The English-Speaking Union Creating global understanding through English
Annual Report 2008 - 2009
What the ESU stands for Our commitment is to create international understanding and to promote human achievement through the world-wide use of the English language. We aim: • to promote English in international public speaking and debate for the support of world-wide communication and dialogue • to encourage the enjoyment and constructive use of English through educational programmes • to provide a forum for international friendship through our support of the world-wide network of ESUs and the provision of secretariat facilities for the International Council at our headquarters at Dartmouth House, London • to initiate and administer international youth exchange and work experience schemes • to focus on key current affairs issues through regular international conferences, seminars and meetings
• to provide and create cultural activities • to facilitate and assist the establishment and recognition of ESUs world-wide • to ensure the co-ordination and coherence of our activities through the skill and dedication of our staff and voluntary helpers • to make full use of the enthusiasm and support of our members • to work in close and innovative partnership with our corporate members and sponsors.
The English-Speaking Union Patron Her Majesty The Queen
Mr Richard Kaye Captain Norman Lloyd-Edwards
President HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT
Mr Bilal Mahmood (elected November 2008) Mr Brian Marsh OBE
HONORARY OFFICERS Mr Colin McCorquodale Chairman The Rt Hon the Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE* Deputy Chairmen Mr Edward Gould*
Ms Kirsty McNeill (co-opted November 2008) Sir Christopher Meyer KCMG Mr Andrew Mitchell MP (elected November 2008)
Dame Mary Richardson DBE* (elected November 2008) Mr Richard Oldham* (co-opted November 2008) Honorary Treasurer Mr David Thomas OBE (retired November 2008)
Mrs Jeanne Pumfrey
The Hon Christopher McLaren* (elected November 2008)
Mr Christopher Redman
Honorary Secretary The Hon Christopher McLaren (retired November 2008)
Miss Margaret Rudland The Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill DL (retired November 2008)
DIRECTOR-GENERAL Baroness Symons PC Mrs Valerie Mitchell OBE (retired July 2009) Mr David Thomas OBE (co-opted November 2008) Mr Michael Lake CBE* (appointed July 2009) The Lord Watson of Richmond CBE BOARD OF GOVERNORS Mr Anthony Westnedge OBE Lady Appleyard (retired November 2008) Mr Anthony Williams Lady Boyd Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL Mr Saroj Chakravarty Sir Richard Dearlove KCMG OBE Mr Jonathan Dye
*Members of the Policy and Resources Committee
Sir Brian Fall GCVO KCMG (retired November 2008) Mr Alexander Finnis (elected November 2008) Mrs Cheryl Gillan MP Sir David Green KCMG Dr Elizabeth Hallam-Smith (elected November 2008) Mr Andrew Hay Ms Jennifer Hibbert Mr Steven Isserlis CBE
(The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth Registered charity no. 273136) Registered Office Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED Dartmouth House Ltd being the ESU trading subsidiary is limited by Guarantee, Company Number 1313561 Registration No. 273136
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Contents President’s Message .......................................................5
Alumni Association .......................................................26
Chairman’s Message .......................................................6
Library and Archive Activities ......................................28
Director-General’s Message ...........................................7
ESU People ....................................................................29
Highlights of the Year......................................................8
Branches ........................................................................30
Education .......................................................................12
Dartmouth House ..........................................................34
Scholarships and Exchanges.......................................14
Corporate Members.......................................................36
Language and Learning ................................................15
Donors and Sponsors ...................................................37
Speech and Debate .......................................................15
Notice of Annual General Meeting ...............................38
International Development ...........................................18
ESUs Worldwide ............................................................39
Cultural Activities ..........................................................22
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President’s Message
President, HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT
The English-Speaking Union was originally founded with the general purpose of maintaining friendship and good relations between the people of English-speaking nations. With the growth in the use of English throughout the world, the ESU is now devoting much of its energies to support all those people for whom English is an acquired language. It is currently active in over 60 countries in the strong belief that the use of the English language can make a valuable contribution to the improvement in internal communication.
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Chairman’s Message In the past year, I have visited many ESU members, both nationally and internationally. I travelled to Malta and Cyprus to welcome the new committees and in all my visits have observed how the ESU has flourished and developed. One of the highlights of my programme in the UK was to chair the final of the London Debate Challenge. I have previously stressed the importance of reaching out to a young and diverse membership. The London Debate Challenge embodies this aim; supporting children from maintained schools across all London boroughs who may not otherwise have a forum to develop public speaking and debating skills. The children demonstrated their ability to listen to each other, to speak confidently in front of a diverse audience of their peers and teachers, and to form reasoned responses to controversial issues, arguing on both sides of the topic. Watching them engage with each other renewed my belief that the spirit of the ESU is one of which we can and should be proud. In the past year, the world has been faced with challenges that the ESU can have a hand in resolving through its cultural exchanges, education programmes, scholarships and competitions. Such activities allow participants to expand their knowledge and widen their outlook on world issues. We are able to claim alumni in every continent, providing evidence of the reach of the ESU into many different lives, professions and cultures. Chairman, The Rt Hon The Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE PC
In a year in which the challenges facing the world have been at the forefront of our minds, it is possible to look back at the founding principles of the ESU and see many parallels with today’s problems. Our aims to “provide a forum for international friendship and understanding”, “focus on key current affairs issues” and “encourage the enjoyment and constructive use of English” can provide the opportunity for ordinary people to understand better issues spanning cultural and international divides. The ESU has thrived on the desire to exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge on both national and international levels. In the past year, we have strived to bring this aspiration to new pastures, with our global reach expanding into Albania, Cyprus, Malta and Finland. Plans for the establishment of other new ESUs in regions in which we are not yet present will increase the scope of our work and the collective impact that we can bring to bear. We will take these opportunities to learn about each other’s point of view, dispel some of the tensions that exist between differing ideologies and bring together the expertise of the many different communities of the ESU. Our focus will be on providing forums for the increased understanding of diversity, discussing the issues that face the world’s communities in isolation and as a whole, and using English to develop the friendships that exist between nations, communities and people.
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I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Valerie Mitchell for her marvellous service to the ESU. Looking forward to the coming year, I am pleased to welcome Mike Lake, our new Director-General. I am thrilled that Mike has agreed to lead our ESU team, both within the Commonwealth and internationally, and have high expectations that he and his team will continue to make the ESU an organisation with a clear drive. Its relevance in providing an international forum for friendship and understanding will be, I am sure, carried forward with renewed enthusiasm. The skills of our staff and members continue to be the driving force of our work, and I look forward to supporting the ESU in all its endeavours.
“The ESU has thrived on the desire to exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge on both national and international levels.”
Director-General’s Message Of particular interest to me is the development of our international agenda. I hope we can continue to expand the network of partners and to develop a more coordinated collaboration internationally that is accessible to our members, with causes they may get behind. Membership is what drives the ESU. The members of the English-Speaking Union in its many forms are all vitally important in terms of fundraising, energy and intellectual drive and as a way of creating a global community. I hope to expand the membership and create more ways in which our members can be involved in the future. All charitable organisations need to be experts in their field. The ESU has access to a great range of information and practical experience, and is in a unique position to influence public opinion and the direction of public policy. I anticipate that we can use this wealth of knowledge in a proactive way and I see this as an area in which we will develop our expertise and capacity. It is an enormous privilege to be given the opportunity of leading this great organisation. I hope to be able to do with the same energy and enthusiasm as my predecessors.
Director-General, Michael Lake CBE
Stepping into a new organisation is always an exciting and challenging time. Taking over the leadership of the ESU in the second half of the year, I have faced a steep learning curve to understand the business and culture of the organisation and have been set a demanding agenda by the Governors. It has been a great help to have the support of a strong team and for this I am grateful to my predecessor, Valerie Mitchell, who devoted nearly 30 years of service to the ESU and whose contribution is further endorsed on page 29. In common with all charitable organisations, there is a challenge to the ESU to ensure that it is relevant to the circumstances of the day and that we are conducting our work in the most efficient way we can. We are in the midst of a particularly tough time for the charitable sector, with increased difficulties in fundraising and the absorption of new legislation combining to make the work we do all the more challenging. To this end, I am looking forward to putting together a three to five year cycle of action that will ensure that the ESU is as fit for purpose as it has been throughout its 90-year history. A key ingredient is the management of a sound financial plan. We are blessed with assets protected over the years for our benefit and I hope that future generations will feel similarly grateful to us.
“The members of the English-Speaking Union in its many forms are all vitally important in terms of fundraising, energy and intellectual drive and as a way of creating a global community.�
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Steven Isserlis and Ana-Maria Vera at the ESU Gala Concert at Goldsmiths’ Hall to celebrate both the centenary year of Belinda Norman-Butler, who founded the ESU Music Scholarships, and the 90th anniversary of the English-Speaking Union.
Highlights of the Year
The financial year 2008-09 saw the English-Speaking Union continue its 90t marked by a memorable World Members’ Conference in Edinburgh and a Ga It was a year when we welcomed new friends by extending the reach of the ESU. Several countries announced their intentions to launch ESUs in the coming year and ESU Finland was re-established. The calendar, as ever, remained busy with conferences, competitions, debates, cultural events, exchanges and
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scholarship awards – all now hallmarks of the ESU’s work in fostering greater links between the English-speaking peoples of the world. Here are some brief highlights. This report also illustrates a selection of other ESU activities undertaken during the year.
"To understand where English is going, we need to understand where it is now . . . the centre of gravity of the language has shifted from native to non-native speaker: for every one native speaker there are now four non-native speakers." David Crystal, The Future of Englishes, Routledge 2009
World Members’ Conference in Edinburgh HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, The Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, The Rt Hon Alex Salmond, MSP, Sir Richard Billing Dearlove and Sir John Bond were among the illustrious contributors to our World Members’ Conference in Edinburgh. ESU Scotland had pulled out all the stops to make this a special occasion, coinciding, as it did, with the International Council Meeting. Speakers and delegates expounded and discussed the role of English in business, diplomacy and a changing world. The importance of the ESU’s debate and public speaking work with young people was also highlighted. Some of Scotland’s own culture was afforded further exploration during the conference programme with events at the National Gallery, Mansfield Traquair, Dynamic Earth and Murrayfield Stadium. (L-R) Lord Hunt, Alex Salmond and Jon Dye
h anniversary celebrations, ala Concert in Goldsmith’s Hall.
