Welcome to the Oxford Union

Dear Members,

Happy New Year! Welcome back to Oxford and to Hilary Term 2011 at the Union. Since 1823, when a group of students came together and founded our Society, the work of its members has enabled us to become the most famous student society in the world. It now falls to those of us here to uphold and build upon this reputation.

Union membership is not cheap and, as President, I want to ensure that we provide excellent value for money by not only giving you access to the highest calibre of speakers and debates, but also to a fantastic social calendar and useful facilities. This Hilary, I truly believe that there is something for every member and, should you not attend at least one event this term, you only have yourself to blame for wasting your money.

For the main Society debates I have chosen topics that reflect some of the most contentious issues of the day, ranging from Bankers’ Bonuses to the upcoming referendum on the Alternative Vote. Speakers such as Lord Butler, Aaron Porter and Michael Barrymore will doubtlessly provide excellent arguments and interesting opinions on their respective motions. Whether you are new to the Oxford Union debate experience, or are a frequent visitor, I hope that these subjects will entice you to attend and participate. With Emergency Debates starting at 7.45pm, Floor Speeches during the debate and a chaired After Debate there is plenty of opportunity to have your voice heard. As always, should you be interested in attending President’s Drinks following the debate, please do email guest.officer@oxford-union.org to be entered into the weekly ballot and you will be notified should you be successful in obtaining a place.

In addition to the Thursday debates, we have a truly packed term of individual speaker addresses. We continue our fine tradition of hosting international statesmen, with visits of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, Kamalesh Sharma the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and the Chief Minister of the Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif. At the same time, we are fortunate to have some of the great figures of British politics in the form of Lord Howe and Sir Malcolm Rifkind, as well as General Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff, who will be addressing the Society and then holding a dinner for the Afghan Appeal Fund here in the Union. I am also delighted to have confirmed speeches from two of Britain’s finest actors: Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Ben Kingsley. Where else in the world could you go to listen to both Gandalf and Ghandi in a matter of weeks? We then have a whole host of high profile guests, with Ne-Yo, David Hasselhoff and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia speaking this term. On top of all this, we have leaders in the worlds of business, fashion and sport attending Frewin Court, catering to every interest imaginable. Away from our incredible line up of debates and speakers, the Union has more to offer than ever before. The centrepiece of the Society’s social calendar is the Night in Havana Ball, but there are also plenty of other fantastic events each week, such as the Chinese New Year party, Soul of Seoul and the annual Town vs. Gown boxing match.

Since winning President back in June last year I have been working, not only on putting together this term, but also on the longer term direction of the Society. I have begun a reworking of the current rules which I hope will allow them to be easily understandable, rational and more in keeping with a modern Society, although this will certainly be a long process. Following the finalising of last year’s accounts I have commissioned a comprehensive review of the Library in order to provide members with options on the role the Library should play. We have purchased a TV for the Members’ Bar and are hoping, should we find the funds, to install a video link from the Chamber so that nobody will ever miss out on the big events.

I am excited to announce that we will be launching a brand new website at the start of term. As well as making sure that this acts as an accurate, up-to-date information portal, we hope that tickets for all our events will be made available to purchase online later this term, or certainly for the start of next. With the Christmas and New Year break coming just before our print deadline, we are still in negotiation with several speakers, as well as still needing final times for others who have already confirmed. Therefore, please do keep checking the website throughout the term for even more speakers and events than have been included here. Please also sign up to the weekly e-mail updates and special announcements so you are fully informed of the latest developments

The Society is only as good as those who choose to be involved. Whether you only wish to email me with your comments and suggestions, or you are willing to stand for election yourself, there has rarely been a more exciting time to get involved. I wish you all the very best for the forthcoming term.

 

Yours Faithfully,

 

James Langman

University College

President