May_2007

ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 131 MAY 2007

Alumni Share Experiences

Contents Alumni Reunion . . . . . . . . .1 Shakespeare Debate . . . . .1

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(L-R) Alison Wardrop, Brian Marsh, Jenni Hibbert and The Rt Hon The Lord Hunt of Wirral

Alumni Reunion cont'd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Shakespeare Debate cont'd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Lord Hunt Visit . . . . . . . . .3 France Anniversary . . . . . .4 US Debate Tour . . . . . . . . .5 Refugee Debating . . . . . . .5

More than 100 distinguished guests, including politicians, musicians and broadcasters, turned out at Dartmouth House, at the end of March, for the English-Speaking Union's All Alumni Reunion. The Alumni Association Committee was represented by Brian Marsh (SSE Scholar) and Jenni Hibbert (Capitol Hill Scholar). ESU Chairman, Lord Hunt, who was celebrating his 40th anniversary as a US Debating Tour Alumnus, welcomed the guests along with ESU Director-General, Valerie Mitchell.

Alumni, past and present, from a wide range of ESU programmes included Dr Tasmin Little, (Menhuin Banff Music Scholar), Sir John Birch (SSE) and Lady Birch, Sir Ian Blair, (SSE) and Lady Blair, Lord Lamont, (US Debating Tour), The Rt Hon Michael Howard, (US Debating Tour) and Andrew Fraser (SSE).

Continued on page 2.

Why We Need English . . . .6 Moreheads Announced . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Memorial Concert . . . . . . .7 Donald Hawley Lecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

The Great Shakespeare Debate For the second year in a row the ESU teamed up with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to run the Great Shakespeare Debate. Building upon the success of last year's event, the competition was expanded to allow 24 teams of A-level students from as far afield as Northumberland and Devon to come to Stratford-Upon-Avon to compete for the coveted title.

The students were introduced to the ESU's debate format through a display debate and workshops delivered by the ESU's team of university student mentors, who also judged the rounds. As well as this expert guidance the students were given lectures by Shakespeare specialists, such as Professor Stanley Wells, Dr Paul Edmondson and Professor Kate McCluskie, who were ably assisted by a team of Warwick University students studying Shakespeare.

SSE Interviews and Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Pilgrims Literary Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Lord Watson in Russia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 International at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Hugo Vickers Lunch . . . . .9 New Face . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Moldova Launch . . . . . . . .9 Economics Debate . . . . .10 Commonwealth Day . . . .10

The winning team from King Edward VI Five Ways

Lord Watson Book Launch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Diary Dates . . . . . . . . . . .12

Continued on page 3.

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

Alumni Reception continued

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She said: “There was a lively mix of Alumni, from those who are well know public figures such as Sir Ian Blair and Michael Howard, to those who are still enjoying our programmes and are still studying. Over 100 attendees were more than keen to stay on and mingle and there was a real buzz as Alumni swapped stories and got to know each other.�

(L-R) Martin Skan, Roderick Chamberlain and Sir Ian Blair

Alison Wardrop, newly appointed ESU Alumni Officer, opened proceedings by emphasising the impact such programmes have had on ESU Alumni both British and American. Having worked for the ESU on both sides of the Atlantic, Alison has seen how the lives of Alumni have been improved by the experiences they have gained. She said that her aim was to see the Alumni Association continue to grow and flourish, so that it is able to support ESU programmes and make a very definite contribution to their progress and development.

Alistair Goddard and Dr Tasmin Little

Lord Hunt, Debating Tour Alumnus and ESU Chairman, rounded off the speeches. He told the assembled guests of his wish to give back to the ESU and that his work for the charity was a way of contributing to an organisation from which he felt he had benefited so much.

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The evening was highly enjoyable for all who attended.

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Dr Vijay Parmar and Lord Lamont

'What a splendid Reception at the ESU for all the past Scholars!

It was a joy to meet so many enthusiastic people, confirming for me the huge all round value of these Scholarships. Thank you to everyone involved in arranging such a successful occasion.'

Sheila Fowler-Watt, the first female SSE scholar.

Jenni Hibbert, Capitol Hill Alumna and ESU Governor, talked about her experiences as a beneficiary of the Capitol Hill programme. She also encouraged her fellow Alumni to pledge their support to aid the future of the continuation of ESU programmes.