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Highlights of the Year Anniversary Concert
Speakers included HE Sir Tony Brenton, HM Ambassador to the Russia Federation, The Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, Lord Watson and Mr Konstantin Sukhenko, Chairman, Permanent Commission on Science, Education and Culture, St Petersburg Legislative Assembly. The conference was sponsored by TNK BP and a cultural programme organised by ESU-St Petersburg. Winners Recognised at Palace Awards
The Duchess of Gloucester and Mrs Belinda Norman-Butler
Guest performers, Steven Isserlis (a former ESU music scholar) and Ana-Maria Vera entertained us befittingly. Sadly, this proved to be Belinda Norman-Butler’s last public appearance and she passed away peacefully just a few weeks later. Thanks are due to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Magnet Harlequin and Pernod Ricard UK for donating their services to help make this such an enjoyable occasion. All proceeds are being put to use for the ESU Music Scholarships programme. Unity in St Petersburg
www.rolandkemp.com
Two milestones were marked by a Gala Concert at Goldsmith’s Hall, in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. The ESU was still celebrating its 90th anniversary and Mrs Belinda Norman-Butler, founder of the ESU Music Scholarships, reached her centenary year. John and Ann Crick collect the ESU President’s Award
One of the principal highlights of the calendar is the annual ESU Awards ceremony at which our President, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, presents the ESU English Language Book Award, ESU President’s Award and acknowledges a host of other ESU competition winners. The 2008-09 awards took place at Buckingham Palace. There were joint winners of the Duke of Edinburgh ESU English Language Book Award – Always On by Naomi S Baron and the Oxford Student’s Dictionary (for learners using English to study other subjects), compiled by Victoria Bull, Alison Waters and Frank Keenan. The ESU President’s Award for innovation and good design in the use of new, free-standing technologies was won by WriteOnline from Crick Software.
HE Sir Tony Brenton and Prof Ludmila Verbitskaya, President ESU St Petersburg
Globalisation and Language, Unity in Diversity was the theme of a conference hosted at the St Petersburg State University. The event drew an audience of almost 300 delegates from across the UK and Eastern Europe.
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Highlights of the Year Gian Karlo Wins Speaking Title
The Future of Englishes
Professor David Crystal
Professor David Crystal was the keynote speaker at a conference, hosted in Belgrade, as part of our 90th anniversary celebrations. Eighty ESU members, linguists and teachers gathered in the Serbian capital to explore The Future of Englishes. Gian Karlo Dapul
The 27th annual International Public Speaking Competition was won by Gian Karlo Dapul from the Philippines. With a speech intriguingly entitled Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus, Gian was victorious over 58 entrants from 33 countries. The competition is a jewel in the ESU’s crown and affords unrivalled opportunities for young people to test and demonstrate their fluency in English. For many it is a first chance to travel outside of their native countries. As the title winner, Gian was invited to attend the Buckingham Palace awards, an opportunity that he was delighted to take up.
HM Ambassador to Serbia, Mr Stephen Wordsworth, opened the proceedings and other speakers included Mr Andrew Glass, British Council Director and Professor Ranko Bugarski, ESU Serbia Honorary President. Professor Crystal also had an opportunity to speak at Belgrade University Philological Faculty where he addressed his largest-ever student audience – 800 young people keen to learn more about the development of the English language.
Delegates at the 2008 International Council Meeting
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Education
The ESU works closely with schools, universities, teaching unions and other development opportunities. The award of these scholarships and opportunit teachers, from librarians to research scientists, from university students to cl these exchanges has a transformative impact upon the learning and careers English in Action, help to empower people of all ages and from all walks of lif 12
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r professional bodies to promote exchanges, scholarships and career ties to a wide variety of beneficiaries – from secondary school pupils to ergy, continues to be a core part of the ESU. The positive experience of s of many. These programmes, along with other educational work such as fe to engage more fully and positively in society. The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
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Scholarships and Exchanges Morehead-Cain Scholarships
Secondary School Exchange Scolarships
Three candidates received Morehead-Cain Foundation scholarships to undertake a first degree programme at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. They were Conrad Griffin, Pippa Howells and Monisha Kumar.
The ESU has awarded Secondary School Exchanges Scholarships for more than 80 years to promote Anglo-American understanding. They give students the opportunity to spend their gap year at an American high school.
This year, the interviews were preceded by a social evening hosted by the Morehead-Cain Foundation in Bedford Square. It afforded an opportunity for British candidates and alumni to meet as well as for candidates to learn more about the scholarship, which they took up in February.
Fifteen scholars received awards to take up their places in 2009-10. The SSE Scholarships are sponsored by John Lewis Partnership and ESU branches. American Memorial Chapel Travel Grant
Exciting Times for Political Minds This annual award is intended to foster understanding and the exchange of ideas between clergy in the United Kingdom and USA. Recipients have the opportunity to tour the United States for three weeks and research an area of particular interest or relevance to their work. The 2008 grant was awarded to Revd Lister Tonge, Chaplain at Ripon College Cuddesdon and Begbroke Priory, Diocese of Oxford. He intends to use the grant to investigate the spiritual formation of the clergy within seminary cultures in the US. Walter Hines Page Scholars Cross the Atlantic
Interns on Capitol Hill
The ESU’s Parliamentary Exchange Programme between London, Washington and Paris gives around 20 students, annually, an opportunity to see life inside government circles. Placements are offered at Westminster, on Capitol Hill and at the Assemblée Nationale. In the summer of 2008, nine outstanding candidates from a range of British universities spent eight weeks interning in the offices of US Congressmen and Senators. The group not only experienced the political life of the US in a momentous election year, but also enjoyed the cultural side of Washington DC thanks to the generous hospitality of the ESU Washington DC branch of the ESUUS. One British student worked for Deputé Godfrain in Paris and in exchange a young French person, chosen by ESU Paris, was placed by the ESU in the Westminster office of Dominic Grieve MP, shadow Home Secretary. A parallel programme, run by Sir Patrick Cormack, saw ten students of the Catholic University of America placed in other Parliamentary offices.
“This year was easily the best year of my life. Your perceptions of what you are and what you can achieve can become completely different from what they once were.” An SSE Scholar 14
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Walter Hines Page Scholarships, which enable teaching staff to spend two weeks in the United States studying particular aspects of education, were awarded to six candidates. Their study topics ranged from the role of performing arts in education to best practice in the field of autism. Interviews took place in March 2009 to decide this year’s recipients with four scholarships awarded. Walter Hines Page Scholarships are supported by ATL, NASUWT, NUT and HMC teaching unions. The interview panel for the American Memorial Chapel Travel Grant
Language and Learning Marsh Award for Children’s Literature
English in Action: Volunteer Support Programmes Three volunteer projects, run under the English in Action banner, support people who do not have English as a first language with their fluency and confidence. English in Action adults’ programme provides one-to-one conversational sessions. Volunteer tutors spend an hour a week with their ‘students’ at Dartmouth House. English in Action in Schools places volunteers in London primary schools to work with small groups of children through games, role play and storytelling.
(L-R) Aleksandra Marsh, Anthony Horowitz, Sarah Ardizzone and Valerie Mitchell
In 2008, the ESU took over the administration of the Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation. The initiative seeks to encourage the publication of more translated children’s fiction and to reward translators. The 2009 award attracted 40 entries from a wide range of countries. Six candidates were shortlisted and the winner was Sarah Ardizzone for her translation of Toby Alone into English from its original French. First published in 2006, the book has already been made available in 22 other languages.
The Experience English programme, launched in 2007, is a collaboration between the ESU and the Helen Bamber Foundation, a charity that works closely with refugees and torture victims who are new to London and the UK. ESU volunteers are paired with clients of the Bamber Foundation and spend an hour a week in and around the city, making use of galleries, parks and museums to help their mentees learn a little more of our culture and to practise their conversational English.
More than 45 people benefited from ESU scholarships during the year
Speech and Debate The ESU’s Centre for Speech and Debate aims to equip people around the world with the skills of thinking clearly, speaking persuasively and listening to the opinions of others critically and constructively. It does this through teaching programmes bringing public speaking and debating into schools; through competitions for young people of all ages; and through support for speech and debate programmes at home and abroad.
“The debate title was really tough, we had spent two days with a load of people who really love Shakespeare, and here we were telling them he wasn’t all that great!”
Willard Foxton addresses the audience at the Alumni Debate
Contestant from the winning team at the Great Shakespeare Debate
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Speech and Debate Liverpool Hosts Schools Mace Europe’s Capital of Culture 2008 hosted the international final of the ESU Schools Mace, the national debating championships for Britain and Ireland. More than 800 schools took part in the competition from the four home nations with the quartet of national champions gathering at Liverpool Town Hall in May to compete for the Silver Mace.
Hertfordshire and City Universities contested the final, which was judged by Lord Steyn, Richard Millett QC and Dr Martin Lau. The eventual winners were Daniel Berger and Beverley Cottrell from Hertfordshire. The ESU would also like to thank Legal Week as its media partner and Eric Baskind who acted as national adjudicator.
Sarah O’Neill and Michael Sinclair from Dalriada School made history as the first Northern Irish winners of the title. The ESU would like to thank the panel of judges, chaired by alumnus Andrew Marshall, and the Liverpool Schools Parliament for providing the venue through Liverpool City Council. Oxford Union Wins Memorial Mace
(L-R) Daniel Berger, Dr Martin Lau, Beverley Cottrell and Lord Steyn
Enfield Triumphs in Debate Challenge Maddie Dunnigan, Ezra Neil, Shamir Alvis and Kathryn Akers, representing Enfield, were the winners of the 2008 London Debate Challenge Championships. The competition is open to Year 9 and 10 (13-15 year-old) debaters at maintained schools across the capital. (L-R) Jonathan Leader Maynard and Alex Worsnip with their medallions
The international final of the ESU John Smith Memorial Mace took place at the Signet Library in Edinburgh. It was won by the Oxford Union team of Jonathan Leader Maynard and Alexander Worsnip, for England. The national champions: the University of Cardiff for Wales, the Trinity College Dublin Historical Society for Ireland, and the University of St Andrews for Scotland also took part. More than 150 teams participated during the year. The John Smith Memorial Mace is generously sponsored by Baillie Gifford. National Moot Leads to Royal Courts of Justice The 2007-08 ESU and Essex Court Chambers National Mooting Competition, now in its 36th year, drew entries from almost every higher education institution that offers a law degree. Sixty-four entrants took part in the early rounds that led to semi-finals at Dartmouth House and a final at the Royal Courts of Justice.
