Our Societies
DEBATING SOCIETY
The Debating Society is (as of Michaelmas 2023) the University's only college-level debating society; we were established in 2022 and are hoping to only grow this academic year!
We debate relevant, intriguing issues and embrace a vibrant community of likeminded individuals.
We're a group open to everyone, with no requirements on political affiliation, degree or year group. We want to make debating more accessible to students in Durham from all backgrounds.
We're hoping this year to support both formal and informal style debates, as well as introduce more socials and regular meetings. Most importantly, we want to make Stephenson College the home of College Debating in Durham! If this interests you or you just want to give it a go... feel free to contact us or get involved! 🙂
get in touch:
President: Emily Scott
Email: emily.scott2@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @stevodebating on Instagram, Stephenson College Debating Society on Facebook
ROCKET! THEATRE COMPANY
Welcome to Rocket! We are the official theatre company of Stephenson College, although we are open to all students!
We put on two to three shows throughout the year, both in College and in the Assembly Rooms Theatre in Durham, a fully equipt professional theatre! We are open to all levels of theatre lovers from beginners to seasoned triple threats, and welcome and encourage everybody especially people from POC and LGBT communities!
We have some really exciting things lined up this year both onstage and backstage so watch this space and to ensure you won’t miss out follow @rocket.theatre on Instagram!
get in touch:
President: Felicity Rickard
Email: rocket.theatre@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @rocket.theatre on Instagram
QUIZ SOCIETY
Stephenson Quiz Society is undeniably one of the most popular societies Stevo has to offer, with over 100 participants every week and prizes worth upwards of £50! Quizzes run every Sunday in Central with a base fee of £1 to enter, or £8 for a termly membership.
Themes can range from simple, general knowledge style pub quizzes, to intense subject specific rounds, with winners receiving bar vouchers for central or coupons for around Durham and household gifts. Though the prizes do not stop there - at last year's Christmas quiz, over £300 was given away, and for the final quiz, an entire coffee machine was rewarded! Some examples of the planned rounds include an Oktoberfest round, a music week, a sports week accompanying the rugby world cup, and a quiz-themed quiz week.
Whether you’re a seasoned quizzer or a fresher to the society, Stephenson Quiz Society is welcome to all members, new or old - and the prizes are open to anyone who can win them…
get in touch:
Presidents: Elliot Derbyshire and Charlie Downing
Email: elliot.derbyshire@durham.ac.uk and charlie.downing@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @stephensonquiz on Instagram
CHRISTIAN UNION
Are you interested in exploring the claims of Jesus? Do you wonder why billions of people around the world still follow a man called Jesus who lived 2000 years ago?
Then this is the society for you. Join us on Fridays evenings at 18:15 as we meet in Upper Saltwell to have dinner together, play some games and discuss the teachings, life and significance of Jesus. This society is for everyone, both people who are already Christians and also those who are interested or searching for answers.
We believe that following Jesus is the greatest decision you can ever make, come along to learn why!
Follow us on Social Media to stay up to date with what we are doing!
get in touch:
Rep: Caitlin Vernon
Email: caitlin.vernon@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @stephensonbutlercu on Instagram, Josephine Butler and Stephenson Christian Union on Facebook
MOUND MUSICAL SOCIETY
Hey! We’re Butler Musical Society: a collaborative society where students of both Josephine Butler and Stephenson Colleges can come together to put on a musical every year in Epiphany term! Newly established, last year we managed to put on our first musical- Firebringer- and it was a roaring success. Our aim in BMS is to contribute to Durham’s wide musical theatre scene by creating a safe space, and a warm and welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds, skills, and experience levels, to enjoy musical theatre. Alongside our musical in Epiphany term, we’re excited to run other fun events throughout the year, like taster sessions for both the performing and technical sides. We can’t wait to see what amazing theatre the students of Butler and Stephenson produce this year, and we’re so excited to be a part of it!
get in touch:
Presidents: Preeya Harte
Email: butlermusicalsociety@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @butlermusicalsociety on Instagram, Butler Musical Society on Facebook
LGBTQ+ SOCIETY
The Stevo LGBTQ+ Society is an inclusive, fun and fantastic society for both those identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and those who are either allies or want to learn more about this community. Part of a university-wide LGBTQ+ society umbrella, we put on fun events throughout the year, culminating in our very own Pride Parade! Liaising closely with the Welfare team, we offer a safe space for everybody. One our main focuses is intersectionality and inclusivity for everybody. Our members are always happy to listen or lend a helping hand where needed. We hope we'll see you at one of our events soon!
get in touch:
President: Libby Smout
Email: elizabeth.smout@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @stevolgbtq on Instagram
THE FLAMING STEAMOS
We're Stephenson College's resident Jazz band. We aren't just a Jazz band however, we play everything from Pop, to Soul, to Funk as well, injecting our own Jazz-fusion style into everything we play. No matter what you play, everyone is welcome in our fun-loving band! Highlights from last year include playing at College's Annual Stevo Day festivities as the opening act and taking the stage at George Stephenson's Birthday BBQ. You'll be seeing us practicing in the Music Room on Thursday's at 7pm and we've got a ton of gigs lined up for this year, including during Freshers Week and at the Winter Ball! Get in touch with us on our Instagram.
get in touch:
President: Ed Whitehead
Email: edward.whitehead@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @theflamingsteamos on Instagram
MUSIC SOCIETY
Stephenson College's Music Society is built-up from a number of students passionate about bringing music to Stephenson, all from different musical backgrounds. From Friday Music Nights to Charity events, from maintaining the music room to acting as liaison for bands functioning out of college, we've got it all, and are always looking for new members to bolster our ranks! We run themed social events open to all who share a passion for music throughout the year as well! Keep an eye on our Instagram for information about events, socials and much more!
get in touch:
President: Lewis Slade
Email: lewis.slade@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @stephenson.music on Instagram
GROW YOUR OWN SOCIETY
Welcome to Grow Soc, Stephenson’s very own gardening society! We are a small and welcoming group of amateur gardeners who grow and maintain a variety of fruits and vegetables in the beds just outside of college. Everyone is welcome, whether you are seasoned gardener or have never picked up a trowel before, no experience is required! We regularly meet on Wednesday afternoons to do a bit of weeding and watering; it is a good way just to chat and is a nice break from university life.
We also have a hand full of socials planned for this year, from plant pot painting, to picnics and a big meal cooked from all our produce grown throughout the year. Members are also able to help themselves to any leftover fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Keep up to date with everything we do by following our socials!
get in touch:
President: Shannon Riley
Email: shannon.riley@durham.ac.uk
Socials: @stevo.grow.soc on Instagram