Bloviators Debating Club
Welcome!
Launched in February 2024: a debating club that is open to all.
Next debate is:
Friday 30th May 2025 7:30 – 8:30 pm
- Free to attend, refreshments served, everyone welcome.
Debates are held in the Coxwell Room, Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane, Cirencester GL 7 1YE
Different to other debating events:
- Three motions – only the one that is voted for on the evening gets debated
- Randomised team selection
Quick guide to the debate running order:
- register your name as you arrive
- if yours is one of the six names drawn by spinner, then you have been selected to take part
- the order in which your name was drawn, determines the team that you are on
- it is then decided by flipping a coin if your team will be proposing or opposing the motion
- speakers take turns with the proposing team opening the debate
- Once all speakers have made their 1 minute speech, the debate is opened to the floor
- Each team then has a further one minute in which to sum up their best arguments and to respond to the opposing team
The Six Stages of Bloviator debates:
To express your interest / ask questions please email Phil Anley using the following email address:
(or just come along – no registration necessary)
There were three possible motions for debating on 23rd February 2024:
- Human beings present the greatest threat to life in the solar system: it would be best for us to remain on a single planet
- Superheroes make the best role models for children
- Pets should always be permitted in the workplace
The motion voted for was:
- Human beings present the greatest threat to life in the solar system: it would be best for us to remain on a single planet
Procedural notes:
We will be following a version of the Mace Format rules.
The Chairperson will provide a summary of the rules at the beginning of the session.
Points Of Information may be offered from the floor, subject to:
- The current speaker accepting them
- A factual inaccuracy having been identified
The Chair will give notice once there is ten seconds remaining. A bell will sound when time is up.
Debating sessions will last for a maximum of one hour, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm with refreshments at the end
Spinner system: as developed by the Flickernet Physical Computing Club
Whilst there will not be a charge for attending debates, or for taking part in them, over the long term we are aiming to raise funds for the UCL / GOSH Pulmonary Hypertension Research Team.
Donations will help the search for treatments, and towards a cure, for Pulmonary Hypertension in children.