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Teams from 16 boroughs gathered at Dartmouth House for the finals, each having already won their local competition. The Great Debates - A Fledgling Series Takes Shape A new initiative with the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain brought the Great Pharmacy Debate into being. Held in the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, during the National Science & Engineering Week, the competition involved Year 10 and 11 students from ten schools. The winner was St Francis Xavier’s College, Liverpool. The project forms part of a major new ESU initiative to bring debate to students who may not previously have considered getting involved, by exploring a wide range of subjects in the social and natural sciences, arts, humanities and sport.
This year, ESU debating competitions attracted over 1,000 participating teams
Speech and Debate Parrs Wood Takes Shakespeare Debate by Storm
Debate Academy
The Great Shakespeare Debate, run in partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is now in its fourth year. The event changed its format this time around in order to accommodate all the teams that wanted to take part. Preliminary rounds took place in London and Warwick with six finalists contesting the title in Stratford-upon-Avon.
More than 70 students gathered at Oakham School in Rutland for the ESU’s intensive four-day summer debate course. The pupils, aged 14-18, took part in debates with expert feedback from top coaches, attended workshops on public speaking skills and lectures on topics such as law, political philosophy, economics and medical ethics from experts in their fields. All had a chance to socialise with debaters from other schools and even other countries, with attendees coming from as far afield as Greece.
Parrs Wood School, Manchester, became the first state school in the North of England to win the competition, narrowly defeating St Helen and St Katharine from Oxford. Thanks go to undergraduates from Warwick and London, debate mentors and ESU branches who all contributed to the success of the event. Discover Your Voice Reaches Out The Centre for Speech and Debate’s flagship teaching programme is Discover Your Voice, which offers training and learning materials to primary and secondary schools across England and Wales. In the past year, more than 80 separate bookings were received for workshops, teacher training and supported competition days. The training is most often bought by schools wishing to create a tradition of debate from scratch and focuses both on debate as a classroom tool and also on extra-curricular activities, such as lunchtime and after-school clubs. However, more experienced schools have also joined the programme, using our support to enthuse younger pupils and to help stretch more experienced speakers. Funding for the workshops for schools and teachers comes from schools themselves, from local authorities and increasingly from ESU branches.
World Champions Again The England Debate Team took part in two World Schools Debating Championships in the financial year 2008-9; the 2008 tournament in Washington DC in September, and the 2009 competition in Athens in February. The Washington team of Ben Woolgar, Emily Pearce, James Fox and Sebastian Farquhar beat New Zealand in the final, bringing the trophy back to England for the first time since 1996. In Athens, Ben and Emily were joined by Mel Pope and Jack Gamble. Although they emerged as the top ranked team at the start of the knock-out rounds, they narrowly missed out on the title but acquitted themselves excellently as runners-up. Debbie Newman, a former team member herself and Head of the Centre for Speech and Debate between 2002 and 2004, coached both teams. Squad Tours and Overseas Visits Each year, the ESU sends a Debate Squad overseas to support the work of international ESUs in debate. Members of the Squad include some of the best young debaters at British universities. Japan was among the destinations, with an intensive debate training tour taking in four cities and culminating in the ESU Japan National University Debating Championships. This was the 11th time that the Squad had visited Japan. Support was given to the fledgling ESU Albania when James Probert, Head of the ESU’s Centre for Speech and Debate, went to Tirana to assist in preparations for the country’s first national public speaking competition. ESU Competitions Officer, Jason Vit, was invited by ESU Chile to teach debating and public speaking at a summer camp for students and teachers in Santiago. A joint initiative with the British Council in Poland involved Debates and Education Officer, Andrew Fitch, in a trip to Krakow to support the Living Together project. This brings together students from across Europe to develop programmes that encourage cultural understanding. A workshop on public speaking formed part of the agenda for this event.
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International Development
The ESU’s global reach continues to bring together people from different cul each others’ backgrounds, beliefs and ideas. Exchanges, conferences, inter training and competitions are opportunities that the ESU creates to enable in understanding and the constructive use of English through dialogue. 18
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The final of the 28th annual International Public Speaking Competition, at HSBC Headquarters in Canary Wharf, involved 72 participants from 43 countries, after preliminary rounds worldwide involving thousands.
Finland Re-Joins ESU Family ESU Finland was re-established in September and the occasion marked by a reception at the residence of the British Ambassador in Helsinki. HE Mrs Valerie Caton welcomed 130 guests, drawn from every sector of the Finnish community. In her introductory remarks, Ambassador Caton pledged her full support and emphasised how pleased she was that Finland was, once again, part of such an important worldwide organisation as the ESU. Presentations were given by Valerie Mitchell, Mrs Ulla Ladua-Hanken and Mr Richard Lewis, ESU Finland Co-Chairmen, and former Finnish Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr Pertti Salolainen. Mr Salolainen highlighted his hope that Finland’s return to the ESU fold would contribute not only to the country’s educational goals, but also to the international objectives of the ESU. The promise of a revitalised ESU Finland was underlined by the 100+ people who signed up as members on that very evening.
Former Finnish Ambassador, Pertti Salolainen, at the Helsinki re-launch
tures to meet and learn about rnational debating, public speaking nternational friendships, mutual The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
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International Development Malta Leads the Way
France Expands
Prof Alan Lee Williams, HE Ms Louise Stanton, Valerie Mitchell and Mr Roger Pyne
(L-R) Valerie Mitchell, Richard Oldham, Mme Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil, Mme Florence Cartigny and Lord Watson
Malta’s new steering committee invited Valerie Mitchell and former Director-General, Professor Alan Lee-Williams, to see how plans were progressing for a formal launch in Spring 2010. The four-day assignment included meetings with the Hon Mrs Dolores Cristina MP, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, at the Ministry of Education, who accepted the invitation to become Patron of ESU Malta, and with the British High Commissioner, HE Ms Louise Stanton, also pledging her support.
As the reporting year drew to a close, France extended its network of branches with the addition of ESU FranceBordeaux.
Two seminars helped spread the word to the Maltese community about the ESU’s work.
Hosted at Oriel College, Oxford, the conference drew representatives from 23 countries, all keen to extend their knowledge of international relations and Britain’s role in today’s world.
Iceland Makes its Mark
International Relations Conference Peace keeping, education in Britain, the Internet, Eastern Europe’s role within the EU and the status of the arts were some of the topics covered at this year’s International Relations Conference.
Opened by Sir Jeremy Greenstock, former British Ambassador to the United Nations, the event also featured Professor Alan Lee Williams, Lord Watson, Ralph Land and ESU Deputy Chairman, Edward Gould. The conference was kindly sponsored by The Swire Charitable Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Drue Heinz Trust, Lloyd George Management, The Best Family Fund and ESU West Sussex, Essex and London branches.
Bogi Ágústsson,Icelandic newsreader, Brian Hanrahan and Benedikt Jonsson, acting Permanent Secretary of State at the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Iceland put down a marker for its intention to launch an international ESU with the formation of a steering committee and an inaugural event. BBC Correspondent, Brian Hanrahan, gave a lecture entitled The Power of the Media in Times of Change.
“The Sea Vac event gave me a brilliant opportunity to re-live memories of a time that transformed my life, I’m so grateful to the ESU for organising this and I hope that the educational work of the project will continue” Overseas Evacuee
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International Development Council President’s Year
Each year, this project affords the opportunity for a nurse from overseas to further their career by spending time at the Great Western learning about hospital work in England. It is additionally a perfect opportunity for candidates to polish their English speaking skills. Whilst in the UK, Florinella gave talks to the Salisbury and Bristol branches which helped to fund her visit. Since returning to Romania, she has shared her experiences with seven hospitals in her home country. The placements are organised by Gill Prior, Head of the ESU Nurse Work Programme. Evacuees Project
(L-R) Valerie Mitchell, Lord Watson, Mme Beatrix de Montgermont -Keil, Dr Alexandru Budisteanu, William Miller, Alexander Finnis and Lord Hunt on the Terrace of the House of Lords
Dr Alexandru Budisteanu, Chairman Emeritus of ESU Romania, took on the role of President of the International Council for 2007-08 and was succeeded in September 2008 by Ambassador Masamichi Hanabusa of ESU Japan. During his year in office, Dr Budisteanu came to the UK to visit the London, Canterbury and East Kent, York and District, and Colchester branches. He also attended the ESU’s annual tea party at the House of Lords.
A joint initiative with the Imperial War Museum, University of Reading Research Centre for Evacuees and War Studies and The Evacuees Reunion Society is focusing on the experiences of overseas evacuees during World War II. History students from the University of Reading, following a module called War Children, interviewed 30 ex-SeaVacs as part of the ongoing research project. The interviews have been recorded to be transferred onto CD. Copies will be deposited at the ESU Library, the Imperial War Museum and the Evacuee and War Child Archive at the University of Reading.
Paris Dinner ESU France hosted a dinner in Paris in honour of Lord Hunt. Guests from ESUs in France, England, Wales, Czech Republic and Romania attended the memorable evening. Lord Hunt gave a speech of thanks and was joined on the platform by Mme Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil, who hosted the dinner, Dr Alexandru Budisteanu and Monsieur Pierre-Christian Tattinger, Chairman, ESU France. Romanian Nurse Enjoys UK Placement
Sea Vac Project committee members (L-R) Michael Henderson, Roderick Suddaby, Annette Fisher, Dr Martin Parsons and Sir Brian Fall
Florinella Citu outside the Great Western Hospital, Swindon
Florinella Citu from Constanta, Romania, became the latest nurse to take part in the ESU Nurse Work Programme, hosted by Salisbury Branch and the Great Western Hospital, Swindon.
