University of Birmingham

Guild of Students: Our History Contents Introduction

02 Introduction “This publication provides a captivating originally intended, to be the voice that “Think back to when you first experienced demonstrating against a rise in tuition fees 03 A Brief History account of the Guild’s history since its represents Birmingham students to the the Guild. We all have our own unique – we have all contributed to make the establishment in 1880. Over 130 years University and beyond.” story to tell - our own tale of what we did, Guild what it is today. old, the Guild of Students is steeped in how, when and where. That is the beauty 07 University of Birmingham Special Collections Guild of Students history and has changed significantly Andrew Vallance-Owen of the Guild - everyone has their own The ‘Guild of Students: Our History’ is a over the years. President of the University of Birmingham piece of its history. snapshot of what has been uncovered in 08 Democracy Guild of Students (1974/5) our archive, I hope you enjoy it.” Our History From my time as President in 1974/5, The Guild’s purpose is the same now as it has been fascinating to watch the Chair of the University of Birmingham it has always been – to make University Mark Harrop 11 Campaigns Guild flourish and grow, and witness the Guild of Students Trustee Board life for students at Birmingham that much President of the University of Birmingham development of the Students’ Union (2011 - present) better. Although the people may be Guild of Students (2011/12) 14 Student Groups The University of Birmingham Guild of Students (the Guild) into the Guild which exists today. I different, having looked at past pictures, have very fond memories of my time at clothing and hair styles have certainly represents students to the University and other organisations on the Birmingham; my affiliation is as such that changed but our values remain the same. 17 Events issues which matter most to Birmingham students. The Guild also I chose the Guild as the venue for my helps students to develop skills outside of study, have fun, meet wedding reception in 1997. A wonderful I am proud that our Guild has such a rich 20 The Guild Building like-minded people and make sure they get the best experience day, at least until I was thrown into the history, one unparalleled by many other Mermaid Fountain in my morning dress. institutions. From a founding member from their time in Birmingham. Now, as Chair of the Guild’s Trustee of the NUS, to the 1970s rent strike, 23 Keep in Touch Board, I am proud to say that the pushing the liberation agenda to the he Guild has an incredibly rich completed, the Guild is committed to essence of the Guild remains as it was forefront, helping battle apartheid and Tand diverse history (see timeline continuing to record and document pages 3-6). As a founding member of its future, and will ensure the archive is the National Union of Students (NUS) easily accessible for all. in 1922, the Guild (which is over 130 years old) has accumulated numerous The history of the Guild is plentiful and materials and artefacts including varied. For that reason this publication, photographs, video footage, meeting a snapshot of the Guild’s history, minutes, reports, building plans, and celebrates five key aspects of student publications. Today, the Guild of life: democracy, campaigning, student Students is a registered charity and the groups, Guild events, and the Guild students‘ union for more than 28,000 building. studying at the University of Birmingham. The Guild plans to repeat this exercise In 2009/10, a project was commissioned in the future and therefore welcomes to organise the Guild’s archive and contributions in the form of memories, map its history. The ‘Guild of Students: photographs and memorabilia (please Our History’ is the culmination of that see ‘Keep in Touch’ on page 23). work. Whilst this work has now been

01 | Guild of Students - Our History Introduction | 02 1960 The Guild is extended further to accommodate a ‘West Wing’ that helps to form the square.

A Brief History of the Guild The University closes its Edmund Street Campus, meaning that all University and Guild operations are now based solely at the Edgbaston campus.

The role of Guild President becomes a full-time sabbatical post.

