Grand final, Chair's retirement & next year's executive - News update

Here is an update on this week's important developments in the society...

Bartle, Dudley, Neibig and Larke confirmed as Grand Final '08 participants
We can now confirm that James Bartle MYP, Laurie Dudley, Saskia Neibig and David Larke (in order of league placings) have broken to this year's Grand Final debate, for which the motion is yet to be announced. Following a 5 votes to 4 win over Ewan Gibson and Andy Burdis in today's debate on the Royal Family and with the Judge's bonus point, James moved to first in the league table. The cancellation of next week's debate means Saskia Neibig will be unable to move James from the top spot and this week's league positions will be the final ones for the year. A copy of the final league positions can be found here.

Cancellation of next week's Zimbabwe debate
The debate on the motion 'This House believes we should intervene in Zimbabwe', scheduled for 12th June, has been cancelled due to a planning meeting for the Grand Final the following week.

Laurie Dudley announces his resignation as Chair
Laurie Dudley, the Society's Director of Communications has announced his resignation from the position of Chair. Society President, James Bartle, formally received Laurie's resignation this afternoon. Laurie is retiring from the position after holding it since the start of the academic year. He succeeded James Bartle to the position in September having previously served as Vice-Chair. A full copy of his retirement letter to society members can be found here.

Next year's Committee announced
After a meeting of the Social Committee this afternoon, the composition of next year's Executive Committee received its final approval next year. The Committee has undergone a significant reshuffle following Laurie Dudley's retirement from the Executive. Adam Thompson and Sam Hunt both rejoin the Committee following their departure last year. Adam becomes Vice President and Sam becomes the Committee's Assistant. David Shepherd remains Vice-Chair whilst Amy Maughan becomes Treasurer. James Bartle remains as President. The new Committee will be formally elected in the coming weeks and will take office on 1st August.