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Sir John Birch (left)

Penny Hamilton and John Fingleton 2

The Rt Hon Michael Howard

'My year as an ESU Exchange Student at Riverdale Country School in New York made a vivid and life long impression.

My love of the US remains as strong as ever. How good it was to meet so many contemporaries and friends at the Reunion and to know that the programme has flourished all these years' Sir John Birch, SSE Scholar.

The Great Shakespeare Debate continued Edward VI Five Ways on the motion This House believes it is perfectly acceptable to rewrite Shakespeare. Judged by the Financial Times' theatre critic, Alistair Macaulay, and two of the student mentors, Andrew Marshall (from Oxford University) and Rebecca Allen (from the University of Warwick) the debate swung back and forth, entertaining the large crowd.

Sir Donald with finalists and Alistair Macauley, Valerie Mitchell, Professor Stanley Wells and Dr Paul Edmondson

Over three preliminary rounds, the teams debated about issues to do with Shakespeare and his plays. The first round covered topics specific to their A-Level set texts, such as This House believes that Richard III should have got away with it and This House believes that the ending of The Tempest was unsatisfactory.

In preparation for the second round the students were all taken to see the Royal Shakespeare Company's new production of Coriolanus, before debating the motion This House prefers to watch Coriolanus on TV, rather than on the stage.

In the penultimate debate of the event the students were called upon to argue the merits of Shakespeare's tragedies over his comedies in a thrilling final preliminary round.

The competition culminated in a gala Grand Final event in which students from North London Collegiate School debated against King

Richard Robinson, Anna Fox and Benjamin Mulvihill from King Edward VI Five Ways won the debate and were awarded the George Pragnell Silver Plate, based on a design from the wreckage of the Spanish Armada. Two other students were singled out for their own individual achievements throughout the competition: Chris Greenwood from Ermysted's Grammar School won a prize for his outstanding theatrical presentation skills, whilst Claire Johnstone from Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School was recognised for her knowledge of Shakespeare. All the prizes were presented by Sir Donald Sinden, one of the 20th century's greatest Shakespearean actors.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of the ESU's branches in Birmingham, Colchester, Cambridge Wellands Valley, Exeter, Gloucestershire, London, Metropolitan Essex, Northumberland, Tunbridge Wells and Worcestershire. To all those who contributed we extend a big 'thank you'.

‘It was a wonderful opportunity to explore our own opinions of Shakespeare and to widen our awareness of others' views.’

John Bone, Sophia Nazer, Jennifer Tonkins - students at Newport Free Grammar School 'This is a team who have visited Canada, China, Russia, Italy, South Africa…nothing has brought them more joy than their two days in Stratford.'

Gayle Hamilton Gill, teacher at St Augustine's Priory

Lord Hunt Visits Chile and New Zealand In February, ESU Chairman, Lord Hunt travelled to the Southern Hemisphere where he visited ESU Chile and New Zealand.

He was welcomed in Santiago by John Knagg, Director of the British Council and member of ESU Chile. A first-class programme was organised for Lord and Lady Hunt who enjoyed an excellent guided tour of the City and a visit to the British Council offices, followed by a reception. This was hosted by the British Ambassador, HE Mr Howard Drake and Mrs Drake at the Residence of the British Embassy.

Lord Hunt went on to pay a fleeting visit to ESU New Zealand.

The British High Commissioner, HE George Fergusson, hosted a morning tea party in the garden of his residence in Karori which was attended by over 40 members and supporters of the Wellington Branch. It was a perfect summer day and Lord Hunt was able to explain the work and aims of the ESU globally and responded warmly to questions from members. Later, Lord and Lady Hunt were guests at a private luncheon in the executive building of Parliament at the Beehive. Only a little sightseeing was possible and finally, some time for sitting in the sun and enjoying the harbour views with members of the Wellington Branch committee at the Troughton family home before sailing off into the sunset.

Alec Waugh, President of ESU New Zealand, Lord Hunt and Joyce Troughton, Immediate Past President of ESU New Zealand relaxing at the end of Lord Hunt's one day visit to Wellington

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ESU France Celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a Glittering Dinner in Paris In his speech he explained that to mark this Anniversary, a new initiative would be developed between the three major cities: Paris, London and Washington, and that the ESU would build on what had already been achieved. He said: “We already organise internships for young people from America to work in the UK Parliament in London. Young Brits enjoy internships on the Hill in Washington.