1902 In the first ever recorded minutes of the Guild of Undergraduates Committee (March 11th), a 1933 sub-committee is formed, tasked with achieving Guild Council (1930/31) Plans for further Guild extension, 1959 1828 the abolition of lectures and other academic The Union commitments on a Wednesday afternoon to allow Edgbaston campus, the new Guild building Committee orders 1957 Birmingham Medical School students to participate in sport and other extra- the creation of 1930 The Guild officially moves An ‘Air Raid Precautions founded, a forerunner to the 1895 curricular activities. a ‘Black Book’ 1940 into its new building on the Committee’ is formed A fire devastates University of Birmingham. containing reports Edgbaston campus. to safeguard University 1950 large parts of the A canvassing of all incidents that 1922 property. The Guild Guild’s Edmund sub-committee take place. Included Street building. The new Mermaid Fountain statue The management of the closes at 7pm each The Guild is lowered into place, 1961 is formed in 1895, 1905 The ‘University Club’ is an entry ‘involving The National Union of Students (NUS) is Guild of Undergraduates night in order to save opens a marking the (subsequently the the unauthorised created after the Inter-Varsity Association and its policies passes costs, and obey the catering beginning of the Guild Club) opens distribution of and the International Students Bureau from the ‘Guild of blackout regulations service 1961 The Mermaid Fountain, Union’s official in Great Charles Communist 1875 agree to merge to promote, defend and Undergraduates during the Battle of providing food designed by William James lobbying element. Street. literature’. extend the rights of students. The Guild is Committee’ to ‘Guild Britain. for over 1,000 Bloye, an English sculptor, Josiah Mason founds the a founding member. Council’. students every active in Birmingham either Mason Science College, lunchtime. side of World War II, is based in Edmund Street. installed, thus completing Mermaid Square.

1880 1900 1948 1907 1909 1928 1958 1963 Mason Science College opens. Joseph Chamberlain MP 1939 Construction work successfully secures a Royal The first female A compulsory annual 1921 Construction work 1932 begins on a ‘South The University The Student Executive sends begins on the Guild a letter of condolence to Mason College Students’ General Meeting Charter for the University of Guild President, subscription fee is introduced for Guild News runs Wing’ extension to Chancellor building, which is the White House signed establishes an ‘Association of Students’ known Birmingham (an amalgamation Miss E.S Impey, is students to gain access to Union The ‘Birmingham The ‘Saturday numerous front page the Guild building, and former located on the east by over 1,000 students, as Mason College Union; seen as the birth of of Birmingham Medical School elected. buildings. University Hospital Hop’ launches articles castigating the made possible by Prime Minister side of Edgbaston following the assassination the modern Guild of Students. and the Mason Science College) Carnival’ begins. at the Guild. Guild for its perceived a £20,000 donation Anthony Eden campus. of President Kennedy. and becomes its first Chancellor The University King Edward opens the University favouritism towards its from Sir Charles congratulate Guild News on Josiah Mason is Life President. (March 24th). authorises a grant buildings at Edgbaston. Edgbaston building Hyde, proprietor of £40 per annum over its Edmund Street of the Birmingham its 21st birthday Mason College Union becomes to the Guild. building (March 1939). Post and its (February 1958). ‘Birmingham University Union’. The associated papers word ‘Union’ however refers to - who provided 1962 the facilities used by the students, £100,000 for the rather than the student body itself. Guild news article original Guild 1959 The ‘Mermaid Bar’ opens within the The Union is overseen by a Union 1936 building in 1928. Guild (formerly on the Edmund Committee, who are tasked with An Elections Street Campus). The bar is later running the Union and organising The Guild employs a permanent member Guild Theatre Committee is named ‘Fingals’, and then social events for students. of staff, and is the first student body in the Group (GTG) is formed to oversee ‘Beorma Bar’ (2000). country to do so. formed. Guild elections. A ‘Guild of Undergraduates’ is Construction work on the Guild building ‘Guild News’ renamed as ‘Redbrick’. formed, see page 11 for more Guild Council unanimously passes a motion Miss E.S Impey information. King Edward opens the University buildings at Edgbaston. to introduce seminars for all students. 