SOCIAL EVENTS

I am very excited to introduce our plans, hopes and dreams for social events next term. With the Union reopening and the new bar and restaurant, there are so many new opportunities to use the space in creative ways. From bringing back old favourites like ‘coffee and newspapers’ and Jazz nights to creating new traditions, like allowing the Union to open up for study space.

Social events are such an important part of the Union and, as things open up, they will be at the forefront of what we offer our members. This time has also given us a chance to reflect on what students truly value. Most of all, we want to be a space for connecting people, meaningful conversations and, last but definitely not least, having lots of fun. I remember the Union’s Freshers’ Ball in 2019, the only Cambridge ball I have ever had a chance to attend, as an incredible experience. It was such a positive social occasion and really made the Union feel approachable to me. Every Union member deserves social events like that. Much like our speaker and debate events, we hope there is something here for everyone, with a combination of relaxed and more upbeat events both virtually and in person.

The exact dates of these events will be TBC as changes of covid regulations are clarified and confirmed, but they will be publicised as soon and as widely as possible. Can’t wait to welcome you back in style!

Join us for a bespoke evening of smooth jazz and cocktails to celebrate the reopening of the Cambridge Union. Experience the amazing sound of a live band once again, whilst dressed up to the nines with your friends for a roaring 20s theme. We are sure this will be a night to remember!

In collaboration with our brand new welfare officers, we are planning to hold a series of chill and fun events in exam term. These will be perfect if you are interested in getting to know new people in a more relaxed setting or just if you need a time to destress from the pressures of exam term. They would also be amazing opportunities to discuss any feedback you had on the Union and ways we could make it a more comfortable and accessible place.

When regulations relax around (around the 17th May), we hope to open up the new and restored Cambridge Union building to book for socially distanced study. Bored of the same workspace in your college library or room – we have you sorted! And if that doesn’t take your fancy, perhaps getting a coffee and table at our new restaurant will.

For all those who miss being able to argue over which side should have won in the Union bar on a Thursday night, we have the next best thing! In a virtually reconstructed Cambridge Union on ‘gather’, you will be able to once more interact with other members who’ve watched and enjoyed the debate to discuss the topic and whatever else you might like.

Brought back based on popular demand! Every Sunday morning, the Cambridge Union will provide coffee, newspapers (and maybe even some pastries!) to allow you to catch up on the week and escape the Cambridge bubble in the best way possible.

Have all your May Balls been cancelled and your dreams of wild post-exams celebrations shattered? Last, but definitely not least, the Cambridge Union hopes to provide, as much as we possibly can, an unforgettable night in that last week 9 of term for your hard work to be rewarded the way it deserves. Member ideas are welcome and we also hope to offer other opportunities to get involved in this event nearer the time.

This special forum event in collaboration with Freedom. Loving. You., the network for women and non-binary people of color to rant and celebrate in Cambridge, is bringing Fly Forum to the Union. For the first time, Forum will take place in the Union, with all identifying welcome.

James Vitali Kieron Spoors Yifei Zheng Morgan-Ellis Leah Dolly Theis Cassandra Shand Eleanor Hargrove & Sanah Kashyap

Tom Matthew Zak Ali Ellenoor Shameli & Shibhangi Ghose Georgia Fearn Jasper Federman

Naomi Kilcoyne Calvin Hartley Sam Hunt & Adam Bradley Grace Smithson & Sophia Nie James Mackey, Evie Morgan & Jasper Federman Caitlin Farrell Christopher George, Fuschia Webb & Natalie Egan Ceci Power, Cedric Van Duffel, Darina Andriychenko, Jilllian Paffenbarger, Mahera Sarkar & Somsubhro Bagchi Adele Chu Joe Bray, Ewan Woods & Mahon Hughes Cathryn-Olivia Barton Alisha Raja Sebastian Erskine, Jack Rennie & James Saker Henry Spencer David Quan, Edward Barlow, Ella Worsfold & Joel Adu-Boateng Rhea Sarawgi & Sophie West Nordin Ćatić Levente Koroes

Speakers Committee Sophia Nie, Jillian Paffenbarger, Evie Morgan, Su Shien Ng, Christopher Long, Edward Barlow, Daan Timmers, Somsubhro Bagchi, Yeo Zhi Kai, Calvin Hartley, Leti Ryder, Dom Martin