We have a very limited exchange sending one Brit to work at the Assembleé and a young person from France to work at Westminster. Let us expand this triangular exchange offering the opportunity for young Americans to work in Paris, the French to work on the Hill and the Brits to work in both. Let us then ensure that these interns share their experiences with the wider ESU afterwards.

Madame Beatrix Keil and Gunilla Carlbom

ESU members representing five countries, Guests of Honour, Diplomats and Dignitaries, past and current Presidents of the ESU International Council and Chairmen representing three Branches in France: Paris, Anjou and Strasbourg filled the Jockey Club in Paris to celebrate 20 years of ESU France. When ESU France was founded twenty years ago, everyone felt it was remarkable and perhaps unpredictable. Now it seems evident that the ESU should be in France and doing so well.

The Honorary President of ESU France, Monsieur Pierre-Christian Taittinger, and Madame de Montgermont-Keil, President of ESU France, welcomed the Guests of Honour to the Celebration Dinner.

ESU countries represented were France, Lebanon, Russia, UK and USA. Monsieur Taittinger opened the proceedings and paid a tribute to Beatrix Keil who in turn thanked all the members and friends for supporting this most important event for ESU France.

Brief presentations were made by Mrs Youmna Asseilly, President of the ESU International Council and Chairman ESU Lebanon, and Mrs Valerie Mitchell, ESU Director-General, who acknowledged the amazing work and expansion of ESU France since its inception in 1987. She thanked and congratulated Beatrix Keil for her commitment, energy and enthusiasm and above all, her vision in enabling this to happen.

Comte Guillaume de Tournemire and Valerie Mitchell

“Secondly, we aim to institute a lecture programme in which, once a year, we invite a speaker to address the ESU in each of these three great cities. Our direction is 'global understanding through English'. Let us take this step in that direction by creating a 'Tale of Three Cities'.”

It was a memorable and spectacular evening. The members who attended were thrilled and overwhelmed and felt privileged to have been part of this most important happening in the life of the English-Speaking Union.

Monsieur Pierre-Christian Taittinger and Madame Elaine Margio, Cultural Counsellor, American Embassy

Following the excellent dinner, The Lord Watson of Richmond, Chairman Emeritus of the International Council, gave a most thought provoking talk on A Tale of Three Cities.

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Lord Watson

US Debate Team Tours UK and UK culture whilst acting as ambassadors for American-style debating, and American culture in general.

Highlights included debating at the Oxford Union, attending Prime Minister's Questions, conducting a debating workshop at Mulberry School, East London, and participating in various debating tournaments, including the Edinburgh and Cardiff IVs. The team also took part in the US v UK Debate against the UK National Debate Team, Fraser Campbell and Gavin Illsley, generously hosted at the American Embassy. The motion was This House envies America's sense of patriotism.

An audience of over 100 people witnessed a world-class standard of debate with the proposing UK team securing a narrow victory.

US National Debate Team members Gavin Humes and Francesca Smith

The English-Speaking Union played host to the American National Debate Team, which toured the UK for three weeks, in February, as part of an exchange run by the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate.

Director-General Valerie Mitchell, in her closing remarks, extended the ESU thanks to the US Embassy and the American School in London for their support of the event, to each of the speakers and the chairperson John Wilson of the American School.

As part of their tour, the US debate team also enjoyed lunch at Dartmouth House where they learned more about the ESU Branch system from Holly Shakespeare and Don Miller (ESU London Branch).

Francesca Smith and Gavin Humes, both from Pepperdine University, California, were selected by the Committee for International Debate and Discussion (CIDD) to represent the United States from a pool of hundreds of American university debaters.

When asked to comment on her time in the UK, Francesca Smith enthused: “It was truly an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime.”

The duo's tour covered the length and breadth of the UK and was designed to allow them to experience British debating traditions

The Centre would like to express its gratitude to all those who helped to ensure the success of the tour.

Refugee Debating Programme Over the course of several weekends in January and February the ESU Refugee Debating Programme trained a group of young refugees in speech and debate for the production of a film for entry into the National Youth Parliament Competition.

