than the government promised. While many remain heavily attached to this institution, we ask whether free healthcare can realistically be provided.
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Michaelmas 2016
Helen is the Director of Nurses for Reform. She is also a health policy consultant and a Health Fellow at the Adam Smith Institute.
Dr Kristian NIEMIETZ Kristian is the Head of Health and Welfare at the Institute for Economic Affairs and holds a PhD in Political Economy from King’s College London.
PROPOSITION
Dr Helen EVANS
Simon STEVENS
OPPOSITION
Simon is the CEO of NHS England. He warned the NHS Confederation conference this year that there would be tough times ahead as the service continues to face a gap in funding.
Chris HAM Chris is the Chief Executive of the King’s Fund. He previously worked as Director of the Strategy Unit at the Department of Health and has advised both the WHO and the World Bank.
Prof Keith WILLET CBE Keith is a Professor of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery at Oxford University and, since 2012, he has been the National Director for Acute Episodes of Care to NHS England.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Thinks
Positive Discrimination can Never Be Positive
Thursday 17th November, 7:30pm Positive Discrimination, or Affirmative Action, has increasingly been in the public eye with recent high profile cases in the US Supreme Court and the introduction of the Equality Act 2010 in the UK. In this debate we question the role of positive discrimination in the worlds of politics, business, policing and beyond.
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Michaelmas 2016
She has been a semi-finalist at the European Universities Debating Competition and is in charge of Equity for this years competition.
Dr Kevin YUILL Kevin is a senior lecturer in American History at Sunderland University and the author of the book Richard Nixon and the Rise of Affirmative Action.
PROPOSITION
Srishti KRISHNAMOORTHY-CAVELL
Catherine MAYER
OPPOSITION
Catherine is an author, journalist and the cofounder of the Women’s Equality Party.
Ava VIDAL Ava is a comedian who previously worked as a prison officer at Pentonville before turning to stand-up. She has taken part on E4’s Kings of Comedy and the BBC’s Mock the Week.
EJ ROSETTA EJ is a writer and colomnist who frequently contributes to many major LGBT publications including Curve US, DIVA magazine and PinkNews as well as the Huffington Post.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Believes
The Government Has Failed Britain’s Youth
Thursday 24th November, 7:30pm As a result of recent policy changes we have seen the scrapping of the Education Maintenance Allowance, the raising of University tuition fees and the introduction of a National Living Wage that does not apply to those under 25. The Union debates whether the executive’s record on supporting young people can be upheld. 36
Michaelmas 2016
Danny is the Halford Mackinder professor of human geography at Oxford University and the author of several books including, Injustice: Why Social Inequality Still Persists and A Better Politics.
Natasha DEVON MBE Natasha is a writer and social critic. She co-founded the Body Gossip education programme and The Self Esteeem Team. In 2015 she was appointed by the Department for Education as its first ever mental health champion for schools but they axed the role in May 2016.
Lizzie CROWLEY
PROPOSITION
Prof. Danny DORLING
OPPOSITION
Lizzie Crowley is a Skills Policy Advisor for the Chartered Institute of Professional Development. Previously, she was a senior researcher for The Work Foundation, leading their work on youth unemployment for the Missing Million programme which is looking at solutions to tackle youth unemployment.
Luke SPRINGTHORPE Luke is the Chairman for London Conservative Future, the youth wing of the Conservative Party in the capital. He is also a regular blogger for the Huffington Post UK.
Conor MONIGHAN Conor is the current Chairman of CUCA. He won the 2016 Times Advocacy competition, and studies English Literature at Fitzwilliam College.
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The Cambridge Union
This House Would
Lean In
Thursday 1st December, 7:30pm In 2013, Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO published ‘Lean In’ which has since gone on to become a powerful and controversial brand of feminism. Widely criticized for assuming women have agency, and emphasising too greatly the position of the privileged few, the Union debates whether this approach is truly inclusive and if we should all Lean In. 38
Post-debate entertainment will be provided by Selwyn Jazz
Michaelmas 2016
Asia is the Union’s outgoing President. Having graduated in June she has spent the past few months practically living at the Union and wishing she was still a student whist preparing for adulthood.