03 | A Brief History Josiah Mason A Brief History | 04 The Community Warden Guild Officers organise a campus demonstration 1974 Junior Common Room (JCR) 1996 2004 2006 2009 Scheme is established in against rising Hall Fees. Committees are established in Students’ Union The Guild celebrates its 1979 1980 partnership with the University. 1967 Halls of Residence to provide financing is changed centenary year. The Birmingham University Radio After concerns of competition with the new ‘Hub’ The scheme employs students social activities and political to automatically Network (BURN FM) is founded social area on the Vale run by the University, Guild The Guild opens its own student lettings agency, who proactively work to Carnival RAG representation to students. include a Students’ and begins broadcasting. Council approves a motion allowing the Executive the SHAC, a new business venture designed to A ‘Rent Fund Account’ is improve the standard of living cause chaos Union fee in the to look into relocating the Guild elsewhere on both improve housing standards in the local area set up by the ‘Rent Strike for both students and local in the city student grant, rather campus (this idea is eventually scrapped). and diversify Guild income streams. Committee’ (Guild Officers The Advice & Representation residents in Selly Oak. after planting than the student and Junior Common Room Centre (ARC) opens in the Guild. a fake bomb paying the Union Committees (JCR). 856 The Government votes to introduce ‘Top Up’ Fees Guild President attracts on a building for membership students pay their hall fees for tuition, meaning all students now pay £3,000 national media attention with site to raise separately. This into this account instead The 1994 Education annually. The motion only passes by five votes; the Voter turnout in the Officer Team Elections Guild centenary plaque 1994 his ‘Ding Dong the Witch is 2011 publicity. leads to enhanced of paying the University. Act passes through closest the Labour Government ever comes to breaks all current records with 7,193 Dead’ Guild Council motion, Redbrick front page features negotiations with When the strike ends in Parliament. Early drafts of electoral defeat. students voting, representing 27% of the calling for a party on the Carnival’s bomb hoax Universities nationally 1981 (following various the bill (including a section student population. date of former Prime Minister over block grants. concessions, including a making all payments to Margaret Thatcher’s death 1969 £6 ‘linen allowance’ and a the NUS illegal) prove 2003 (the motion narrowly falls). Comic Eddie Izzard pays a visit to the Guild Duran Duran perform commitment not to pursue hugely controversial and Roy Evans, first (1st May) to persuade students to vote The Guild black President at the Guild. legal action against the - following a high profile Guild Officers are embroiled in legal controversy ‘yes’ in the Government’s Alternative Vote The role of the The Guild enters into President, 1971 Guild) the Committee agrees campaign from the NUS after apparently censoring a flyer advertising referendum. Vice President 1991 partnership deals with city Mike Terry, is 1977 to keep the interest accrued - the bill is watered down the forthcoming the visit of anti-war MP George becomes centre clubs as a means of arrested after on the account and significantly, though all Galloway. a full-time A LGB (Lesbian, generating extra revenue and Vice President (Welfare), Johnny Davis protesting at a The first black President, distributes it to the JCRs. students now have the sabbatical Gay, and Bisexual) promoting variety to students. becomes the first Sabbatical Officer to demonstration Roy Evans, is elected. right to ‘opt out’ of their Birmingham students mobilise in London to protest successfully win re-election for a second post. Committee is Students’ Union. against Enoch established. against the proposed introduction of ‘Top Up’ year in office. Powell. tuition fees.