The participants, from the Children's Society Young Refugee's Media Project, took on the role of government, opposition and backbench MPs, delivering speeches on the motion This House would be proud to be an asylum seeker.

The ESU is running a series of similar training days and workshops in preparation for Refugee Week 2007, which will run from 18-24 June.

Right: Refugee Debating Programme participants practise their speeches for the National Youth Parliament competition

ESU Merchandise When visiting Dartmouth House, why not take a moment to look at the display cabinet, where you will find an exclusive range of gift items, all featuring the ESU logo. The items for sale are reasonably priced starting from just £3.50 and range from key fobs to an impressive assortment of glassware, ties, and jewellery.

Ask at reception for details.

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Secondary School Exchange Programme On 9th March 2007, a distinguished panel interviewed UK students for the ESU Secondary School Exchange Scholarships.

This programme was created to promote Anglo-American understanding and enables gap-year students to spend a year at an American High School. SSE scholars are able to study new subjects, try new sports, gain knowledge of a different culture and also learn much about themselves as they grow academically and socially.

The interview panel included Adrian Underwood OBE, Elizabeth Stokes, ESU Director of Education and Katherine Plummer, ESU Education Programmes Manager.

The committee was pleased to be able to make 17 awards and is confident that all the scholars will act as excellent ambassadors of the UK and of the EnglishSpeaking Union during their year in the US.

Elizabeth Stokes and Katherine Plummer also went on a tour of SSE host schools in the North West of England, in March, and met some of the US scholars currently enjoying their gap-year scholarships.

The schools and students visited included Steven Kessel at Giggleswick School, Joanna Reiser at Casterton School, Catherine Redburgh at Sedburgh School and Emme Hughes at St Bees School. All four schools have been involved in sending and receiving scholars for several years and their participation has helped the SSE programme grow and expand. Cameron Miller from St Bees is presently in New York at the Lawrenceville School and Simon Wigfield of Giggleswick has been attending Memphis University School.

impact of the programme on their schools.

In addition, it served to deepen the links between the ESU and participating schools and helped the ESU staff gain a greater understanding of the ethos of each school.

This can only improve the SSE scholarship in the future.

'I have now been in Memphis, Tennessee for over six months attending Memphis University School. Academically, the school is one of the best in the Southern states. MUS isn't just a school dedicated to academic excellence, it has so many extra curricular activities, clubs and organisations. These next few months will be filled with as many different activities and experiences as I can manage.’

Simon Wigfield, SSE student, Giggleswick School.

The visit enabled Elizabeth and Katherine to see how the scholars were progressing but also to meet with Heads to discuss the

Why We Need English At the ESU International Council Meeting in September, Professor Ranko Bugarski, Honorary President of ESU Serbia, gave a stimulating and thought-provoking speech on Why We Need English.

Professor Bugarski espoused that English has comfortably survived the advance of multilingualism and become not only a means of communication but also identity. He cites the example of young people throughout the world who learn, travel, make friends and have fun through English.

“More than half the world's population is bi- or multilingual anyway: and in my own case English, as a language I have been in daily contact with for decades, is as much part of my linguistic identity as my native Serbo-Croatian,” he said.

He believes that English can no longer merely be taught as a foreign language - it has become an additional language, one that has a bright future.

Professor Ranko Bugarski, Ph.D. Honorary President, ESU Serbia

A full copy of Professor Bugarski's speech Why We Need English can be downloaded from www.esu.org under News and Events.

Morehead Scholarships Announced The Morehead Scholarship Awards to the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill 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. Having passed the first round of interviews at Dartmouth House in November 2006, Alastair Monty of Marlborough College, Alexander Lee of Wellington College and Mark Laichena of Christ's Hospital travelled to Chapel Hill in March 2007 for a weekend of intensive interviewing alongside candidates from the US. We are pleased to announce that all three candidates were successful.

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James Dean, Chairman of the British Morehead Programme and an Alumnus of the programme said afterwards: “It's great news that we have another three outstanding candidates going to UNC as Morehead scholars to join the four from last year. I hope their success inspires students from all over the UK to apply this year and keep the 38-year tradition of British students at Chapel Hill going into the future.”

