On the Experience Mary’s pages, you’ll find regular updates from our Sports & Societies:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/experiencemarys/
Instagram: @experience.marys
If you have any questions whatsoever just contact one of the Society Presidents below.
St. Mary’s College Arts Society (SMCAS)
President: Cerys Chadd (cerys.chadd@durham.ac.uk)
Find out more information at: https://sites.durham.ac.uk/smcjcr/music-and-drama/
Bake Soc
President: Becca Dunstan (rebecca.dunstan@durham.ac.uk)
Bake Soc is a Mary’s society that does everything baking. We hold regular charity bake offs (an opportunity to either demonstrate your baking skills, or enjoy a slice of cake), as well as themed events such as Christmas gingerbread icing, as well as cafe cake and coffee crawls through Durham. When the Great British Bake Off is on you’ll find us in the jcr every Tuesday night watching GBBO together with plenty of snacks. We’d love for as many of you as possible to get involved with our society and baking is a great way to de-stress from uni life. If you have any questions feel free to drop us an email [president: rebecca.dunstan@durham.ac.uk] Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to keep updated with Mary’s most wholesome society…
Instagram: @smcbakesoc https://www.instagram.com/smcbakesoc/?hl=en
Facebook Group: St Mary’s Bake Soc https://www.facebook.com/groups/649194882685567/
Basement Jazz
President: Callum Madeley (callum.madeley@durham.ac.uk or basement.jazz@durham.ac.uk)
Founded in 2011, Basement Jazz is Mary’s very own function band. We play a variety of songs ranging from Michael Bublé to Macklemore, Stevie Wonder, MIKA, Tina Turner, and even a surprising amount of Disney. For over a decade now, members of the band have been making amazing music from the depths of the Mary’s basement. We’ve performed at many incredible events throughout the years – whether they be “home gigs” at Mary’s, prestigious venues such as the massive Castle June Ball or the Caledonia Society White Tie Ball, casual summer festivals or college days, or even playing for members of the hummus society and gin society! If you’re interested, have a listen to our recording of “Sway” – https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DuwCNld9JRc For more information follow us on Instagram @basement.jazz
Biology at Mary’s (BAM)
President: Anna Gallagher-Gill (anna.s.gallagher-gill@durham.ac.uk)
We are a warm, welcome and friendly society, welcome to all, both budding biologists or to anyone who has a love or interest for the natural world! Check us out on our Facebook and Instagram Pages to keep track of our sessions and socials and see what we get up to!
St Mary’s College Biology Society | Facebook
St Mary’s Bio Soc @ Durham Uni (@stmarysbiologysociety) • Instagram photos and videos
Book Club
President: Bee Wilkes (rebecca.wilkes@durham.ac.uk)
Chapel Choir
Musical Director: Jaz Margalit (jasmine.margalit@durham.ac.uk)
St Mary’s College Chapel Choir serves a vital role in the Mary’s community, singing fortnightly Evensong services, performing at Poetry and Music evenings, and presenting the Annual Mary’s Christmas Carol service at the Cathedral. In addition to serving the Mary’s community, the choir have developed great relationships in the wider community, joining with St Oswald’s Church for services such as Ash Wednesday, and also making regular trips to Low Newton Prison which proves enriching for all involved. The choir is non-auditioned and open to students from all colleges. Further opportunities for those wishing to take on a more responsible position in the choir are available, with auditioned scholarships being awarded to those showing commitment and promise in their section. In addition, a scholarship for the Assistant Director of Music is also awarded. St Mary’s College Chapel Choir is a lovely opportunity to widen your musical experience and to get involved with a fantastic group of people.
Facebook: St Mary’s Chapel Choir
Instagram: smcchoir
Christian Union (CU)
Co-Presidents: Emily Winther (emily.s.winther@durham.ac.uk) and Helen Bate (helen.a.bate@durham.ac.uk)
Mary’s CU exists to give every student in college the opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ. Whether you would call yourself a Christian or would like an opportunity to explore the Bible, we would love to welcome you! We have a time to chat, games and a short bible study every Friday evening. Find us on Instagram @st_marys_cu for more info!!