Debates Committee Samuel Rubinstein, Jack Rennie, Kieron Spoors, Jonathan Heywood, Nicole Bowen, Huma Siddiqi

Presidential Committee David Quan, Sanah Kashyap, Dioni Ellinikaki, Ariella Taub, Armelle Kim, George Kyprianou-Hickman, James Combe

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Smith of Finsbury PC (chair) Dr. Nigel Brown OBE Dr. Nigel Yandell Nick Heath FRICS The Hon. Daniel Janner QC David Branch Araba Taylor Rachel Green David Robinson The President of the Union, Joel Rosen The Vice President of the Union, Jungmin Seo The Debating Officer, Tamkeen Nawab

Steve Bax The President of the Union, Joel Rosen The Vice President of the Union, Jungmin Seo Rachel Green David Robinson

Rachel Green (Chair) (ex officio President, Easter 1998) Steve Bax (Bursar) Alex Forzani (ex officio Vice President, 2012-13) Joel Rosen (President, Easter 2021) Jungmin Seo (Vice President, 2020-21) Patrick Connolly (Treasurer, 2020-21) Dolly Theis (Alumni Officer) Imran Mateo (ex officio Vice President, 2018-19) Vincent Rustill (ex officio Treasurer, Lent 2019) Abdullah Shah (ex officio President, Easter 2019) Nick Wright (ex officio Vice President, 2014-15) Amy Gregg (ex officio President, Lent 2015)

Joshua Blanchard Lewis (ex officio Vice President, 20089) (Chair) Alex Forzani (ex officio Vice President, 2012-13) Nick Wright (ex officio Vice President, 2014-15) Page Nyame-Satterthwaite (ex officio President, Michaelmas 2017) Frederick Dyke (ex officio Executive Officer, Michaelmas 2014) Samuel Longton (ex officio Social Events Officer, Lent 2019) Imran Mateo (ex officio Vice President, 2018-19)

Col. (Retd.) William Bailey MBE - Bursar Steve Bax - Bursar Designate Joe Burman - General Manager Eric Mbarani - Brasserie Manager Ben Pope - Head Chef Sam Heap - Bar Manager Stephen Chukualim - Senior AV Technician Louise Gamon - Membership Secretary Katherine Connolly - Events Coordinator Hannah Goodger - Events Administrator Sabine Edwards - Advertising and Sponsorship Elspeth Twist - Financial Manager Tracey Hertwick - Assistant Accountant Phil Caldecoat - Site manager Barry Mobbs - Site cleaner

I first set foot in the Union just over a year and a half ago and in that time I’ve been fortunate to enjoy the wit, generosity and friendship of so many wonderful people. I’ve been endowed with opportunities I would never have imagined and gotten to debate and laugh with students from around the world.

The Union and the world around it have changed indescribably in that time, yet thanks to the resilience of its people we have kept (fairly) calm and carried on. I remain eternally grateful to so many.

Naomi and Grace, thank you for taking an overlyenthusiastic fresher under your wings. Your warmth and kindness has left an indelible mark on me.

The Union can be a daunting place for many - you demystified it and made me feel at home. I’ll forever treasure my first two terms on Full Committee under your leadership. Once an SGL always an SGL.

To the former Presidents who showed me the way, a heartfelt thank you. Jonah, your advice has been precious. Thanks for showing me the ropes and teaching me the tips and tricks behind securing the best speakers. Rachel, in my first term at Cambridge you showed us what a forward-thinking and modern Union could look like - your nomination meant a great deal. Emaan, it was an honour to serve as your Speakers Officer, thank you for always being there.

Tara, I’ve never met anyone with a drive like yours. You have secured a dazzling line-up of speakers and gone above and beyond helping out with every aspect of the Union. I don’t know how you do it. Thank you for all of the late night phone calls and the early morning. emails. Let’s watch The Politician sometime.

Jungmin, you have been a sensational Vice-President, diligently doing so much whilst never taking the credit or seeking the limelight. The Union is fortunate to have someone with such integrity and evenhandedness to steer the ship throughout this year. As we’ll both be retiring at the same time, I look forward to many walks on the heath.

