Left to right: Lauren, Alex, David, Matt, Rosie, Simon, Immy, Amanda, Rory, Tallie, Andrew, Jacob, Julian, Megan, Jamie.
We’re now entering the quiet lull induced by exams, and beginning the run up to EUDC and WUDC. So before it gets manic once more, it seems to be a nice idea to reflect upon the last year or so. Since September, we’ve had a great influx of talented debaters, and since February, we’ve seen some of them elected to the committee. From our seasoned veterans to our newest members, we’ve had a host of achievements brought to the society.
In competitive debating, arguably the most central measure of society’s success is its impact on IVs. The most notable achievement was thanks to our most senior debaters Amanda Moorghen (current president, ex vice-president), and Imogen Parkes (ex workshop convenor for two years), who reached the quarter finals of WUDC (the world championship) in Manilla. As far as I can see (given the sporadic and now archived records), this is the first time in the recorded history of this society. This is one of many great moments over the last year: a full list of achievements is as follows:
Competitive Breaks/wins
Quater-finals of WUDC (Worlds) (Amanda Moorhgen, Imogen Parkes)
Winning the Yorkshire Novice (Andrew Green, Simon Hookins)
Final of Manchester IV (Amanda Moorghen, Imogen Parkes)
Final of NAMDA Novice (Matthew Lloyd, Jacob Bale)
Final of Sheffield (Amanda Moorghen, Jacob Bale)
Final of Warwick IV (Amanda Moorghen, Imogen Parkes)
Final of Yorkshire Novice (Jacob Bale, Rosie Booth)
Semi-finals of Nottingham Trent IV (Imogen Parkes, Composite with Andrew Ford: Warwick)
Semi-finals of Sheffield IV (Matt Szeto, Nataliya Manskova)
Semi-finals of York IV (Amanda Moorghen, James Bowker)
Quarter-finals of SOAS IV (Amanda Moorghen, Imogen Parkes)
Appointments to Adjudicate – chief adjudicator (CA); deputy chief adjudicator (DCA)
Co-CA – Reading IV (Amanda Moorghen, Imogen Parkes)
DCA – Exeter IV (Imogen Parkes)
Co-CA – Cardiff IV (Amanda Moorghen)
Co-CA – Aberystwyth (Amanda Moorghen)
DCA – Lancaster IV (Amanda Moorghen)
Public Debates
Notable Speakers:
- Rd Hon Andrew Robathan MP and Government minister for the MoD (Con)
- Heather Wheeler MP (Con)
- Mark Garnier MP (Con)
- John Hemming MP (Lib Dem)
- Jeremy Corbyn MP (Lab)
- Rt Hon John Spellar MP (Lab)
- Chris Williamson MP (Lab)
- Andrew Bridgen MP (Con)
We’ve also had many academics from the university, and many other great speakers. Thanks the amazing work of Lauren Seager (Ex public debates convenor), and the already great work of Tallie Manskova (Current public debates convenor), we have managed to get these speakers, as well as a minimum of 60 people, an average of nearer 90, and a peak of 350+ to these debates.
It should be noted that much of the funding for our members to participate in competitions, and for the expenses of external speakers comes from our sponsors: Allen and Overy – who sponsored our public debates, and Pinsent Masons – who sponsored our 2011 IV.
As self-congratulatory as all of this sounds, it does display one of the most all-round successful years in the records of this society. Given the strength of the freshers this year, the next looks promising.
Looking forward to the next Public Debate. I shall publicise it to the general public (and to the political movements in Brum). Much more balanced than Question Time on the BBC
I’m guessing the lack of comments, is due to Library Fever
Thank you! Publicity is essential for our public debates, so that would be very helpful
It’s really great to get positive feedback. I hope that you’ve managed to make a speech from the floor. If not, please do so in the future – we’re always looking to expand the debate (and give away prizes!).
All the best!