JCR Societies

Lottie Keyse (Societies Officer)

Michaelmas Term has seen an exciting beginning to 2022/23 for John Snow Societies.

We’ve ratified a number of new societies, ranging from Darts to Roast Dinner Soc. Some previous societies have also made brilliant comebacks including Cooking Soc and Brunch Soc. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the Term has been fully-establishing the societies of our JCR Agents: Environments Soc, International Association, POC Association and Disability Support.

I would like to give a special mentions to Eleanor Huyton’s fabulous Instagram posts which have included wonderful sustainable living tips and tricks as well as uplifting good news of the week and to Zainab Amin who has organised our biggest international event to date: a Diwali Celebration with Josephine Butler College.

Very importantly, John Snow Societies have contributed to the local community this term. One highlight was Baking Soc’s charity bake sale at the Bake-Off Final Screening, which raised over £70 for Children North East. Alfie French and Kiko Keighery from Music Soc also performed wonderfully at our Christmas Event for Sherburn House in collaboration with JCR Welfare and Outreach. Many of our societies have run socials, ranging from quizzes to meals to screenings. These have been invaluable in helping Freshers meet likeminded people during first Term.

It has been particularly heartening to see how busy College facilities have been with regular society events. Each Tuesday and Thursday evening the Hub has been buzzing with Dance, Boxing, Kickboxing and Music practice. Running Club and Board Games have also been consistently organising weekly sessions for their members. The Presidents of all these societies have shown admirable dedication. I would like to thank Deborah Swarbrick and Johanna Thren for their new weekly Stretch and Yoga Classes. Laura and I have organised these as an inclusive space for student wellbeing, kindly funded by the College. These have proved hugely popular and have had a truly positive impact.

Finally, JCR money has funded a wide-range of equipment and activities this Term. This has included the pumpkins for Art Soc’s decorate and sip, boxing gloves, a darts mat and new board games. We have also been enjoying the new equipment bought by College at the end of last year, such as a camera, yoga mats, and resistance bands. Making new interests and hobbies as accessible as possible to our students remains our top priority.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to societies in Michaelmas and would encourage everyone to make the most of the myriad of opportunities available next term. Look out for our Refreshers’ Fair to get involved!