Paul Nicholls Stuff

1Jan/700

This Week...

Good Morning from your very tired and slightly hungover Secretary (congrats on a stellar corridor party Tyne South 2nd Floor!) ... This one's the big week, Christmas Weekend is coming and there's loads going on, including:

  • Folk Society Christmas Ceilidh 
  • Jazz Under The Mistletoe
  • Wittank
  • Hill Orchestra Concert
  • Banished
  • Band Night
  • Christmas Bop
  • Carols by Candlelight
  • Mulled Wine and Mince Pies
  • Panto
  • Carols in the Bar

Christmas Ceilidh

The Christmas Ceilidh will be held on Tuesday 9th of December, in the DSU Riverside Cafe at 8pm (£5/£3 members). It will be a great evening with live music and including a disco ceilidh! There will also be the usual raffle, rapper sword dance display and peanuts. See the website for more details - www.dur.ac.uk/folk.soc

Jazz Under The Mistletoe

Mildert's most festive evening of the year!
It is taking place on Tuesday 9th December in the JCR with doors opening at 8 o'clock.

The evening's entertainment will include all your favorite Christmas classics from 'White Christmas' to 'Santa Baby' performed by Mildert's finest musical talent.

Highlights include: Ali Brown and John Sheard duetting, Bigband playing Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Helen Truran and Sam Watts bringing back the Pogues classic, Fairytale of New York

Entry is completely free.

Come along and get into the Christmas spirit - with mince pies and wine to help you along the way.

Wittank

Although full details are yet to be confirmed, Wittank are expected to be putting on a special night of standup comedy this Wednesday in the JCR. Look out for more details soon.

DUHO Concert

The Durham University Hill Orchestra is proud to present again another fabulous Christmas Concert, which this year will be held at Van Mildert College.

When? Thursday 11th December - 8:30 - 10:00 pm - (Doors open at 8:15 pm)

Where? Van Mildert Hall

Ticket Prices? £4 (£3 DUMS) - Tickets will be sold at the door.

What are we playing?

Bolero - Ravel
Waltz from Sleeping Beauty - Tchaikovsky
Sicilienne - Faure
Traslaseirra - Huntly
Lord of the Rings - Shore
Movie Medley (Ft. Edward Scissorhands, Last of the Mohicans, Gladiator)
Sleigh Ride - Anderson
8 Christmas Carols Medley - David Good

Please come along! It will be a great time to take a break from all the work and deadlines and just enjoy the festive season!

Banished 4 - Festive Fling

This Thursday is the return of Banished, your Final Festive Fling.... For Durham Students!

Tickets are only £5 and get you at FREE entry with your Wristband into bishops Mill & Loveshack inc QJump, drink offers, food offers along BBQ's, Goodie Bags, 3 DJ's, quality music and your final fling of 2008! for more info visit the website. Get tickets now from: http://www.imbanished.co.uk

Band Night

In the JCR this Friday "Gatefold", Mildert's newest band are hosting their debut gig, entry will be free and it all kicks off around 8pm so come along for some fun tunes.

Christmas Bop

This Saturday, from 8pm.... Christmas Bop.  

Look out for more details on this in an e-mail from Alastair soon!

Carols By Candlelight

Sunday 14th December - 7pm Carols by Candlelight

A beautiful carol service, with readings from students, staff and SCR, songs from the choir and a chance for you to sing some classic carols too, all by candlelight

Mulled Wine and Mince Pies

Sunday 14th December - 8pm Mulled Wine and Mince Pies

Get that Christmassy feeling inside you with a nice glass of Mulled wine and a tasty mice pie!

Panto 2008

Sunday 14th December - 8:30pm: Van Mildert Panto 2008

Van Mildert Arts Committee invites you to Peter Pan! An hilarious panto written by and performed by Mildert students, with plenty of Mildert and Durham gags, it really is not to be missed!

Carols in the Bar

Sunday 14th December - 9:30pm-Midnight: Carols in the Bar

Exactly what it says, come to the bar, sing some carols, maybe even the odd version of Valerie and feel the Mildert spirit in full force!  Make sure you wear a t-shirt, maybe even a vest...it can get very sweaty!

 

Phew, epic e-mail over

Paul x

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1Jan/700

Reports of Officers: Secretary

Since the last meeting I have been helping co-ordinate a whole load of big events...

