Terms Cards of Yesteryear - Michaelmas 1949

Today, we spotlight one of the earliest Term Cards preserved at the Oxford Union, dating back to Michaelmas 1949. While Term Cards from as early as 1891 are stored at the Oxfordshire History Centre, this particular example resides in the Frewin Court archive and offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of Union history. At the time, Term Cards were concise—just four pages long—and offered limited details about debate topics. However, we do find out that the Union provided a local messenger service for note delivery and offered four meals a day to members.

Michaelmas 1949 featured a small but distinguished roster of speakers who graced the Union’s chamber. Among them was Douglas Woodruff, Union President in 1923, close friend of Evelyn Waugh, and a celebrated member of the Union’s debating team. A historian and Times journalist, Woodruff founded The Tablet and is credited with creating the "fourth leader," a light-hearted piece on some extraordinary bit of news. Lord Chuter Ede, a Labour MP and the longest-serving Home Secretary of the 20th century, also spoke during this term. Joining him was R.A. Butler (known as “Rab”), a Conservative MP who later became de facto deputy prime minister under Anthony Eden and Harold Macmillan (1962-63). The fourth notable speaker was Christopher Mayhew, Baron Mayhew—a Labour MP, ex-President of the Union (1937), and a key figure in founding the Information Research Department (IRD), the Foreign Office’s secret Cold War propaganda wing.

The Union’s archivist, Sally Gilbert, shares an intriguing anecdote about the Union’s President during Michaelmas 1949, Richard Faber. A Conservative, Faber had tied in the previous term’s election with Rodney Donald, a Socialist. To resolve the tie, Faber graciously stepped aside, allowing Donald—who was due to leave Oxford that term—to serve as President for Trinity Term. This decision, though gentlemanly, was criticised by the Evening Standard:

"A Tory and a Socialist tied for the presidency. How to resolve it? The Tory withdrew. No doubt this was a fine, gentlemanly gesture; all the same, it was just nonsense. England’s young Tories must not follow the non-combatant methods of the majority of the party’s front bench in the House of Commons. Rather they should adopt the advice of the old warrior Churchill and fight on the beaches, in the fields and in the streets." (Quoted from The Oxford Union by David Walter, p. 134).

If you have any Term Cards that you would like to donate to our archives, we would love to hear from you. Similarly, if you have any memories or stories to share, please contact the Development Office—we would be delighted to connect with you. To see other term cards of yesteryear, visit here.