Adele BARLOW Adele is the marketing manager for Lexoo. She is also a writer and will soon be publishing her latest book Birds on Mars, on female leadership in a world ruled by men.
Rt Hon Nicky MORGAN MP
PROPOSITION
Asia LAMBERT
Nicky is the Conservative MP for Loughborough and was the Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities from 2014-2016.
Ariane SHERINE
OPPOSITION
Ariane is a comedy writer, journalist and musical stand-up comic. She has written for several television programmes including the BBC’s My Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.
Louise BURFITT-DONS Louise is a writer, social commentator and the founder of the charity Act Against Bullying. She describes herself as being ‘opposed to radical feminism’.
Dawn FOSTER Dawn is a writer on politics and social affairs for a number of publications including The Guardian. Her first book, Lean Out, was published earlier this year.
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The Cambridge Union
Meet the
Speakers Would you like the opportunity to meet one of the Union's speakers this term? We want to give members greater access to meet the speakers who appear at the Union than ever before. If you think you're someone's biggest fan or have written on their work, let us know. It won’t always be possible, but we will try to arrange meetings where we can. Look out for the online form in weekly emails and on the event's Facebook page.
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Speakers
The Cambridge Union
Ade
ADEPITAN
WH EELCHAIR ATHL E T E
Thursday 6 October, 5.00pm
Adedoyin Adepitan MBE is a world renowned wheelchair basketball player. His range of awards include European and World Championship medals and a Bronze at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. Ade has also been heavily involved with sports reporting, featuring as a main presenter for Channel 4’s coverage of the 2012 Paralympics. He supports a number of charities, and is a patron of Go Kids Go, Scope and an Athlete Ambassador for Right to Play.
Sponsored by OC&C
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Michaelmas 2016
Model, writer, presenter and blogger (at Cracked China Cup), Leomie Anderson is a leading figure in the British fashion industry. Having been discovered by Premier Model Management, she has worked with Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Chloe, Moschino, Vivienne Westwood, Topshop and Victoria’s Secret, as well as appearing in i-D, Teen Vogue and Italian Vogue. Recently she launched a clothing line to voice ‘women’s issues through fashion’, as featured by Buzzfeed.
Friday 7 October, 7.00pm
Leomie
ANDERSON
MOD E L, W R IT E R, P R ES E NT E R A ND B LO G G E R
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The Cambridge Union
Legendary director, screenwriter and producer Oliver Stone has truly earned his place at the summit of Hollywood royalty. With three Oscars and five Golden Globes under his belt, he has an incredible wealth of experience to share with our members - as well as some brilliant tales to tell about the making of Platoon (1986), JFK (1991), and countless other cinematic classics. We will be screening his upcoming film, SNOWDEN, which depicts how exposing abuses of power at the NSA made Snowden the world’s most wanted fugitive.
Oliver
STONE
FI LM DIRECTOR
Sunday 16 October, 3.00pm
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Michaelmas 2016
Liz
FRAZER
WR IT E R , COM E DI A N A ND B ROA DCAST E R
Stressed out yet? Don’t worry – you will be. Luckily, Liz Fraser is here to help you out. A best-selling writer, stand-up and broadcaster - and Cambridge Alumna – Liz is also the director of Headcase, which is changing the face of mental health forever. When she was a NatSci here back in the pre-Tinder era, Liz suffered badly from depression and an eating disorder. Nobody talked about mental health then – Headcase is changing all that. So if you care at all about your general wellbeing or that of your friends, then come along to this lively and important talk about what goes on in all of our minds, what you need to be aware of, look out for, and how and where you can seek help if you ever need it. We all do at some point. So get ahead now. To find out more visit@lizfraser1 and @myheadcase
Monday 17 October, 7.00pm
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The Cambridge Union
It was Kerr who brought you the enduring picture books which are The Tiger Who Came To Tea and the Mog series. Her acclaimed novels for older children such as the semi-autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit give a child’s-eye of the Second World War, and we will be holding a sale of her latest novel, Mr Cleghorn’s Seal, at this event. Born in Germany, of Jewish background, she came to Britain in 1933 amid the rise of the Nazis.
