Minutes of JJCR meeting, 26-02-2006, 20:00

Related files

1. Agenda
2. MfS: TV Card for Leech Hall
3. Motion for Colours
4. MfS: Epiphany Ball
5. MfS: SEC Storage Crates
6. MfS: Web Hosting
7. Motion to enact CRC

Contents

1. Reports
2. JJCR Accounts
3. JJCR Motions
4. JJCR Elections
5. JJCR AOB
6. JHJCR Elections
7. JHJCR AOB

Preamble

Opening Prayer

Read by Miquela.

Apologies

• Alice Manuel

Minutes and matters arising

The minutes were approved on a general aye, there were no matters arising.

Reports

Reports of Executive Officers

JCR President: Roddy Peters

Hi guys, with such a nice turnout I thought it was worth emphasizing that our reports are where you can hold us accountable; please nab us if you want. Went to a seafood disco rave the other week, I pulled a muscle. Alumni reps; I met them to try and get it off the ground; hopefully things are in the pipeline. Hannah and I have met a new stash company to sort out an order. The President’s Banquet was a success, thank you to SEC for organising that. Congratulations to Josh. It was nice to see the old faces of ex presidents. DSU: as part of my mission to cut the crap from DSU meetings I met a few people to go through the standing orders. Jonny will tell you about the resulting meeting. My arch enemy in DSU will be there, if you want to see a fight, come down. I think we came second in the balloon debate. I have a few documents on the way, how to put a production on, how to have a party when living out and sports provision. I will try and get some testimonials for the bish and will advertise shortly. There is a swanky blazer on its way, sign your name up in the bailey room if you want one. Olav is here.

VP: Estates: Jess Caddy

Those of you in Margarets should know, but the door codes have now changed. One problem has been the Bowes TV room, some students have been using it and booking it out. It is not a bookable room. Particularly on a Tuesday children of Cranmer students need to be in there. The Room Ballot is still moving, it is worth checking again and may move after the exec. elections. The next formal is a DUCK formal, I assume DUCK will tell you about that. The Bailey Room will get a refurb. during term time. The bar overspill will get some stools, a table, etc. Look out for those
Rachel James: With regards the Bowes TV room, Sue told me I could book it on Valentines Day. Jess Caddy: That is not a problem, in the future you can’t book it

VP: Welfare : Miquela Elsworth

I hope everyone liked Q week last week, embraced your sexuality. SCR bursaries close on the 5th March. They cover extracurricular things over the summer, speak to myself or Richard Firth. It is worth applying. Incident Report Falls: If you scrape your knee or hurt yourself you need to fill out a small form from the college office. College can figure out DANGER ZONES! Richard Firth can put up more signs.
Roddy: College can’t be held liable if they are not told.
My board will be covered to stop photo trophying. There will be new condom machines. The new EWO husts happening on Monday. The EWO officer will resign early so there will be vacancies in the advice centre. If anyone wants to be trained up in legal, welfare type issues then please come and see me. This is different from Nightline training as you are trained to give advice. Luke McDermott: Where do you get the forms from?
Miquela: College Office

Treasurer: Dan Baxter

Since last meeting I have looked into the possibility of offering binding, it looks like it will go ahead and I will get back to that. My accounts will come up after reports:
Hannah Pearce: Will Binding be ready for the end of term and dissertations?
Dan Baxter: I hope it will be ready be the end of the week
Hannah: Spiral or book? Dan: Spiral

Senior DSU Rep: Jonny Hays

EWO husts take place tomorrow in ER141 at 6:30pm with voting opening at 9:30pm on Wednesday for a week. Lets try and get first place! The change which Roddy mentioned is happening 2pm this Wednesday. Loads of people say DSU meetings are boring, this should aim at making meetings more boom boom bang bang. Next Council is a big one with a lot of positions up for election. Great way to get new skills.

Services Manager: Hannah Sargeant

I don’t have much to say, I have done a big order for the shop and it will be restocked. Like Roddy said, stash order will be coming in a couple of weeks. I will be seeing if Pheonix will do our college and matriculation photos as there were complaints about Academy. I know Cruddas laundry is getting old and tired. I have tried to get them to give the machines a full service or replace them. They haven’t been cooperative. I will keep trying.

Social Secretary: Anna McMullen

We have been selling epiphany ball tickets. I have had to stop selling them as hotel needs final numbers, but if you do want them then see me and I will see what I can do. We are having an Avon meeting next week.

Communications Officer: Rob Reeve

I will keep this short. With just three more weeks to go, the next JCR meeting is in two weeks time which means that the next motion deadline is this coming Friday.

Senior Bar Officer: Tim Quayle

I bought a new card machine for the bar, you will be able to do cashback and pay by card. Setting up new supplier account to have more beers and fair-trade wine. This Tuesday we have Epiphany Warm up, games, drinks, bit of fun. Last Friday of term there will be a Guinness night with support staff – tell parents to pick up late Saturday. Deadline for bar assistants this Wednesday. We only had one applicant for Miss Johns, it is not worth putting on events if no one gets involved, please make this a good one.

Cranmer President: Arun Arora

Thank you for getting ginger beer in the bar (try it with JD) Our elections occur in two weeks time. We are having a Lent event at the end of this term and it is a dry event. Alcoholic events has caused problems with recovering alcoholics, you are invited, likely to involve cheese as we hate Celidhs. Ushaw are also inviting you to another St Patricks Day event. This week will be a hard week for Cranmer. Cranmer spends more money than johns, particularly with staff, as a result a member of staff will be told this coming week they will no longer be required. We will be slightly fragile, your prayers and thoughts will be appreciated.

MCR President: Lisa Mol

One thing, the postgraduate rooms are being used for watching DVDs, this is fine, but please clean up after yourselves. We are going to start making Postgrad handbook soon and if there is info you want in there email me.

Reports of Non-Executive Officers

Senior DUCK Rep: Rachel James

Sam Corry is probably wet shaving his head tonight, everyone is welcome to stay.
Roddy: What is happening about formal sign up?
James Evans: This next week’s formal will be a DUCK formal with money for DUSSK, about £2, not finalised yet. Fancy Dress also.

