ESU News January 2007

ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 135 JANUARY 2008

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Awards Presented at Buckingham Palace

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presents the English Language Award to Katy Wright and David Cato

Paul Scott, Neil Edgeller and Pete Staves collect the ESU President’s Award from His Royal Highness

The 2007 HRH The Duke of Edinburgh ESU English Language Book Award, ESU President’s Award and a host of other accolades were presented at the ESU Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 24 October. These annual awards celebrate innovation and good practice in the field of the English language and English language teaching. Winners of ESU competitions to promote effective spoken English also received certificates from His Royal Highness.

The HRH The Duke of Edinburgh ESU English Language Award was won by The Practice of English Language Teaching by Jeremy Harmer. David Cato and Katy Wright representing the publishers, Pearson Longman, collected the author’s prize from Prince Phillip. The judges commented that the winning entry is, “all encompassing, impressively lucid and extensively researched.” The panel felt that, “it has hammered a post in the ground as to the current thinking and practice in English language teaching.”

Continued on page 2.

Contents Palace Awards . . . . .Page 1 Tokyo Meeting . . . . . .Page 1 Palace Awards cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 Tokyo Meeting cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3

ESU International Council Meeting Following a successful bid by ESU Japan to the International Council, 35 delegates from 19 English-Speaking Unions travelled to Tokyo, in October, for the first ESU International Council Meeting to take place in the Far East.

The meeting was chaired

by Mr William Miller, Chairman of the ESU International Council, who welcomed the members and thanked Mr Masamichi Hanabusa, Chairman of ESU Japan and Mr Tsunetada Matsudaira, Director-General for their generous hospitality.

Shanghai Forum . . . .Page 4 Marsh Award . . . . . . .Page 4 Morehead-Cains . . . .Page 5 Japan Squad Tour . . .Page 5 Rose Lecture . . . . . . .Page 5 Branches Conference . . . . . . . .Page 5 Debating Society . . . .Page 6 Fireside Chat . . . . . . .Page 6 Sebba Talk . . . . . . . .Page 6 Brendon Book . . . . . .Page 7 At Home . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 Powell Frith Lecture .Page 7

Continued on page 3.

Delegates at the 2007 International Council Meeting

Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org

New Faces . . . . . . . .Page 7 Diary Dates . . . . . . . .Page 8

Web : www.esu.org

Awards Presented at Buckingham Palace continued Also awarded certificates at Buckingham Palace were Netan Dogra and Kenny Nicoll from Grove Academy, Dundee, winners of the 2006-07 ESU Schools Mace Debating Competition. In 2007, the Schools Mace celebrated its 50th anniversary and the International Final took place in the chamber of the House of Lords.

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Adam Bott and Sam Block from the University of Cambridge were honoured as the winners of the 2007 John Smith Memorial Mace.

The 2007 final was held, in April, at The Honorable Society of King’s Inns, Dublin.

The winners of the 2006-07 ESU Essex Court Chambers National Mooting Competition, Satya Chotalia and Sara Anzani of Liverpool John Moores University were also recipients of certificates.

Two books were highly commended. Dealing with Difficulties

by Luke Prodromou and Lindsay Clandfield, published by Delta Publishing was judged to be “an enthusiastic, inspiring collection of strategies” which would benefit every teacher. The second entry to be highly commended was 500 Activities for the Primary Classroom by Carol Read, published by Macmillan. The assessors described this as, “clear, accessible and full of ideas,” and were pleased to be able to recognise such “a rich resource” aimed at primary schools.

The Teacher, a website for English language learners created, designed and published by BBC Learning English won the ESU President’s Award. This prize recognises innovation and good design in the use of new, free-standing technologies in the teaching and learning of English. The judges, chaired by Professor Margaret Buck, former Head of Central St Martins College of Art and Design, were pleased to reward an entry which breaks new ground in the use of downloadable technology as a teaching resource. They described the winning website as, “clever, economical and engaging” and exhibiting a “quirky, humorous style.” Paul Scott, Neil Edgeller and Pete Staves from BBC Education collected the award from His Royal Highness.

The London Debate Challenge Championships provides the opportunity to all maintained schools in London to learn to debate.

The 2007 championship was won by Hazura Bazeer, Beth Stevens and Suzie Robson of Coombe Girls’ School who all received certificates from Prince Philip.