2012 The Officer Team successfully lobby the University to trial a 24 hour library provision. 1968 1973 1975 1981 1993 1997 2001 2008 2010 1987

The Guild publishes a seminal report Prime Minister Following a proposed 30% rise in 1,600 students The University ‘Fab’, a new Saturday night The Student Mentor Online voting is used for the first The University hosts the third Prime Ministerial TV debate for the The Redbrick newspaper becomes on the need for student representation Edward Heath visits Halls of Residence fees, the Guild take part in provides funding event opens at the Guild, Scheme, based in time in Guild Officer Elections, General Election (the first such debates to be broadcast live in free for all readers following greater on University committees including campus, leading Executive calls a rent strike, attracting a one night for Student and swiftly becomes hugely Halls of Residence, is and special ‘voting pads’ are the run-up to a UK election). The Guild and NUS actively lobby financial support from the Guild and Senate and Council. Negotiations to student protests support from thousands of students. ‘work-in’ Representatives popular with students looking established. purchased for use in Guild Council members to ‘vote for students’ in key marginal seats. external advertisers. between the Guild and University break over the low level of following based in to avoid the expense of the meetings. down, resulting in over a thousand grants and financial drastic cuts The Guild President gives up the academic city centre at the weekend. The Guild takes over A £4million refurbishment of the Guild’s ground floor is completed. students occupying the Great Hall, aid available. chairmanship of Guild Council in to University departments. the bars in Mason and Jennifer Larbie is elected as the first Vice Chancellor’s Office and other spending and 1982 Chamberlain halls, female black President. favour of a new ‘Independent Chair’ The Guild is awarded a bronze Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative administrative areas. Paul McCartney and library opening which are open until hours. ‘Regent’s Bar’ (SUEI) award, only the 11th Union in the country to be accredited. Wings perform in the The Guild receives a 5% cut in 1999 the development of Students vote ‘yes’ in a campus The Queen visits the University. 1990 becomes Mike Terry OBE is elected as President. Deb Hall. funding following reductions ‘Old Joe’s Bar’. the Hub in 2004. wide referendum to approve the in spending by the University, The Guild Officer Team leads protests on campus after the The Job Zone opens, providing 2000 Guild’s transition to a Company leading to a focus on developing The Snooker Government’s advisory panel (the Browne Review) proposes a rise “One serious event which always sticks in my mind students with opportunities to find Limited by Guarantee. A new commercial services in order to Room is replaced in tuition fees. The University’s Vice Chancellor sits on the panel. occurred around the end of term in December 1968, part-time work. ‘Beorma Bar’ opens. Trustee Board is established, made increase income. by ‘Berlin’s Bar’. the year of considerable upheaval and troubles on up of Officers, students, alumni and lay members. The Graduation Ball is held on campus. campus. Some bright spark decided to cheer us all up All major sports clubs and sports Carnival RAG organise Baths and showers are available by painting bright red the private parts of the rearing societies are handed over to the their first ‘Carnage’ horse statue outside the Union.” in the Guild for students. “Bath The Guild becomes a registered charity. University. charity Bar Crawl in plugs can be hired on surrender the city centre. (Deborah Herrington, Your Memories, of a Guild Card, and towels are A sabbatical position, Vice President University of Birmingham Alumni Website). available for 10p”. (Student Activities & Development) The Queen visits for Graduation Ball 2010 Paul McCartney and Wings, aimed at supporting groups and Debating Hall the University’s societies is created. 05 | A Brief History The Queen visits the University. centenary. The Queen visits A Brief History | 06 Old Joe’s sign New Joe’s bar University of Birmingham Democracy

