The Queen's College Record 2020

Reports and College Activities
STUDENT CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
1341 SOCIETY
President: Theodora Beadle
Over the academic year, the 1341 Society was delighted to host two Hall Luncheons
for the friends and family of current Queen’s students. Sadly, we were unable to host
a Garden Party in Trinity term this year. The Society exists to raise money to fund
students’ extracurricular activities, and this year the committee has worked hard to
support a broader range of College events. For the first time, we were able to provide
subsidised tickets for the Queen’s Burns Night event. We also worked alongside the
Addison Society (Queen’s political discussion society) to provide more subsidised
places to its dinners for those for whom the cost may have prevented them attending.
Both of this year’s events began with drinks in the beautiful Upper Library, followed by
a luncheon in the Hall. The Oxford Gargoyles, an a cappella group with many Queen’s
students, gave spectacular performances at both luncheons which were thoroughly
enjoyed by all the guests.
Of course, neither of this year’s luncheons would have been possible without the hard
work and support of many members of College staff. We would like to thank Dawn
and the catering team for providing delicious meals, as always, and the library staff
for allowing us to use the Upper Library for both events. We are also very grateful to
the Provost for attending our luncheons and supporting our endeavours across the
year. Finally, I would like to thank this year’s committee for their work – Joseph Botman
(Secretary) and Jonathan Sheinman (Treasurer). My role has been handed over to
James McGhee, who I know is working hard to find ways to continue to support the
1341 Society’s endeavours in the year ahead.
THE ADDISON SOCIETY
Co-Presidents: Laetitia Pilgrim and Serena Parekh, Treasurer: Harry Croasdale
The Addison Society has hosted three successful sell-out events, attended by a
wide range of JCR members. In Michaelmas we welcomed Secretary of State for
Education, Gavin Williamson MP, to speak on the British education system. He arrived
a little late: understandable, given that Parliament were in the throes of the historic
vote on the October 2019 Queen’s Speech. Unflustered despite the day’s events,
Williamson delivered a brilliant talk, met with plenty of pointed questions from Queen’s
students. The comments in our guest book (now full, ready for the archives) describe a
‘thought-provoking evening’ where it was ‘great to see a variety of strong views come
face to face’.
66 The Queen’s College | College Record 2020