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Nick Boisseau of Delta Publishing and author Lindsay Clandfield receive their certificate

Ali Hussein Saleh Mohammed with The Duke of Edinburgh

Richard Robinson, Anna Fox and Benjamin Mulvihill from King Edward VI Five Ways School, Birmingham were the winners of the ESU’s newest award, the Great Shakespeare Debate. This competition (in partnership with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust) involves 24 teams of A-level students debating Shakespeare over two days in Stratford.

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Following the Awards Ceremony, a reception was held at Dartmouth House for the winners, their families and friends.

Author Carol Read and Jill Florent of Macmillan collect their award

Lauren Daum, Rachel Sullivan and Clara Mead-Robson from Cheltenham Ladies’ College were presented with certificates as winners of the 2006-07 ESU National Public Speaking Competition for Schools. This involved more than 400 teams competing in rounds organised by ESU branches.

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Ali Hussein Saleh Mohammed from Yemen, winner of the 2007 International Public Speaking Competition, made a special trip back to London to collect his certificate at the Awards Ceremony.

The Duke of Edinburgh with the winners of the London Debate Challenge

ESU International Council Meeting continued On the day preceding the International Council Meeting, delegates attended the 10th ESU Japan University Debating Competition at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Centre. The competition, organised by ESU Japan, and supported by the ESU Speech and Debate Squad accompanied by James Probert, was a truly inspiring occasion. Please see Page 5 for additional reporting on the Debate Squad’s visit to Japan.

Formalities in Tokyo also allowed for country reports from all the ESU representatives. This was followed by a luncheon at which Lord Watson spoke on Jamestown: The Voyage of English.

In addition, delegates participated in panel discussions, chaired by Valerie Mitchell, and in a special symposium organised by ESU Japan on English Education in Non-English Speaking Countries.

Mr William Miller, Mr Alexandru Budisteanu and Valerie Mitchell

Mrs Youmna Asseily, Chairman ESU Lebanon, gave a presentation on her year as President of the ESU International Council before the members elected Mr Alexandru Budisteanu, Chairman Emeritus ESU Romania as the President for 2007-08.

Also on the agenda was the ratification of ESU Estonia for launch in April 2008.

Edinburgh was confirmed as the venue for the 2008 International Council meeting when the city will also host the ESU World Members Conference. Mr Jon Dye, Chairman, ESU Scotland, gave a presentation on the latest plans and preparations for the conference.

Mr Hanabusa introduces speakers at the special symposium

This was chaired by ESU Japan’s Vice Chairman Mr Yasushi Akashi, former Under Secretary-General of the UN. Traditional Japanese cuisine and entertainment were on the menu at the Closing Dinner on 10 October. Cultural highlights were also enjoyed on a tour that included a performance of Kabuki Theatre, the sights of Tokyo and a trip to Kyoto where participants visited the Sanjusangendo Hall, Kiyomizu Temple, Nijo Castle and Golden Pavilion.

An informal lunch hosted by ESU Japan in the lead up to the International Council Meeting

Overall it was a most successful and productive meeting and we are certain that all those present found it inspiring and took away new ideas for ESUs around the world. Our sincere thanks go to ESU Japan for their extremely generous hospitality and wonderful organisation of this important meeting.

Valerie Mitchell, in her Secretary-General’s report, provided an overview of an extremely busy year in the international work of the ESU, including the launches of ESU Chile and Moldova, in addition to many programmes and scholarships.

Lord Watson reported on his year as Chairman Emeritus of the International Council including his participation in the ESU Conference in Belgrade, recent launches and several successful trips to St Petersburg, the destination for a forthcoming conference in May 2008.

Following the meeting, delegates attended an evening reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence hosted by HE Sir Graham Fry and Lady Fry, who is an ESU Governor. Guests were treated to a breathtaking performance of traditional Japanese Taiko drumming.

Mr Hanabusu and Mr Agata, ESU Japan 3

Student Forum in Shanghai Presentations were given to 300 students in the auditorium of the University. Lord Watson spoke on the English language, William Miller talked about the work of the English-Speaking Union in the United States of America and Valerie Mitchell spoke about the place of the English-Speaking Union in today’s world.

A good question and answer session, chaired by the Dean of the Foreign Faculty Affairs Department, reflected the enthusiasm with which the students responded to the presentations. The university also hosted a luncheon in the speakers’ honour.

Lord Watson, Valerie Mitchell and Mr William Miller at SISU

Following the International Council meeting in Tokyo, Lord Watson, Chairman Emeritus International Council, Mr William Miller, Chairman International Council and Chairman English-Speaking Union of the United States and Valerie Mitchell, ESU Secretary General International Council visited Shanghai for a forum with the students of the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU).

