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Produced for the benefit of those who have yet to attend our events, this guide should give you some insight into the events that our society hosts. Whilst it is not exhaustive, is should give some indication as to what goes on at our various events and what to expect when you come along!!
- Welcome Drinks Reception –
Previously known under the guise of ‘G & T Reception’. This is the first event of the year and is generally held on the first Tuesday after Fresher’s Fayre. This year there will be Gin and Wine (to make us feel fine…) with Tonic, Fruit Juices and Water for those who require mixers and are still recovering from Fresher’s Week ;-p It is a relaxed event with a ‘Smart Casual’ dress code. No doubt some of the committee and members will be in their finest chalk striped suits or donning their favourite blazer, but jeans and a hoody suffice for many! It is traditional for the President to give a little speech about the society and the year ahead and for the reception to roll on to ‘Potion’ our local after-party haunt, next to Ramsey Hall, for a Mojito or two.
- Tuesday Night Wine Reception –
This is our principle event which attracts some very high profile political guests. Members rock up (again in Smart Casual), enjoy our selection of Wine and Juices whilst mingling and chatting with our guest and then settle in to their seats for approximately 20 minutes to listen to our guest speak. This is usually followed by a wealth of questions, society notices and another round of mingling. The event is kept as informal as possible and is a great opportunity to meet new people and discuss politics and contemporary issues.
- Westminster Pub Crawl –
This is exactly what it sounds like! We usually meet at St Stephen’s Tavern directly outside of Westminster Tube Station and proceed to crawl through every pub on Whitehall until the early hours of the morning. We then sing a round of ‘Burlington Burtie’ and ‘Tory Tory Hallelujah’ in Trafalgar Square before heading into the West End or onto the N29 homeward bound.
- Port and Policy –
We start with two debates, usually about controversial headline policies, with two members speaking ‘for’ and two members speaking ‘against’ the motion. We then hold a ‘Balloon Debate’ where the audience is invited to imagine that the 6 volunteer debaters are in fact politicians/celebrities who are in a sinking hot air balloon. The debaters must be thrown one by one from the balloon to save the remaining occupants. During each round the debater is given 2 minutes to convince the audience that he/she should remain in the balloon. This is always a debauched and lively evening, and often one of our most popular events. Many of our Fresher’s (and indeed old hands) drink the Port as wine and as such we usually spend the cheese budget on supplementary bottles!
- Question Time –
A selection of political guests form a panel which is chaired by the president. We follow the familiar format of the BBC programme with a selection of prepared questions which is debated by the panel. Questions and statements are taken from the audience and arguments general occur. In the past we have been graced by guests who have actually sat on the BBC show (cough… Douglas Murray) and often have a selection of MPs, Bloggers, Reporters and Tory Councillors. Again, this is often a very lively evening.
- Christmas Dinner –
Doesn’t really need explaining! We go to a pub, pull some crackers, have a quiz and eat dinner!
- PPC Reception –
New to the diary this year, we plan on hosting a reception with many of London’s Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidates. This will give you an opportunity to sip champagne with some of the most prominent upcoming political figures who in a matter of months could be representing you in the Commons. Dress code is likely to be ‘Smart Attire’.
- AGM –
A compulsory event, it gives an opportunity for members to ratify our constitution and vote in a new committee. This has in the past been poorly attended, but speeches are often amusing and surplus wine is available! The President and Treasurer also give their Annual Reviews (including the volumes of beverages consumed!)
- Summer Pimms Party and BBQ –
This will be one of the final events of the academic year, and will be held in a suitable outdoor location after the exam period. The president will hand over his fictitious baton to the president elect and we will eat drink and be merry. If the equipment is recovered, we might even have a game of croquet!
In addition to the above the following is also likely to be on offer…
- Tour of Parliment – Exactly what it sounds like, a group of members are given a tour of Parliament by one of our very own MP’s! We will probably go for lunch beforehand and for a drink afterwards.
- Mayors Question Time – Just like PMQ’s, except with Boris and in the swanky central chamber in City Hall. Quie often there are dull questions asked by the GLA members, but Boris often replies with his using his witty and eloquent language. We might even get a tour by the Boris himself!
- Introduction to the Carlton Club – A home from home for some past and present members. A delightful clubhouse on St James’ full of chaps with a similar political persuasion… With an extensive winelist and a bust o Maggie herself the Carlton is quite frankly fantastic!
- Invitations to many London Conservative events including the Tory Reform Group, The Bow Group, Conservative Way Forward, The Tax Payers Alliance, Young Britons Foundation, and other CF branches such as KCL, Imperial and SOAS.