Every year, the Guild Officer Elections give students the chance to determine who will lead and Special Collections represent them. The first President of the Guild of Students, Uley Sargeant, was recorded twenty-one years into the Guild’s existence, in 1901. Other roles included the Warden, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer. The first female President, Miss E. J. Impey was elected in 1907. The Special Collections library and staff team have been an essential source of knowledge in compiling this publication. Below is a comment from Special Collections on the archive n 1937 Guild Council agreed that all candidates for It was not until 1977 that the Guild elected its first black they hold, with particular reference to Guild of Students material. IPresident must have been a member of Guild Council in President, Roy Evans, and in 2008 the first female black order to be eligible to run, and in 1959 an elections committee President, Jennifer Larbie. In 2011, the Guild re-elected its first he Cadbury Research Library: Special Collections The Guild of Students’ archive, and the University was formed to oversee all Guild elections. Sabbatical Officer, Vice President (Welfare), Johnny Davis for Tholds the institutional archives of the University of archive as a whole, is open to all interested researchers, a second term. It was during this year that the Guild achieved 1 Birmingham, including records of the Guild of Students. including staff and students of the University, alumni, The President became a full-time sabbatical position in 1960 its highest ever voter turnout of 7,193 (approximately 27% of These records include material relating to the Guild’s and members of the public. The Cadbury Research and it was not until 11 years later that the Vice President also the electorate) in the Officer Team elections. predecessor, Mason College Union, which date back Library: Special Collections is housed in a purpose- became a full-time sabbatical position. to 1881. built facility in the Muirhead Tower building on the In 2008, the Guild introduced online voting for its Officer Team Edgbaston campus with a dedicated reading room for Since the 1960s, the President and Vice President were elected elections, whilst historically voting always took place via paper The archive contains minutes of Guild committees; researchers to consult material. The archive collections annually until the 1970s when, on a number of occasions, two ballot. Guild publications including copies of ‘Guild News’ and rare books are kept in purpose-built stores which Vice Presidents were in office at one time. It was also common and ‘Redbrick’, and other student magazines including provide the correct environmental conditions for their for Presidents to be male and Vice Presidents female. During 2008, a campus wide referendum was also held copies of ‘The Mermaid’ which were issued from 1904 preservation and safe-keeping. to approve the Guild’s transition to a Company Limited to the 1970s; Guild handbooks and annual reports; and For some, a year in office could be turbulent. In 1975 Guild by Guarantee. 4,010 students voted, around 14% of the a large number of photographs relating to student To register to use the Cadbury Research Library: Special President, Andrew Vallance-Owen and Vice President, Tim total student population, and well over the 2,853 students activities from the 1920s onwards. Collections go to special-coll.bham.ac.uk/index.shtml Owen, resigned over education cuts only to be re-elected two necessary to achieve quorum. Of these, 3,740 voted ‘Yes’, 2 months later (May). Andrew Vallance-Owen returned to the 197 voted ‘No’ and 73 abstained. This transition sanctioned The Guild of Students’ archive is a fantastic resource The catalogue for the Guild of Students’ archive is Guild in 2011 as Chair of the Trustee Board. by the referendum included the creation of a Trustee Board for anyone interested in student life at the University of available to view online calmview.bham.ac.uk composed of the President, Vice President (Democracy & Birmingham - from the institution’s beginnings as Mason The number of Officers increased in the 1980s ranging from Resources), Vice President (Education), and Vice President Science College in the 1880s through to the early 1990s. For any other queries about the University archives three to four, with four Vice Presidents existing in the early to (Student Activities & Development), students, University Copies of Redbrick continue to be collected and or the Guild of Students’ material email mid-1990s, growing to five in the latter half of the decade. personnel, alumni and lay members. Special Collections have recently been involved in an [email protected] or During the last ten years, Officer Teams included as many as alumni-funded Heritage Learning project to begin to telephone 0121 414 5839 seven Vice Presidents. Today, the Guild elects one President A second referendum took place in 2010 asking students create a contemporary archive documenting aspects and six Vice Presidents. to vote on a reform of the Guild’s democratic structures. of student life in 2011 and 2012. ‘Follow us’ on Twitter @CadburyRL Following a yes vote, a series of theme related forums were introduced and Guild Council streamlined. 3

In 1968, Mike Terry OBE was elected as President. During his year of office the South African 1 Guild Council predominately 2 Guild President, Arthur Large, 3 Another President being Spingbok rugby tour took place in Britain and Mike, along with other Students’ Union made up of female students being ‘christened’ in the ‘christened’ in the fountain Presidents, arranged anti-apartheid demonstrations. In 1969 he became NUS Secretary due to the war (1915/16) fountain (1961) and led the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) through two decades of campaigning and lobbying, until the mission was complete in 1994. After the first democratic elections in South Africa, AAM changed its name to ACTSA: Action for Southern Africa, and still exists today. 07 | University of Birmingham - Special Collections Democracy | 08 4

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11 12 9 Paper voting ballot station 10 Charles Clarke, NUS President, 4 Mike Terry, Guild President 6 Mark Cassidy, (1975) speaking in the Guild 1968/69, is arrested at a Guild President (1979/80) Council Chambers, later demonstration against Enoch 7 Anne Naylor, became a Labour MP Powell (October 1969) 20 21 22 Guild President (1971/72) 11 Mike Terry OBE, Guild President 5 A.N. Allen, (1968/69), later NUS Secretary 13 Sabbatical Officers quit over 15 Guild of Students election 18 Election candidates (2011) 20 Mike Stanley, 23 Inflatable sign encouraging the 8 A candidate in the elections; 13 23 Guild President (1964/65) education cuts (1975) ballot paper (1975) Guild President (1959/60) student body to vote (2008) the Grey Dalek (1977) 12 Roy Evans, the Guild’s first black 19 Cat Little, Guild President president (1977/78) 14 Kirsten Jongberg, 16 Sabbatical Officer Team (1997) elected with 80% of 21 Officer Team (1977/78) Guild President (2002/03) the votes (2001/02) 17 Tim Reith, Guild President (2000/01) 22 Election candidates (2010) 09 | Democracy Democracy | 10 Campaigns

