1 : Eastbourne Conference 2011
2 : 250 Anniversary Activities
The Eastbourne Conference - 28-30 October 2011
"Developing Debate"
Following upon the widely acclaimed success of the conference that was held in November 2010, a speakers’ conference is to be held over the weekend of 28th – 30 October. It is open to members of:
Central London Debating Society
City of London Society of Cogers
City of Westminster Society of Cogers
Ware Society of Cogers
Sylvan Debating Society
Partners, friends, and anyone with an interest in forming and expressing opinions are also welcome to join us.
The conference will be held at:
Alexandra Hotel
King Edward’s Parade
Eastbourne BN21 4 DR
This is a charming traditional Victorian seafront hotel. It is independent and family-run, and proved very popular last year. Further details can be found at http://www.alexandrahotel.mistral.co.uk/
The Purpose
The conference will aim to achieve the following:
- To provide an enjoyable occasion that will nurture understanding, co-operation and friendship
- To provide workshops to improve individual skills
- To rekindle enthusiasm for public-speaking and debate
The Programme
Full details of the programme are still to be decided. Meanwhile the provisional structure is as follows:
Friday evening
Arrival at the hotel. (Informal discussions, finalisation of details of Saturday’s debates, chatting at the bar, etc)
Saturday
Breakfast
09.00 -11.00 – Cogers Debate
11.00 -11.30 – Coffee break
11.30 -12.30 – Workshop
12.30 -13.30 – Lunch break
13.30 -15.30 – CLDS-led debate
15.00 -15.30 – Coffee break
15.30 - 17.00 – Workshop
Evening – Dinner in the hotel. (Entertainment, programme etc being considered)
Sunday
Breakfast
09.30 – 10.00 Society Reports
10.00 – 12.00 Sylvans Debate
12.00 Closure
The Cost
The hotel’s tariff can be seen on their website. Their winter rates (per person per night) range from £33 to £40, depending upon whether you choose an inland room, a side room, or a sea-view room. This is very competitive, and the hotel has also agreed to give us the use of their meeting-room (which can accommodate up to 60 people) and to provide tea and coffee free of charge.
The three course Conference Dinner in the Saturday evening costs £20.00. So assuming that you stay for two nights, the cost per person including the Dinner should be around £100.
Note too that a snack lunch (sandwiches, crisps, etc) can be booked for Saturday for £8.00.
Booking your place(s)
The planned maximum number attending is 40 persons, and booking is on a ‘first come – first served’ basis. ** Early booking is strongly recommended*, especially if you require a particular type of room.
To book for the conference and accommodation, you should contact Gwyn Redgers (Cogers Trust) via email (gwyn@redgers.com), via telephone (0208 785 6910) or by post (to Gwyn Redgers, Flat 4, 47 Augustus Road, London SW19 6LW). Please state name(s), contact details and type of room required (i.e. single, double or tiwn, and preference for inland-facing, side or sea view)
A deposit of £20 per person (i.e.£10 per night for 2 nights), should be posted (or given) to Gwyn Redgers. Cheques should be made out to “Cogers Trust”.
2: 250 years of oldest free-speech forum in the world
The Cogers celebrated its 250th anniversary with the following series of events, all held in St Bride’s Institute, Bride Lane (off Fleet Street). This building is opposite the site of the original White Bear Tavern where the first Cogers debate was held in 1755.
Celebratory Reception and Debate
This formal reception was held for Cogers, guests, invited luminaries and representatives of other debating and speaking organisations.
Pictures now on the website
