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College societies
Audio Visual Society
Senior Treasurer: Maureen Thomas
The Audio-Visual Society (CCAVS) aims to give college members the opportunity to use audiovisual media as a means of expression and communication. In 2009/10, Churchill acquired a range of video equipment, so that in addition to the microphones, PA, mixing desk and other audio resources belonging to CCAVS (located in our studio), we now have access to miniDV cameras and location recording equipment, as well as a blue screen, film lamps, dolley and tracks, and editing suites, in college. These can be booked out by members of CCAVS qualified to use them, from the Audiovisual Technician, Tim Cooper (office above the Library). The Society holds hands-on induction workshops for those interested in qualifying themselves to handle the moviemaking equipment, focusing on how to interpret and communicate content as effectively as possible. CCAVS, which works closely with the Music Society, also supports appreciation of AV equipment, especially vintage synths, several of which are currently on loan to the Society.
For more information and advice, or to join CCAVS, e-mail ccavs@chu.cam.ac.uk. You will be informed of events via the society's mailing list, and become eligible, on request, to book out and use Churchill's audiovisual resources and facilities.
Some helpful basic books:
- Block, Bruce A. 2007. The Visual Story - 2nd edition - Boston: Focal Press.
- Katz, Steven D. Film Directing Shot by Shot. 1991.
- Rabiger, Michael. 1996. Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics - 2nd edition - Boston: Focal Press.
- Rabiger, Michael. 2009. Directing the Documentary - 5th edition - Boston: Focal Press.
Check out CELTX scripting/storyboarding freeware.
Ballroom & Latin Dance
The Churchill college Dance Club formed in 2008 to encourage social dancing in Churchill. We meet Saturday evenings to practise a range of ballroom and Latin dances in an informal environment, favourites include cha, jive, waltz and rumba. All levels of experience are welcome – no need to worry if you've never danced before, we'll show you what to do one step at a time. Refreshments are provided during sessions.
We also take responsibility for entering entering a dance team for Cuppers - the intercollegiate competition. Churchill was the best represented college in 2009, and we are keen to improve our performance. To take part you don't need to be a regular member of the club, just let us know you are interested in representing college. Conversely, there's no pressure to compete if you don't want to.
If you are interested, please subscribe to our mailing list.
Senior Treasurer: Sebastian Bianchi
Christian Union
The Churchill Christian Union meets on Wednesday nights for Prayer and Praise, and there are various other smaller meetings over the week, for prayer, Bible study and a general chat! We're also part of the University-wide Christian Union, and get involved in the different churches throughout Cambridge.
Senior Treasurer: Dr Phil Gaskell
Churchill Spring Ball Committee
Our biggest party of the year and you get some attractive T-shirts for working and planning.
College Rag
For news of whats happening in Churchill Rag and on the University level, have a look at the Rag Noticeboard (next to the Green one). RAG is all about raising money for charity, and enjoying yourself! There are loads of collections for various charities happening both in and out of Cambridge at least one every weekend and it's well worth giving up just an hour or two to raise some money. If you can't make these - how about the Rag Tours this holiday? Spend a few days at the end of term with fellow Rag raiders hitting towns around the country - do come along!
Engineering Society
All engineering students and fellows are members of this society. The society holds talks and visits to encourage further interest in engineering and engineering discussion outside of the tripos. It is our aim to hold at least one major event each term, as well as socials.
Senior treasurer: Dr Chris Hicks
GODS/Drama
The GODS are the Churchill College Dramatic Society. With anywhere between 20 and 50 active members, we organise and produce at least one full production a term as well as frequent staged readings and more informal productions. At present, we have access to both the full-size and professional-quality Wolfson Theatre and the smaller and more intimate Recital Room, both here at Churchill College. Our aim is to provide as many opportunities as we can for both serious thespians and those who just want to get up on stage in front of an audience.
Senior Treasurer: Mr Tim Cribb
History Society
Senior Treasurer: Dr Alan Strathern
Law Society
The Law Society is run with a view to providing career-oriented socialising for the relatively small grouping of law students in Churchill. The typical event is a Law Presentation dinner, which larger City law firms sponsor in an attempt to attract job applications from the cream of Cambridge. Non-law undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in the law are also most welcome to attend. This convivial but useful format is taken one step further with the Society's showcase Annual Dinner, when Supervisors, alumni and distinguished guest speakers also attend. Organisiation for this event is ongoing throughout the academic year, in contrast to the Presentation dinners, which are arranged on more of an ad hoc basis.
Senior treasurer: Professor Matt Kramer
Medical and Veterinary Society
There are approx. 40 medical and veterinary students in the society. As a study-related society we arrange visits at departments, freshers events and emphasise the network with students across the study years. The membership is free and social events are paid for as they take place - all events are optional. We have an email list of all vet/medic members of college.
Senior Treasurer: Dr Barry Kingston
Music Society
We are one of the college's largest and most inclusive societies, drawing our membership from students and staff at Churchill who share a common interest in music. The society regularly stages concerts in our purpose built Music Centre which was opened in 2007 and is one of the best music facilities in Cambridge!
The Churchill Choir is the central ensemble of the society and it enjoys singing a varied (and sometimes completely random) mix of music. We like to give everyone the opportunity to conduct the choir, and many students have seized the opportunity to learn to conduct in a friendly atmosphere.
The Music Society also hosts concerts given by visiting professionals and in addition liaises with other music societies to organise larger ensembles such as the 'Orchestra on the Hill' which Churchill musicians play a big part in.
There are many other music groups at Churchill ranging from sacred music groups to rock bands and the Music Centre is kitted out for these ensembles with various amps, a drum kit and other electronic and acoustic instruments including a grand piano and harpsichord. Recording equipment for the Music Centre's studio is also available. Music at Churchill is well supported by the College and instrumental and vocal bursaries are available to any Churchill student who is keen to take part in ensembles and concerts.
Senior Treasurer: Dr Mark Miller
Text and Thought Society
This Society is dedicated to a decelerated and reflective study of texts; a close reading, a detailed study and constant discussion/discourse open for everybody.
'the text creates sense, the sense creates life' (Barthes 1973: 54)
We meet Fridays at 1.15 in the CafeProject, in 22 Jesus Lane.
Visual Arts Society
For more information, visit the Visual Arts Society website or the Visual Arts Facebook group.
Winston
Winston is the student paper for members of JCR and MCR. You will have to fight to become editor, it gives very good CV points. For more information see our home page.