Societies

Amnesty International

Downing’s Amnesty International society organises activities within College to promote human rights worldwide, giving an opportunity for students to become aware of international issues and to gain experience of running campaigns. The core activity we run is a weekly letter-writing session when letters are sent to governments around the world, raising concerns over specific allegations of human rights in individual cases. We also run campaigns on a variety of issues, from small-arms control to violence against women. Activities range from putting-up posters and running a College stall, to spending a few hours in a real cage on public display on King’s Parade in protest at the illegal incarceration of prisoners of conscience. Everyone is very welcome to take part in this informal and friendly group - the level of involvement is up to you, and no previous experience is needed. For those with an organisational streak, there is ample opportunity for using your talent. It is fun, and most importantly, it works!
Contact: Emma Victoria Ramsay (er331) or Thomas Leather (tnl23)

Astronomical Society

The College owns a telescope which gives superb views of the moon and the planets. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the rings of Saturn or the craters of the moon with your own eyes! No previous experience or scientific knowledge is necessary - just look through the eyepiece and be ready to be amazed. Keith sets up the telescope near the Chapel on occasional evenings when there aren’t any clouds in the way. If you’d like to receive emails letting you know when this will happen, just email Keith (kje11@cam.ac.uk) and ask to be added to the Astronomical Society email list.
Contact: (kje11)

Blake Society

The Blake Society promotes art subjects within Downing and aims to provide intellectual stimulation and social interaction for its members in a range of events throughout the year. Any member of the College is eligible to join, regardless of the subject they take. Last year, the society was resurrected and hosted a number of successful events; including a Cocktail Party and the Member’s Annual Dinner which was attended by the Patron of the society, famous author and illustrator and Downing alumnus; Quentin Blake. With the recent opening of The Howard Theatre, Downing is truly The Up-and-Coming College for arts and the society hopes to facilitate students to get involved, and most importantly have some fun during their time here. Contact: flt20

Chapel

Whilst perhaps not a what would usually be called a 'society', the chapel is the spiritual hub of the college and welcomes all, regardless of their individual beliefs. It is open for several hours a day and provides a place for quiet reflection and prayer, along with a piano which may be booked for practice at certain times. The chapel is also a focus for music in college, and is often used as a concert venue.
Website

Chapel Choir

DCCC- Downing College Chapel Choir has just returnedfrom touring the east coast of America! The choir meets 2/3 times a week and performs a weekly evensong with a Formal after if you sing.
Contact: Dean Patrick Ryan (dr340)
Website

Christian Union

Downing has a very active, open and friendly Christian Union, with many talks and discussion sessions throughout the terms. Everyone is welcome. We’ll also be running a Christianity Explored discussion (with free food) for those wishing to take a questioning look at the Christian faith. Please send us an email with any questions you may have, we would love to help you get involved.
Contact: Hannah Metcalfe (hm402)
Website

Cranworth Law Society

The Cranworth Society is the largest student-run college Law society in Cambridge. All undergraduates studying Law are automatically members, and the society is very active throughout the year. Highlights include a sponsored day trip to London, our annual moot against Magdalene, fancy dress formals and Cranworth Annual Dinner, for which our guest speaker this year was Shami Chakrabarti. The society also provides many opportunities for undergraduates to meet barristers and solicitors in an informal setting to talk about career paths and further study.
Contact: Rosemary Stefaniuk (rjs219) or Christopher James Douglass (cd413)
Website

Danby Society

This is the society for anyone studying Natural Sciences, Computer Sciences, Maths or Engineering. We organise all sorts of events throughout the year from talks to many social events. We arrange about two talks per term and they are always really interesting; a great way to learn about new, exciting and diverse things. We have loads of social events for you as well to meet other scientists and just have fun. So look out for all the Danby dinners, quizzes, garden party and much more throughout the year.
Contact: Anna Elizabeth Herlihy (aeh63)
Website

Dance Society

Downing Dance is a relaxed society where you can learn new genres of dance and have fun. We meet weekly and dance! It's fully student run and if you have any previous experience then join in the teaching. However, no experience is necessary!
Contact: Phoebe Biddulph (pob23)

Downing Dramatic Society

We are the student-run theatre society here at Downing College, Cambridge. After a few quiet years, the Downing Drama Society has been revitalised by the brand new state-of-the-art Howard Theatre. The theatre was officially opened in March by world-renowned theatre director Sir Trevor Nunn, who is also an alumnus of Downing. Anyone can be a member of Downing Drama. We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals. If you are interested in any drama-related area (including things such as lighting, costumes, publicity and others, alongside acting) we’d love to hear from you.
Contact: Saul Alexander Yentis Lass (al521)
Website

Maitland Historical Society

A social society for undergraduates, graduates, and fellows of Downing. We have two talks by guest speakers followed by formal hall each term, together with a variety of other events across the year. Last year we heard talks including John Watts on medieval usurpations and Jan-Georg Deutsch on slavery in modern East Africa.
Contact: Lauren Crowe (lec46)

Music Society

DCMS is a great place for Downing musicians to get together and form quintets and small groups. There are performances held in the Master’s Lodge to showcase Downing talent each term.
Contact: Dean Patrick Ryan (dr340)

The Griffin

The Griffin is Downing College’s undergraduate magazine - it comes out once a term and gets delivered directly to your pigeon hole. Best of all, it is free of charge because part of the editorial team’s job is to raise money through sponsorship and advertising. It has everything from juicy College news to high level debates and interesting features. A few new features include a sumptuous centrefold spread of fashion, the latest goss on University Challenge, rugby tour antics, a new agony aunt and much more. We are always looking for new ideas, new writers and help with raising sponsorship in order to make the next issue bigger and better.
Website

Whitby Medical Society

Whitby is the society for all the Medics and Vets at Downing - there are lots of dinners, speakers and events throughout the year,and all Medics and Vets are automatically members. It’s a great way to get to know both pre-clinical and clinical students from all years, and expand on your medical learning...and socialising!
Contact: Deepti Lobo (dml40)
Website

Wine Society

We host wine tastings for our members to scintillate the palate and open the mind to the nuances of flavour! We choose the tastings to cover a variety of grapes and tastes, so sign up and discover how delectable wine can truly be! Whatever your level of experience, do come along and hear our guest speakers, it is certainly not a stuffy or serious gathering, and you will learn a lot. Contact: dpk22
Contact: (ss685)

Yoga

Downing College Yoga is a society which allows you to escape from everyday stresses and unwind, while building up strength and improving flexibility. Weekly drop-in sessions are held with Martin Bond, who also teaches for the Cambridge University Yoga Society. The sessions cater for all levels - whether you’re a complete beginner or practice every day. The relaxed atmosphere and invigorating practice is the perfect way to end a busy day. Sessions are held in the evenings and cost £4.
Contact: Alice Turnbull (akt30)