Classical Society

The Classical Society was established as one of the University's faculty societies with its membership made up entirely of undergraduates and graduates of the University. It was in existence in the 1930s.

In 1969 a small annual membership fee entitled members to vote at Annual General Meetings, to stand as a member of the Committee and to participate in the Society's activities. While membership was open to all interested in classics most were taking Latin, Greek, Ancient History or Archaeology. The Society was run by a committee of nine, which was elected at the Annual General Meeting. Office bearers were the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Publicity Officer and four other representatives.

Well established within the University, the Society engaged in a wide range of activities. Each year the Society presented a Latin or Greek play, largely or entirely in the original language. By 1969 since its first performance in 1945, 19 plays had been performed, comprising six Aristophanes comedies, eight Plautus comedies, four Greek tragedies and in 1959 the modern world première of Menander's 'Dyskolos'. The Society also arranged play readings, film evenings and other events, like harbour cruises. It organised lunchtime activities such as talks on extra-curricular subjects by members of staff and film screenings. It launched its newssheet 'codex' on 21 March 1967.