Judith
KERR OBE
WR IT E R A ND I L LU ST RATO R
Wednesday 19 October, 7.00pm
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Michaelmas 2016
Tim
FARRON MP LEADER OF THE L IB E RAL D E MOC RATS
Tim Farron is the leader of the Liberal Democrats and has been the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale since 2005. Farron recently told The Guardian that he believes his party is the only one capable of throwing out the Conservatives from government and that he admires Tony Blair for his ability to do so. During the 2010 coalition, Farron was one of the MPs to vote against the rise in University tuition fees saying that “You must not only keep your word but be seen to keep your word. You can say no.�
Tuesday 25 October, 5.00pm
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The Cambridge Union
Robert
BUCKLAND MP SOLIC ITOR- G E NE RA L FO R E NG L A ND
Friday 4 November, 7.00pm
Robert Buckland is Her Majesty’s Solicitor General for England and Wales - a position which entails advising the Crown and Cabinet on the law - and the MP for Swindon South. Called to the Bar at Inner Temple in 1991, Robert practised as a barrister until 2010, specialising in criminal law and later becoming a Queen’s Counsel and a Master of the Bench. Robert is also a former President of the Durham Union Society.
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Michaelmas 2016
KT Tunstall is a Scottish singer-songwriter and musician whose career was launched by her 2004 album Eye to the Telescope which saw her nominated for a Mercury Prize award. The nominations didn’t stop there: she has since been on the shortlists for a number of BRIT Awards, a Grammy and in 2006 Tunstall took home the Ivor Novello Award for the song ‘Suddenly I See’.
Sunday 6 November, Time TBC
KT
TUNSTALL SCOT T ISH S I NG E R- S O NGW R I T E R
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The Cambridge Union
Mark Littlewood is the Director General of the Institute of Economic Affairs and the IEA’s Ralph Harris Fellow. Under his leadership, the IEA has continued to communicate the benefits of free markets to an even wider audience around the world. In 2014, Mark was ranked 38th on The Times’ ‘Right-wing Power List’, and in 2011 was named ‘Liberal Voice of the Year’ by the Liberal Democrat Voice. Mark frequently comments on political and economic issues on TV and radio including BBC Question Time, Any Questions, Newsnight, Channel 4 News, Sky News and Radio 4’s Today Programme.
Mark
LITTLEWOOD
DG O F INSTITUTE OF E C EON OMIC AF FAIR S
Tuesday 15 November, 7.00pm
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Michaelmas 2016
Lorraine
PASCALE PR ES ENTER AND AUT H OR
Date and Time TBC
Lorraine Pascale is a TV baker who has sold over a million books in the UK alone. Having already presented three TV series for the BBC, Lorraine can now be found hosting Saturday Kitchen and starring on Food Network across the pond in the USA. She is also a former model, having worked alongside Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, and is the patron of TACT, the UK’s largest fostering and adoption charity.
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The Cambridge Union
Vincent
COCHETEL
DI R ECTOR OF B UREAU FOR E UROP E AT UN H C R
Date and Time TBC
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Director of the Bureau for Europe at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Cochetel works primarily on ensuring access to protection for those fleeing the conflict in Syria and on combatting a rise in xenophobia. In 1998, Cochetel was kidnapped near Chechnya, where he was chained to a bed frame in a cellar and deprived of light for 317 days. His experience made him more determined than ever to improve the rights of refugees worldwide, an issue about which he has written extensively.
Michaelmas 2016
Best known for his work as an actor, presenter and radio DJ featuring frequently on the BBC, Reggie Yates has been a familiar face on television for over a decade. Recently, he has pursued writing and directing, producing Patriarch and Date Night, which won Best UK Short Film at the London Independent Film Festival, as well as presenting the award winning Reggie Yates’ Extreme Russia, Extreme South Africa and Extreme UK.
