Newcastle/Durham Event – A Review by Ben Hopkinson
Mr/Mme Speaker
“This house believes that the Newcastle-Durham weekend was be an amazing experience.”
I have been asked to review the Newcastle and Durham IV weekend. In order to do this, I am going to discuss the three main points of Clash in any discussion of the relative merits of debating competitions.
Firstly, I am going to discuss the virtues of speaking in these particular competitions. Secondly, I am going to summarise the experience of visiting these two amazing cities. Then finally, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to talk about the ‘Social Contract’ with a heavy emphasis on the first part of that phrase.
So firstly the Competitions themselves, all of the motions put forward across the two days were at accessible at all levels. While I can’t pretend to have understood every nuance of every motion put forward there was clearly good debatable matter in every round and a lot of the subjects were novel or at least put a new spin on classic notions like security verses privacy. I enjoyed having the chance to debate with students from up and down the country, in particular encountering the other freshers from a variety of institutions provided an interesting gauge of the standard of debating in other universities. Both competitions had strong judging panels with experienced chairs in every room and constructive, specific feedback on how the debates progressed and how speeches could have been improved. All of these factors meant the competitions were hugely enjoyable to take part in and informative for improving my standard of debating.
Now moving onto the experience and atmosphere of the cities we visited. Societies and university in general are intended to allow you to become a more rounded individual and what better way to do so than visit and experience the cities of England. While we were a little short on time in Newcastle we had half a day to explore Durham not to mention the evenings that will form the focus of my final point.
Which brings me onto my final point, the social aspects of the weekend. I think we can all agree ladies and gentlemen, that nothing rounds off an intense day better than a drink in your hand and good company. I’ll take a point of information on that if anyone disagrees! In this aspect both competitions had their fair share to offer. At Newcastle we were provided with glasses of Yaka (a vodka and lemon concoction which is dangerously delicious) before being lead to our own private area of the Tiger Tiger nightclub in the city centre. Conversely after the second competition we went to the Durham union’s social hub, 24, akin to an expanded JCR here we enjoyed another round of liquid refreshment in a more relaxed environment. This gave us a better chance to get to know the other teams and I’ve certainly made friends with some, memorable, folks from up north.
Therefore ladies and gentlemen, because I believe in good, honest debating; because I understand the importance of culture; and because I love Yaka, I am proud to propose.
Ben Hopkinson
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