Our Meetings

Dates And Start Time
Meetings take place on Thursdays during the autumn and spring terms in the Westminster Theatre, Chancellor's Building at Keele University.

Meetings normally start at 19:30 with an introductory talk lasting around 40 minutes; there is then a refreshment break when questions are prepared; and the Question & Answer session lasts 40 – 50 minutes, with the meeting closing between 21:15 and 21:30.  Any notices will be given shortly before 19:30 so please be seated by 19:25.

Meeting Registration
Meetings are for Keele World Affairs members only. Members should bring their ‘chip’ membership card and scan each time they enter the Westminster Theatre before 7:30 p.m. Please help our Volunteers to confirm your attendance at our meetings and do not let anyone else use your card (see Ethos and Conditions of Membership page).
Seating and Attendance Management
Try not to leave empty seats in the middle of rows so that others can find a seat. Note: Please do not reserve seats at any time for someone who is not in Chancellor’s Building. Membership is for the season and attendance varies slightly each week. If a high number of members attend we will open an adjacent satellite theatre with a large screen but our membership policy aims to avoid this.

Weather
No meeting has been cancelled in over 30 years due to bad weather (we are a hardy and committed group).  There is a World Affairs phone number (outgoing messages only) at 01782 733210 which members can phone on Thursdays after 16:30 if they feel they want clarification.



Health and Safety
Members should familiarise themselves with safety exits from the theatre and building. We advise the Estates Department of any hazards outside or within the building. For best underfoot conditions, please use the main car park and entrance of Chancellor’s Building. We arrange for St John Ambulance to attend all our meetings.
Dining
We are a sociable community.  Many members arrive early and visit the adjacent Refectory restaurant alongside the Westminster Theatre, so see the webpage on Keele World Affairs dining.


Audibility
The speaker and chair wear a headset and the sound and lighting system is managed by an attending technician. A hearing loop is built into the balcony floor so members wishing to benefit from it are advised to sit above or below in the rear half of the theatre. Please try different areas of the theatre if you encounter problems. If any speaker cannot be heard, please advise the Chair immediately.

There is wheelchair access to the Chancellor's Building and to the lower level of the Westminster Theatre.