Our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmaryschristianunion.mcu
Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st_marys_cu/
Circus Society
President: Jebous Cappendell (zrvf28@durham.ac.uk)
Mary’s Circus Society was set up two years ago, primarily to facilitate Wheel Gymnastics taught by our very own Aiken Thompson. Last year, Wheel was put on hold but this year we hope to be back on it once a week in a circus in Newcastle! Wheel isn’t all we do though, we also go to the Durham city jugglers to practice juggling, and every once in a while do acrobatics around Mary’s grounds! Find us on Facebook to keep up date here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291443805983298/?ref=share
Communities Committee
Communities Officer: Ella-Rose Vella (ella-rose.vella@durham.ac.uk)
Disabled Students’ Association
Disabilities Representative: Dom Johnson (dominic.johnson@durham.ac.uk)
Environment Society
Environment Officer: Currently unfilled – Contact the JCR Chair to find out more
As a member of St Mary’s College and Durham University you are part of a community which is proud to be committed to Environmental Sustainability.
Excessive energy consumption is a significant element of global climate change. At St Mary’s College we have taken up the challenge to reduce energy usage as a commitment towards environmental sustainability. Every member of the college is asked to contribute to this culture: only by all working together can we make a real difference.
All students are urged to consider energy use for environmental reasons because energy costs are a significant portion of the residence charge and are reflected in the size of your termly bill.
Ethnic Minorities Association
Ethnic Minorities Representative: Alvi Lindborg-Koh (alvi.w.lindborg-koh@durham.ac.uk)
Hey guys! My name is Alvi and I’m a finalist studying Classical Civilisations, and I’m so honoured to be the Ethnic Minorities Representative at Mary’s this year! Being a mixed kid and growing up with influences from wildly different cultures (Chinese-Singaporean and Swedish- rogue pairing, I know), I’ve come to truly value the different perspectives that my cultural experiences bring to the table.
My role in the exec is to be a frame of support to any and all students who could be struggling, particularly with pressures they feel are associated with their ethnicity, so please feel free to come and have a chat or rant about whatever is on your mind!
If you have any questions, or simply want to get in touch, please do not hesitate to drop me a message on Instagram or via email (alvi.w.lindborg-koh@durham.ac.uk)!
Lots of love,
Alvi xx
Eurovision Society
President: Alex Everest House (alexander.everest-house@durham.ac.uk)
We are obsessed with Eurovision. The glamour, the glitz, the staging, everything. We put on the college’s annual watch party and, following the great success from 2023, we want to expand even further, with regular socials of all kinds, from bar crawls to national final watch parties to chill quizzes. We’d love to see as many people there as possible, whether you’re a proper Euronerd or just enjoy watching the grand final – you can check out our Facebook group and our Instagram account below to find out when we’re running events!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smceurovision
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smceurovision
Fine Arts & Crafts Society
President: Anna Gallagher-Gill (anna.s.gallagher-gill@durham.ac.uk)
We are a relaxed, friendly society who meet in college for fun sessions of art and crafts! Materials (and sometimes snacks!) are provided, and past sessions have included: watercolour, origami, mini canvas painting, sketching, Halloween pumpkin carving, jar painting, clay, cute Christmas decorations and much more! Fine Arts and Crafts is a great way to unwind, de-stress and meet your fellow Marians, whilst exercising those creative muscles! Absolutely everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or skill level, and we are so excited to expand the society and welcome new members! Check out or Facebook group and Instagram page to keep up to date with future sessions and see what we’ve been up to! If you have any questions or want to know more, drop us an email!
https://instagram.com/marysfinearts?igshid=11otntlte028v
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2417698205167047/?ref=share
Feminist Society
St Mary’s College Feminist Society was created in 2014 and has been a growing society ever since. We hold a whole range of events from panels to discussion groups to workshops to socials all of which promote and relate to the topic of intersectional feminism. The academic year 2019-2020 saw events ranging from discussion groups on hormonal contraception and allyship, a panel on environmental feminism, and a talk with CoppaFeel.