The ESU in now active in over 60 countries worldwide and fully launched in 50
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Cultural Activities
The English-Speaking Union continues strongly to support a wealth of cultur firmly believing that the Arts remain an important and relevant language of in Dance and Drama scholarships have continued to thrive in the year under re variety of lectures, concerts and literary events taking place. Many of these a fundraising, with proceeds supporting the ESU’s varied educational and cultu 22
The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
ESU music scholarships have helped the careers of over 500 aspiring musicians.
Teachers from 20 countries attended our week-long study course on Shakespeare, held at the Globe Theatre.
Literary Lectures The ESU has a well-earned reputation for attracting top line authors, historians and social commentators to take the platform at its literary lectures throughout the year. Those who entertained ESU members and their guests with insights into their own or other people’s lives included Maria Tuttle, wife of the US Ambassador, who spoke on Winfield House the post-war US ambassadorial home in London; Tim Heald, who presented Princess Margaret: A Life Unravelled and Lord Luce who spoke about his life as Lord Chamberlain and a Governor of Gibraltar, as detailed in his book Ringing the Changes: A Memoir. Journalist and former Chief Foreign Correspondent for the BBC, Kate Adie spoke at Dartmouth House on her new book Into Danger: Risking Your Life For Your Work which gave the audience a glimpse into a world where people put their lives at risk in the course of their work or beliefs. Maria Tuttle (left) signs copies of her book, accompanied by her secretary, Rose Barclay, who assisted Mrs Tuttle with her research
al programmes and activities, nternational understanding. Music, eview and we have seen a wide are also used as vehicles for ural programmes. The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
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Cultural Activities Teachers Learn From Shakespeare
The course was led by Dr Paul Edmondson, Head of Education at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and it included post-performance discussions, workshops and visits to key locations in William Shakespeare’s life. The Garfield Weston Foundation sponsored this event. Opera Evening The English-Speaking Union’s collaboration with the American Friends of the English National Opera produced a successful event at Dartmouth House in April.
Participants on the Globe Cultural Seminar at Dartmouth House
The ESU runs two Shakespeare study courses for teachers in conjunction with organisations who are experts on the Bard’s work, life and stage craft. Shakespeare and His Stage is the theme that runs through the ESU Shakespeare’s Globe Cultural Seminar, a week-long programme of learning for teachers who have English as an additional language. The focus is on the playwright and the performance of his works. This fifth annual seminar saw delegates from 20 countries attend and explore performances of King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Organised with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the seminar provides opportunities for the participants to discuss the plays with actors, take voice and movement workshops and learn about Elizabethan costume design. Lloyd George Management Ltd and ESU London Branch generously supported this project.
Martin Fitzpatrick, ENO’s Head of Music, gave a talk entitled Around the world of opera in 40 minutes. This was followed by Does it lose something in translation? featuring mezzo-soprano Fiona Murphy. Loretta Tomasi, Chief Executive of the ENO, introduced the speakers and Wanda Kim, Chairman of the American Friends of the ENO, gave the closing remarks. Music Scholarships Established in 1970, the English-Speaking Union Music Scholarships have enabled young musicians to attend summer schools and festivals of international renown in North America, Europe and the UK. Over 500 musicians have benefited from the programme, among them Nigel Kennedy, Robert Cohen and Tasmin Little. With only seven scholarships allocated this year, the application process was extremely competitive and saw more than 80 musicians apply. Scholars funded under the 2007-08 programme have been extremely successful with pianist, Alexandra Dariescu winning the highly esteemed Prix Maurice Ravel and Susan Jiwey claiming the singer's prize, Prix de Chant Pierre Bernac 2008, at the Ravel Académie.
Kate Adie at Dartmouth House
Delegates on the Stratford Study Course with Dr Paul Edmondson and Professor Stanley Wells
Our second opportunity for teachers and Shakespeare fans to extend their knowledge of the writer’s work comes through the Stratford Study Course, launched last year with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Fifteen teachers attended this event in Stratford-upon-Avon and enjoyed performances of Hamlet and The Taming of the Shrew.
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The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
Cultural Activities ESU scholarships are funded by the ESU Music Fund, the Belinda Norman-Butler Music Fund, the Charlotte Bonham-Carter Scholarship Fund, the Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust, the Eranda Foundation, ESU North-West Region and ESU 1066 Branch.
Attingham Lecture Series
Dance Awards Two scholars are supported by the ESU to attend the Royal Academy of Dance. The present beneficiaries Lianne Pool Heen Cheong from Malaysia and Rania Leontiou from Cyprus have both been making their mark, showing great promise. Lianne has just concluded her second year on the dance education programme and Rania is on the ballet education programme. Chilton Art History (L-R) Lady Dean, Mrs Alys Rickett and Emily Ballew Neff
The ESU American Arts Scholarship, founded by Mrs Alys Rickett, supports a US student attending the three-week residential summer school at Attingham, which examines the applied arts and history of the English country house. Events during the year assist the ESU in raising funds for this award.
Tara Park in the Library at Dartmouth House
Each year, the ESU is able to fund a scholarship for an overseas recipient to research further aspects of the fine and decorative arts at Christie’s Education. The 2008-09 Chilton Art History scholar is Tara Park from Alberta, Canada. She chose to follow Christie’s Master’s Programme in Modern and Contemporary Art.
Three prestigious speakers graced Dartmouth House during the year: Dr Alan Kraut, Professor of History at the American University in Washington presented Ellis Island – Testing the Bodies and Minds of Immigrants Before Granting Admission to America, Bruce Robertson, Deputy Director of Art Programmes at Los Angeles County Museum of Art and a Professor at the University of California, took High Culture and the Wild West: The Development of Art Museums in the American West as his theme, and Emily Ballew Neff gave a presentation about the artist John Singleton Copley. The 2008 American Arts Scholarship recipient was Justin Gunther, Curator of Building and Collections at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Pennsylvania. Russian Cultural Evening
Fundraising events during the year contribute towards the scholarship and this year, the ESU was pleased to host 18th century furniture expert, John Hardy, who spoke eloquently and entertainingly on The English Country House.
“I learnt many things, I saw many places, I had the opportunity of sharing information about different methods of teaching with the delegates. I can now consider myself a fulfilled teacher.”
A Russian cultural evening at Dartmouth House enabled the ESU to host representatives from ESU Russia-St Petersburg. Lord Watson and Tatyana Emelyanova, Director of International Programmes for the branch, gave the introductions and set the scene for the evening. Professor Yurkov, Deputy Secretary General of the International Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature and Dean of Special Department of Philology at the St Petersburg State University gave a presentation, followed by Natalia Kuleshova, Deputy Director of the Russian Museum. The evening concluded with a lively recital of Russian songs and romances.
Delegate on ESU Shakespeare’s Globe Cultural Seminar The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
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Alumni Association
The ESU Alumni Association is open to those who have participated in an ES internship, selected debate and public speaking competitions, or been the be or other award. Dating back to 1935, the Alumni Association provides a forum common ESU experience to keep in touch and exchange memories. Many E outstanding contributions in their chosen fields. They include The Rt Hon Si Michael Howard MP, Sir Ian Blair, Sir John Bond, Nigel Kennedy, Tasmin Litt 26
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SU exchange programme, eneficiary of an ESU scholarship m for people who have shared a ESU Alumni have gone on to make r Edward Heath, The Rt Hon tle and ESU Chairman, Lord Hunt.
Alumni Reunion There was a relaxed and informal air to the 2009 All Alumni Reunion at Dartmouth House at the end of March. The drinks reception was the first event to be organised by the ESU’s incoming Alumni Officer, Cristel Guajardo. The metaphorical alumni banner was steadfastly held by Brian Marsh, Honorary President of the Alumni Association, and its Vice-President, Jenni Hibbert. More than 60 guests from various scholarships and exchange programmes returned to meet old friends, make new ones and share their memories of a time that left a clear imprint on their lives.
“It was great to recall our stories from those very special years. I feel re-connected to the ESU and part of a group of extraordinary people.” SSE Alumna, Ruth Simpson
Dinner Re-unites Lindemann Alumni
(L-R) Current Lindemann Fellow, Julie Ferguson, Dr Chris Hooley, 1999 alumnus, Professor Roger Cowley, Lindemann Committee Member and 2006 alumnus Dr Jonathan Keelin
Twenty guests assembled at Dartmouth House in October to mark the achievements of alumni of the Lindemann Trust. The occasion, which saw past winners of this prestigious science prize mingle with members of the Lindemann Trust Sub-Committee, was presided over by Lord Stockton, Chairman of the Sub-Committee. Also in attendance was Julie Ferguson, one of the 2008 Fellows, who was about to embark on her research trip to the USA.
The Alumni Fund received £3,000 in alumni donations for ESU programmes The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
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Library and Archive Activities The annual award organised by the library continues to attract high calibre professionals who add value to the profession on both sides of the Atlantic as a result of their research. Negotiations on the future of the American collection resulted in a decision to gift the books to the University of Birmingham and work on archive re-organisation continues to yield results. ESU/CILIP Travelling Librarian Award
Library
2007 Travelling Librarian Karen Poole (left) with the 2008 award winner Sybilla Parkill
The ESU Library consists of a reference collection, with the main part of the stock being materials donated via the Books-Across-the-Sea scheme, a reciprocal exchange arrangement between the ESUUS and the ESU in London which commenced in 1941. The collection, once unique in the UK and well used, is now an historical collection more suited to researchers. Several academic libraries have expressed an interest in the collection and negotiations are underway to transfer the books to an American Studies Library at a university. ESU members will still have access to the materials, which will be made more widely available through the university’s on-line catalogue and through academic networks and inter-library loans. All the universities with American Studies Departments have been approached and we aim to select an institution who will take the whole collection.
