DSU hosts forum on future of events

Last week college DSU reps, staff and avid ‘ents attendees gathered in the newly refurbished Vane Tempest room to discuss the future of DSU events.

The recent introduction of £10,000 worth of new lighting equipment in the Margot Fonteyn Ballroom was praised as an excellent addition to facilities.

When used in conjunction with the state-of-the-art sound system hired for the Friday and Saturday club nights Planet of Sound (POS) and Revolver, Dunelm House now boasts the best all-round sound and light experience in Durham.

Following extensive redecoration of most of the rooms at Dunelm House, students have requested that the toilet facilities are now due to be improved. As a result, this has become a high priority on the refurbishment agenda.

The need for rejuvenation of POS and Revolver was also discussed, after a term which has been quieter than usual. Increased promotion and a greater variety of DJs have been suggested to combat bars and clubs in Durham undercutting the DSU and attracting greater numbers of students.

Student welfare was cited as a key reason for a lack of cheap drinks promotions which are popular at bars such as Jimmy Allen’s. DSU is part of the Best Bar None scheme which discourages ‘irresponsible’ drinks promotions.

Concern was also expressed regarding popular POS nights selling out. DSU staff guaranteed that a proportion of tickets are always kept for on-the-door sales, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Durham is lacking in the attraction of well-known bands,  compared to other universities. The collegiate system was blamed for this. In many universities, student unions receive a “block grant” bestowed by each university’s treasury.

At the Univerity however, these funds are shared between JCRs with the DSU receiving the remainder. Any money which the DSU does receive from the University must be spent on welfare provision rather than student entertainment. POS and other events must therefore operate on a money-making basis and cannot risk financial loss.

It was suggested that the DSU is not a big enough venue to meet the cost of booking in-demand acts. The possibility of “charity gigs” to bring bands and students together for a good cause will be investigated.

Greater teamwork between JCRs and the DSU was highlighted as necessary. Synchronisation of Facebook resources will be encouraged to raise awareness of DSU events such as Jazz Café and the Jibber Jabber Comedy Café, which whilst successful, have not seen high enough levels of attendance.

The possibility of a “buy-back” system for JCRs selling tickets for DSU events was seen as a form of promotion without risking financial loss for JCRs and is being seriously considered.

Another forum is planned for the beginning of next term in order to monitor the progress of issues raised regarding DSU events. If you have any comments or would like to get involved, the DSU would love to hear from you directly: contact Cath Magee (DSU Commercial Services Manager) on catherine.magee@durham.ac.uk .