The main aim of FemSoc is to promote inclusitivity and positivity. This society is built upon active participation and we encourage everyone to get involved and come to events. Social media forms a really crucial platform to this society through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stmarys.femsoc/?ref=bookmarks) and Instagram (marys.femsoc). We encourage individuals to write their own content for our socials and contribute their own knowledge about current events, feminist icons (which get posted weekly) and anything related to feminism which they are passionate about. You can do that through DMing any of the socials, directly getting in contact with one of the exec members or through our google form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd37qShmiR_TleRffPp6REs7ft8T_eliXCnx8JCkWDmFaVIOg/viewform?usp=sf_link) which is an anonymous way to get in touch with any ideas.
We have a resource list of previous topics and topics which we will be looking at over the next year which is continually updated by our secretary. This is a really useful way to get involved if you cannot attend meetings or even if you already have and want to learn more! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iMG80lnWKkffezXXHxaS2BmBhviYS8-fb2DVj8CEW2k/edit
Also, here is our feminist bops playlist where we post our tunes of the week! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0GdRFpuGolpN1qiKBgUCF4?si=RJplRxScRjivWsTyltfvrA
Foot of the Hill Theatre Company (within SMCAS)
Co-Presidents: Shannon Hill (shannon.f.hill@durham.ac.uk) and Emily Power (emily.power@durham.ac.uk)
Foot of the Hill Theatre Company takes care of everything drama related at Mary’s. We aim to put a production on each term, usually comprising of a Christmas pantomime, a play in second term, and finally, after all exams are over, we have a summer musical. We strive to be as inclusive as possible, so whether or not you think “all the world’s a stage”, there is a spot for you in Mary’s Drama and we value any skill you can bring to the team. Whether you find your niche centre stage, at the lighting desk, in the director’s chair or even helping to design/paint props, drama is an unrivalled way to meet tonnes of new friends and have countless, unforgettable experiences and memories. To join, or not to join…there is no question!
Games Society
President: Matthew Richardson (matthew.j.richardson@durham.ac.uk)
Hi everyone! We are Gamesoc, a great place to have a chilled out evening with friends: we meet to play all kinds of games, from Risk to Mario kart, to Exploding Kittens and Dungeons and Dragons, we love to meet new people and introduce them to their new favourite games. We also love finding new games to play, so bring along your favourite games. We have two sessions a week in the Ferguson JCR (the room on the right before the dining hall): Thursdays 7-11pm and Saturdays 1-5pm, although it’s totally flexible when you arrive or leave. We also run regular socials throughout the year with a variety of drinking and non drinking events so there’s something for everyone. If you want to keep up to date on gamesoc information e.g. socials or other events we have planned, please follow our Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/stmarysgamesoc/?ref=share – and our instagram @st._marys_game_soc
We will be at the freshers fair on Saturday 30th September so make sure to come see us there and we can answer any questions you may have. Alternatively you can get in contact at zbtc81@durham.ac.uk.
International Committee
Chairs: Randi Holwerda and Asante Gantsho (randi.holwerda@durham.ac.uk & asante.gantsho@durham.ac.uk)
The International Committee celebrates international diversity and culture at Mary’s and at Durham. We aim to foster an inclusive and globally-aware environment at college. In the past, the committee has organised events such as the ‘International Food Fair’, ‘International Movie Night’ and ‘Dumpling-Making Session’. This year, we’re planning on celebrating even more festivals and cultures by organising a Diwali-themed formal, an International Week, and many other events. We will also collaborate with other international committees across the university and promote international events being hosted by other colleges and societies at Durham. Another important role of the committee is to provide support to international students throughout the year and to listen to their concerns about issues ranging from home sickness to administrative doubts.
This is a super inclusive, open and interactive society, where everyone has a say. It’s open to local, international, Erasmus and Teikyo students alike! Do get in touch if you have any doubts.
Journalism Society
President: Election pending
The St Mary’s College Journalists’ Society was formed as a coalition of Mary’s students – both returners and those graduating – who had an interest in working in different aspects of the field. We write articles on all things Mary’s for past, current and future Mary’s students. Everything is published on our blog: stmarysjournalismsoc.wordpress.com. You can look forward to talks by alumni, writing about Mary’s, career events, and much more – so get involved!