An annual award from the ESU and the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) funds a travel programme for a UK information professional to pursue aspects of their work in the United States. The 2008 Travelling Librarian was Sibylla Parkhill, Librarian at HMP Bronzefield. Sibylla used her award to visit US prisons in order to discover the effects on information provision of the different approaches to offenders in both countries, in terms of punishment versus rehabilitation; open and secure facilities; work versus education etc. Her research will be fed back to informational professionals via CILIP’s special information groups and their publications, and her findings will be shared with the US to facilitate best practice in this specialist field.
The Library will, in future, focus on promoting the current work of the ESU, display historical material and make ESU journals from 1918 available for reference. Winners and shortlisted material from the various awards will be on display and there will be computer terminals to give access to the archive catalogue as it develops. The Archive The reorganisation of the archive continues and the pulling together of information from within Dartmouth House, and increasingly from branches, enables us to move closer to being able to answer the many queries we receive from alumni and from researchers looking into the ESU’s role in international relations over the years.
“The Travelling Librarian Award was an incredibly rewarding experience and has opened many doors for me professionally. It has also had a wider impact on the world of prison librarians creating new links across the Atlantic within a traditionally isolated field.” Sybilla Parkhill The Library at Dartmouth House
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The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
ESU People There were several changes to the Dartmouth House team during the year. The most significant departure was that of Valerie Mitchell who retired as Director-General after 29 years with the organisation, 15 of which were as DG.
We learned, during the year, of the deaths of several well-respected and long-serving ESU members and associates. Belinda Norman-Butler, founder of the ESU Music Scholarships, was an active member of the ESU and a loyal supporter for many years. She served as a Governor, a member of the National Committee for England and Wales and the Library Committee. Her vision to provide post-graduate experience for young musicians was realised through her many contacts in the musical world and she was able to secure placements for talented students.
Mrs Valerie Mitchell
Valerie was invited to join the ESU to help develop the charity’s music and cultural activities as well as run the Duke of Edinburgh Book Award scheme. She went on to become Director of Branches and Cultural Affairs, expanding the cultural programme into the success it is today. Later, she became Deputy DG before taking on the hot seat in 1994. Under her directorship, the international reach of the ESU went from 23 countries to nearly 60. Valerie retired in July and was succeeded as DirectorGeneral by Michael Lake. A full interview with Valerie was published in the July 2009 issue of ESU News and can be downloaded from the website. Elizabeth Stokes, Director of Education left us to return to teaching and Katie Brock, Head of International and Cultural Programmes got married and headed off to India. Martin Mulloy joined from BBC Worldwide to take up Elizabeth’s role. Gillian Parker was appointed Head of Cultural Programmes and Annette Fisher became Head of International Programmes. Alison Wakefield joined as Programmes Assistant to both departments.
Mrs Belinda Norman-Butler and Yehudi Menuhin
In 1970, her love of music and her doughty determination saw the introduction of the ESU Music Scholarships. More than 500 musicians have since gone on to benefit from the initiative with the likes of Nigel Kennedy, Steven Isserlis and Tasmin Little becoming performers of international renown. Belinda was awarded the English-Speaking Union Churchill Medal in 1996 and was honoured at a Gala Concert in November 2008 where Steven Isserlis was one of the performers. During the year, we also lost David Green, a former Governor and former Director of Current Affairs, David Griffiths.
Maurice Caplan retired as Manager of Operations and Jill Lloyd joined in the newly created role of Director of Finance and Administration. Other new arrivals were Cristel Guajardo as Alumni Officer and Kate McCulloch as Branches and Education Assistant.
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Branches
Membership of ESU branches in England and Wales has continued to rise e an ever larger part in the ESU’s international activities as well as running the programmes run by Dartmouth House, and offering sponsorship and hospita early stages of the Schools Public Speaking Competition, with approximately last year, branches gave more than £47,000 in educational awards and othe 30
The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
every month. Branches are playing eir own scholarships, supporting ality. The branches also run the y 500 schools taking part. In the r grants.
South and South West Regions The Bath and District Branch celebrated its 60th anniversary and supported a Project Trust gap year student in Chile, the International and Schools Public Speaking events, and awarded a grant to a student on the ESU Capitol Hill intern scheme. Cornwall Branch sponsored a young Ugandan pianist, whilst Exeter and District Branch continued to sponsor many overseas students and the International Public Speaking Competition.
Cornwall Branch Chairman, John Baxter presents pupils from St Minver Primary School with a trophy for Public Speaking
The Salisbury Branch retained its involvement with the Nurse Work Programme and the Taunton Branch gave sponsorship to students in the International Public Speaking Competition. Bristol Branch hosted a series of talks by well-known authors and speakers, supported the Nurse Work Programme, the International Public Speaking Competition and a Project Trust student teaching in India. Plymouth Branch had a full programme of speakers and visits.
The Rt Hon Michael Portillo, Bristol Chairman Tony Williams and Lord Hunt celebrate Bristol Branch’s 70th anniversary
ESU branches continue to play Membership of ESU in an active part in thebranches ESU, running England and Wales hasstages of the both the preliminary continued to rise every month. and Public Speaking Competition Branches are playing an ever their own programmes and larger part in the ESU’s internascholarships. The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 -| 2009
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Branches Wales Region
North East Region
The South Wales Branch grew considerably and money raised went in sponsorship for young people both in the UK and Africa – setting up libraries and paying for English language teachers. It also supported the International Public Speaking Competition
Lincolnshire awarded scholarships to five students studying overseas and the York Branch continued its links with Russia.
South Wales Chairman Derek Morgan with member Anne Morgan, and Julius Byaruhanga, Shariff Ssentongo and Eric Ssenkooza of White Angels School, Kampala
East Region The Cambridge and Welland Valley Branch continued with a wide range of sponsorships as did the Colchester and North-East Essex Branch, which also supported the International Public Speaking Competition and an Anglo-Japanese science exchange.
Colchester Branch President, James Raven, celebrates 30 years of ESU membership with Governor Alex Finnis
Hertfordshire Branch sponsored a Russian pianist and the Norfolk and Norwich Branch gave several homestays to overseas students. Ouse Valley gave awards to students for whom English is a second language and the Southend-on-Sea Branch entertained students from Brazil and Mauritius. The Suffolk Branch, as always, entertained students from all over the world.
Angelita Padmore, recipient of Lincolnshire’s John Roberts Travel Award, with John Roberts
Northumberland and Durham continued its extremely successful Public Speaking Competition and gave several grants to students on overseas placements. North West Region
Brenda Elphick, Treasurer of Liverpool and Merseyside, presents a cheque to John Patterson from the Education Deanery and Gemma Hall, a student, at Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool and Merseyside Branch supported a wide range of international events as well as providing local sponsorship and Mid-Cheshire sponsored gap year students, going to Japan, Ghana and Costa Rica. The Manchester and East Cheshire Branch gave a grant to a student studying politics in the US. Chester ran a full programme of activities. Midlands Region
There are 36 ESU branches across England and Wales and more than 5500 members.
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The Gloucestershire Branch supported many students from overseas, including hospitality for a student from Thailand. Worcestershire Branch sponsored many projects in Mongolia where it has provided support for some time. Herefordshire sponsored a music student and held an extremely successful public lecture given by a Russian professor. Oxfordshire again worked closely with the Rhodes scholars.
Branches 2008 Branches Conference This was a one-day conference held at Dartmouth House. Approximately 100 delegates attended and sessions focused on aspects of the ESU’s work and its plans for the future. The Conference was followed by a reception and dinner at the Royal-Overseas League with a superb musical entertainment given by two ESU alumni, Natalie Montakhab, a soprano, and Michael Petrov, a cellist.
Professor Margarita Danilko of Kirovograd University, Ukraine, with members of the Oxfordshire Branch
South East Region The 1066 Branch supported Indian students at the Pestalozzi Village and gave many homestays to overseas students whilst Brighton Hove and District Branch supported the International Public Speaking Competition. The Eastbourne Branch assisted a Mongolian teacher and a student to attend a Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. The Guildford Branch maintained its sponsorship of a young German violinist at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the West Sussex Branch used its Overseas Scholarship Fund to make seven grants during the year totalling £2160. Canterbury and East Kent Branch continued to work closely with the Globe Theatre Education, sponsored local students and also contributed to the International Public Speaking Competition. London Region The Branch/Region pursued its Three Cities Project, uniting the branches of London, Paris and Washington in the interchange of students working in each others’ parliaments. A major initiative was to fund two Chinese girls to come to London for three weeks to attend Grey Coat Hospital School. London also supported four gap year scholars and a student from Latvia.
Richard Oldham accepts the Hardacre Trophy on behalf of the York Branch at the Branches Conference
National Schools Public Speaking Trophy The 49th annual National Schools Public Speaking Competition was hosted at City of London School. Having won their way through nine local heats, organised by ESU branches, Francesca Humphreys, Daniela Raffel and Kitty Parker-Brooks from Godolphin and Latymer School, Hammersmith, took the title. The speakers all impressed Chairman of the Judges, Trevor Phillips, Head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and his panel. Central Newcastle High School, represented by Rhea Saksena, Charlie Dobson and Shahbano Soomro finished in second place. Rhea also won the Best Speaker prize.
ESU branches gave in excess of £47,000 in education awards and other grants. Colin McCorquodale, ESU Governor and former London Branch Chairman, meets interns from the USA and France on the Three Cities Programme
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Dartmouth House Dartmouth House is a real gem. A stylish townhouse in the heart of Mayfair, it was originally constructed in the 16th century and converted some 300 years later by Lord Revelstoke, after whom one of the rooms is named. 34
The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
Dartmouth House The building is home to the English-Speaking Union but its magnificent public rooms are available for hire for corporate events, photo shoots, weddings and private parties for up to 350 guests.
Leith’s also manages the restaurant in the Revelstoke Room. This is open for lunch on weekdays to both members of the ESU and non-members*. It is the perfect place to meet friends in town.
An impressive marble staircase, Louis XIV walnut panelling and a Mediterranean-style courtyard are enhanced by the highly acclaimed hospitality and catering skills of Leith’s.
Enquiries: 020 7529 1550 * Non-members are required to give 24 hours notice for a lunch booking.
Dartmouth House staff
Dartmouth House is the international headquarters of the ESU and has been the home of the ESU since 1926. It is a Grade II listed building of outstanding architectural and historical interest.