Lara, I’ll never forget dancing the night way away at the Union freshers Ball with you and Cary. Since then I’ve worked with you at every level of the Union and your dedication has been second to none. Thank you for your persistence and herculean efforts in sorting our debates this term.

In the history of the Union, there has never been a treasurer like Patrick Connolly ‘Robinson’ :). Patrick you have moved mountains overhauling entire systems, helping AV at every turn, keeping a watchful eye over the balance sheet and helping us all in countless other ways. The Union is a more streamlined and effective organization thanks to your leadership. You’ll make a fabulous VP.

Emma, thank you for keeping us all grounded - I think it was Tamkeen who described you as the ‘sanest member of committee’. Friendly, extraordinarily competent and a joy to work with, you’re putting on some groundbreaking events. Without realising it, you’ve made the atmosphere in the Union and on committee more relaxed and down to earth.

music faultless but you’re bringing some of our favourite artists to the Union. You’ve done so much

to make the Union a more inclusive and welcoming place. You’ve brought a real buzz and energy to the Union. Keep shaking things up.

Tamkeen and Cary, you’ve both invested so much into Competitive debating this term. You’ve unlocked the world of debating to so many and I’m forever indebted to you for you wisdom and good humor.

To my lovely successor Keir - although I’ll leave the Union at the end of this term with a lump in my throat, I know our society will be in safe hands. Well done on AJ.

To the fabulous Speakers and Debates Committees, your hardwork has paid off. So many of you have built entire events from scratch and I’m enormously proud. If you ever need any help throughout your time at Cambridge you know where to find me.

Thank you to my own Presidential Committee and to David, Sanah, and Dominic in particular. Together we’ve introduced members’ stash, secured a new Youtube intro and ensured the smooth running of the Committee and weathered storms big and small.

The Union’s staff are world class and have overseen

an extensive redevelopment through a pandemic with grace and grit.

To Bill Bailey, our bursar for the last thirteen years Heaven only knows what you’ve done for the Union but we are forever thankful. With dry wit, indefatigability and sagely wisdom you’ve led the troops through

thick and thin. I know formal commersations will begin later but allow me to express my personal gratitude. With a warmth and kindness you often deny you have looked after hundreds of students who have passed through our doors. I hope you’ll pop back to Bridge Street from time to time so this is thank you but not goodbye.

Joe Burman, our General Manager, has overseen a breathtaking redevelopment. The new bar looks sensational and you’ve combined a clear vision with a peerless attention to detail. You’ve handled countless logistical hitches with a calm surety. In a few short weeks the whole of Cambridge will be able to see the product of your years of hard work.

Steve, our incoming bursar you are simply the friendliest man I’ve ever met. You’ve treatest us all with immense kindness. I can’t wait for innumerable cups of tea, (the occasional pint) and banter at the bar. We are lucky to have someone with such charisma on board. Here’s to the term to come. It’s just a shame that your first will be my last.

Louise, you’re a pillar of the Union. Dependable and approachable you always keep the show on the road. With an understated dedication you’ve looked after thousands of members and guests.

Thanks must also go to Sam our Bar Manager for your humour, dedication and personality. Many past committees warmly recall your presence at the bar. I’ve seen how engaging you are with visiting speakers and can’t wait to bring some punters to the bar this Easter.

Stephen, your contribution to AV is immense. You’ve been a true pioneer of new formats and ways of generating content. You’re the person who connects viewer at home with our speakers. Keep challenging us to do more. I’m sure AV will go from strength to strength.

Thank you Katherine, for all of your efforts in designing this (and other termcards). Your patience in dealing with us as we added ‘just one more speaker’ time after time is very impressive.

Thank you to my incredible friends at Trinity Hall and across the uni you’ve made my time at Cambridge joyous and memorable. I couldn’t have done any of this without your love and support. In particular thank you to my college wife Ella who has been lovely and kind beyond measure.

Jack, you make me so very happy. Thank you for bearing with me as I’ve worked on this - I hope I’ve made you proud.

Mum and Dad thank you for always believing in me and for teaching me to believe in myself.

Lastly thank you to you, the members of the Cambridge Union - all 70,000 of you. Your collective support has spurred us on time and time again.

To every fresher, who looks at the Union with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, I was where you were just a year and a half ago. Yes, you are good enough.

The future belongs to you now.

Yours ever,