LGBTQIA+ Association
Chairs: Rowan Sutton (rowan.sutton@durham.ac.uk) and Jessica Banfield (jessica.e.banfield@durham.ac.uk)
We am here to support students both in terms of welfare and to help organise fun events to help freshers get to know each other as we know how isolating it can sometimes feel as an LGBT+ student in Durham. If you ever have an issue or an idea you want to discuss please get in touch as we believe that no issue is too small or no idea to wild.
Finally, we know there is often a strong creative arts strain within the LGBT+ community at Mary’s so if you have any interest in getting involved with publicity or this year’s charity fashion show please get in touch as we would love to have as many freshers involved as possible.
To find out more: https://sites.durham.ac.uk/smcjcr/current-students/student-support/welfare/lgbt/
Mario Kart Society
President: Lucas Mahal (lucas.mahal@durham.ac.uk)
Mary’s Dance (within SMCAS)
Presidents: Freya Robertson & Emma Lang
Find more information at: https://sites.durham.ac.uk/smcjcr/sports/
Mary’s Mixed Voices (MMV) (within SMCAS)
Presidents: Faith Gorton (faith.gorton@durham.ac.uk) and Katherine Tyrrell (katherine.tyrrell@durham.ac.uk)
Mary’s Mixed Voices is a friendly, non auditioned choir open to all abilities. We sing mainly pop music and are always open to suggestions from our members. Whether you are an experienced singer or someone who has never sung in a choir we would love you to join us! We meet once a week on Tuesdays between 6.30 and 8pm and regulary perform at college music events. For more information find us on instagram @marysmixedvoices.
Orchestral Society
President: Jem Hodgins (jem.hodgins@durham.ac.uk) and Faith Gorton (faith.gorton@durham.ac.uk)
Mary’s Orchestral Society is a brand new society for this academic year. We are a friendly, non auditioned ensemble open to all abilities. We will be performing music from a wide range of genres including but not limited to classical, film music and musical theatre and are looking forward to getting involved in college music events this year. For more information find us on instagram @marysorchestralsoc.
Origami
President: Nadia Hussain (nadia.m.hussain@durham.ac.uk)
Pub Quiz Society
President: Ethan Rawlins (ethan.a.rawlins@durham.ac.uk)
St. Mary’s College Pub Quiz Society
Do you like wowing people with interesting facts? Do you prefer a more relaxed side to the pub experience? Do you want to win prizes? Then Pub Quiz is the Society for you! SMC Pub Quiz Society is a fun, light-hearted group providing weekly knowledge and entertainment in Mary’s Bar. All Marians and team sizes are welcome as President Ethan Rawlins delivers picture rounds, music, general knowledge and more with the highest levels of passion and detail. And if that’s not enough, Marians are encouraged to write their own rounds through our Open Floor policy, and the prizes are most certainly worth fighting for!
Contact: Ethan Rawlins, hpck65@durham.ac.uk
Random Acts of Kindness
President: Phoebe Cook (phoebe.cook@durham.ac.uk)
Random Acts of Kindness is a society dedicated to surprising everyone in Mary’s with wholeness and something to brighten their day. We’re a very low key society that come together a few times a term to spread the kindness around Mary’s. Whether that be by sending your friends a complement or note of appreciation. Decorating their or door sending them a treat delivery. RAOK was set up to spread happiness and kindness to everyone in college. Look out for us around college, we’ll often be one’s dressed as fairy’s 🧚
Social Committee
Social Chair: Lucas Mahal (lucas.mahal@durham.ac.uk)
Tech Committee
Senior Tech Officer: Jacob Marshall (jacob.marshall@durham.ac.uk)
Welfare Committee
Senior Welfare Officers: Pip Pearson & Bee Wilkes
Find out more information at: https://sites.durham.ac.uk/smcjcr/current-students/student-support/welfare/wam/
Yoga Society
President: Annika Borrow (annika.borrow@durham.ac.uk)
Welcome to Yoga at Mary’s!! We offer student-run yoga classes every week in Mary’s, free of charge and for all abilities. If you’re master at the tree pose or cannot touch your toes to save your life – we’d love to have you! Come along to Kenworthy for chill and relaxing vibes every Sunday at 5pm. Make sure to follow us for more updates @smcyogasoc on instagram. Namaste!