For more information about ESU education scholarships, please contact katherine_plummer@esu.org

Memorial Concert for Nicolas Wickham-Irving The programme included several pieces by Chopin including Berceuse Op. 57, Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23 and Waltz in E minor Op. posthume performed by Warren Mailley-Smith.

Simon Wallfisch (Baritone) performed the Dichterliebe Opus 48 by Robert Schumann and a unique piece by Christopher Mayo “Postcards to Goff”, for Baritone and Cello.

Gemma Rosefield (cello) performed “Bei Männern” Variations on a theme of Mozart

by Ludwig van Beethoven with Charles Watt giving a performance of Sonata for Cello and Piano in C major, Op. 65 by Benjamin Britten. The concert was rounded off with a moving performance of David Popper's Requiem for Three Cellos and Piano.

(L-R) Simon Wallfisch, Alasdair Beatson, Gemma Rosefield, Warren Mailley-Smith and Charles Watt

A concert in memory of Nicolas WickhamIrving, former Chairman of the EnglishSpeaking Union Cultural Affairs subCommittee, was held at Dartmouth House on Monday 12 March. During his time as Chairman and as a founding member of the committee, Nicolas did so much to promote the aims of the ESU and to change the lives of young musicians. ESU Music Scholars Warren Mailley-Smith (Ravel, 2000), Gemma Rosefield (Ravel, 2003), Simon Wallfisch (Banff, 2004),

Charles Watt (Yale, 2006) accompanied by pianist Alasdair Beatson, generously donated their time to perform at the concert.

Mrs Anne Skeggs, Chairman of the ESU Cultural Affairs sub-Committee welcomed guests. Tributes to Nicolas were made

by Mary Pearson, Sally Yates, Andrew Johnson and Nicolas’ sister Mrs Elspeth Beatty, who travelled from the US to attend the event.

Lord Aberdare, member of the Cultural Affairs sub-Committee gave the Vote of Thanks and the concert was followed by a drinks reception where a recording of Nicolas Wickham-Irving performing Chopin was played. The evening was a very moving celebration of Nicolas’ life and an extremely fitting tribute with his closest friends and family in attendance. Thanks to the Charlotte Bonham-Carter Charitable Trust for its generous sponsorship of this concert.

Literary Lecture with Sir Donald Hawley Sir Donald Hawley, a distinguished Arabist and former Governor of The English-Speaking Union presented his new book The Emirates: Witness to a Metamorphosis which takes a revealing look at the 'then and now' of the United Arab Emirates.

Valerie Mitchell welcomed guests to Dartmouth House, including His Excellency Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan Mr Omer M. A. Siddig, to hear Sir Donald Hawley give a sympathetic and evaluative lecture on the Emirates.

Recounting his days as HM Political Agent in what were the Trucial States from 1958 to 1961, Sir Donald wonderfully recaptured the stirrings of the astonishing change of circumstances over that period through the vivid descriptions of his day-to-day life and the characters he encountered. His unique perspective gave the audience an impression of the scale and the implications of the transformation from the modest beginnings to the unrecognisable entity the area is today. Sir Donald concluded by reminding guests how the Emirates features socially and commercially in our daily lives.

The Rt Hon the Lord Luce gave the Vote of Thanks.

(L-R) HE Mr Omer M. A. Siddig Ambassador of Sudan, Sir Donald Hawley and The Rt Hon the Lord Luce 7

John Lukacs at Pilgrims Literary Lunch discussing the political leader's eloquence, character and visionary leadership.

ESU Chairman, Lord Hunt welcomed guests and the Rt Hon Michael Howard introduced Professor Lukacs who followed with an interesting assessment on Churchill's dual role as both historian and politician.

Reciting some of Churchill's most powerful writing, Professor Lukacs demonstrated how Churchill's main strength as a writer of history was not his objective analysis of the past but the masterful and compelling way in which he expressed himself.

The lecture offered an extraordinary account of a fascinating personality in history. The luncheon was attended by Lady Soames and the Vote of Thanks given

by Sir Robert Worcester Chairman of the Pilgrims and an ESU Governor.

Sir Robert Worcester, Chairman of the Pilgrims, with guest speaker Professor John Lukacs

Writer and historian, Professor John Lukacs was the guest speaker at a Pilgrims Literary Luncheon, held in association with the

ESU, at Dartmouth House in February.