Date and Time TBC
Reggie
YATES
MOD E L, W R IT E R, P R ES E NT E R A ND B LO G G E R
53
The Cambridge Union An internationally famed fashion and portrait photographer, David Bailey is iconic. He has shot extensively for Vogue, exhibitioned at the National Portrait Gallery and photographed album sleeve art for the likes of The Rolling Stones. It was David who captured the culture of celebrity chic that was the ‘Swinging London’ of the 1960s with his 1964 Box of Pin-Ups, which featured portraits of The Beatles, Mick Jagger and the Kray twins. Aside from photography, he has also directed over 500 commercials and painted and scuplted works of critical acclaim. In conversation with Prof. Francis Hodgson
David
BAILEY
FAS H I ON A ND PORTRAIT P H OTOGRAP H E R
Date and Time TBC
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Events
The Cambridge Union
Freshers’
Brunch Come along to our special Freshers’ Brunch to find out more about the Union and what we’ve got in store for the term ahead. If you think you might be interested in getting involved with the Union, the Committee would love to see you there to answer any questions you might have! There is so much to do, from meeting and greeting famous speakers and writing invitations to household names, to organising annual balls attended by hundreds. Enjoy a bite to eat, meet freshers from other colleges and take a tour of the building to see how much there is on offer! We look forward to meeting you.
Saturday 8 October, 11.00am-2.00pm
Debaters’
Drinks
Interested in getting involved with debating at the Union? Join us in the bar after hopefully watching Cambridge’s Debating Committee trounce Oxford in this year’s Varsity Debate for a selection of free drinks. This is a great way to get to know those who are involved in debating in Cambridge, and ask any questions that you may have.
Tuesday 11 October, 9.30pm
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The Cambridge Union
US Election
Debates With the US Election looming, the presidential candidates face off against each other in a series of four debates. Expect to be thoroughly entertained at our US Election Debate screenings, where you will witness the Trump vs. Clinton rivalry at its peak.
Friday 10th October, 6.30-8.00pm Second Presidential Election Debate – Clinton vs. Trump Friday 28th October, 6.30-8.00pm Final Presidential Election Debate – All Presidential Candidates
SHAPE YOUR CAREER -25? ED 18 G A IP, U O ERNSH ARE Y T N I N RA ? E JOB ING FO T K A O D O A L R GR ENT O , M E C OUND PLA R . K L I EBSITE W JOIN M S B G JO EADIN L S ’ K THE U
Michaelmas 2016
American Election
‘All-Nighter’
Tuesday 8 November, from 8.30pm
We have something even more special planned for the night of the election itself. Prepare for a late one because we’ll be hosting the ‘American Election All-Nighter’, with drinks deals, free popcorn and prizes on offer for the best costume. Most importantly, we’ll be screening live coverage of election results as they happen. There’s nowhere else you want to be to find out whether it’s Clinton or Trump who will be the next US President.
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The Cambridge Union
Poly
Speed Dating The Cambridge Poly Meet is pleased to invite you to Poly Speed Dating! Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender and/or sexual preference. The only requirement: be in or open to being in an ethically non-monogamous relationship. To ensure that no one is excluded everyone will be dating everyone else. You will get to know the people in our community: make new friends, strengthen existing relationships and, of course, find someone to date!
Tuesday 18 October, from 6.00pm
To attend, simply fill out the form here: http://tinyurl.com/PolySpeedDate1016
SMC
Comedy Night Student Minds is back at the Union for a night of feel-good fun and laughter. Featuring some of Cambridge’s best comedians and open to all, come to unwind and meet the SMC Committee.
Friday 28 October, 7.30pm
Michaelmas 2016
Artificial Intelligence: Impact on Industries by 2026 Entrepreneurs and thought leaders from Silicon Valley and Europe share insights into which industries will be most disrupted by AI over the next 10 years. The event will be moderated by David Rowan, the Editor of WIRED magazine’s UK edition. Guest speakers include Brian Forde, Director of Digital currency at MIT Media Lab, Prof. Andrew Blake, Director of the Alan Turing Institute and Chris Bishop the Laboratory Director of Microsoft Research UK.