The Secretary has quite a sketchy role when it comes to managing events in college, but ultimately they are responsible for working alongside with the organising committees, ensuring all events in college run smoothly; that the correct legal, University, College and JCR policies are adhered to, that college are kept up to date about the event, that the right rooms and resources are booked and obviously advertising the events in my social bulletin. Last weekend I co-ordinated the Bombay Ball and SCA Jazz Night, two fantastic external events hosted at Mildert, this weekend was obviously the spectacular Fashion Show, next weekend is the highly anticipated Michaelmas Ball, and then we have the infamous Panto later in the term.

On top of that I've been doing some work on my degree for a change, recovering from an unpleasant cold and of course attempting to get elected again...

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1Jan/700

This Week...

Hello All!

Sorry for the slight delay in getting this out to you, had a bit of an internet crisis at home last night! Anyway, on with the week's activities...

  • Part III Forum
  • Tutors Formal
  • VM Poker Presents... Michaelmas Invitational
  • Election Day
  • MICHAELMAS BALL
  • Recitals
  • Quiz Night

Part III Forum Night

Tonight (Monday) in the JCR is the Part III forum, this is your opportunity to tell us what you want to buy and discuss your idea with members of Exec and Finance Committee. All proposals will then be taken forward to a meeting with the College Officers the following week where funding will be allocated.

Tutor's Formal

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the tutor's formal, if you're on the formal you will have been contacted by your tutor - but everyone else be aware that there's early tea for everyone else.

Poker Michaelmas Invitational

Van Mildert Poker Society is proud to host the 2008 Michaelmas Invitational.

When: Thursday December 4th (arrive at 7:20pm for a 7:30pm start)
Where: Ustinov Room

The first of the 08/09 invitational events. No Limit Texas Hold-em.

Buy-in is £5, no re-buys allowed. Everyone is welcome! Bring all your friends! Cash prizes for top finishers. Smart attire (optional).

Election Day

Thursday is ELECTION DAY, candidates are standing for the positions of Senior Freshers' Rep and JCR Secretary, voting will be online and by ballot box in the hall. The results will be announced, followed by the infamous Kazu (come along to witness this Mildert tradition) in the foyer at 9pm.

Michaelmas Ball

Van Mildert Social Committee proudly presents

***********The Crystal Ball***********
........****au couer de l'hiver****.........

*Silent Disco* by Silent Arena
*Swing Boats*
*Alpine Arcade Machine*
*Vodka Luge*
*Crepe Stand*
*Toffee Apples*
*Festive Bus for Livers Out*
*Balloon Artiste*

Tickets on sale from Monday 1st December at meal times

£25 Meal Ticket (including ents)
£15 Ents Ticket (from 9pm)

Recitials

This Sunday at 4pm in the Ustinov Room Music Committee presents the Christmas Recitals.

Quiz Night

Sunday Night is Quiz Night. 'Nuff Said.

 

Enjoy,

Paul x

 

 

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1Jan/700

This Week...

Hello All,

After a hectic weekend working both the Bombay Ball and the fantastic SCA Jazz Night I'm here with another installment of weekly news for you...

With regards to the feedback I asked for last week, thanks to all those who got in touch - the main issue people have is with being sent out-of-date information due to the way bulletins are generated, we think we've now sorted a way around that, so hopefully this sort of thing shouldn't keep happening. Let me know if you have any other suggestions or feedback. Congratulations to Lisa Bergman-Baily, winner of the wine (e-mail me back to claim it!).

Anyway, on with the news...

  • Fashion Show Formal
  • Welfare Film Night
  • Jazz Cafe/Twisted
  • Open Exec
  • Live Lounge
  • Travel Bursary Presentation
  • Malibu Vibe
  • Fashion Show
  • JCR Meeting
  • Quiz Night 
  • Dine, Wine, Debate

 

 

Fashion Show Formal

If you're lucky enough to have got a place then this Tuesday is the Fashion Show Formal, liver's in watch out for Early Tea... and even if you didn't make it onto the formal pop down to the JCR after 9pm for a disco courtesy of James "King of Cheese" Reevell .

Welfare Film Night

As part of "Gonnorrhoea Tuesday" Welfare will be screening 'Philadelipia', a powerful Tom Hanks movie about HIV/AIDs at 8pm in the Patterson Room. 

Jazz Cafe / Twisted

If you've not already had enough Jazz this weekend, you can checkout Trev's Jazz again this Tuesday at Jazz Cafe down at the DSU. If you fancy a relaxed and sophisticated evening then this is for you, see here for more information.