He gave an insightful lecture entitled Churchill: The Historian

The Pilgrims Society was founded in 1902 to promote goodwill, good fellowship and everlasting peace between the US and Great Britain.

Lord Watson Visits the ESU in St Petersburg Lord Watson visited St Petersburg in December, accompanied by Lady Watson. The visit was organised by Margarita Mudrak, Chairman ESU Russia-St Petersburg and Lord Watson's academic programme was planned by Natalia Blinova, a professor at the School of International Relations at St Petersburg State University.

on Reputation Management. All were very well attended and enthusiastically received. In addition, Lord Watson met with the acting Chairman of the St Petersburg Legislative Assembly and was delighted to learn that the ESU in St Petersburg goes from strength to strength.

During his stay, Lord Watson gave three lectures, two at the University on Parliament and the Parties and The Rise and Rise of English. The third was at the ESU House of Friendship

A wonderful luncheon in honour of Lord and Lady Watson was hosted by Mr George Edgar, HM Consul-General and Mrs Edgar at the British Council Residence.

International at Home Guests from 15 countries were welcomed to an International at Home at Dartmouth House on 14 February by Susan Bull, Chairman on the Promotions Sub-Committee, and Valerie Mitchell, who gave a presentation on the national and international work of the ESU. The morning ended with a tour of Dartmouth House.

(L-R) Mrs Seza Ersan, wife of the Minister Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy, Mrs Valerie Mitchell, and HRH Princess Mabereng Seeiso, wife of the High Commissioner for Lesotho

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Literary Luncheon with Hugo Vickers at Dartmouth House

New Face The ESU is delighted to welcome Alex Standen as Communications Assistant.

Alex takes over from Norma Reid as the person responsible for co-ordinating ESU News.

Currently doing Postgraduate Research in Italian Literature, Alex has lived and worked in both Italy and France. Her Interests include literature, theatre and cinema.

She has previous experience of working in PR and Communications and says she is delighted to be working for the ESU and looking forward to working on ESU News.

Hugo Vickers and Dame Frances Campbell-Preston

Hugo Vickers was the speaker at a Literary Luncheon held at Dartmouth House in March.

An acknowledged expert on the Royal Family, he presented his acclaimed book Elizabeth: The Queen Mother giving a candid and personal account of one of Britain's most loved national treasures.

Hugo Vickers spent 17 years researching the Queen Mother's life, having observed her for 40 years. He saw her in public and in private, talked to her close friends and staff and travelled the world in search of previously unseen documents and letters.

As a result, he was able to give guests a unique and intimate insight into the Queen Mother's life explaining how she faced her challenges and crises as she stepped into the public domain as the wife of a king. Mr Vickers also drew attention to her stoic support of the monarchy and her country as she shifted role within the Royal Family.

The lecture, chaired by Valerie Mitchell, offered a wonderful, reflective portrait of the Queen Mother who had such a multi-faceted life. The luncheon was also attended by Dame Frances Campbell-Preston, the oldest surviving Lady-in-Waiting to the Queen Mother.

Support the ESU If you would like to strengthen the ESU’s ever increasing educational programme by a donation or a legacy in your Will, please contact Jo Wedderspoon at Dartmouth House 37 Charles Street London, W1J 5ED, telephone 020 7529 1550 email jo_wedderspoon@esu.org.

Alex Standen

ESU Moldova Launch May 31 sees the launch of ESU Moldova in Chisinau. The programme of events will include a two-day conference entitled The Development of English in Moldova at the State University Senate Room and a cultural programme including visits to the Tipova and Saharna Monasteries and the Milestii Mici wine tasting Cellar. The formal launch will take place on 4 June at the British Cultural Centre of the State University of Moldova, followed by a Reception at The British Embassy.

Tickets cost ÂŁ197 for Delegates.

For more information please contact Katie Brock.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

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ESU Links with IEA to Debate the Success of State Education

Audience members vote at the Economics Debate

The success of State education was up for discussion at the Dartmouth House Debating Society's Economics Debate, which was run in association with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), on Wednesday 7 March, when the motion was This House believes that state education has failed.

