Woking Debates

A series of discussions on topics which are of interest to the people of the Woking area and the wider world

January 11

February 8

March 14

May 9

July 4

August 1

September 5

October 3

November 7

All sides of debate heard in our discussion on merits of vegan diet

nThe November debate – with knowledgeable speakers putting the case for eating meat, spurning animal products completely, vegetarianism and following a flexible diet – concluded the 2020 season. nAround 35 people followed the proceedings on Zoom, with several contributions from the audience on the subject Should we all become vegan? A report and photos will be available soon via the above link. nRecordings of the August, September, October and November debates can all be viewed at www.youtube.com – search for Woking Debates. The 2020 debates began on Saturday, January 11, with the topic The Climate Emergency – What Can We Do? Click the links above for reports and pictures from the 2020 events, held “in person and online via Zoom”. nThis is the eighth year of the debates, which were started by Woking Action for Peace to encourage active participation in our community by looking at underlying issues facing us all. The January debate was particularly topical as world leaders come to terms with a problem that is threatening to cause unstoppable devastation. nMembers of the public are welcome to these free events, to join in the discussion and pose questions to the speakers. nDebates are usually held on Saturday mornings, from 11am to 12.30pm, usually in The Gallery meeting room at Christ Church, Jubilee Square, Woking town centre. Entrance is free, although donations are requested to help with expenses. nWhen we meet "in person", tea and coffee are served for a small fee from 10.30am. Come along and meet other attendees and committee members before the debate begins. nAlso involved in organising and running the events are members of Churches Together in Woking, Friends of the Earth, Woking LA21, Woking Quakers, Surrey Faith Links, Transition Towns, Woking Action for Peace (CND) and Woking People of Faith.

Planning under way for our debates next year The Woking Debates 2021 season opens on Saturday, January 21 with a discussion on Are we giving vulnerable children the help they need? We hope to have speakers from a special needs school, the NSPCC and the police. Our subject on February 20 will address the future of Woking, with MP Jonathan Lord agreeing to be one of the speakers. Knife crime, gang culture and violence will be the focus on March 20. On April 17, the subject is air pollution and its effects, and the arms trade and military expenditure will be debated on May 15. The online Zoom platform has enabled us to stage some lively debates at a time when the pandemic prevents us meeting in person at Christ Church. We hope, though, to return to “normal” as soon as possible next year. Please keep an eye on this website and our Facebook page for the latest news on forthcoming subjects and speakers.

A tribute
to Mary Holdstock

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