Guild Officers have created and nurtured campaigns to meet manifesto pledges and support national causes affecting students.

he launch of a canvassing sub-committee the library, finally ended the sit-in, something Tin 1895 marked the beginning of the the University had never experienced before. official lobbying element of the Guild, or Association of Students as it was known In 1975 the Guild Executive called a rent then. When formed the Guild’s intention strike following a proposed 30% rise in Halls 2 3 4 was clear; to be the ‘recognised means of of Residence fees, which attracted support 1 communication between undergraduates from thousands of students. In 1980 a ‘Rent and the University authorities’, and the Fund Account’ was set up by the ‘Rent Strike Guild was offered three representatives Committee’ and more than 800 students at University Court. One of the first sub- paid their hall fees into this account instead committees created by the Guild of of paying the University. Undergraduates Committee was tasked with abolishing lectures on Wednesday afternoons In the 1980s, 1,600 students took part in a so students could pursue sporting and other one night work-in at the library due to drastic extra-curricular activities. spending and library hour cuts, and, as the Miner’s Strike erupted nationally, campus In 1930 management of the Guild and was awash with demonstrations in support 7 8 its policies passed from the Guild of and opposition of the Government. Guild Undergraduates Committee to Guild Council; Council narrowly voted not to support the 1 Mass sit-in in the Great Hall (1968) members were elected from academic miners which caused uproar and resulted in 5 6 2 End Martial Law in Iran constituencies and met fortnightly under vandalism of the Guild building. Demonstration (1973) the chairmanship of the President. In 1936 3 Miners picket Following the millennium, campaigns centred Guild Council unanimously passed a motion 4 Anti-education cuts march on rising tuition fees. In 2003 Birmingham calling for the introduction of seminars for all 5 Protest against the rise in students; at the time seminars were unheard students mobilised in London to protest International Student Fees (1967) of across the country. against the proposed introduction to the 6 Protestors during the Queen’s visit ‘Top Up’ tuition fee. In 2010 the Guild’s Officer (1975) Thirty-two years on, in 1968, the Guild Team led hundreds of students onto campus 7 Protest against funding cuts (1982) published a report into the need for student for the ‘Browne Barrier’ protest against 8 Demonstration outside the Guild representation on University committees. the Government’s Browne Review, which against Enoch Powell (1969) Negotiations between the Guild and included Birmingham’s Vice Chancellor on 9 General meeting of the Guild that the University subsequently broke down the review panel after it recommended lifting ended the one week sit in (1968) resulting in more than one thousand the cap on tuition fees. 10 Spartacist demonstration (1980) students occupying the Great Hall and other 11 Guild Council votes not to support the miners (1984) administration areas. A General Meeting of 9 10 11 12 the Guild of Undergraduates, held outside 12 Hyde Park CND demo (1984)

11 | Campaigns Campaigns | 12 Student Groups

Student groups provide students with the opportunity to embrace student life outside of study. The first societies, or student groups, were formed in 1880 shortly after the ‘Mason College Union’ was established; these included the Botanical Society and the Cycling Society. Steadily over the years the number of societies began to grow.