If Jazz isn't quite your thing, and you like something a little more hardcore then "Twisted" is going on at the same time also in the DSU, with your fill of electro, dubstep and DnB for the week. See the facebook for more.

 Open Exec

This Wednesday there is another Open Exec Meeting, this is basically a chance to come along and watch what goes on in an Exec meeting. This week's agenda is available here (sorry Sam , who has just sent out an E-mail saying it won't be available until tomorrow) and includes the JCR Budget 08/09 which will be approved in the meeting, and discussion about the controversial issue of daily newspapers.

Live Lounge

After Open Exec pop down to the JCR for some live jazz, funk and soul provided by Music Committee. If you'd like to play, drop Moray MacDonald an email on moray.macdonald@durham.ac.uk

Travel Bursary Presentation

This year's Travel Bursary Presentation Evening will take place on Thursday 27th November at 8pm in the Ustinov Room. It would be great to have as many students along as possible. You'll hear short talks from some of the Van Mildert students who were awarded bursaries last year and they will show photos and explain where they went and what they did. There will, again, be free wine and nibbles provided so please come along. If you are thinking of applying for a travel bursary next year you are strongly recommended to attend this evening to find out more. 

Malibu Vibe

Inspired by Malibu's vibrant spirit and Caribbean origin, Malibu Vibe is coming to Durham...as part of an epic countrywide tour...! Pirates, beach wear, reggae wear and a unique clubbing experience!

On Thursday November 27th, the DSU will be transformed into a place of exciting Caribbean energy, with great music, soundclashes, beatboxing, cocktail flaring, danceoffs and more. Tickets are £4 from the DSU shop. For more details see the facebook .

Fashion Show

Tickets are on Sale from Monday for this year's Charity Show (which takes place on Saturday)

Tickets are £12 VIP or £7 standard.

They'll  be available all of this week outside the dining hall at lunchtimes (12.00 -1.15) and dinner times (5.30 - 7.00) so you really have no excuse if you live in...
and if you live out.... watch this space as we may be selling them at the dsu in the next few days.

The show promises to be even bigger and better than the last one with live music, dancing and heaps of fashion.... get your tickets fast to avoid disappointment!!!

JCR Meeting

This Sunday at 6:30pm in the Bar will be the third and final JCR Meeting of Term, which will include hustings for the upcoming elections (any candidate's name look familiar?) look out for an agenda coming soon.

Quiz Night

Sunday is Quiz Night in the Bar. Standard.

Dine, Wine, Debate

Durham's Wine, Dine and Debate Society would like to invite you to their first event, a black tie Christmas Dinner on December 1st at Oldfields. James Ramsbotham will be their guest speaker. 

This event costs £18 for two courses or £21 for three (both including a large glass of wine) and will be held at Oldfields (voted "Restaurant Of The Year 2007"). It is an unrivalled opportunity to hear one of the North-East's most influential figures at a fraction of the normal cost - an event like this in London would cost upwards of £60!

To book your places please reply to this email (dine.wine-debate@durham.ac.uk) and put your cheques (payable to "Dine, Wine and Debate Society") in the Dine, Wine and Debate Society pidgeon hole (bottom right) in the DSU. We also welcome group bookings, so get your friends together and book a table!

 

Right, I think that's about enough for this week,

Paul x

 

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1Jan/700

This Week...

Evening,

I always feel my e-mails are somehow less exciting than everyone elses, I don't have eyegrabbing titles like "Sex with Toasties", nor do I have competitions or disguise rainbows in my e-mails... Well... is that a good thing? Should we make e-mails more fun? Should there be less of them? More of them? You tell me!

The e-mail system we've been using this term is completely new, a bespoke piece of software built by our very own webmaster based on the feedback you all gave me last term. Has it hit the nail on head though? Is there anything we could do to make it better? Screw the system, what do you think about the content of e-mails? Are you still getting too many e-mails, too few e-mails, too many irrelevant e-mails, e-mails you don't care about, e-mails you really enjoyed, e-mails from your mum? Tell us what's hot and what's not, the only way we can sort that little thing that always annoys you is if you tell us what it is. So, if you have any thoughts, compliments, complaints, concerns or ideas about college e-mail please reply to this message and let me know (alternatively just reply and say hello, I'm still awake and honestly I'm a bit bored). I'll jump on board this "free wine" bandwagon too, and randomly select one person from the replies and award them a free bottle of wine (or non alcholic beverage of their choice).

Anyway, that little meander aside... what's going on this week?

