Union balls dropped
The Oxford Union is to drop its traditional termly ball from Hilary's termcard, in a bid to concentrate on big speaker meetings and debates.
The Union's balls have generally been poorly received over the past couple of years, with particular questions being raised about the financial and logistical viability of holding such events. The Gold Ball, held in Michaelmas 2000, was widely regarded as a low-point in the Union's recent history, and led to the arrangement of a special Consultative Committee meeting to allow members to voice their grievances at the running of the ball. Union President Charlotte Keenan told The Oxford Student that Union balls "don't seem to be what students want any more" and said that due to rising costs the society was "no longer able to compete with college balls."
Nonetheless, it is clear that social events will continue to be an important part of the Union term. The new termcard features a trip to Dublin, a free Burns' night celebration and a drinks party to be held in Blenheim Palace. Keenan was eager to point out that she aims to "bring the focus of the Union back onto high quality debates and speaker meetings." Confirmed guests include Sir Richard Branson, Dame Judi Dench, veteran actor Kirk Douglas and Elle "the body" MacPherson.
The new termcard, which has undergone a radical change of design, also features 'stop press speakers' who are not yet fully confirmed but are expected to be guests at the Union. Illustrious celebrities under this category are said to include former US President Bill Clinton and actor Richard Gere.
Keenan is buoyant that Hilary 2001 will mark a step forward for the Union's reputation as a debating society, and said that she is "very excited about the prospects for the new term."
10th Jan 2002