JJCR Accounts: Dan Baxter

This is a summary of everything spent in 2005. Part I: The money we get from the university, the composition fee. I don’t know why this is down, error on behalf of predecessor. JCR subscriptions was also less. A huge part spent on sports, on budget. Societies get a lot too. Newspapers are a bit above, kept budget for 2006 as looking into getting student vouchers for discounts. Subsidiary allocations is to the other common rooms. Spent about 10000 and got in 8 and a half. Not great but budget said we would get about 10 and a half in. I was working on that budget. Spent about £1500, hopefully sorted more next year.
Part ii is the business side, as you can see BTC getting in more money than spending. Events are happening and making money. Services, last year was particularly high, the figure we have there is very healthy. Worth pointing out that the amount of income and expenditure are both down. This is probably due to merchandise as less orders have happened and sports teams are dealing with the company. Money is not coming in and out. Bottom line very similar. Social events doing infinitely better after hideous loss. JWS doing very well, most of money donated away. Misc. activities is a small loss which is freshers’ week and the Principal’s expedition where not enough was charged for coaches. Surplus is a small loss. This has the bar distribution coming in, did very well last year, we don’t expect it to be as high this year due to events last term. Money was spent on bar overspill. Sponsorship in 2005, no money in whatsoever, no one is doing sponsorship in Johns, involves talking to companies and getting their money. Really useful. Sponsorship have spent the money that came in. Do stand for sponsorship chair if you do want to. Social Events: We have transferred more to social events as college were unable to fund Johns day last year at all. We spent more. Donations wise: from JWS going out. Motions going through like lights and sound equipment added up to a bit more than last year. Bottom line for part ii we, are about 1400 up on last year. Sets the bank balances at about £9000 in part ii and £4000 in part I and about £5000 in savings. All good, not a huge amount, but healthy.
Luke: Why is services down a grand?
Dan: The value in 2004 was unnaturally big, before that it was a small loss and went up £6000 and has now steadied out. Why down? Maybe that merchandise hasn’t been as active and possibly as active.
Ben Harrison: Some 23 laundry expenditure went out this year.
Dan: Laundry set up in late 2004.
I have a full set here which will go on the website at some point.
There being no formal opposition the accounts were accepted on a general aye.

Motions

Motion For Spending: TV Card

Motion text
The motion was read by Roddy Essentially we have this new bit of AV kit. For about £45 if we have a tv card and an ariel we can have a big tv screen. I put up to £50 in case there is a fancy one we can get.This motion was passed by Finance Committee

Motion for colours

Motion text
This Motion was read by Pete HookwayHalf colours are certificates, full colours are ties/scarves etc. This covers what it says. We are including arts this year as well, that will cover all those costs.
Roddy: That figure is £400 more than last year, all the money may not be spent but the number is so high as a lot of full colours are awarded this year. We will try and get a more rigorous procedure in future.
Pete: Now johns is much more of a sporting college
Anna McMullen: Can we add a mandate to ask the sports officer to change the criteria.
Pete: Yeah
Anna: Perhaps there should be a more restricted number and it be a more prestigious award.
Tim Quayle: We have had a good year sports wise. Pete: Rowing colours this year has obviously increased. It might be worth changing sports colours.
The motion was modified to add Resolves 2 “to mandate the sports officer to investigate the donation of full colours.” There being no formal opposition, the motion was passed on a general aye.

Motion for Spending:Epiphany Ball

Motion text
The motion was read by Anna McMullen.
Pete will be chairing the event. Worth noting this is £200 down on last year
Alison Dancer: Given we have just resolved to spend up to 950 on colours and stuff and the Epiphany ball is not always particularly popular I am struggling to justify how we can release over £1000 for this event.
Anna: I think sports teams are important in college and other money can be spent elsewhere. Jess Caddy: The last motion wasn’t about the event, it was rewarding the people. This is just on the event.
There being no formal opposition, the motion was passed on a general aye.

Motion for Spending: SEC Storage Crates

Motion text
Read by Anna
The SEC attic is a bit of a mess, I will buy some crates from Woolworths. I think it is good we are proper stewards and I will create a cataloguing system. It may be less. Tim Quayle: Yorkshire Trading would be a good place to look.

Motion for spending: Web Hosting

Motion text
Read by Josh Heald
This is a motion so we can actually use the website I have been writing over the past year. Give us potential to do things online like formal signup.
Tim Quayle: On behalf of the JCR, we can’t wait to use the website
Roddy Peters: Jess and I put this in our manifestos that we would like to get online formal signup and this will help us fulfil that.

Motion to enact CRC

Motion text
Read by Roddy
We have had CRC over the last 2 years. CRC has to be enacted in every year ending in a 4 or a 9. The last committee invented an MCR and CCR committee. Across the whole there are a few drafting inaccuracies but the point of reform is to cross ts and dot the is. This is to make sure the two work in parallel. This resolves to create CRC for this year. Quick dive in and sort it out. We want to bring it up to date and make it correct. The positions should be manifesto positions, I though it would be good for people to be able to stand in this meeting. To go through and tidy up
Lisa: How much of a say do the presidents get?
Roddy: I am on the committee, chair is, the comms. officer is.
Dan: Only five voting members, 4 reps and chair. Other non voting members can come.
Arun: From the last one there had to be one member of MCR and one member of CCR. They were also voting members. Wouldn’t it be good to have cranmer/mcr people there?
Roddy quoted the constitution.

Elections

Senior DSU Rep

Candidate

• Richard Kelly
• Proposed: Tom Hudson
• Seconded: Mary Sanderson

Husting

I have been a junior rep for a year and almost enjoyed it . Been at a lot of councils and ugms which can be tedious but it has shown me DSU is an important institution. It gives us as a student body a voice with the university. I’ve seen exactly what Jonny has done this year and what my job would entail. I am also the only candidate and I don’t think Ron could do it nearly as well.

Tim Quayle: As you are probably aware the cheese and pickles event was a big success, how would you ensure the future success of events?
It is difficult because I can’t force people to take an interest. I would like to help people realise that people can make a difference and that you can have an effect. I want to show people what they can do.

Roddy: Have you any ambitions for our place in the league table of operation johnification? I would like to see us get more members involved. A lot of positions go up for election at each meeting which can be a great way for people to bolster their CVs.
Tim: Is that why you are standing for this?
Richard: NO! DSU is important, ents, welfare, funds societies, sports teams, contributes a lot outside college life and some people want to get involved in that.
Anna McMullen: Your position also means you would be on exec, what would you bring to exec?
Richard: I’m easygoing, not confrontational. Been on a number of committees eg. CRC last year and rules revision committee in DSU. I can work well in a team and provide an insight into how other colleges would react.
Ben Harrison: Can you think a funny acronym for DSU?
Rickard Kelly: no

Kit and Merchandise Rep

Candidates:

• Craig Hunt
• Donald Spencer

Husting

Craig Hunt: I think I would do this job well, I am very organised, efficient, I like college sports teams and I think I would do a very good job as I have efficiency. I am very good at communication, being at touch with people by email.
Donald: I think this is a very important position, everyone needs something to wear. At moment system is not the most reliable and needs work to bring it up to the position it should be and I am willing to put my time and effort to make it better.
Roddy: Have you any exciting ideas for new lines?
Craig: no, I am willing to accept ideas and work with people and companies for new lines.
Don: After seeing facebook ali needs new pyjamas, perhaps with the johns crest.
Sophie: How would you make it easier for sports clubs to order kit through Johns? Craig: I would firstly get in touch with everyone as new captain and would work closely with them, would collate forms, do the work and keep in touch with them.
Donald: Communication is probably the key. Order forms should be out at the start of each year but not everyone is sure if they need kit so perhaps 2/3 weeks into each term order forms should be out for people. Kit should be back by end of 1st term.
Felix: Will you get Olav Merchandise?
Donald: If there is an enlarged version I may
Craig: If people would think that would be necessary and the mascot doesn’t stand up for itself.

Result

Donald: 40 votes
Craig: 26 votes
RON: 0 votes
Abstained: 17

Sponsorship Chair and Sponsorship Asst.

No Candidates

BEC Publicity Officer

No Candidates

JWS Vending Assistant

No Candidates

Hannah Pearce: Do you get free chocolate bars?
Sally: No I don't think so.