This initiative was supported by the Chinese Embassy in London and an excellent two day programme was organised for them.

During their stay, the ESU representatives had the opportunity to visit the British Consul General, Carma Elliot and the Director of the British Council in Shanghai, Gavin Anderson. They both encouraged greater links with the ESU in Shanghai and pledged their support for any future developments. The programme ended with an excellent dinner hosted by Wang Enming, Deputy Dean, College of English and Li Yunfei of the International Relations Department.

This important visit for the ESU brought together significant contacts and far reaching ideas for the future. We are extremely grateful to SISU for having given the ESU the opportunity to gain such a worthwhile insight into the academic world of Shanghai.

The Marsh Biography Award

L-R Dr Alastair Niven, Mrs Aleksandra Marsh, Maggie Fergusson and Professor John Guy

In late October, Maggie Fergusson was awarded the Marsh Biography Award for her book George Mackay Brown: A Life, published by John Murray.

The award was announced at a celebratory dinner and ceremony held at Dartmouth House.

Established in 1985, the Marsh Biography award is given biennially for the best biography written by a British author and was initiated by Mrs Aleksandra Marsh. The judges looked for a work that is historically important, records significant human achievement and is representative of the highest standards of written English and serious research.

Accepting the award, Maggie Fergusson said that the honour had come as a complete surprise and that it had been an incredible privilege to meet and write about George Mackay Brown, the Bard of Orkney. Maggie quoted Mackay’s words that she kept over her desk as inspiration for the decade she was working on the book: “Blessings may break from stone Who knows how?”

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Under the chairmanship of Dr Alastair Niven, the judging panel of Professor John Guy and Elizabeth Stokes, Director of Education at the ESU selected the winner from an outstanding short list. John Guy commented that all the judges found it exceptionally difficult to select a winner from the strong short list and praised the winning book: “… what an evocative, compelling portrayal of this strangely elusive character who doggedly avoided becoming a public figure.

The book is full of revelations and absorbing detail.... Not just recreating the interior world of the man, but the exterior world of the setting: the glorious sense of place, for the book is peppered with loving detail of the harsh and yet attractive world of the Orkneys and the people who live there. The author writes with precision and sensitivity, and this is a biography that doesn’t shy away from difficult issues of character. But most of all, it will introduce a whole generation, and perhaps several generations, to the work of a remarkable poet and his writing with all its economy and variety of colour, tone and texture, making us want to read more.”

The author received the award, worth £4000, a silver inkwell trophy and membership to the ESU for a year.

Publishers submitted entries for the award, and the five other books on the short list of six were Voltaire Almighty by Roger Pearson (Bloomsbury 2006), The Knife Man (John Hunter – Father of Modern Surgery) by Wendy Moore (Bantam Press 2005), England’s Mistress; The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton by Kate Williams (Hutchinson 2006), Beau Brummell (Arbiter of Fashion in Regency England) by Ian Kelly (Hodder & Stoughton 2005) and Caesar by Adrian Goldsworthy (Weidenfeld & Nicolson 2006).

Previous winners have included Brenda Maddox, Anthony Sampson and Richard Holmes.

The award is sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust and has been administered by the ESU since 1999 as part of its cultural and literary programme. Our thanks go to Mrs Aleksandra Marsh for her continued support.

The Morehead-Cain Foundation Scholarships Interviews for the Morehead-Cain Foundation scholarships were held over two days at Dartmouth House on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 November. The interview panels included alumni of the programme and were chaired by Henry Stevens and James Dean.

The scholarships are to the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill and are among the world’s most generous and prestigious university scholarships, providing up to four places each year, fully funded, for selected British school leavers to pursue a first degree programme at UNC. After two rounds of interviews, Gregor MacLennan of Fettes College, Russell Martin of Sevenoaks School, Joel Semakula of St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form Centre and Gilbert Johnson of Christ’s Hospital School were selected to attend the final round of interviews in North Carolina next spring.

Members of the interviewing panels

Japan’s Decade of Development Four student members of the ESU Speech and Debate Squad, accompanied by James Probert, Head of the ESU’s Centre for Speech and Debate, toured Japan in early October. This was the tenth such trip arranged by ESU Japan since its foundation in 1998.