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Corporate Members As at 31 July 2009
Holloway White Allom Limited
Academy SJW
HSBC Holdings plc
ACTDEC
International House
Allied Irish Bank (GB)
International House World Organisation
The American, Blue Edge Publishing Ltd
International Students House
American Intercontinental University
The International Wine and Food Society
The American Society in London
InterSilva
Ashley Hoyle Ltd
J.P. Morgan
The Association of MBAs
John Lewis Partnership
Baillie Gifford & Co
John Swire & Sons Ltd
BBC World Service
Leith’s
The Bell Educational Trust
Lloyd George Management (Europe) Limited
BP plc
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
British Airways plc
London Chaplaincies Liaison Group
British American Business Inc
Lutheran Council of Great Britain
Cambridge Assessment (Cambridge ESOL)
Marsh Christian Trust
Cambridge University Press
MIC (Methodist International Centre)
Caterham School
Moscow International Design School
Centre for British Teachers (CFBT)
Our World English Schools
Centre for Advanced Studies, City of London College
Oxford University Press
Coutts & Co
Pearson Education
Cranbrook College
The Royal Society of St George
The Cranfield Trust
Sir William Beveridge Foundation
Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business
Spencer Stuart
David & Charles Ltd
SportsAid Trust
Davis Langdon LLP
St Chad’s College, Durham University
Dean Clough
St Clare’s, Oxford
Ellesmere College
Tag Solutions plc
Englishclub.com
The Theatres Trust
Essex Court Chambers
Titan Fire & Security
European Council of International Schools
Trinity College, London
The Fulbright Commission
University of Kent
Garnet Education
Westhill Investment Limited
Geldards LLP
The Windsor Leadership Trust
Grosvenor
A Zaccari’s Private English Tutors
Harvard Business School Club of London Harvard Club of the United Kingdom H.J. Heinz Company Limited
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The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
Donors and Sponsors The following donors and sponsors provided generous support in the financial year 2008 - 2009 to the ongoing work of the English-Speaking Union. Aldenham School
HSBC Global Education Trust
The American School in London
John Lewis Partnership Lloyd George Management
Association of Teachers and Lecturers Macmillan Education Baillie Gifford Magnet Harlequin Best Family Fund Marlborough College British Airways plc The Marsh Christian Trust Cambridge ESOL The CAPITAL Centre
National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers
Casterton School
National Union of Teachers
Caterham School
Oppenheimer Charitable Trust
Mr Roderick Chamberlain
The Oratory School
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
Oswestry School Our World English Schools
The Chautauqua Institute Pernod Ricard UK Cheltenham College The Privy Purse Christ College Brecon Rossall School Clifton College The Royal School Cobham Hall School Sedbergh School Culford School St Bees School Dollar Academy St Helen's School for Girls Drue Heinz Trust Sutton Valence School Mrs Carol Duhme Swire Charitable Trust Eastbourne College Tring School of Performing Arts Essex Court Chambers Truro School Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust The Embassy of United States of America Galitzine Library Trustees Wells Cathedral School J Paul Getty Charitable Trust The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Goldsmiths’ Company Garfield Weston Foundation The Great Western Hospital Swindon NHS Trust Westonbirt School Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference Prof and Mrs George Yip Mr & Mrs D Hopkinson Mrs Delle Howard The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
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Notice of Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the 90th Annual General Meeting of the English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth will be held at Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED on Thursday 19 November 2009 at 6.30 pm. The Rt Hon The Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE PC, Chairman, will preside. Agenda 1. Chairman’s Report. 2. Auditor’s Report and Adoption of the Accounts for the year ended 30 April 2009. 3. Election of Governors: a) Pursuant to Bye-Law 50, Capt Norman Lloyd-Edwards, Mr Christopher Redman, Mr Anthony Williams and Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL having completed six years in office, retire and are not eligible for re-election. b) Pursuant to Bye-Laws 49 and 50, Lady Boyd, Mrs Cheryl Gillan MP, Mr Richard Kaye, Sir Christopher Meyer KCMG and Mr Anthony Westnedge OBE retire by rotation but are eligible for re-election. These members are nominated by the Board. c) One vacancy on the Board already exists.
d) Pursuant to Bye-Law 52 the Board nominates Mr Paul Boateng, Mr David Carter, Mr Roderick Chamberlain, Mr Steven Hodkinson and Mr Richard Oldham, for election to the Board, subject to their consent. e) To report that pursuant to Bye-Law 37 the Board of Governors has agreed to co-opt Ms Kirsty McNeill, Mr David Thomas and Mrs Holly Shakespeare as members of the Board. 4. Appointment of Auditor: Pursuant to Bye-Law 76 the Board of Governors seeks authority to appoint an Auditor for the ensuing year. 5. Auditor’s Remuneration: Pursuant to Bye-Law 78 the Board of Governors seeks authority to fix the Auditor’s remuneration for the ensuing year. 6. Any other business
By order of the Board of Governors August 2009
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The English-Speaking Union | Annual Report | 2008 - 2009
The English-Speaking Union Fully Launched in 50 Countries Around the World Albania
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The English-Speaking Union Creating global understanding through English
The English-Speaking Union Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED. Registered Charity No. 273136 Tel: 020 7529 1550 Fax: 020 7495 6108 Email: esu@esu.org Web: www.esu.org
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The English-Speaking Union Creating global understanding through English
Finance Report 2008 - 2009
Governors’ Report Royal Charter The ESU was founded as an unincorporated association in 1918. In 1922 the association was incorporated under Companies Act as a company limited by guarantee and without having a share capital. In 1952 the company adopted its present name, The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth (the ESU). On 3 October 1957 the ESU was first granted a Royal Charter in which charitable objectives are set out. The ESU is a registered charity, registration number 273136. Statement of Intent The Governors of the English-Speaking Union are conscious of the changing nature of the world and, coincidental with the appointment of the new Director-General and Director of Finance and Administration, have set in motion a deep review of its governance and activities in order to ensure the organisation is fit for purpose. It is anticipated that the review will be concluded by March 2010 so that the findings can be incorporated in 2010 / 2011 strategic plans and budgets. The Governors believe that the ESU’s core purpose has increasing relevance both nationally and internationally and are minded to identify other organisations working with similar objectives with whom collaboration can be established. This will represent a specific element of the review. We recognise the difficult fund-raising environment and the need to review activity and efficiency in the pursuit of public benefit within its charitable objectives. We have commissioned a specific study into how the organisation can improve sustainability and maximise the return on assets. In the meantime, we are satisfied that the ESU can continue with its charitable purpose with an established reputation and confidence. Statement of Public Benefit In planning the ESU’s activities, the Governors have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and in particular the supplementary guidance on advancing education and on fee charging. Summary of main activities for public benefit • The focus of our activities remains public speaking competitions, schools mace, universities mace and mooting competitions, teachers and schools training courses. These benefit young people by developing their social skills. We provide scholarships and international exchanges, helping young people to develop their skills and broaden their experience. In 2008 the Debate Academy held a weekend workshop for schools and offered 15 full bursary places out of 68 attendees. 170 scholarships were given during the year. We run a popular English in Action programme, helping people from overseas who reside in this country to improve their fluency in English. • We welcome all young people regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances and we believe this philosophy of openness to all enriches everyone. • The ESU also runs a successful alumni programme complementing the above.
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The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
Objectives Creating global understanding and promoting human achievement through the worldwide use of the English language. The aims and objects of the ESU are to promote within the United Kingdom and other countries of the Commonwealth, the United States, Europe and elsewhere, the mutual advancement of education of the English-speaking peoples of the world. In particular (but without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing), respecting their heritage, traditions and aspirations, the events and issues of the day affecting them, their inter-relationships and the use of English as a shared language and means of international communication of knowledge and understanding: providing always that the foregoing aims and objects shall at all times be pursued in a non-political and non-sectarian manner. The ESU aims to benefit: • Young people, including school children and students, by training in speech and debate. • Young people, students, teachers, artists and academics through scholarships, exchanges and national competitions in schools and universities. • The general public through literary and musical events and talks on international affairs and other topics. Policy and activities are set by committees of relevantly qualified volunteers. The public may join the ESU at a modest cost and participate in and influence the work of the organisation. Activities To achieve its aims and objectives the ESU’s strategy is: • To promote English in international public speaking and debate for the support of worldwide communication and dialogue. • To encourage the enjoyment and constructive use of English through educational programmes. • To provide a forum for international friendship through our support of the worldwide network of ESUs. • To initiate and administer scholarships, international youth exchanges and work experience schemes. • To focus on key current affairs issues through regular international conferences, seminars and meetings. • To provide and create cultural activities. • To facilitate and assist the establishment and recognition of ESUs worldwide. • To ensure the co-ordination and coherence of our activities through the skill and dedication of our staff and voluntary helpers. • To make full use of the enthusiasm and support of our members. • To work in close and innovative partnership with our corporate members and sponsors. • To maintain contacts with and promote the continuing involvement of alumni of ESU programmes. The ESU measures the success of the strategy by: • The take up of training programmes by schools. • The effectiveness of administration of scholarships. • The number of new international ESUs. • The continued sponsorship of educational programmes. • Successful alumni networks.
