Our debating society was founded in 1846 in Edgbaston, and joined with the Birmingham society in 1855. Whilst historically some of its members have been drawn from the ‘great and good’ - past presidents include Neville and Joseph Chamberlain - B.E.D.S. membership criteria in the 21st century requires only a shared love of debating.
We meet monthly (usually on Wednesdays) at 6.45 for 7.15pm, at Edgbaston Golf Club. Our 'season' starts in September and ends in April or May, depending on the calendat. The evening commences with a meal (for which a very reasonable charge is made) and debating begins about 8.30 - 8.45. We aim to conclude by 10.00 - 10.30. We also make a small annual membership charge.
For those wanting to find out more about us, one of our members, Charles Wade has written an absorbing history of the society - 'The Lucid Expression Of Thought'. This provides a fascinating profiles on the society in its historical context from 1846 to the present day. If you would like to obtain a copy, please get in touch with us via our Contact Us page.
We encourage all members to bring guests and, indeed, this is by far the most common source of new members. We are active in other debating circles: we visit the University of Birmingham Debating Society for an 'away fixture' each year and the University visit us with a speaking team for one of our monthly meetings. We support and help adjudicate the Midland Schools Debating contest which is held at the Birmingham and Midlands Institute during the winter months.
We hope you have found this information of use - please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know more!
The Society is now in its summer recess and the next debate will be in September.
"To be confirmed"
Please use the 'Contact us' section to obtain more information about future debates and how you can attend.