The mentors gave lectures and demonstration debates at universities in Fukuoka and Osaka before travelling to Tokyo. There they visited the International Christian University High School and continued to offer training to members of the Japanese Parliamentary Debate Union, an independent body close to ESU Japan, responsible for coordinating the Japanese university debate community.

The Squad’s last few days in Tokyo were spent in the Yoyogi Olympic Memorial Youth Centre, the venue for the Japanese national debating championships, run by ESU Japan. They took part in a demonstration debate and, alongside a cadre of expert local judges, adjudicated all rounds including the Grand Final.

The Final itself coincided with the opening event of the ESU’s International Council Meeting, and was introduced by speeches from representatives of ESU Japan, Lord Hunt and James Probert.

community, cooperating with and leading that community to achieve today’s position as host of the largest of many parliamentary debating competitions in Japan. Those other ESUs around the world, who now, rightly, wish to embrace our global debate work, can look to Japan as a model of success.”

Lord Hunt commented: “In the last ten years ESU-J has used the international reputation and expertise of the ESU globally to support their national engagement with the student debate

Later in the evening Mr Masamichi Hanabusa, Chairman of ESU Japan, gave the Squad a certificate of thanks for their contribution to the development of ESU-J’s debate work.

Mr Hanabusa with the winning debaters

Sir Michael Rose on Washington’s War In November, Sir General Michael Rose presented his latest book Washington’s War: From Independence to Iraq at a literary lecture at Dartmouth House, introduced by Dr Colin Niven.

As a former Director of UK Special Forces, and Commander of the United Nations Protection Force in Bosnia, Michael Rose is uniquely positioned to give an insight into the reality of counter-insurgency warfare.

In a passionate and candid talk, he explained the principles of guerrilla warfare, as revealed by the American War of Independence, and showed how they have been adopted by the insurgents in Iraq.

He also illustrated how the British Army learned from its mistakes to become one of the world’s most effective counter-insurgency forces; in contrast, the US Army, he argued, appears to have forgotten the lessons of its founding fathers.

Branches Conference The 2007 Branches Conference took place in Brighton in October.

Please see Branches News for a full report.

L-R Lord Hunt, The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Carol Theobald, Alexander Finnis and Valerie Mitchell

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Debating Society Turns to Shakespeare the event to their own Shakespeare studies, bringing students from across London. In addition, a good number of Debating Society regulars were present along with ESU alumni and other debate aficionados.

Patrick Emerson, ESU Programmes Officer addresses the debaters, including (far right) Dr Paul Edmondson

Dartmouth House’s Debating Society and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust joined forces to put on a Shakespeare Debate for the Society’s October event.

Having worked closely on the arrangements with Dr Paul Edmondson, Head of Education at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the motion chosen was This House believes that Shakespeare is performed too much in the United Kingdom.

The debate took place in the Churchill Room and was well attended by a diverse audience. A number of schools connected

The audience was not disappointed by the calibre of debate on offer from all speakers. The first two, Nick Long and Will Jones, are graduate students from Cambridge and Oxford Universities respectively. As well as being accomplished debaters, both are keen Shakespeare scholars, with extensive experience studying, acting, and directing Shakespeare. The third speaker, Andrew Fitch, is Debates and Education officer in the ESU’s Centre for Speech and Debate. He is currently working on an ongoing project with Radio 3, to host a nationally broadcast Shakespeare debate for school students.

It was the final speaker, though, who stole the show. Dr Paul Edmondson himself opposed the motion. He spoke with conviction, breathtaking erudition, and a passion for his subject seldom matched, even by other academics.

Not surprisingly, the motion was defeated following Paul’s speech but, as the Centre strives always to report, “debating was the real winner”.

Roosevelt’s Fireside Chat The final lecture of the 2007 Attingham lecture series welcomed Professor Tony Badger who spoke on Presidential Oratory: Franklin D Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats. Using recordings of the President’s radio broadcasts, Professor Badger illustrated the power of the medium and the unique way in which Roosevelt used it.

Since 1992, Professor Badger has been the Paul Mellon Professor of American History at Cambridge University and Master of Clare College Cambridge since 2003. He has published widely, mostly on

the New Deal, particularly as it affected the Southern States of America and has edited books on this also. In addition, he has written many articles about the Southern States, American Politics and Roosevelt.

Professor James Raven introduced the speaker, Mrs Annabel Westman spoke about the Attingham Trust and Mrs Alys Rickett, founder of the scholarship, presided.