Website Rep

No Candidates

CRC Reps

Candidates:

• Ben Harrison
• Matt Giles
There being no call to hust for either candidate, both candidates were separately taken on a general aye.
• Josh Heald
• Ben Harrison
• Felix Schubert
There being no call to hust, the candidate was elected on a general aye.
• Sophie Godfree
• Rachel James
• Andrew Griffiths
There being no call to hust, the candidate was elected on a general aye.

AOB for JJCR

Roddy: It is very sad we have to lose someone from Cranmer. The decision was not taken lightly. College’s financial position whilst not dire college has to take this step.

Roddy: at the moment at college council this Friday we have 3 student representatives, myself, the cranmer president and we don’t have an mcr position. We can change that at CRC. In the short term Ben Harrison who is the current position holder can’t make the meeting, Thank you for Ben for last term. It might be nice to elect an MCR person in his place.
Roddy: at the moment at college council this Friday we have 3 student representatives, myself, the cranmer president and don’t have the mcr position. We can change that at CRC. In the short term Ben Harrison who is the current position holder can’t make the meeting, Thank you for Ben for last term.
Candidate: Lisa Mol
Proposed: Ben Harrison
Seconded: Ali Parry
There being no call to hust, the candidate was elected on a general aye End of JJCR Meeting at 21:05

JHJCR Meeting

Elections

Assistant Comms. Officer

Candidates:

• Donald Spencer
• Proposed: Tom Bristow
• Seconded: Alice Manuel

Husting

want to help people stay in touch and deliver This Week to St Margarets Garth. I think I am able to do this job quite well.
Richard Kelly: This Week generally includes a crossword and more recently a Sudoku. Are there any particular features you would like to see included?
Donald: My favourite is the crossword but it is mainly up to the Comms officer.

Result

Candidate: 76 votes
RON: 0 votes
Abstained: 7

IT Rep

No Candidates

SEC Secretary

Candidates:

• Lan Rachel Baggott
• Seconded: Tom Cockburn

Result

There being no call to hust, the candidate was elected on a general aye.

VP Estates

Candidates:

• Ali Parry
I think the hardest part of the hust is the introduction, here we go: Good evening fellow JCR members, my name is Ali, sometimes referred to as ‘Ali Bear’ or ‘the short loud one in the corner’ and over the next 3 minutes I will be trying to convince those of you who don’t know me too well why you should vote for me as your next VP: Estates, and for those of you who do know me well, reminding you of the qualities I own making me ideal for the job. As the title implies, there are two sides to the job each equally important, the Estates side refers to general upkeep of communal and personal areas of college and dealing with problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. The role of Vice President is to assist the President, providing input for new ideas, tackling problems and dealing with whatever may arise to ensure that the President is supported. The second part of this job requires a good personal relationship with the president-elect, one which I am proud to say I have after living pretty much opposite Josh last year and also taking Computer Science (which after much discussion we have decided is the coolest degree in the world!) with him. Just so everyone knows.
The most important part of exec is teamwork, being able to collaborate and compromise without taking personal offence is all important when it comes to working with eight other people. I have spent the past two terms proving that I am capable of working in a team through the group work on my course, overcoming problems and sharing burdens with other members of the group. I showed dedication to John’s through my role as a freshers’ rep in 2005, a position which required collaboration with others, delegating and diplomacy and good communication skills. Which are getting better as I am taking elocution lessons with Crudge. I have been devoted to basketball since being at John’s and have basketball captain for nearly a year now, requiring management skills, reliability, commitment and organisation and have represented John’s through pool and darts this year as well. Without enthusiasm for the job no member of exec could perform as well as they do, this is a bit sentimental, but I feel like John’s is my home and I want to make it as picture perfect as possible, so that we as a college can be proud of it, I feel the best way to do this is to commit myself to estates. I have a very good working relationship with the maintenance staff, mainly with Alan Usher through the barbeque society as he was possibly the most dedicated attendee last year after exams. It says a lot about Alan. I have always shown devotion and commitment to all of the positions that I have held in John’s, and those of you who close to me will know that I will put everything I can into exec. Last year I was a part of a team that made a difference on the freshers’ first term, this year I want to be a part of a team that makes a difference to all members of St John’s college for as long as they are here. I would like the think that I have proved myself capable to those of you who don’t know me in the last three minutes and hope that you will vote for me over the following week.
• Lydia Soundy
When I’ve told people I’m going to run for VP:Estates, the first and most common response has been ‘do you realise how much work is involved?!’. I can safely say, having talked to the previous two holders of this position as well as the current assistant, that I am well aware of the amount of commitment this position involves, and I am willing and able to give it what it deserves.
Since about the age of 13 I have balanced academic work with extra-curricular commitments, and particularly in the past few years I have got very used to being organised enough to handle varying time commitments. These have included being in essentially an exec position at school – with a group of 12 girls acting as a head girl, and being heavily involved in various musical commitments, currently in both University Orchestras and DULOG. If I was to get the position of VP:Estates I would drop other activities which would hinder me to make sure I gave the job my full attention and commitment. Those of you who know me well, particularly those who have 630am rowed with me, know if I have a commitment I stick to it with enthusiasm and determination, and give it ultimate priority, whatever that takes.
I have a lot of previous experience for this job. Being on the Student Leadership Team at school involved sitting on various committees and trying to improve the building and grounds of the school for the students, whilst co-operating and liaising with the staff. It also involved meeting with the Head and Deputies on a weekly basis to discuss any issues which had arisen during the week, and meeting with the other girls on a twice weekly basis, much like meetings for exec. More specifically to John’s I have helped set up formal and sat in on House Committee and Catering Committee as well as meeting with the main college officers to discuss how they would like me to take on the role. I thoroughly enjoyed these meetings as they gave me a far larger insight into college, and it gave me an even bigger passion for the job.
I have always been passionate about, and consequently very involved in college, and have made it my priority to build up many relationships within college with staff and students. Until now I have been unable to take on an official position of responsibility in college as I have had University-wide commitments which have been my first priority, and also wanted to be able to try my hand at many different experiences rather than specifying and closing in on one area. This has included attempting to play football and rugby for John’s women, where my ability to boost morale was probably more helpful than my ability to play the sports, and more successfully rowing for John’s women senior four and eight. Over the past year and a half I have grown more and more passionate about John’s, and have tried to be involved in as many different areas as possible. Now, however, I feel I have been given a rounded experience by college, and I want to put something back into the community I’ve taken so much from.
The position of VP: Estates is really more like two positions combined, and I feel I have skills to tackle both. The Estates part is more time consuming, and involves a lot of meetings and much liasing between students and staff. I have already had extensive experience of this both at school as part of the school exec, as already mentioned, and as being head of the staff-student committee with various orchestras. These experiences have honed my skills of diplomacy and combined with my naturally being personable, I feel I would be able to tackle and co-operate with difficult staff members adequately. I also have several ideas for how I could improve life in college and I would love the chance to implement these. My main aim would be to get network connection points in the Library, having spent many hours in there I realise what an advantage this would be. A larger aim would be to implement a wireless network in college, although this may be a slightly more long term plan it would be my main focus.
The position of VP is much more concerned with supporting the President and being part of a team with the rest of Exec, addressing situations as they arise, and I also feel I have skills for this. I lived next to Josh in my first year, and already have a good relationship with him mostly due to my appalling laptop!. I have been very used to working as part of a team both at school, in orchestras, and in sporting teams, and I’m really excited about the prospect of being involved in the inner workings of college, and being able to make it even better than it already is. I would be hugely rewarded by this job both by being able to be more involved in college, and having the opportunity to get to know people I wouldn’t otherwise have met. I would also find it hugely rewarding to attempt to make changes that you want for your college. I hope I’ve been able to show you that I’m the person for this job, I have the experience to do a good job, commitment to see it through and give it all my effort, and enthusiasm to do this with passion. I’ve been given so much by this college, please vote and give me the opportunity to hand something back.