small number of societies have continued to flourish programme named ‘Concourse’ which was transmitted 14 15 16 A to this day since their inception at the establishment twice weekly on Radio Birmingham and ran from 1970. of the ‘Mason College Union’. As the years have G:TV is the University of Birmingham’s own student run progressed, the rising number of societies has led to an television station which first began broadcasting in 1968, increase in the diversity of issues that they engage with. and within three years had broadcast interviews with a This includes the establishment of international societies diverse range of guests from John Cleese and Ernie Wise such as Deutscher Verein and political societies, as well to Mary Whitehouse. In 1971 it was awarded first prize as awareness societies which have also been popular in a television competition organised by the National 13 among students. The 1970s saw the establishment of Student Television Association (NASTA) for producing a the Women’s Liberation Group and the Gay Liberation short light entertainment programme. Front, as well as other lifestyle choices groups such as Vegetarian Society which was established in 1971. In 1921 ‘The Birmingham University Hospital Carnival’ began. The annual students’ carnival diverted The Guild has always had a variety of student groups. its proceeds to the needs of the young, old and For example, the Columbus Society was open to all handicapped after the introduction of the National 18 1 students with a ‘mental age between 4 and 8’; the Health Service. Carnival RAG (Raising and Giving) Abolition of Thursday Nights organised group outings the successor to the original society organised its first 19 for the sole purpose of enjoyment; and the Seal Society charity bar crawl in the city centre in 2000 and now runs whose aim was to train a seal to swim the English numerous charitable events. Today, the Guild boasts 13 Students attend a 17 Letter to Tony Blair, demonstration Prime Minister, against Channel and many more. The Debating Society, which several student groups primarily created to give to back the introduction of the 14 Guild of Students’ is still running today, has had an array of speakers one of to the local community, such as Kids Adventure and the Top Up fees (2006) protest whom was Sir Winston Churchill. Selly Oak Play Scheme. 18 Get Naked for Fair 15 Liam Byrne MP, Trade (2010) Wheelie Bin campaign Media groups have always proved popular, and over Theatre performances have been a strong feature of (2005/06) 19 Fees protest (2006) the years have grown in both size and diversity. In University and Guild life. In 1926 Birmingham University 16 Browne Barrier 20 Pro-choice demo 1936, the University newspaper ‘Guild News’ launched, Dramatic Society presented a play called ‘Salma’ which protest against the against anti-abortion Goverment’s Browne activists (2008) publishing local and campus news, in later years the appeared in the local newspaper. In 1948 Guild Theatre Review on campus newspaper was renamed as ‘Redbrick’. In 1987 it Group was formed and today there are several theatre 21 Kill The Bill’ protest (2011) became free for all readers following greater financial groups performing musicals, comedy and improvisation, 17 support from the Guild. Redbrick, still in print today, traditional and original theatre such as Article 19, Gilbert 2 now hosts an award winning website. As well as BURN & Sullivan, and Watch This. FM (Birmingham University Radio Network), which was 1 Birmingham University Dramatic 2 Men’s Tennis Team Society presents ‘Salma’ (1926) (1944/45) 20 established in 1996, students also produced a short

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23 3 Carnival Float depicting a 5 Poynting Physics ‘Kremlin 7 Guild Theatre Group (1967) 10 Bhangra Society (2009) 14 Mick’s Café Race (1981) 17 The Columbus Society 22 Edwina Currie declining an mermaid (1959) Krumbler’, the winning Carnival invitation from the Debating 8 The control panel in the Guild 11 Humans Vs Zombies Society 15 Debating Society in action 18 BRMB Guild TV recording (1974) Float (1956) Society (1984) 4 Guild Theatre Group’s television studio (1968) 15 12 Dying fly world record 16 Society for the Abolition of 19 Life Saving Society (2008) performance of 6 Carnival’s hoax bomb planted 23 Alternative Performing 9 Medical students wash cars for attempt (1981) Thursday Night’s membership ‘The Sorcerer’ (1957) in Birmingham city centre as a 20 Talking Hands (2000) Arts Society (2000) charity (1968) card (1974) publicity stunt (1967) 13 Society Freshers’ Fair (1983) 21 Carnival RAG (2011) 15 | Student Groups Student Groups | 16 Events

The Guild of Students has always been the hub for events and socialising with fellow students.

n 1905 the ‘University Club’ (subsequently Iknown as the Guild Club) opened in Great 2 Charles Street and included a designated room for concerts known as the Founders Room.

When the Guild moved to the Edgbaston building in 1930 a ball and formal dinner was held to celebrate the grand opening. In 1932 4 5 the ‘Saturday Hop’ was launched and is still being held today, although the music and name have changed over the years. 6

Student events have also been big successes. In 1950 the Carnival Ball was high on the social 1 3 calendar, and in the 1970s the Guild’s Deb Hall hosted Paul McCartney and Wings, and Duran Duran.

In 1981, in order to celebrate the Guild Centenary, a number of events were planned not only to celebrate but also to raise money for a community centre for the residents of Selly Oak. In 2010 the Graduation Ball returned to campus - a music stage, silent disco and funfair 11 were all located in Chancellor’s Court under the 9 clock tower.

