The Auden Society, now under the very capable Presidency of Lucy M, held its first meeting of the academic year on Wednesday 30^th September in Fishmonger’s Hall.  There was an eclectic mix of student presentations and, in accordance with Auden Society tradition, the President launched the meeting with an excellent interactive talk on creative writing.  Leila Y followed with a very informative and well prepared presentation on George Orwell, which led to a brief discussion on Orwell’s works, beyond the very popular Animal Farm and 1984.  Ollie B broadened our knowledge of World War II poets by reading a poem of strength, sacrifice and bravery by John Gillespie Magee Jr, an American pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force, who died in action in 1941. Poppy R ended the student presentations with an insightful exploration of colonial influences on power in her two coursework texts: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Mr. Baker rounded the evening off with a fascinating overview of his Master’s dissertation, on how hedging has transformed the publishing industry; an industry that would today (rather sadly) be unlikely to recognize the literary merit of the works of three sisters roaming the moors of Yorkshire.  The next Auden Society meeting will be held on Wednesday 11 November, in Fishmonger’s Hall. All Sixth Formers welcome.