  • Jazz Night
  • DUCK Bingo
  • Formal
  • The Crucible
  • DUCK Debate
  • Stand up Night
  • Careers Dialogue
  • Bombay Ball
  • SCA Jazz Event

 

 

Jazz Night - Monday

This Monday Music Committee bring you another night of quality live music in the JCR. For more information contact Jamie Wesley .

DUCK Bingo - Monday

8:30pm in the bar DUCK are putting on a night of bingo as they wrap up DUCK weekend. Donations are welcome, but you'll be able to use the bar without having to play.

Formal

Don't forget this Tuesday is a formal, so that means early tea, late bar opening, and an awesome DJ set in the JCR from 9:00pm.

The Crucible

Arthur Miller's classic parable of mass hysteria draws a chilling parallel between the Salem witch-hunt of 1692 - one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history, and the McCarthyism which gripped America in the 1950s. The story of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice, culminating in a violent climax, is a savage attack on the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations.

St. John's 'Bailey Theatre Company' invites you to one of the most exciting, fiery and chilling productions to hit the Durham theatre scene this year. Come alone if you dare or bring all your friends!!! Spread the news because tickets will sell quickly!

19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd November -- 7.30pm

Leech Hall
£4.50 / £4.00 (DST)

Email e.f.matthews@dur.ac.uk to reserve tickets or for more information.

DUCK Debate

Which charity do you think should receive the most money from DUCK weekend?

YOU rasied the money
YOU donated the money
YOU can decide where it goes
6 charities
6 donations
1 debate

Wednesday 19th November, 8.30pm, Debating Chamber, Palace Green. Free to all students.
With drinks reception and Charity Fair in 24's. Free drink for everyone that attends.

Featuring Cancer Research UK, The Mayor's Appeal & British Heart Foundation.

Stand up Night

This Thursday witness the first night of Mildert's very own stand up comedy club. 8pm in the JCR. It will be funny, I promise.

Careers Dialogue

This Saturday is the annual Mildert Careers Dialogue - there'll be representatives from teaching, marketing, environmental stuff, publishing, postgraduate studies, construction and more. Turn up and have a chat to some of the graduates who are coming up to talk to you. Please do pop in as they are giving up quite a bit of time to be up here, and it would be great for them to talk to as many people as possible. 11-4pm in the JCR.

Bombay Ball

The Bombay Ball is a fundraising event which raises funds for the Shanthimalai research and development trust in India. For this purpose the organizing team of the ball has so much at stake to bring you an unforgettable night of donation!

Dive into India's mystical heritage by listening to stories from the Mahabarata and Ramayana and join in the conversation about India's contemporary socio-economical developments. Get mesmerized by multicultural performances! Indian dance, Capoeira, Belly Dance and Taekwondo. Not to forget our own heritage, render homage to the folk society!

Taste the spice of Indian regional classic dishes provided by your favorite Indian restaurants in Durham: Capital, Shaheen's, Spice Lounge and the Raj Pooth!

Mingle with the others and dance under the rhythm that the DJ will set mixing western and Indian grooves.

It will not be a black tie event so, dazzle your friends and come in an Indian inspired dress!

This event is taking place at Van Mildert but is not a JCR affiliated event. Tickets are on sale from the DUCK office and DSU shop. For details see http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=33325978150

SCA Jazz Event

SCA would like to invite all to our upcoming jazz night on Sunday 23rd November at 7.30pm in Mildert JCR. It's going to be chilled night where you will be able to sample some of Durham's best student musical groups, including 2 Mildert Bands as as well as Kinky Jeff from Hatfield, Aidan's Barbershop Quartet & Trev's Jazz. In addition to all the musical entertainment we will be providing a free buffet, a bar service and a raffle prize draw.

Tickets for the evening are priced at £4 with all proceeds going to SCA. 

 

 Thats all for this week... have fun x

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1Jan/700

Reports of Officers: Secretary

Since the last meeting I've been doing lots of paperwork... Exciting...

Apart from catching up on some minuting and sending my usual social bulletins I've mostly been working on event organisation. In order for the brilliant events that Social Committee, Arts Committee, etc organise to take place a lot of behind the scenes work has to go on; booking rooms, organising PA equipment, informing college about the event, meeting legal requirements, ensuring health and safety measures are in place and so on. I've been reviewing those policies and procedures with other JCR officers and with College and University staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I've also started putting more information about event organisation on the website, so anyone interested in running an event knows how to get started.

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