• Katie Wray
I am not here to read out my manifesto, but I will just go through one or two points. I will have the time to do this role. At the moment I balance playing two university and three college sports with a history degree, however if I am elected I will seriously cut down on the amount of sport I do, though I am addicted so I can’t promise to give it up completely!
Finally I understand the separate roles of VP and estates. While this speech mainly deals with the estates side of things I am ready to contribute on issues across the board and support Josh whenever needed.
Right on to the important stuff. I am here this evening to put before you a plan of action. A set of policies for you to vote on. The office of Estates is an opportunity to deliver real and lasting improvements. This is not the role of a passive manager; it is a position which demands ideas and the ability to see them through. While no one wishes to see change for its own sake, maintaining the atmosphere we presently enjoy requires constant effort and progress. It is therefore my intention to use this speech to outline my vision for the forthcoming year and the policy programme I would implement.
Firstly there are many projects and plans I would continue with and push forward. These include renovations to the gardens at the back of 23; interior work on 23 and 28; plans to introduce wireless network throughout college; making more rooms available to students over the holidays; finishing existing works to communal areas and also refurbishments to Margaret’s, making it more attractive to second years.
As you’ve probably realised by now, if I were elected, the gardens would be a major focus. It is such an obvious and easy area to improve and will make such a difference; impressing visitors and making the gardens more enjoyable for us all. I propose to establish a Grounds Committee, chaired by VP Estates. This will operate all year round, but probably be most active in the summer term. They will liaise with the maintenance team, specifically Colin and mainly act as a pair of extra hands when big projects arise, but also having a creative input themselves. The possibilities are endless. They could work on individual projects, such as a specific flowerbed or organise a day for the whole college to get involved. If elected I would definitely like to arrange two such days. One, to collect all the rubbish that has accumulated on the riverbanks and another to honour a man who will be leaving college all too soon.
To commemorate the Bish’s retirement, realising that the Riverbanks project will eventually take-off, I propose a superficial redevelopment of the Principal’s walk. Everyone could be involved as it would mainly involve planting and weeding. I feel that the quiet contemplation and relaxation afforded by a well-maintained garden to be the ideal tribute to a man of just such characteristics. Upon completion the present Principle would be invited to open the garden, unveiling a plaque commemorating the event. Such a development would not only be an appropriate mark of the Principle’s retirement, but also allow college to enjoy an area presently unusable after years of neglect. Another area of the gardens which needs work has been brought to my attention through personal experience. After being burgled in my first term, I now know the importance of security and I plan to do my utmost to improve this on the riverbanks.
It is not only the college grounds which require attention. There are always areas of paintwork within college that need to be addressed and I will continue to encourage these to be done ASAP. More importantly I have noticed the potential to brighten up areas of college, with the simple addition of artwork or different colour schemes. This will replace the feel of one continuous corridor with a series of individualised sections, creating a more homely environment. Some of the presently dead space in corridors could also be adapted to include seating and social areas. For example there is the possibility of a new communal area in 11 south Bailey.
Another simple project which would instantly improve the appearance of college would be the organisation of lost property. Currently this seems to be spread all over college, with a lot of backlog in the JCR flat. I would investigate allocating a room or area specifically for lost property making it easier for those who have lost or found various items. Lost property would then be cleared out at least once a term, unless there were specific requests otherwise, to avoid backlog. In recent weeks many have suggested that Cruddas is worthy of attention. While a superficial redecoration may be in order, the potential for increasing the worth of this building beyond its present limits is slight. The obvious areas for consideration are the drying room and the ergo room. The drying room basically needs a good tidy and the ergo room I propose to turn back into an ergo room, but more on this later.
In contrast Cranmer needs serious attention. Despite its popularity, mainly for the size of its rooms and its quiet location, the bathrooms are basically grotty and in terms of accommodation in college, my focus would be on improving the standards in Cranmer.
Despite having no musical talent whatsoever I do appreciate music and understand its importance here at Johns. I therefore plan to investigate making the quiet room into another music room and moving the quiet room elsewhere. Also I would look into getting a new upright piano for the existing practise room.
The library is a continuing project. We need to clarify the checking out system and whether to go on to the university wide system.
It is our environment which permits us to enjoy the friendly atmosphere for which John’s is renowned. However it must also be encouraged and nurtured. To this end I propose two further polices designed to increase student friendship and involvement.
Due to the charming but confined nature of our estate, it is necessary for many first year students to share rooms. In order to reduce possible friction between roommates and relax the soon-to-be first years ahead of their arrival, I suggest that a chat-room on the JCR be launched. This innovation will allow first years to chat with each other before arrival and possibly decide who they would like to share with. Members of the exec, and fresher’s reps could also be online at appointed times allowing first years to ask questions and alleviate any worries they have. This will have the dual benefit of making the lives of students easier, and reducing unnecessary Estates bureaucracy in the Michealmas term.
The second of my proposals seeks to encourage involvement and friendship. It is well known that I am passionate about sport. College and university sport enables students to meet new people and deepen friendships, however not all are willing or even able to play at this level. I therefore propose to create four houses from the different wings of college to compete against one another throughout the course of the year, with a student elected as house captain to oversee fixtures. It will be in the same theme as the ultimate Frisbee league set up in my first year and girls v. boys netball. It will promote the John’s attitude to sport while revealing those with most talent for the college teams. I have many other plans concerning sport within Johns. Having experienced how painful ergs are, I can fully understand the benefit of doing ergs as a pair and I propose we engage in fundraising to obtain another ergo and turn the ‘ergo’ room back into an ergo room. More importantly I would like to fully investigate the possibilities of obtaining proper sports facilities on college grounds, specifically supporting netball and tennis. This is a very tentative suggestion but I would do my utmost to put pressure on college authorities to achieve it.
Many of my ideas are rather bold and I fully understand the need for fundraising. I have a few ideas in this area, including starting an annual Principals lecture, contacting alumni for donations and having Riverbank litter day as a sponsored event.
This is a programme now and for the future. It is a programme which invites involvement in college life, regenerates disused areas of college, inspires sporting achievement, and reduces unnecessary bureaucracy. My policies are ambitious and farsighted. If elected I will pursue these policies with energy and dedication.

