No Hobby-horsing?

All these points are important; most of them can be found in a good average holiday camp. What makes Congress an experience so much more complete and stimulating than the standard summer holiday is its primary function as the meeting-ground and clearing-house of a huge medley of divergent ideas. Ordinary barrow-pushing and hobby-horse-riding are not edifying occupations; but the continual thrashing-out of problems and interplay of opinion make the "clash of ideas" no mere catchword at a Congress. Furthermore, this clash takes place at a remarkably sane and objective intellectual level. Opinions can only be the better; for being forced to justify themselves before a barrage of criticism. The mind grows more agile; the tongue too becomes more ready, as one discovers undreamed-of resources of vehemence and eloquence in support of one's pet theory. If you are Vegetarian, Communist, or Higher Thinker, you will find support and opposition for your ideas; whether your most cherished beliefs concern free love or the iniquity of University examiners, you can make a positive contribution to that synthesis and critical evaluation of ideas which is the most solid achievement of Congress, and from which the mind must emerge both broader and stronger.

The ten days at Curious Cove represent most fully those [unclear: qualities] which [unclear: distinguish] the University as an institution—neither swot-shop nor glorified sports-club, but discriminating balance between extremes. Participation in Congress is the most satisfactory, and satisfying, way in which you, as a member of the University community, can foster that Ideal and make it flourish.