SOCIETIES IN ISOLATION SOCIETIES IN ISOLATION SOCIETIES SOCIETIES IN IN ISOLATION ISOLATION SOCIETIES IN ISOLATION Caitlin Barr investigates the hurdles facing societies during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Freshers and returners flocked to Exeter in September, many were hoping that, after 5 months spent mostly in the confines of their rooms, Exeter symbolised freedom. Many hoped to be able to start or develop hobbies, friendships and EG records at one of Exeter’s many societies. Of course, instead, the current pandemic has meant cancelled events, closed clubs, and limited contact between households, enforced by the Government and the Guild.
“Many hoped to be able to start or develop hobbies, friendships and EG records at one of Exeter’s many societies.” Perhaps one of the most harshly hit groups has been sports societies. Many had to swap practising on a pitch for training on Teams, with varying degrees of success. The social element of sports, namely TP
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Wednesdays, also had to be shelved in favour of nursing a beer on a Zoom call. While in recent weeks outdoor sports societies such as rugby and football have been able to run taster sessions and training, and even some friendly matches, Oli Kleinschmidt, Social Secretary for Archery, mentioned the difficulty of not being allowed to run indoor sessions. At the time of writing, the Athletics Union are in the final stages of working out how sports societies who operate indoors
Photo courtesy of Creative Writing Society
can meet safely under current guidelines. In the meantime, archers, dancers, fencers and many other students are signing risk assessments and planning sessions, waiting for the green light to start up again in person.