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 runs 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: Tristan Farrow (tf243)

Astronomical Society

The Thomas Rymer telescope is available for the use of all college members on the paddock and is easy to use with a computerised object location system. The Astronomical Society exists to promote the use of telescope, training individual users and providing occasional group observation evenings.
Contact: Keith Eyeons (kje11)

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

Contact the Senior Organ Scholar, Mark Browne (mcb56) to sing in the college choir. They meet on Tuesdays (7-9 pm) for a rehearsal and on Thursdays and Sundays for services (choral evensong) in the college chapel (Thursdays - 5.15 rehearsal, 6.30 service; Sundays - 4.15 rehearsal, 6.00 service). Perks include free Formal Hall on Sundays, as well as free singing lessons and the usual socials. They have recently recorded a CD and completed a highly successful tour to Canada and the USA, visiting Montréal, New York State and Vermont. Plans are afoot for a performance of the Durufle Requiem, visits to cathedrals in both Michaelmas and Lent terms, as well as a summer tour to Europe in 2008.
Contact: Mark Browne (mcb56)
Website

Christian Union

Downing College CU is part of the Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union, which exists to make Jesus Christ known to students in Cambridge. We meet each Wednesday to pray and to study the Bible. We believe it is important for us as Christians together in Downing to be encouraging one another so that we and those around us can learn more about Jesus Christ.We will be going away as a group just before the start of term, and you are very welcome to join us and get to know other Christians in Downing. Email us for more details if you are interested. We will also be meeting for breakfast on the first couple of Sundays of term, and we'd love to see you there.
Contact: Stephen Booth (swb27) or Steven King (sdk32)
Website

Cranworth Law Society

Academic and social society for Law students - usually gets in touch with all Law students directly.
Contact: (aew45) or (acmk2)

Danby Society

Academic and social soceity for scientists, engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists. They hold one or two talks per term, along with a quiz, garden party, annual dinner, and formal swaps and seminars. There is also an annual Freshers' Meal. Please see their website for more details.
Contact: Sonya Pemberton (srp39)
Website

Downing Dramatic Society

DDS is a highly active college drama society, with regular productions and social events. Recent productions have ranged from an adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice,' to the Ancient Greek play 'The Clouds' by Aristophanes. Last year's annual Cabaret included comedy sketches, musical acts from solo singers to bands, from barbershop to punk rock, dance and stand-up we look forward to see what this years will bring. We also do an Annual Freshers' play so that the Freshers get an introduction into dramatics at Cambridge without too much pressure, last years rendition of "Dave and the Noodlestalk" was an outstanding success. Advertisements appear in Varsity for applications to direct every term and DDS is always looking for new and exciting student drama. To become a member of DDS (which is free), and receive regular emails detailing auditions, productions and social events, or if you have any interesting ideas for future productions.
Contact: (bl240)
Website

Jazz Band

Downing Jazz is a light swing combo, although they dabble in most areas - classic jazz standards to more modern fusion numbers, via swing, jazz ballads etc. The ensemble is currently 3 clarinets, 2 trumpets, 4 alto saxes, 2 tenor saxes, piano, bass, drums, and vocals. They rehearse on Monday evenings.
Contact: (mwp24)

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: (rsr30)

Music Society

Downing College Music Society consists of a large number of who wish to be involved in performing music in and around Downing College . It consists primarily of an orchestra of varying size (depending on the genre performed) and a chorus who join the orchestra for larger scale works. Concerts made up of performances by the orchestra and chorus take place at the end of Michaelmas and Lent terms. In addition to this, soloists are given the opportunity to perform as part of a programme of recitals which are hosted by the Master in the Master's Lodge. Entrance to the Master's lodge recitals is free and refreshments are provided by the master afterwards. Anybody is welcome to participate in events organised by the society, regardless of ability or experience.
Contact: Mark Browne (mcb56)

The Griffin

Downing's student magazine. The latest issue is now out, and on the web - contact the editor (via the website) if you're interested in writing for it.
Website

Theological Society

The new Theological Society meets on Tuesday lunchtimes at 1 pm in O8 to discuss a variety of interesting theological questions. All are very welcome. Bring your own sandwiches, but drinks and cakes will be provided. More information can be found on their webpage.
Website

Whitby Medical Society

Society for medical students - runs talks, social events, and provides a point of contact for anyone with worries with respect to the course.
Contact: Catherine John (cj261)
Website

Wine Society

The wine society is open to all members of College. It is a friendly and informal group whose primary purpose is to enjoy wine and to help new wine tasters get the most from their wine drinking. It is definitely not a stuffy or over-serious group - the accent is on learning about wine and enjoying wine. Whatever your level of experience, from complete novice to experienced wine-taster, come along to one of our wine tastings and see what you think. Guest speakers often include experienced wine buyers from local wine merchants.
Contact: Shamir Shah (ss685)

Yoga

Weekly beginner’s classes in Hatha Yoga. All welcome, mats and equipment provided. Classes are taught by Martin Bond and cost £3.
Contact: Ritika Agarwal (ra303)