Silicon Valley
Comes 2 UK Forum
Tuesday 1 November, 5.00pm This event is being organised by Bailey Fisher Executive Search & Silicon Valley Comes to the UK in association with London & Partners.
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Michaelmas 2016
BBC Radio 4
Any Questions? We welcome the Radio 4 show Any Questions? to the Union this November. Any Questions? is a topical discussion show in which a panel of personalities from the worlds of politics, media and elsewhere are posed questions by the audience. Hosted by Jonathan Dimbelby. Panelists to be announced.
Friday 11 November Doors open 6.30pm Event finishes 9.00pm Free tickets allocated, details to circulate via email at start of Michaelmas.
Mock
PMQs Join us for what promises to be an exciting debate about the Conservative government between the Chair of CUCA (Cambridge University Conservative Association) and the co-chair of CULC (Cambridge Universities Labour Club). There will be plenty of opportunities for ‘backbenchers’ (ie. audience members) to pose questions to the Prime Minster, and some brilliant discussion of government policy. A must see for anyone interested in politics.
Monday 7 November, 7:00 PM
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Michaelmas 2016
Puppy Therapy
Session
Whether you have a deadline looming, are worried about your workload or are stressing over the number of societies you signed up to at the Freshers’ Fair, what better way to take a break than with a puppy therapy session, organised with the kind help of volunteers at Guide Dogs UK. The Union welcomes the volunteers and their canine counterparts for a relaxed afternoon of socialising which forms part of the puppies’ Guide Dog training. Donations for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association welcomed.
Wednesday 2 November, 4.00pm-6.00pm
Speakeasy Speakeasy is returning to the Union Bar! Following its Easter Term debut at the Union, the popular Cambridge poetry slam is back this Michaelmas. Come and hear a wide selection of great poets perform up to three minutes of their original work, or sign up yourself to join the Open Slam, and have your chance to speak – it’s easy!
Friday 25 November, 8.00pm
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The Cambridge Union
Standing Committee
Executive Officer Daniel Chouchena
President Asia Lambert
Vice President Leyla Gumusdis
Speakers Officer Annabel Van-Daalen
Ents Officer Penelope Jones
Debating Officer Harry Stovin-Bradford
Executive-Elect Charles Connor
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President-Elect Katherine Dunbar
Speakers-Elect Anna Bockmuehl
Treasurer James Antell
Debating Officer Alasdair Donovan
Ents-Elect Andrea Borbely
Treasurer-Elect Tom McArthur
Michaelmas 2016
Appointees James Burn, Ed MacKeith Mikko Mäntylä, Daniel Grünwald Sally Scrivener, Henry Mitson Max Wolffe, Jason Lee Seun Adekoya, Connor MacDonald Nikhil Dwivedi, Jaśmina O’Shaughnessy James Fox, Hani El-Bay Caitlin Harris, Haroun Mahmud Carrie Gothard, Jonah Surkes Freya Clarke, Hattie Alison Jenifer Varzaly, Dan Edwards Harry Michalakakis, Reza Rohani Aleksei Opacic Ruth Lawlor Amy Stuart Tim Adelani Camellia Basu Rea Duxbury Elizabeth Howcroft, Xiaman Wu Page Nyame-Satterthwaite, Rachel Mander, Joe Fiber Lydia Day Etsuko Lim
Heads of Events Management Deputy Heads of Events Management Heads of Audio Visual Deputy Heads of Audio Visual Heads of Press Deputy Heads of Press Heads of Publicity Deputy Heads of Publicity Senior Guest Liaison (Speakers) Deputy SGL (Speakers) Senior Guest Liaison (Debates) Deputy SGL (Debates) Secretary Women’s Officer Women’s Designate Diversity Officer Diversity Designate Access Officer Access Designate Membership Officers Head of Debate Participation Head of Debate Training
Staff Bursar Accountant Buildings Supervisor General Manager 1815 Bar and Cafe Manager Assistant Bar Manager Event Administrator AV Technician Memberships Secretary Design & Print
Colonel (Retd) William A. Bailey Dr David Sellick Patrick Hanwell Joseph Burman Bartłomiej Fajer Sam Heap Natalie Finnigan Nathan Caples Louise Gamon www.tripletake.co.uk
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The Cambridge Union
Vacation Committee James Burn James Fox Daniel GrĂźhnwald Connor MacDonald
Page Nyame-Sattherthwaite Reza Rohani Amy Stuart Jonah Surkes Anna Walker
Our line-up of speakers and debates is as a result of the huge amount of work that is put in by the elected Officers and a number of students who help us. The bulk of this work is done during the vacation period. If you are interested in staying in Cambridge for a week or more during the holidays to help plan a term then our Vacation Committee is for you. If you’d like to find out more on how to get involved email Anna or Charles at speakers-elect@cus.org and executive-elect@cus.org respectively.
