Leslie Vs Townend: The Verdict

By all accounts the debate between Charlotte Leslie (yay!) and Sam Townend (Boo!)was the first clash between the Bristol North West Parliamentary Candidates, for the Conservatives and Labour respectively.

I for one was surprised at the amount of unity between the two, with both Charlotte and Sam agreeing upon a lot of topics, such as on education as well as on the shambles that has been the governments attempts to maintain data security. I do always ask how hard it is to lose CDs when I think of this...

Anyway, there were some differences in opinion - mainly over the general topic of the debate which was whether Gordon Brown's government is any good (that's putting it in layman's terms but you get the picture). Luckily Charlotte didn't think it was, and well Sam's response was pretty obvious too.

However, although good points were made by both sides, there was no firm result - neither outshined the other to that extent. However, this is the first of many battles that will be had between the two in the coming months and even years ... depending on when Sam's boss finally decides the time is right for an election...

That being said, I agree with Nick Webb's sentiments - there weren't exactly many 'undecided's in the room anyway. Such debates will really make a difference when we can get those swing voters to attend. Getting students to vote full stop is one of our main priorities, getting them to vote Blue is another matter entirely, but again one that we feel we,k as well as all of our Parliamentary candidates in Bristol, can achieve over the coming years.

Social on April 28th

Just to remind you all before you go home (or whatever!) for the Easter vacation, don't forget that the new BUCA Committee is holding its first big social on April 28th.

The start time and venue(s) are as of yet unconfirmed, but it should... rephrase... WILL be a great evening.

Put it in your diaries now!

Debate Tonight!!!

We hope to see a number of BUCA members attending a special debate event, in association with the UoB Labour Club:


THIS HOUSE PROPOSES:'This house has no faith in her Majesty's government'


Surprisingly enough in proposition is a Tory and our very own Charlotte Leslie- PPC (prospective parliamentary candidate) for Bristol North West.

In opposition is Sam Townsend, Labour PPC for the constituency.

It should be a fascinating debate and a really interesting evening watching poor Mr Townsend try and support the government of Gordon Brown.

Hiatt Baker Dining Room
Entry is free and open to all
7.30 debate begins

Hope to see as many of you there as possible for the complimentary wine reception,

We Want Your Feedback

UPDATE: EMAIL QUESTIONNAIRE
Everyone who is on the BUCA mailing list should have received an email detailing our plans for the coming weeks. Possibly the most crucial part of it is the questionnaire at the bottom, which we invited you to reply to. The details are posted below:
Next social event

We are having our first big social next term on the 28th April but as ofyet are unsure of what we want to do.
Therefore would you be kind enough to fill in the following (very short)questionnaire?

1. What sort of socials would you like to see in the coming year?-please select as many as are applicable.
a) bar crawls/clubbing
b) wine and cheese tasting#
c) casual drinks
d) dinners – Sunday Roasts?
e) formals
f) activities (e.g. shooting, ice skating etc)
g) lunches
h) singles nights
*if none of these options appeal to you please suggest an alternative*

2. Why do you rarely (if ever) attend events?-please select as many as are applicable.
a) you don’t know anyone there
b)frankly underwhelmed by those that you have met thus far
c) socials are inconveniently timed/located (if so please suggest more appropriate dates, times and venues)
d) you didn’t join the society for social reasons and thus would prefer events that are more informative and political
e) you have no interest in participating and/or networking and are unsurewhy you bothered to join and pay £5 for the privilege

3. What sort of ‘political’ events would you like to attend?-please select as many as are applicable.
a) talks by MPs
b) talks by local candidates
c) talks by Shadow Ministers
d) inter-party debates
e) general political discussion between student members

4. Do you have an interest in participating in campaign days?
a) yes but they are at awkward times
b) yes but the location is problematic - have no idea where 5, Westfield Park ( the local campaign headquarters) is
c) no because I am too busy
d) no because they are a waste of my time/ are boring – too many old people
e) yes and I will perhaps attend in the future

5. What else would you like to see….?-please select as many as are applicable.
a) more advice, and promotion of opportunities to gain work experience with MPs, Shadow Ministers etc.
b) better advertisement of the society and its events
c) more opportunities to get involved in the society (e.g. having a role in the committee)
d) more frequent events
e) less frequent events
f) other (be SPECIFIC)

If you didn’t recieve the email, contact the committee.
Or simply send your answers to the above questionnaire to si7908@bristol.ac.uk

Caroline Spelman tonight

Don't forget that the Caroline Spelman reception is tonight at 6pm, at 5 Westfield Park.
The new committee looks forward to seeing some of you guys there!