What sort of society are you, and may I just come along ?

 

 

We are one of the oldest societies in the Royal Borough of Kingston on Thames, Surrey, UK, with a continuous history going back to 1886.

 

 

The structure of debates has remained largely unchanged since then, ensuring that all speakers receive a fair hearing, and that the proceedings resemble neither a seminar nor a shouting match.

 

 

We have a diverse membership, both male and female, young and old. Debates are formal in nature, although frequently lively in content, especially on the more humorous subjects.

 

 

 

We welcome visitors most warmly to our debates. If you would like just to listen and watch before getting on your feet, please do so; many visitors choose to get the feel of our meetings for two or three weeks. However, while considering whether you would like to become a member, you are free to take part as a speaker.

 

 

 

We hold debates on Thursdays during the winter months of the year, in the Methodist Church Hall, Avenue Road, off Fairfield South, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2UJ.The evening begins at 7.45pm with the private business of the Society, in which the members hear the minutes of the last meeting and statements about forthcoming events. After a short break, the debate commences at 8pm.

 

 

 

Opening speeches are made by the proposer and opposer of the motion, and these last for up to twenty minutes each.The motion is then thrown open to the floor. Members and visitors may speak only once, for up to ten minutes each. Two votes are taken on the motion: one for members only, the other for everyone present.

 

 

 

Visitors are welcome to attend for their first two visits free of charge. On their third and subsequent visits we ask for a donation of £ 2 per visit towards the cost of the room hire. 

 

 

Spring 2010 programme :

 

 

 

21 January    That Britain should withdraw from the European Union

 

 

28 January   That the post of poet laureate should be abolished

 

 

4 February   That the Victorians had the right idea

 

 

11 February   That Malthus will be proved right on overpopulation

 

 

18 February  That romantic love is a dangerous myth

 

 

25 February  That the USA should copy our NHS

 

 

4 March  That the Church of England should resist the blandishments of the Vatican

 

 

11 March    That this House has no confidence in Her Majesty's Government