Literary Lecture with Anne Sebba Jennie Churchill: Winston’s American Mother is the title of Anne Sebba’s new book which she presented at a Dartmouth House Literary Lecture in October.

This complex character allowed Anne Sebba to provide guests with an impressive insight into the mother of the most pivotal figure of the 20th century.

With unprecedented access to private family correspondence, newly discovered archival material and interviews with Jennie’s two surviving granddaughters, Anne Sebba draws a vivid and frank portrait of her subject. She repositions Jennie as a woman who refused to be cowed by her era’s customary repression of women.

Lord Watson presided at the event, commenting afterwards, "Anne Sebba is a writer and speaker of real fascination.

She communicates both her own statements and insights in the book itself and when speaking about it. Anne’s book and her presentation should not be missed.”

Anne Sebba signs a copy of her book

From the Archive … A Churchill Anecdote The May 1965 edition of Concord in the ESU Library contains the following from the Glasgow Evening Citizen and is topical given the recent Dartmouth House Literary Lecture from Anne Sebba: “On a visit to London a year or so ago, Adlai Stevenson told Sir Winston Churchill that one of the things which had brought him to the UK was an engagement to address the ESU. “Ah,” Sir Winston remarked dryly, “but since, as you know, I had an American mother, I may be said to be the product of the English-Speaking Union.”

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Piers Brendon Launches New Book The Master and Fellows of Churchill College, publishers Jonathan Cape and ESU members celebrated the launch of The Decline and Fall of the British Empire

by Piers Brendon at a reception held at Dartmouth House in October.

Piers Brendon's prodigious volume is a brilliant account of acts two, three and four in this swelling drama of imperial themes from Yorktown to Goose Green.

His depiction of the decline and fall of the Empire presents a glittering panoply of decadence, folly, farce and devastation.

Dr Alan Findlay, recently retired Former Senior Tutor of Churchill College, introduced the author, who expressed his gratitude to Valerie Mitchell and the ESU for their support. Dan Franklin, Publishing Director of Jonathan Cape also attended.

Piers Brendon presents his new book

International at Home Valerie Mitchell and Susan Bull, Chairman of the Promotions Sub-Committee, welcomed guests from ten countries to an International at Home held at Dartmouth House on 14 November.

The ESU Director-General spoke about the national and international work of the ESU and the morning ended with a tour of Dartmouth House.

L-R Susan Bull, Iulia Zamfirescu, Embassy of Romania, Ala Beleauschi, Embassy of Moldova and Joanna Engström, Sweden

William Powell Frith’s Life Explored In early November, Christopher Wood, England’s leading writer and broadcaster on Victorian art, lectured to a capacity audience at Dartmouth House on William Powell Frith R.A. – The Painter of Modern Life.

The lecture, in aid of the ESU Chilton Art History Scholarship,

explored Frith’s relationships with the era’s most famous men and women and gave a remarkable picture of the entire Victorian age, seen through the eyes of one of its greatest characters.

A reception preceded the lecture which raised over £1,500 towards the scholarship.

New Faces A major reorganisation of the way that the ESU runs its persuasive spoken English programmes has brought fresh faces to the Centre for Speech and Debate.

Beth James and Patrick Emerson

Vivienne Thomson, Programmes Officer, has moved into the world of environmental charities and been replaced by ESU alumnus Patrick Emerson. A scholar of the Capitol Hill Programme, Patrick is also an accomplished debater, having been a member of the Scottish team at the World Schools Debating Championships, a national champion for Cambridge in the ESU John Smith Memorial Mace, and a Grand Finalist

for Chicago at the World University Debating Championships.

The new position of Competitions Officer has been created to replace Area Organisers in the administration of the Schools Mace and to facilitate liaison with ESU Branches.

Beth James got off to a running start in October, facing the challenge of organising the first round of a nationwide tournament on her first day! Beth debated for Wales at the World Schools Debating Championships, which she went on to run in Cardiff in 2006, and was Welsh national champion in the ESU John Smith Memorial Mace.

Anyone for Tennis?

We are still looking for gap year students with an interest in tennis to help run the 2007 Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative. This scheme, run by The All England Tennis Club, aims to deliver tennis coaching in schools to children of all ages. On offer is a threemonth voluntary placement at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and schools in London where you will be assisting the Head Coach.

An interest and some ability in the sport would be good – enthusiasm is a must. You will need to be able to work well with children.

Food and travel expenses will be paid. If you are 18 or over and interested, please contact ESU Alumni Officer, Alison Wardrop.