Trustees Lord Chris Smith PC (Chair) Daniel Janner QC William Fitzalan Howard Esq. Dr Nigel Brown OBE Nick Heath FRICS Janet Turner QC Ms Asia Lambert Andy Swarbrick FCA Ms Leyla Gumusdis Tim Hayward Esq. David Branch Esq. Dr Nigel Yandell
The Directors of Cambridge Union Society Enterprises Ltd Col William Bailey Asia Lambert Andy Swarbrick
Tim Hayward Leyla Gumusdis
The Fundraising and Development Committee William Fitzalan Howard (Chair) Janet Turner QC Joanna Mobed Oliver Mosley Alex Forzani Colonel (Retd) William A. Bailey Leyla Gumusdis David Branch Lord Karan Bilimoria
Review Committee Julien Domercq (Chair) Lauren Davidson Joshua Blanchard-Lewis Joel Fenster 66
Jan-Jonathan Bock Alex Forzani Rahul Mansigani Sophie Odenthal
Michaelmas 2016
President’s
Thanks
As i a Lamber t, Pr eside nt Mic hae l m as 2 0 1 6 For most people this page is quite irrelevant. It’s unlikely that you will make the effort to read the President’s thanks unless you are looking for a name drop and that’s ok because we all do it. So unless you’ve been working on my team this may be a tad boring for you, but you equally might enjoy seeing just how many people really do make this place tick.
me to spend the past few months doing this incredible job. It might never have been possible if you hadn’t been so kind and welcoming.
I’m pleased to say that at the time of writing no one has got into a bust-up, or felt the need to scream at the top of their lungs - too loudly - over the Union. Long may that continue.
To Joe and Bart: I don’t like to single people out too much, but you are admittedly my particular favourites - and don’t you dare pretend that you didn’t know that already.
To my team, Penny, James, Annabel and Daniel: it has been a pleasure to get to know you better. It’s a testament to you all that a group of people who, lets be honest, didn’t really know each other that well before, managed to pull this term together. I look forward to being able to kick back and enjoy it with you guys.
To my parents: I am sorry that I dragged you back and forth to Cambridge for a term longer than planned; for answering too many questions simply with ‘Union stuff’ and for name dropping just one too many times. I look forward to continuing to tag along on ‘family’ holidays and refusing to grow up just that bit longer. I love you both endlessly.
To Harry and Al: thank you for highlighting what this society is really all about and making debating at Cambridge something that we can be really proud of again.
Finally, to all the staff at the Union, thank you so much for keeping this building running. You are the hidden heroes of this place and I hope you don’t ever forget just how important you are. For everyone that has been on the committee this term, thank you so much for deciding to throw yourself into this society. I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride and continue to come back for more. The Union is only what it is because of people like you.
To Leyla, my long suffering VP: you have been my sounding board and source of strength throughout this process. I don’t think I would have been able to do it without you. I will forever be envious of your shoes.
To Bill: it has been a pleasure working alongside you. I have learnt so much as a result of your guidance. Thank you for being the perfect person to sit next to at those early debate dinners.
Best wishes, To my two main men: William and Oliver. Quite honestly my life, and the Union’s life, would not be the same without you both. I suspect you will be appearing in more thank you pages than anyone else ever has, or will. Try not to lose count. To Paddy and Kate: thank you so much for opening up your home to me and allowing
Asia Lambert President of the Cambridge Union
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