Governors’ Report cont... Achievements and Performance Education The ESU has worked closely with secondary schools, primary schools, universities, teaching unions and associations, teachers and other charities to promote and encourage the sharing of ideas through school exchanges, professional development opportunities and competitions. The ESU has also developed and extended its established educational programmes to reach diverse groups and be relevant to the changing needs of society. The respected English in Action programme enables ESU volunteers to work with people from overseas, now based in London, to improve their fluency. English in Action in Schools places volunteers in Westminster primary schools and Experience English matches volunteers with refugees from the Helen Bamber Foundation thus extending the work of English in Action. The Centre for Speech and Debate The Centre provides skills in speaking and listening to young people to improve their academic performance in school and to make them more active and engaged members of their communities. Discover Your Voice provides subsidised textbooks, DVDs and pupil and staff training workshops to any school or local authority in England, on demand. It provides support for the use of debating in the classroom and as an extra-curricular activity. The Schools Mace, Schools Public Speaking Competition, and the Great Debates series provide forums for schools to extend their pupils’ speaking and learning skills through public competition, as well as providing their own supporting materials, curriculum links and subsidised training opportunities around the country. The John Smith Memorial Mace provides a forum for university students to practice and share their skills of persuasion, and have them recognised in competition. It also forms part of the ESU’s recruitment strategy for university student volunteer-mentors, who are used not only to assist in the delivery of Discover Your Voice training, but also to coach pupils at Debate Academy, a subsidised four-day summer school open to any young person aged 14-18 on a needs-blind basis, and to offer teaching and judging to ESUs in other countries through the Speech and Debate Squad. International Development The ESU has continued to expand globally, providing an ever-increasing number of opportunities for people from different cultures to meet and learn about each others’ backgrounds, beliefs and ideas. This work is at the core of the ethos of the ESU and aims to create a strong network of mutually supportive national organisations. A major conference on English was held in St Petersburg and the World Members’ Conference was held in Edinburgh in September. Effective English programmes have been run in overseas ESUs, in which officers from Dartmouth House have given workshops on public speaking and debating, both in schools and universities. The International Public Speaking Competition continues to be a major programme and, after holding competitions in their own countries, 58 participants from 33 countries attended the grand final in London. The ESU works in close collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its partners. Alumni Association The Governors have decided that in future years alumni will become important contributors in providing the charitable and
branches social objectives of the ESU both nationally and internationally. A programme has now been established to engage with alumni and to offer ways in which they can support the aims and objectives of the ESU. We recognise that those people who have been given opportunity by scholarship programmes are a powerful testament to our charitable activities. Many of our alumni are keen to volunteer to help with events and activities and also enjoy the opportunity to socialise with their peers in the Alumni Association. Cultural and Topical Activities The ESU continues strongly to support a wealth of cultural programmes and activities, believing that the Arts remain an important and relevant language of international understanding. Music, dance and drama scholarships have continued to thrive in the year under review and we have seen a wide variety of lectures, concerts and literary events taking place. Two conferences are held annually for teachers both from the UK and overseas. Library and Archive Activities The emphasis this year has been on the development of the Archive, particularly with regard to organising the alumni programmes and identifying old photographs. We have also been looking at a change in emphasis for the Library in line with the strategic development proposals currently under review. Once again, the annual Travelling Librarian award attracted high calibre professionals and the winner, a prison librarian, visited several private and federal prisons in the US and has been feeding back her findings to the profession. Branches Membership of ESU branches in England and Wales has continued to rise over the year. Branches have played an ever larger part in the ESU's international activities as well as running their own scholarships, supporting programmes run by Dartmouth House, and offering sponsorship and hospitality. The branches also run the early stages of the Schools Public Speaking Competition as a voluntary activity, with approximately 400 schools taking part this year. Plans for the Future The ESU’s medium term plans envisage: • Continued development and expansion of education and cultural programmes and scholarships. Particular attention is being given to providing access to programmes by inner city schools and other diverse groups. • Enhancing fundraising, and particularly corporate support for charitable activities, with a view to reversing the overall deficit on sustainable income and expenditure • Increasing the size and especially the diversity of membership in England and Wales. • Promoting the continued expansion of the ESU worldwide, by encouraging the establishment of further international ESUs and by organising and supporting major regional meetings and conferences outside the UK. • Maintaining the operational and investment performance of the ESU. • Identification of organisations with which the ESU can collaborate to merge charitable impact. • Reinforcing the convening and influencing strengths of the ESU. The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
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Governors’ Report cont... Financial Review Overview The Statement of Financial Activities in the year ended 30 April 2009 shows a net surplus of £31,251 compared to £635,851 in the previous year. The fall is because we received exceptional legacies in 2008. We also saw a sharp reduction in bank deposit interest following the downturn of financial markets. On a positive note, the net profits from the Dartmouth House trading subsidiary recovered to £130,091 after a poor year in 2008. Although total receipts fell in the year we were nevertheless able to fund a full programme of scholarships and other activities in pursuit of our objectives with only a small cut in our charitable expenditure. Significant savings were made to the governance costs over the previous year which helped to achieve the bottom-line surplus.
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The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
Investments Dartmouth House is reported in the accounts as a functioning fixed asset, whereas the Chesterfield Hotel, together with the share portfolio, is shown as an investment. The share portfolio is managed by Sarasin & Partners and is reviewed and monitored regularly by the Investment Committee. The next rent review for the hotel will be at the end of 2010. Risk Management The Governors continue to monitor all major risks and take action wherever possible to limit exposure and put in place safe-guards and contingencies. Reserves Policy The Governors' reserves policy accords with the Charity Commission’s published guidelines.
Financial Report 2008 - 2009 Governors’ Statement These accounts are only a summary of the information contained in the full audited financial statements and therefore may not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the ESU. For further information, the Governors' Annual Report set out above, together with the full audited financial statements, should be consulted. Copies of the latter can be obtained from the English-Speaking Union, Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED The Auditors’ report was unqualified. The Governors' Annual Report and the full audited financial statements will be submitted to the Charity Commission in due course with the ESU's Annual Return.
Independent Auditors' Statement on the Summarised Financial Statements Independent Auditors' Statement to the Board of Governors of the ESU We have examined the summarised financial statements set out on pages 6 to 11. This report is made solely to the Board of Governors, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s governors those matters we have agreed to state to them in this Statement and for no other purpose. To the fulllest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Board of Governors as a body, for our work, for this statement, or for the opinions we have formed. Respective responsibilities of the Board of Governors and Auditors The Board of Governors are responsible for preparing the summarised financial statements in accordance with the recommendations of the charities SORP. Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the consistency of the summarised financial statements within the Finance Report. We also read the other information contained in the Financial Review and Governors' Statement and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the summarised financial statements. Basis of opinion We conducted our work in accordance with Bulletin 1999/6 ‘The auditor’s statement on the summary financial statement’, issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. Our report on the Charity’s full financial statements describes the basis of our audit opinion on the financial statements. Opinion In our opinion the summarised financial statements on pages 6 to 11 are consistent with the full financial statements of the ESU for the year ended 30 April 2009.
BOURNER BULLOCK Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Sovereign House 212-224 Shaftesbury Avenue London WC2H 8HQ
4 August 2009
The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
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Summarised Financial Statements CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2009
Unrestricted fund
Other Charitable funds
2009 Total funds
2008 Total funds
£
£
£
£
162,920
6,352
169,272
810,007
1,193,096 84,863
50,589 -
1,243,685 84,863
1,217,877 74,792
157,255 121,271
352,584 -
509,839 121,271
602,452 131,575
1,719,405
409,525
2,128,930
2,836,703
Resources expended Cost of generating funds Other direct costs Subsidiary company operational expenses
225,131
-
225,131
17,153 221,111
Sub-total
225,131
-
225,131
238,264
843,108 54,252 369,698 96,330
385,211 48,087 -
1,228,319 54,252 417,785 96,330
1,294,982 56,860 380,282 98,435
1,363,388
433,298
1,796,686
1,830,559
75,862
-
75,862
132,029
1,664,381
433,298
2,097,679
2,200,852
55,024
(23,773)
31,251
635,851
Gains/(losses) on investment assets: Realised Unrealised
4,667 (96,105)
14,607 (300,683)
19,274 (396,788)
67,295 (157,346)
Net movement in funds
(36,414)
(309,849)
(346,263)
545,800
Fund balances brought forward 30 April 2008
19,687,695
1,844,709
21,532,404
20,986,604
Fund balances carried forward 30 April 2009
19,651,281
1,534,860
21,186,141
21,532,404
Notes INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Incoming resources Voluntary income Donations, trust income, legacies Activities for generating funds Investment income Commission from contract caterers Income resources from charitable activities Programmes and events Membership subscriptions Total incoming resources
Charitable expenditure Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objects Scholarships and other educational programmes Library Membership and branches International development
3 4
Sub-total
Governance costs Total resources expended Net incoming resources
5
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these accounts. The Statement of Financial Activities includes information constituting an Income and Expenditure Account as required by the Royal Charter. The surplus of income over expenditure for the year was £43,117 (2008: £667,610).
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The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
Summarised Financial Statements cont... BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2009 ESU Group
ESU
Notes
2009 £
2008 £
2009 £
2008 £
6 7
7,388,747 12,937,017
7,337,362 12,833,268
7,388,747 12,937,017
7,337,362 12,833,268
20,325,764
20,170,630
20,325,764
20,170,630
Current assets Stock Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand
6,853 127,491 1,186,369
6,329 593,014 1,281,606
107,575 1,165,196
579,801 1,254,824
Total current assets
1,320,713
1,880,949
1,272,771
1,834,625
Current liabilities (falling due within one year)
460,336
519,175
415,045
475,502
Net current assets
860,377
1,361,774
857,726
1,359,123
Total assets less current liabilities
21,186,141
21,532,404
21,183,490
21,529,753
Net assets
21,186,141
21,532,404
21,183,490
21,529,753
8
551,551
696,657
551,551
696,657
9 11
255,193 67,965
254,233 68,742
255,193 67,965
254,233 68,742
323,158
322,975
323,158
322,975
19,648,630
19,685,044
19,648,630
19,685,044
544,613 115,538 2,651
644,188 180,889 2,651
544,613 115,538 -
644,188 180,889 -
Total unrestricted funds
20,311,432
20,512,772
20,308,781
20,510,121
Total charity funds
21,186,141
21,532,404
21,183,490
21,529,753
Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Investments
The funds of the charity Endowments Restricted: Restricted funds Branch restricted funds Total restricted funds Unrestricted income funds: General fund (unrestricted) Other charitable funds: Designated funds Branch unrestricted funds Non-charitable trading funds
10 11 2
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these accounts. Approved by the Board of Governors on 15 July 2009 and signed on its behalf by: Lord Hunt Christopher McLaren Valerie Mitchell
Chairman Treasurer Director-General
The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
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Summarised Financial Statements cont... NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2009 1 Accounting policies a Basis of accounting Except as indicated below, these accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards including the Charity Commission’s 'Accounting for Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice' (the SORP 2005). b Group accounts The accounts have been consolidated to include the results of the charity's subsidiary. c Income and expenditure In general, income and expenditure are accounted for on an accruals basis, except as follows: • Subscriptions are credited to the income and expenditure account when received, less a provision for the unexpired portion. • Investment income, donations and receipts for programmes and events are accounted for when received. • Receipts in advance for programmes and events are taken to income as and when the corresponding expenditure is incurred. • Bequeathed properties awaiting disposal are valued on behalf of the charity and are included within legacy income. • Overhead costs are analysed and charged to the relevant departments. A proportion of the overhead cost of general management and accounting is then allocated to departments on the basis of time analysis, and a proportion of the building occupancy costs is allocated to departments on the basis of the space occupied. • Gifts in kind are valued at their realised amount, or the equivalent to an alternative commercial supply, and are included in the Statement of Financial Activities as appropriate. d Fixed assets The SORP requires investment properties to be included at market valuation. However, in the ESU's case investment properties are not discrete but part of a greater whole. The Governors therefore arranged for an open market valuation of the whole of the freehold properties, with an apportionment of that valuation between those parts leased and those occupied for charitable purposes. Freehold properties are therefore stated at an open market valuation. Other fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Assets with a cost in excess of £750 intended to be ongoing use to ESU in carrying out its activities are capitalised as fixed assets. e Depreciation Investment properties are included at market value, and in accordance with accounting standards are not depreciated. Freehold property for charity use is also included at market value and it is the Governors' opinion that there will be no diminution in value, therefore no depreciation is provided on freehold property. Depreciation in respect of plant and machinery, furniture and fittings is charged on the straight line basis over five years and in respect of computers on the straight line basis over four years. f Investments Investments listed on a recognised stock exchange are included in the Balance Sheet at market value, including those parts of the freehold properties which are leased.