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Diary Dates

Unless otherwise stated we regret that no refunds can be made for cancellations within seven working days of an event.

For members: We accept payment for Dartmouth House events and membership subscriptions by credit/debit cards. Cards bearing Visa, Master-Card, Maestro, Switch, Solo or Delta symbols can now be used to make bookings by post, telephone or email.

DARTMOUTH HOUSE Telephone : 020 7529 1550

JANUARY Wednesday 9 January 10.30 – 11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends.

Contact: Jacqueline Abbott

FEBRUARY Wednesday 13 February 10.30 – 11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends.

Contact: Jacqueline Abbott 19 - 20 February 2008 – ENGLISH, INDIA & GLOBALISATION An International Conference to be held in New Delhi, India organised by The English-Speaking Union in collaboration with The British Council. The conference, which will take place at the British Council, Delhi, will include sessions and lectures on English and the Rise of India’s Economy, Introduction to Democracy and Economy, India’s Entrepreneurs, English and Education in India, English and Diplomacy, The History of India and The Culture of Indian Democracy. Speakers will include Lord Watson, The Rt Hon Lord Howell of Guildford on Britain and India – a Special Relationship, Mr Rod Pryde, Director British Council, India and Mr Patrick Spottiswoode, Director of Education, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

The conference programme will include an optional tour of New Delhi, a trip to the Taj Mahal and a tour of Jaipur and the surrounding area in Rajasthan from Wednesday 20 February.

Contact: Katie Brock

MARCH Monday 3 March 6.30 pm for 6.45 pm ESU & Three Faiths Forum Event Speakers will include Sir Sigmund Sternberg, Revd. Dr Marcus Braybrooke and Imam Raza in a series of talks and discussion around the three faiths. Contributions will also be made by youth representatives. The Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE PC will preside. Tickets: £6 to include a glass of wine.

Contact: Katie Brock Monday 10 March in the afternoon (time to be confirmed) Commonwealth Day Observance 2008 At Westminster Abbey. Admission is free by ticket only. A limited number of tickets are available to ESU members. Names of all ticket holders must be submitted. Apply now for tickets which will be available in early March. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope with your application.

Contact Jacqueline Abbott Wednesday 12 March 10.30 – 11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends.

Contact: Jacqueline Abbott

Monday 17 March 2008 at 6.15 pm The 2008 Churchill Lecture, to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the English-Speaking Union, will take place at Guildhall. The guest speaker will be The Hon Robert H Tuttle, Ambassador to the Court of St James's for the United States of America. The event will be followed by a reception in the Art Gallery hosted by the City of London.

Tickets £15.

Contact: Jo Wedderspoon

ADVANCE NOTICE Launch of ESU Estonia The official launch of ESU Estonia will take place on Monday 21 April 2008.

Contact: Katie Brock ESU World Members’ Conference 2008 Edinburgh 15-18 September Bookings are now open for the World Members’ Conference in Edinburgh.

The conference theme is “Creating an ESU for the modern world”, and guest speakers include: Sir Christopher Meyer, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, Sir Richard Dearlove, Professor David Crystal, Sir John Bond, Shami Chakrabarti, Sir Bob Worcester.

2008 also marks the 90th Anniversary of the ESU’s foundation, and the conference will be celebrating this landmark birthday.

Conference events will take place in some of the city’s most impressive buildings - the 18th Century Assembly Rooms (main Conference venue); the National Gallery of Scotland; the Scottish Parliament; and Murrayfield, home of Scottish rugby.

A full and exciting programme of pre-and post-conference tours has also been laid on. The conference website, www.esuworld2008.org, gives full details. The delegate fee is £300 (until May 2008, £330 thereafter), and you can now book through the website. More information, or a postal booking form for the conference are available from John Duncan, Director, ESU Scotland, 23 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8HQ, tel: 0131-229-1528, email: director@esuscotland.org.uk.

The restaurant will be closed during the week of 7 to 11 January 2008, reopening on Monday 14. On Monday 7 and Friday 11 January no food will be available, but from Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 bar snacks will be available.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Leith’s Wedding Fayre If you are planning a wedding, Leith's would love you to come to its 'Wonderful Wedding Fayre' at Dartmouth House on Saturday 16 February 2008 between 11.00am and 4.00pm. RSVP to Nicholas da Costa on 0207 529 1578 or email dartmouthhouse@compass-group.co.uk