• Questions
Jess Caddy: Could you name one area where you would most like to make difference, how and why?
Ali: Behind the nursery garden, off Cranmer lawn, currently there is a greenhouse and compost heaps, I would love to knock the fence down, sort it out, flag it and put tables there as it is a quiet, out of way area with a beautiful view
Lydia: I think it would be the library, I know a lot of work has been done on it but for example lights have been put in but some don’t turn on. I would have network and computer points. I would like to extend the number of subjects there as it is currently theology heavy
Katie: Gardens would be my main focus, I saw what a difference a small amount of time can make. It would make it a lot more enjoyable in summer.
Siobhan O’Donnell: What do you see as the most necessary skill?
Lydia: I think you need different skills for the different sides. For the VP side you need to be personable and play a part in a team. Estates: you need to be able to get things done and see things through. I can realistically achieve what I say I will do and am committed to doing so.
Katie: as VP you would be mainly supporting josh, dealing with what arises and so you would need to be flexible. Estates: Deal with many types of people, take on ideas, work with them, be diplomatic and represent the JCR.
Ali: To be a member of exec you need to be a team player, collaborate, discuss things properly, lighten the mood as exec. meetings can be serious long and hectic.. Supporting the president is very important.
Richard Kelly: Why do you think you would be good at supporting Josh?
Katie: I like working and meeting with lots of people and because I am good at working within a team I would be good at exec. I am quite flexible so whatever problems arose I could deal with them
Ali: I see him a lot though compsci, I could be supporting and could cheer him up over internet. We are geeks.
Lydia: I would want to take job seriously but not myself seriously. Exec. meetings can need lightening up but you need to get stuff done also . I already have a good relationship with Josh.
Josh: A big part involves big projects around college. These don’t always happen, even with the best of intentions. How would you make sure things do happen?
Ali: Talk to Alan as often as possible, communication with maintenance team about work or generally over a cup of tea.
Lydia: I have a good relationship with college officers, Sue and Alan are great, Alison is harder but can be friendly. The main thing is not being unrealistic, I haven’t put loads on my manifesto so that I can commit to them and achieve them.
Katie: I mentioned a lot of big projects, a lot of things continue over the years and there is a lot in the pipeline already . It is a case of putting pressure on college officers and putting a strategy in place for projects to be carried on.
Alison Dancer: What other positions would you be holding?
Lydia: I am social sec. of orchestral society. In reality this involves buying punch for aftershow parties. I have spoken to the president and if any point I had to choose johns would be first.
Katie: I have no official positions but play a lot of sports, mainly fencing. I would give up most of the sports, but I would be killed if I gave up fencing!
Ali: My only two positions would be loo news and basketball captain which come to an end this term. Pool and Darts are quite flexible, they can always replace me. Otherwise just degree work which is flexible.

Matt Giles: No one mentioned formals in their husts, have you any ideas about formals?
Katie: I would continue with current system, livers out emailing in and possibly improving the menu but the Senior Tutor is already looking at this.
Ali: I would look at themed or fancy dress formals. The problem is the Senior Tutor pays and he is not keen, I would either find an idea he would like to do or start charging a pound or two to have a funny fancy dress formal once a term or something and making sure the electronic system gets going on internet.
Lydia: I have helped set up one formal and the system seems to work well. It is about being organised very early on. One idea if it were popular would be having them on different days as in the first year I could never go as they were on same day.

VP Welfare

Candidates:

• Tom Asher
Hi everybody, I am currently livers out officer and student to student supporter. I believe I am the best person. I am committed and enthusiastic. I have been involved since my first term in welfare with a sensational election to DSU mens officer. I enjoy being a part of Johns. The people make Johns the place it is, I am amazed by the diversity, care and friendliness. I am friendly, approachable and always willing to help. Please look at my manifesto. You will see I have a lot of experience. I was part of DSU welfare exec. committee which is part of the role of Welfare Officer. Colleges get together and pass around ideas, through that I have been involved in many campaigns. I have worked with the womens officer and organised some campaigns, check your balls day, depression awareness, etc. Those campaigns have given me an insider’s view to show how important it is to assimilate information. Often people don’t know what is available. In college I have been a member of the welfare team so am well accustomed to how it works in johns. I’m by no means a professional and don’t have all the answers but would help people to help themselves. With my contacts I can more than guarantee I could pass you to someone with the information. In college I am a conference assistant and work in college over the summer and other holidays and have a very good working relationship with college staff. This means I am around and could keep better continuity. I am doing a Music degree but only do 6 hours a week. I currently sing in 3 choirs and play in 2 bands, if elected would drop down to only 6 hours of this. I am committed to throw myself into the challenge. I do love college, the only way is up, what we have in college is good and well developed but I feel I can build on areas. Informal welfare committee, I feel would give opportunity for welfare team to express what they have to say and tell us all about what they are doing. I meet Miquela but I don’t hear what other people are doing. We can also be a support for each other. It is important students enjoy their time, people will face challenges it is important no one is left standing alone.
• Jeanna Shalkowski
Firstly I think it’s great that for such an important position I’m standing against two other amazing candidates. It is a tribute to John’s and how much we care about our community that we have some very talented, dedicated and experienced people standing. The role of VP: Welfare for the JCR is huge. I know this, and do not go into it lightly-it is something I have been considering and working towards since I arrived. I decided to run at the beginning of this year, and if you ask any one of my friends, they will tell you that my decision has not wavered.
I want to emphasise my desire for continuity. I have seen wonderful work by Miquela and Becky before her, and can only hope that I would be able to do as good a job of continuing the support systems they have set in place.
One of the things I love most about College is its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and I am excited about the prospect of being directly involved in this. College has so much to offer, and I want to help others benefit from it. I hope to convince you that I have the qualities, experience and ability to do this job best.
VP: Welfare is a bit of a balancing act. It requires the skill needed to work in a team with the Exec, the organization and leadership for the Welfare team, and the personal skills for individual contact and support. I have had to work in many teams in the past, and I know the need for unity and a balance of talents – I see many people standing tonight, any of whom I would be delighted to work with. I know Josh and would be honoured to support him as one of his VPs.
I do not view this position as a 9 to 5 job. It is not predictable or conventional. I would need to be available on demand. I can assure you that my door would be open and my phone would be on, and I hope that this would be taken advantage of, regardless of whether I am elected VP: Welfare or not. My involvement in and love for this college and its individuals will not change.
Welfare is not only needed for those round the corner who live in college. I know that living out has its own stresses and issues, and I would aim to provide the same level of information and accessibility to College Welfare as to those living in.
In an ideal world, College Welfare would be self-reliant, with everyone supporting each other to the best of their ability and receiving in return what they need. In order for this to come closer to reality, I want to make training as widely available as interest demands. My experience on the Student2Student support network and as Assistant Welfare means that I have an excellent idea of what the support systems within College look like, how they operate and how important they are. The more trained supporters available, the better. Having a large support network means that it is more likely that if someone wants to talk about something or get information that they will feel comfortable doing so. It is also very important to me to have communication between such representatives to increase general awareness of what is going on in College and how support can be improved.
My experience of Welfare talks and training have enabled me to understand the importance of confidentiality, especially in such a tight-knit college. Without it, people are unlikely to talk to you. I have also had extensive training and experience for youth camps in dealing with issues requiring strict confidentiality.
I have experience in college life and have been involved through the DSU and JCR as a Library rep and Assistant Welfare-I have organisational skills and I have a passion for making your views known and seeing John’s represented. I have the ability to make mature, responsible decisions that will affect your individual and communal welfare. I am excited about the prospect of working with other welfare reps to learn from their experience and do my best to provide John’s with the best welfare a college could have! I have a lot of experience, but I also realise that there is always more to be had-I am open and look forward to further training.
I am fully committed to John’s and recognize the importance of welfare to college. Happiness is crucial for people to make the most of their time at university, and I am both willing and able to contribute my time, energy and past experience to the college to provide an environment in which Johnians can flourish. I promise you that I would throw myself into this role with zeal, passion and enthusiasm.
I feel that I am known around college as an approachable, supportive, empathetic, caring person who is dedicated to seeing people’s views, beliefs and feelings respected and represented. I enjoy listening to and supporting others, and I hope that anyone in college would feel able to come speak to me if they needed to talk. I understand the importance of welfare, and the need to listen to, understand and empathise with views not necessarily my own. Everyone deserves the same respect and access to Welfare. I pride myself in being someone that my friends feel they can confide in and who will listen without judging. I make an effort to be aware of individual situations, and I can be sensitive and supportive. Finally, I urge you to use your vote, and to use it with careful thought and consideration. Finalists, I know that the next Exec will only affect you for a term, but please make your vote count for those who are still around next year! Make sure that your vote goes to who you consider is best for the job, would represent and care for you best, and if you or your friends should need welfare for any reason, who you would be most comfortable talking to. I hope that would be me. Thank you very much.
• James Tyrrell
I love people, people are my life, I don’t have any other commitments than johns (and neighbours). I have the experience: I have done welfare work since 16, in over 25 agencies, Barnadoes etc, internationally and locally. I established a child centre in Sierra Leone. I won’t go through all 25 places! I have experienced the issues: hiv/aids, stis, self harm, suicide, rape, exam stress, identity crisis, berievement, I am happy to talk about any of this. My degree is community and youthwork. The course has taught me so many skills, counselling, laws in welfare issues (eg: If I think anyone will commit a terrorist act I have to pass it onto police) I have to accept anyone unconditionally. I have had to work with rapists and paedophiles and so can work with anyone from johns. I have developed emotional detachment and boundaries and learnt about adapting suitability and know about anti discrimination. I have also done management. This Summer I will become a professional JMC youth-worker. I could charge £20000 if elected but I won’t! I am warm, loyal, enthusiastic, I always have a smile.
I think Miquela has been ace, but I have some ideas. Support for livers out: I would pop around all the livers out houses. I like the freshers and livers out. An anonymous box would be a good idea, possibly also via the website. I would have “What If” leaflets. As a youth and community worker I would have lots of contacts. Free pregnancy testing, a lot of people I know needed one. (I wish it was me, its not me.) I would be in college all the time. More campaigns would be good. More support for international students. During exam period I’d finish all work by 8th May so would be in college all day to be available if people are stressed. Thank you for listening.

