After a hard year of campaigning across the continent, Newcastle finally presented their bid to host EUDC ‘09 to the European Universities Debating Council at the 2008 championships in Tallinn.

The Council, which is made up of representatives from twenty-five countries and regions, heard short speeches by Oskar and Alex assuring them of their commitment to learn from previous successful competitions to provide an outstanding tournament.

Meanwhile Sam offered his experience as a CA, Convenor and Euros DCA as proof that he would make a fantastic CA for the competition. After a brief question and answer session, the Newcastle team were given the unanimous seal of approval.

Newcastle is again pleased to announce its International Open to take place on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th June 2008. This is the two days immediately after Durham Open.

Our team cap is set at 60 (no institutional cap), open reg rules (composite and / or masters teams welcome), with a registration fee of £40 per team (may be subject to remission / discount for non-IONA teams and in cases of extreme financial hardship at institutions).

There will be no charge for judges, and like Durham we encourage as many as possible to attend.

We'll be running a 5 round competition, breaking to semis. Closed motions, Euro-prep style, Our judging team will be led by CA Sam Block.

More Information can be found on the face book group here, or on the Newcastle Debating site here.

The EUDC Newcastle'09 bid is pleased to announce that Robert Nimmo has agreed to join the team as our tabbing expert. Chief Adjudicator Sam Block has also invited Robert to act in a DCA capacity in light of his skills and the potential large size of a Newcastle Euros (200 teams). Bob said "I hope to bring a new dimension to the NewcastleGateshead bid and I'm very pleased to be working with a team that's passionate about debate."

Co-Convenors Russell Haswell and Oskar Avery have welcomed Robert onto the team. Oskar said "I'm delighted at this news. Euros in the past have had four DCAs, but since Newcastle is proposing to increase the size by almost a quarter, an extra person on the Adjudication team is worthwhile." Russell added "Bob is one of the finest debating minds in the world and the best technical expert we could possibly have for tabbing. I'm very excited to have him onboard."

EUDC Newcastle'09 is very pleased to *officially* announce our DCA appointment. Happily, Uve Poom has accepted our offer and is now the newest member of our adjudication team.

EUDC Newcastle'09 is delighted to welcome Uve. We think that he can really bring something special to the bid. EUDC Newcastle'09 has a vision of unity in European debating. Giving parity of esteem to both ESL and IONA is a central theme in our bid. That's why we're going to hold ESL and Main Finals in the same venue. Uve really adds to the depth and breadth of our team - with what we think are some of the best ESL and EFL talent.

We're still looking to add to our Named Judges list. If you think you want to support EUDC Newcastle'09 and be a part of our senior judging team, please do get in touch!

We're very pleased to announce the launch of our new web forum and newsletter. Sign up to the forum. Here you'll be able to discuss European debating and the Newcastle bid. You can also receive the latest news in your inbox by signing up for the Newsletter. Sign up by typing your address in the box on the right hand side.

EUDC Newcastle'09 has announced that they have opened applications for the final DCA slot and named senior judges. The bid team is looking for people from all over Europe to bring extra depth and breadth to the bid. Do you have valuable experience or represent a branch of debating that could enhance the bid?

CA, Sam Block, said

"This is a very exciting stage in the bid process where we can really add to what is already a very strong team."

Anyone wishing to apply can get in touch via email at convenor@eudcnewcastle09.com or alternatively use the contact for found here: Contact Form