It is not only balls and music events that have 1 Opening ceremony of the University 7 Calvin Harris performs in the Deb proved to be big hits in the Guild’s history - in with King Edward VII (1909) Hall (2009) 1975 the Queen came to visit the University 2 Mr Heath visits the University, 8 The Pirates play at the Guild (1978) students protest at the low level of and the Guild, and in 2010 the University hosted 9 Paul McCartney and Wings play student grants (1973) the third Prime Ministerial TV debate in the first in the Debating Hall at the Guild 3 Duran Duran perform at the Guild (1973) General Election to hold them. (1979) 7 8 10 The Queen visits again (1975) 4 Stanley Baldwin visit (1927) 11 Radio Stars in the Deb Hall (1979) 10 12 5 Opening of North Gate (1930) 12 Ralph McTell in the Deb Hall (1974) 6 Duke of Edinburgh visits, 17 | Events Electronic Engineering (1963) Events | 18 The Guild Building

Over the decades, the Guild building has undergone a number of transformations. It was not until 1930 that the Guild officially moved to the Edgbaston site where it remains today. This followed a £100,000 donation by Sir Charles Hyde, proprietor 14 of the Birmingham Post, and two years of construction. The building on completion included a hall, refectory, library, tea room, common room, and rest-rooms.

uring the 1940s work began on the ‘South Wing’ of Dthe Guild after a further donation of £20,000 from 12 13 Sir Charles Hyde, and in 1950 a further extension was designed to accommodate a catering service ‘what

is probably the largest student-managed catering 1 Edgbaston campus, concern in the country’. the Guild building is to the far right (1931) In 1960, with the addition of the ‘West Wing’, Mermaid 2 An artist’s impression Square was formed. A year later, Mermaid Square was of the extended Guild building (1956) completed with the design, by Birmingham sculptor 3 New wing of the William Bloye, and installation of the Mermaid Fountain. 17 Guild building (1958) 1 The 1980s witnessed the first ever fast food outlet built within a Students’ Union with the opening of Priestley’s Fast Food, the Guild’s answer to McDonald’s.

In 2010, the Guild celebrated the completion of a £4million redevelopment. The development started as a concept in 2005 following student feedback. 15 16 The project involved 18 months of extensive building work and three development phrases. The refurbished premises included, a new Joe’s bar, membership 12 Winston Churchill attends a 15 General Elections 17 Labrinth plays at the Guild’s debate organised by the Debate Day (2010) Gradball (2011) area to house student services such as the Job Zone Debating Society (1983) and Advice & Representation Centre (ARC), and 16 Minister David Lammy MP 18 John Denham MP meets with 13 Tony Blair Prime Minister visits meets the Officer Team (2008) the Guild President, Dora redeveloped Mermaid Square. campus (2001) Meredith (2010) 2 3 14 The Queen visits for the University’s centenary (2000) 18 19 | Events The Guild Building | 20 4 5

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4 The new Guild extension (1959) 7 Guild of Students’ floor 10 Guild coffee lounge (1981) 13 Beorma Bar opens (2000) 16 Reception (pre-2010) plan (1983) 5 Guild from Edgbaston Park 11 View of the Guild (1982) 14 Guild shop (1981) 17 Membership area (2010) Road (1958) 8 Plans for further Guild 12 The new Mermaid Fountain 15 Edgbaston campus, the new 18 Mermaid Square (2010) extension (1959) 6 Last game on the Guild’s statue is lowered into place union building is at the bottom 19 The new Joe’s bar (2010) croquet lawn before extension 9 The Guild building gets (1961) of the picture (1938) work begins (1959) flooded (1962) 13 14 15

21 | The Guild Building The Guild Building | 22 Keep in touch For more information on the Guild’s history project or if you wish to get in touch and share your memories, please contact the Guild at:

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @GOShistory Web: guildofstudents/ourhistory Facebook: Search ‘Friends of the Guild’

Registered Office: University of Birmingham Guild of Students, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2TU. Registered in England Company Number: 6638759 Tel: 0121 251 2300 Fax: 0121 251 2301 Registered Charity Number: 1137548