Questions

In the position of welfare it would be important to take time out for yourself as it is an intense job, how do you expect to de stress yourself?

James: In all my work I’ve realised this, yesterday for example I went shopping, look at me! I also have “Neighbours” and my friends, I understand the importance of this.
Jeanna: I think it is very important, with assistant welfare I realised how important it was. You need to be able to speak to friends and familiy out of Johns.
Tom: Boundaries are crucial, one of the ways I relax is through musical activities and doing things I want to do purely for fun and put everything else at back of my mind. It is also important that I have friendship groups.
TQ: Can candidates show an understanding of hot welfare topics and how you would deal with them?
Jeanna: Q week has been this past week: It is a very important issue with people expressing and exploring sexuality. I would be there to support such people and put them in contact with people who can help. There are so many important and difficult issues. I view the role as being there to support but not judge people and let people offload.
Tom: We just had q week about exploring sexuality. Through the training I’ve had I’m aware of such gender issues, especially with mens officer work, there are transgender issues and how people associate themselves to society. As livers out officer in the upcoming weeks I would look at carbon monoxide.
James: In welfare there is not one hot topic, everyone has their own issues different days. Different issues are prevalent all the time. Next term it would probably be exam stress.
Miquela: Exam stress is a massive thing, especially fatigue illnesses, how would you combat that in Johns.?
Tom: One thing is that I would want termly workshops regarding time management and would relate in exam period with revision and managing stress levels. Personal level I would have regular office hours to escape from the stress. When you are just sat there it can overwhelm you.
James: Stress and Fatigue not something you associate with Community and Youthwork: The first thing is just being around to talk to people. I would be in college 10-11 everyday so people can during the exams. I learn a lot of techniques to help combat stress. Check people are eating healthy and sleep and are happy.
Jeanna: It is important I am aware and am accessible and people know when I am around. I know how stressful things can get. Making sure people know the resources is important. For many student the most significant part of degree is year abroad – how would you support people and help integrate them back?
James: All my flat are leaving me next year to go abroad. I would email updates, I think also settling back in I would help integrate people back in and support them. I know it is hard to readjust.
Jeanna: It is important that people on a year abroad feel included. Included with things like elections, maybe an internet forum, and when they come back and don’t know who is around get some communication about where rooms will be etc.
Tom: Spending a year abroad, you haven’t left college but a lot of friends have. This is one of the areas is to revise role of year abroad rep and keep them up to date. Perhaps emailing year abroad people This Week and sending personal e-mails. Always nice to hear from Christine and hear how she is doing from This Week etc.
Jess: You have all spoken a lot about welfare, how do you see the VP side of the role?
Jeanna: Definitely a supporting role, specifically for president and also the rest of exec. Really like to get an exec. support network. I realise huge the role of the president and how much they carry.
Tom: I see VP part of role as a supporting position for whole of exec as well. Being friends with all the VP estates candidate and josh, it is important that spearhead all support each other. They need to be there for each other.
James: I will support josh, but I’m opinionated so if I think something is the wrong decision I will be critical and honest. I will support you as well! I’m not just a yes person. I consulted my interviewer in my Durham interview. I would also support the rest of exec. I have managerial experience for that.
Felix: Freshers Week: You are likely to get one or two who won’t cope very well, how will you prepare the team?
Tom: Last summer I was around with the team of freshers reps. I’d like to prepare them for any freshers who are struggling as it is a big step, the first time when people are away from home. I would listen to people and see why they are struggling.
James: I would be there and have a quiet drop in room. I think I have supported the freshers well. I would probably teach the reps different counselling skills, how to deal with freshers who are missing people feeling homesick etc. If someone told me they wanted to go home I would listen and discuss issues and give options.
Jeanna: I think it is important to have spaces and times when people can chill out. Freshers week can be confusing and hectic. Training: It is important that people are aware what is going on. If someone wanted to go home I would let them know I would support them and let them know they could access the senior tutor for help if wanted.
Pete Godden: Seeing as most immediate way someone would be affected by you would be to go to you with a big problem, could the candidates say how they would deal with that?
James: I’ve had to deal with a lot already. I work in different ways, different techniques for different problems, listening, supporting, being confidential, encouragement , willing to get up at any time,
Jeanna: Every individual situation is different. Just being there so they know they can chat. I won’t tell them what I think they should do. They need to be happy with the decisions they can make.
Tom: I think it is true that each situation is different. What is important is you have the confidentiality and the non judgemental parts which means leaving beliefs and faith outside door. Help them to help themselves.
Tim Quayle: Pete Godden can allegidly put a condom on with his teeth. How good are you at manipulating a condom and what are dental dams?
Jeanna: I haven’t tried but I did see him do it. Dental Dams, I can’t give specifics but they basically won’t let anything through. Tom: I was also there and saw him do it. I can blow one up, I’d have to practice. Dental Dams: I am not sure on the specifics but am more than willing to find out
James: I can’t even put one on with my hands. Dental Dams are female contraception that goes in places.
Miquela: Can you give one characteristic that would make you the best welfare officer and also one weakness.
Tom: Empathy. My biggest weakness is getting emotionally attached
James: I have a big heart. My weaknesses, it is ironed out now but it used to be I got too emotionally involved. I got a street kid into a rehab centre but he went back onto street with free choice.
Jeanna: Supportive, best to support everyone. Weakness: I understand where these guys come from, the importance of boundaries. I want to do ideas straight away and it is important to take a step back and prioritise.