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The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
Realised and unrealised gains/losses are included in the Statement of Financial Activities. g Branches In accordance with the SORP requirements, the income and expenditure, assets and liabilities of the branches of the ESU in England and Wales have been consolidated within these accounts. The separate ESUs in Scotland and overseas are autonomous organisations and therefore have not been consolidated. h Dartmouth House Limited Dartmouth House Limited is a trading subsidiary of the ESU. It is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. A Gift Aid payment to the ESU each year equivalent to its taxable profit is made. The Dartmouth House Ltd results have been consolidated into these accounts on a line by line basis as per the requirements of the SORP. The trade of the company is promoting the hire of rooms in Dartmouth House for external use. i Cash flow statement The ESU qualifies as a small entity under FRS1 and the SORP, and is therefore exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement. j Pensions The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable for the year are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period for which they are due. k Leasing and hire purchase agreements Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible fixed assets. Assets acquired by finance lease are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Assets acquired by hire purchase are depreciated over their useful lives. Finance leases are those where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership are assumed by the charity. Obligations under such agreements are included within creditors net of finance charges allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payments is charged to the profit and loss account so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation outstanding in each period. l Stocks Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving stock. m Restricted funds These comprise of funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by donors and funders. n Designated funds These comprise of funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Governors for specific purposes. o General reserves These comprise of funds which represent accumulated surpluses and deficits in the Statement of Financial Activities, after transfers to/from designated funds. p Foreign currencies Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the balance date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction. Exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Summarised Financial Statements cont... NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2009 cont... ESU Group
2
Trading subsidiary Summary of the audited accounts of Dartmouth House Ltd: Turnover Cost of sales
2009 £
2008 £
355,224 9,815
291,406 25,962
Gross profit Operating costs
345,409 215,316
265,444 195,149
Net profit
130,093
70,295
Gift aid payment to ESU
130,093
70,295
-
-
50,054 (47,403)
57,913 (55,262)
2,651
2,651
780,237
842,207
73,414 181,243 193,425
69,704 183,882 199,189
1,228,319
1,294,982
Retained in subsidiary Summary assets and liabilities are as follows: Assets Liabilities Net assets 3
Scholarships and other educational programmes Direct cost of programmes Programme administration and support: Cultural affairs dept Education dept The Centre for Speech and Debate
In addition to this expenditure, the ESU arranged educational facilities and placements providing an estimated benefit of £642,390 (2008: £1,088,960) to the participants in its educational programmes. The ESU also received donations in kind with an estimated value of £220,051 (2008: £1,710) in support of these programmes. Details of scholarship awards and grants are available upon request. 4
5
Membership and branches Publications Branch support and development dept Membership dept
Governance costs Director General's dept Accounts dept Operations dept
121,075 139,818 156,892
115,207 131,960 133,115
417,785
380,282
32,093 12,312 31,457
24,131 41,010 66,888
75,862
132,029
The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
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Summarised Financial Statements cont... NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2009 cont... ESU and ESU Group
6
Freehold property £
Plant and machinery £
Fixtures and fittings £
Branch assets £
Total
Tangible fixed assets (all for charity use) Cost or valuation At 30 April 2008 Additions
7,300,000 -
365,496 75,073
331,824 13,009
1,635 -
7,998,955 88,082
At 30 April 2009
7,300,000
440,569
344,833
1,635
8,087,037
-
351,558 19,370
308,401 17,327
1,634 -
661,593 36,697
Depreciation At 30 April 2008 Charged in the year
£
At 30 April 2009 Net book value At 30 April 2009
-
370,928
325,728
1,634
698,290
7,300,000
69,641
19,105
1
7,388,747
At 30 April 2008
7,300,000
13,938
23,423
1
7,337,362
Freehold property The ESU owns two inter-connected freehold properties, 35 Charles Street, London, which is wholly leased to The Chesterfield Hotel, and Dartmouth House at 37 Charles Street, which is partly occupied by the ESU as its headquarters and partly leased to The Chesterfield Hotel. An open market valuation as at 30 April 2005 was prepared for the Governors by professional valuers, John D Wood, on 16 June 2005. The trustees are not aware of any material changes in value since the last valuation.
Fixed assets for charity use Investment properties (leased to The Chesterfield Hotel)
Historical cost Unrealised gain
2009
2008
7,300,000 11,500,000
7,300,000 11,500,000
18,800,000
18,800,000
1,328,045
1,328,045
17,471,955
17,471,955
ESU and ESU Group 7
10
Investments Market value at 30 April 2008 Payment out of capital Net realised gains on disposal Net unrealised (losses)/gains on investment revaluation
12,833,268 481,263 19,274 (396,788)
12,910,120 13,199 67,295 (157,346)
Market value at 30 April 2009
12,937,017
12,833,268
The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
Summarised Financial Statements cont... NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2009 cont... Balance at 30 April 2008 (including unrealised gains) £ 8
9
Endowments Permanent endowment funds Education Endowment Fund P & W Minet American Education Scholarship Fund P & W Minet Community Benefit Fund Charlotte Bonham-Carter Scholarship Fund Expendable endowment funds American Memorial Chapel Fund Westbury Preston Memorial Fund Mallinson Memorial Fund
11 Branch funds Scholarship funds (restricted) General funds (unrestricted but specific to each individual branch)
Total other charitable funds
Incoming Expenditure resources
Transfers between funds £
Balance at 30 April 2009 (including unrealised gains) £
£
£
Gains, losses and transfers £
28,502
-
-
(5,937)
-
22,565
44,312 44,312
-
-
(9,230) (9,230)
-
35,082 35,082
13,275
-
-
(2,765)
-
10,510
53,740 502,262 10,254
-
-
(11,192) (104,616) (2,136)
-
42,548 397,646 8,118
696,657
-
-
(145,106)
-
551,551
1,969 49,764 1,101 19,936 295
(3,600) (37,729) (920) (19,968) -
(2,935) (4,998) (1,808)
-
13,793 (8) 10,059 19,034 9,014
1,378 1,411 344 277 409 409 3,806 515 141 498 65 3,370 37,760 968 925 733
(1,725) (403) (155) (460) (4,059) (675) (24,816) (1,270) (1,097)
(1,827) (2,052) (2,192) (3,097) (457) (1,422) (501) (3,864) (428) (2,656) -
-
5,188 7,922 10,110 8,434 12,490 12,020 12,448 7,573 4,291 14,511 1,975 14,299 60,246 29,516 1,676 602
254,233
126,074
(96,877)
(28,237)
-
255,193
507,894 77 136,217
18,698 4,618
(18,670) (77) -
(104,144) -
-
403,778 140,835
644,188
23,316
(18,747)
(104,144)
-
544,613
68,742
12,391
(4,579)
(8,589)
-
67,965
180,889
247,744
(313,095)
-
-
115,538
249,631
260,135
(317,674)
(8,589)
-
183,503
1,148,052
409,525
(433,298)
(140,970)
-
983,309
Other charitable funds: Restricted funds American Memorial Chapel Income Fund 18,359 Lindemann Fellowship Fund (12,043) Education Endowment Income Fund 9,878 Westbury Preston Memorial Income Fund 24,064 R M Shellens Library Endowment Fund 10,527 P & W Minet American Education Scholarship Income Fund 5,535 P & W Minet Community Benefit Income Fund 6,511 C E Eckersley Educational Fund 11,996 Copley-Smith Drama Scholarship Fund 155 Walter Annenburg Fund 10,209 Lillian Moore and Bryan Barrow Funds 14,273 De Freitas Travel Scholarship Fund 15,168 Chilton Art History Scholarship Fund 13,158 Mallinson Memorial Income Fund 8,480 Ravinia Scholarship Fund 4,651 Corporate Initiative Fund 18,552 Belinda Norman Butler Music Fund 2,338 Alumni Fund 10,929 Music Fund 49,958 John Roberts Travel Scholarship fund 28,548 C. Bonham-Carter Scholarship Income Fund 2,021 Nurses Work Shadow Fund 966
10 Designated funds The Joyce Rolf Fund General Endowment Fund Building Maintenance Fund
ESU and ESU Group Movement in the year
The English-Speaking Union | Finance Report | 2008 - 2009
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The English-Speaking Union Creating global understanding through English
The English-Speaking Union Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED. Registered Charity No. 273136 Tel: 020 7529 1550 Fax: 020 7495 6108 Email: esu@esu.org Web: www.esu.org
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