Treasurer

Candidates:

• Felix Schubert
Good evening, I’m trying to keep this briefish, firstly please do read our manifestos. My decision to run for this position, I’ve not made lightly. It has been about 14 months since I 1st thought about it. I’ve talked the last two treasurers thoroughly to see if I could commit to and enjoy the position. I’ve proven I can work in a team through freshers week and other Johns positions. I’m a very organised worker doing a science degree which also comes with maths and IT skills and have alot of experience with college staff. I think any exec. position is one which you have to work your way into it, all the positions you have to live up to, you don’t come into the job perfectly equipped, you gain skills as well. Part of that is to cope with the bigger responsibility than previous positions. There are a lot of different aspects, just general treasury things, quicken, VAT, which i’m not 100% on but confident I can fulfil the role once I’m in the position. I want JCR finances to be more see-through, this doesn’t mean people spending lots of money on frivolous things. I mean making people more aware of the influence people can have on their own money. Often points in meetings aren’t entirely clear. Things can get passed to a JCR meeting where things aren’t discussed. I don’t want to stop people spending money on good ideas. I think I’d do a better job than Ron.

Questions

Ben Harrison: How would you make sure the part ii treasures do their jobs properly?
Felix: Communication needs to be good there. In freshers week we got the team to do all they needed to. It’s a case of checking on people, not being bossy and chasing all details but checking work is done by time due and if not find out why.
Tim: One thing concerns me with college positions, is that we seem to just follow the past systems without evaluating which are the best practices. How would ensure we were using the best accounting techniques.
Felix: A good chance to assess the situation is the meeting with other treasures. You can see whether people do things differently and if they are different, why. Any previous inspiration I would take on.
Dan Baxter: Something I have found hard is that sometimes I do my hardest work and no one notices, it is an internal position and you don’t really interact with people. Can you and how would you deal with that?
Felix: I want to do it because I want to give something back to the college, my motive is not that I want people to see what I do. I see the fruits of my work because I do the work, I don’t need others to recognise that.
Dan Baxter: They say that money is root of all evil, how corruptible are you?
Felix: To be blatantly honest, if you really wanted to make personal profit from the system it is not that difficult but hand on heart I think I haven’t done that and wouldn’t do that.
Hannah Pearce A lot of income comes from the bar, services, sec, how would you support the part ii treasurers to maximise their profit and maximise jcr profit?
Felix: We are not purely here to make profit, we also want to spend some money on fun things and also need to keep money for bigger projects. Supporting the Part II treasurers is about communication and looking at how they do their work.
Josh: Part of role means you are much more bound by the JCR and your predecessor than other positions. How would you deal with that?
Felix: The budget as it is set up will run until December next year. Dan has shown us where differences can arise but Dan will be here next year so if any budget problems you know who to blame. If people come up with motions like a hottub, we are a democracy, the treasurer is there to point out potential problems. At the end of the day the JCR decides. The treasurer keeps an eye on accounts. Part I is fixed but part ii is allocated.

Communications Officer

Candidates:

• Will Kemp
I’m a fresher in 11 south bailey. Communication is about personality. Getting the message across. Telling people what they need to know. I believe that I have the ability to do this but more importantly would be able to provide the college with the communication that the individual wants; from those who do not want college news in their face every day to those, like me, who are extremely keen to get involved with college life.
The vision I have for college communications is to allow everyone the opportunity to become involved in college events. Fundamentally it is the duty of the communications officer to convey information and therefore the role is pivotal. If I were to become the college communications officer, I would not regard this role in any way as a support role but as an opportunity to give the college dimensions it has not previously thought of. I would be keen to build on Rob’s work with the website. I would like to encourage its use substantially. This could be done by adding to the prospectus style website we currently have and enhance the section for current students, encourage more frequent use of the forum and work on publicity for it on a regular basis. Recent Web hosting plans by the JCR will help this and I want to be involved with seeing these plans through.
Potential John’s students want to know what John’s is really like rather than merely being presented with this corporate image. For example I recall several freshers not knowing about the Christian ethos of the college.
Getting this week to those living out is crucial due to the feeling of not being involved in college when away from the college. I feel that those in St Margrets would appreciate greater participation particularly.
For me Communications Officer extends far beyond taking minutes but involves the use of imagination to ensure people get the most out of their college experience. An idea for example would be to work with the Sports Officer to allow up to date information to be emailed to students regarding sporting events, not for those playing sports themselves but to encourage more support for John’s blossoming sport.
Some may regard being a fresher myself may be a disadvantage. I however believe that this would be an advantage due to the way that I could give new perspectives on different aspects of the position. I also believe that if I were to stand this would be an advantage by giving a more balanced exec by ensuring that people from different years would be allowed to get involved rather than a strictly third year exec.
Until recently I have been enjoying college life, playing in the rugby and hockey teams and paddled in the novice cup rowing. I have also been part until recently of Miquela’s Student-2-Student support network. I am keen now however, having taken a step back from college life, to really become involved with St John’s. This position would be ideal for this purpose.
My degree of Engineering is somewhat time-consuming, however careful time management is a key part of the course. Also Engineering teaches computer programming techniques that will doubtless be useful when dealing with the college website.
I am confident that having been deputy head boy at my last school, having completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and having played team sports all my life, I have these time management skills and will be able to apply them to this role. Other examples of abilities that would help the position would be the organisational skills of putting on the Sixth Form Ball at school for 250 and the teamwork required of playing rugby for County Durham. Also having passed my Army Officer exams, I have learnt valuable lessons and have been judged to have the potential to lead in the Army.
I would like to consider myself as approachable and yet strong enough to be able to stand my ground on key issues. I already know many people in college currently and living out. I will myself be living out next year although being only a 7 minute walk from college and walking past college every day would allow me to gain perspective of both living in and living out. This communication with all of the different groups in college will be vital in the role.
To summarise, I believe I can be a valuable asset to St Johns JCR as the communications officer and exec member. I would very much like for you to benefit by voting for me. I really would like to be Communications Officer.

• Tim Marshall
Friends, good evening, I am standing up here not simply as the chairs are so uncomfortable, but because I want to serve the JCR as Comms. Officer in a position to facilitate communication. Lets go. I want to serve the college, I can’t really do it with sport, or music but I can do it by having minutes of meetings ready or through This Week. Given my love for Johns it feels my duty to serve the college. I am ready and able to take on this job. As a geographer, representation of the world is very important, I am fast and accurate typist, I am competent in major software packages, a fast learner, functional in html. I also have a manageable lecture timetable with a flexible work schedule. Importantly whilst I am always willing to help I know my limits. I know I can manage my life around it. I would rather put my time into maintaining the impressive status quo. This week I would continue to have online and delivered to livers out. Website: I would work hard to get people actually using it and I would hope to work with the website rep to tailor it to what people wanted. I can work in a team. Being communications officer means being accountable. I am very approachable and a sociable person. I am no stranger to working in a team, I have the character to be accountable and responsible and independence. I am confident I can play my role without leaning on others. I would have a fierce loyalty to the position.

Questions

Ben Harrison: Given the position of assistant. Comms officer went unfilled for some of last term, why didn’t the candidates stand?
Tim: At the time I was going through a phase of not being organised so I didn’t think I should.
Will: I felt I would take a break after working very hard as deputy head boy at my last school and then come back in and try and do something again.
Anna: Would the candidate consider coloured paper for This Week?
Will: Coloured paper is greatly valued by many people, green helps with dyslexia I hear, yes! The valuable content of what people have to say is what is important but I would consider coloured paper.
Tim: I am not really an expert on coloured paper, more coloured pencils being a geographer. I am willing to exploit any medium that would help get the message across.
Tom: What’s your favourite font and why? Tim: Bold century gothic, instantly conveys power, control and balance.
Will: Times new roman, solid, useful, it is not about how you write it but what you say.
Ali: The website has lots of stuff but not widely used, how would you publicise it?
Will: Regular notices around college, at the moment there are lots of Olav pictures, if we have things almost every day, more photos, I wouldn’t try to imitate facebook but more personalised to people in college.
Tim: Problem is getting people involved. Possibly a gateway would be not only using This Week but possibly more links in JCR e-mails. That seems a logical choice.
Josh: The website does take a huge amount of time, it fills as much time as you fill it. If you didn’t get a website rep, how much time would you give it?
Tim: Personally, as a fast learner, I would be willing to take on a lot of work. Communicating in This Week/Website is very relevant. I would put in the time to get to know the nature of the website.
Will: If elected I feel it would be my duty to college to take on at least to a certain extent the role and if no one else stands I would take it on. I would quite enjoy that and I feel that if someone wouldn’t stand for a whole year I would try to make it easy for others to contribute.
Ben Harrison: Given that you need to create about 40 copies of This Week, do you have a good relationship with the photocopier?
Will: Yes
Tim: Yes, I love the photocopier
Tim Quayle: One characteristic we have enjoyed on exec. is Rob’s dry humour, what characteristics would you bring to the role?
Tim: Surprisingly I am not after a glamorous position, I would keep a friendly and light hearted atmosphere to meetings.
Will: I like pink socks, as rugby team can testify, I think I could link the activities I do and take a break from the exec. routine and then recharge myself with my friends and return to the exec. with energy.
Rob Reeve: The successful candidate will find one of the most frustrating aspects of the job is people not submitting their This Week entries on time. How would you keep the exec. in line?
Tim: I am not a nasty person by nature, I wouldn’t threaten physical violence or anything, my presence around college would mean, I would hope I would be seen enough that people would know they needed to submit their entries.
Will: I wouldn’t particularly try to be forceful, I’d try to encourage the members of the exec, if they don’t get them on time they are not going in. Exec. members always have important messages to go in this week and they will be the ones to blame if messages don’t get them across.
Ben Goldstein: Even though we have spellcheckers, literacy is very important. Can the candidates spell necessary?
Will: N E C E S S A R Y
Tim was asked to spell Communications Tim: Communicat o ions (The reflection is very difficult to read)

Services Manager

Candidates:

• Martin Hodgetts
The position of services manager is one of great importance, a lot of time, effort, and organisation is needed to ensure aspects of college run smoothly. Experience is always important and the position of assistant has helped me learn about the position. Positions such as deputy head boy and house rep for 28nb have developed my listening skills. I also believe that teamwork, leadership and the ability to implement plans and ideas are important. You need to identify problems as soon as they arise and delegate tasks to assistants and merchandise reps. With regards development in college, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I would work upon Cruddas laundry and ensuring shop stocks items. The new change to stash should solve any problems in this department. Continued communication with external companies is important. Having a first/second year on exec would provide more diversity. This position is where I believe I would be most effective.

Questions

Tim: How hard would you be willing to fight coca cola to keep prices down?
Martin: As much as possible with communication, meeting face to face and on the phone.
Ben: Would you get Ginsters back in the shop? Martin: I would continue to get in contact with them and then see what I can do with regards alternatives.
Roddy: Is there anything new you would like to add to the services range?
Martin: Some people have suggested that either getting a change machine or getting the slots opened in the drying machines would help.
Ben Goldstein: Would you be willing to liase with the JWS to sell JWS products after the bar shuts?
Martin: We currently do sell some I would look into extending the range.

Social Secretary:

Candidates:

• Alice Manuel
I do youth and community work, it is a degree. I’m running for social sec and no one else is other than RON. For past year I have been food officer on social events committee, I have worked with anna and know what is going on and what the different roles are within sec. It is challenging at times and is a lot of work. My degree allows me to plan around this as I get deadlines in advance. We already have working relationships with staff and I know them well enough to be able to talk to Alison especially. I’d work with other people such as freshers reps. I’d work with other people like daylight robbery and look to talk to Ben as well to see how to get bops better and more popular. I would look at formals and see if I can improve them. Social Events: it seems slightly trivial somehow, but is a really key point of your time at johns.

Questions

Josh: We’ve had a really strong sec this year and everyone generally done jobs. What would you do if you had a less diligent team?
Alice: I’d have more meetings, things have been a bit disjointed this year which has worked fine, but I would have more organised times to meet, report and have forward planning so everyone knows where everything is.
Ali: Given previous facebook related incidents, how would you deal with bop maintenance?
Alice: There has been a society on facebook for the appreciation of certain maintenance members. I can go to the maintenance office and have a cup of tea with them.
Adam Crudgington: Which is your favourite event? Why?
Alice: Johns day – The Bailey Ball is awesome but johns day is cool as there is the johns spirit, it lasts all day and is in the exam term after exams.
Justyn Price: If you could insert an additional event what would it be and why?
Alice: At the moment there is one big ball each term. I think perhaps collaborating with duck and have a good formal would be nice.
Jess: in my 1st year a lot of events clashed with euro 2004 england matches. Would you try to stop such clashes?
Alice: Yes
Dan: Financially, it is important to not lose money and to do this you need to sell all the tickets – how would you go about this?
Alice: At the moment tickets are sold at mealtimes, I have been a bit slack. I think you rely on the success previous events and people saying things were good before.
Felix: At recent formals there have been foodfights – what is your opinion on this?
Alice: Personally I think bit of fun but I think you should also follow the rules. Johns is quite tame, you should have fun to an extent without aggravating too many people.
Pete: Do you really need the toilet?
Alice: Yes!

AOB for JJCR

Rachel James: Duck formal signup will be by e-mail to James, we will ask you to pay on door. End of JHJCR Meeting