In proposition were James Bartholomew, journalist and author of The Welfare State We're In and James Tooley PhD, Professor of Education Policy at the University of Newcastle.

George Wiskin, a former member of the NUT National Executive

and ESU Education Committee Member, and John Troake, headmaster of Hailing Manor High School in Croydon opposed the motion.

After a lively and hard fought debate, and some excellent speeches from the floor, the motion was carried by 48 votes to 12 with 10 abstentions.

The ESU would like to extend its thanks to the IEA, each of the speakers, and to Professor Philip Booth, the IEA's Editorial and Programme Director, for chairing the debate.

Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Day was celebrated at Westminster Abbey on 12 March, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The theme was Respecting difference, promoting understanding. Lord Hunt and Valerie Mitchell represented the ESU. A number of members were also able to attend and enjoy this special occasion.

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The Observance is a multi-faith service which encompasses a mix of dance, song and liturgy, reflecting the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth.

Lord Watson Presents His New Book Jamestown: The Voyage of English Lord Watson, ESU Chairman Emeritus of the International Council is to present his new book Jamestown: The Voyage of English at a literary lecture to be held at Dartmouth House in collaboration with The Pilgrims.

Lord Watson will present his new book at a literary lecture

A replica of the Discovery which set sail for America's East Coast in 1607

The year 1607 marks the start of the voyage of English from the language of four million inhabitants of the British Isles to its role as today's working language of the global village used by almost two billion people world-wide.

In his Forward to the book, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as President of the ESU of the Commonwealth writes: 'It was the little acorn of the English language planted at Jamestown that grew to become the tallest of oaks.'

Alan Watson defines and describes in this vivid and compelling account the significance of the arrival on America's East Coast in 1607 of the Godspeed, the Susan Constant and the Discovery.

The three ships carried the idea and the language which would shape the modern world. Alan Watson tells the story of a precarious venture that nearly failed. But it succeeded against the odds, planting the seeds of representative government, capitalism and the rule of law. These ideas were expressed in a language which had just reached a peak of power and vitality - the English of Shakespeare, Tyndale and Cranmer's Prayer Book.

Lord Watson takes part in the Jamestown Anniversary celebrations

Educated at Cambridge, Lord Watson's career embraces broadcasting, education, business and politics. He has presented BBC TV's flagship programmes - The Money Programme, and Panorama. He is former Commonwealth Chairman of the EnglishSpeaking Union, former President of the British Liberal Party and a member of the House of Lords. He chairs a number of companies including Burson-Marsteller Europe, CTN Communications and the wine importer, Raisin Social. He is an Honorary Fellow of Jesus College Cambridge and a Visiting Fellow of Oriel College Oxford.

Alan Watson is closely involved in the celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown. With Sir Robert Worcester of The Pilgrims, he chairs the Jamestown British Committee.

The literary lecture will be held at Dartmouth House on Thursday 7th June at 7.00 p.m. Tickets cost ÂŁ8 to include a glass of wine.

To order tickets, please contact Gillian Parker.

Lord Watson's new book

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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

MAY Tuesday 8 May at 7pm Musical lecture at Dartmouth House with David Cairns who will also be presenting his new book Mozart and His Operas.

David Cairns weaves a brilliantly engaging narrative which puts Mozart's operas in the context of his life, showing how they illuminate his creativity as a whole.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wine.

Contact: Gillian Parker Wednesday 9 May 10.30 - 11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends.

Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Wednesday 9 May at 6.30 pm Lecture at Dartmouth House by Ann Nevill on The Vision of Stanley Spencer in aid of the ESU Chilton Art History Scholarship.

Tickets £17.50 to include a glass of wine. Reception 6.30 pm, lecture 7.00 pm.

Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Saturday 12 May 12 - 5 pm 2006/7 Public Speaking Competition for Schools National Final at St Paul's School for Girls, London. The final nine schools from over 400 entrants will compete for the title. The schools represent Scotland, Wales and seven English regions.

Contact: Natasha Plaister

JUNE Thursday 7 June at 7pm Literary lecture with The Lord Watson of Richmond CBE at Dartmouth House. In association with The Pilgrims, Lord Watson will present his new book Jamestown: The Voyage of English in which the former Commonwealth Chairman of the EnglishSpeaking Union and now Chairman Emeritus of its International Council, defines and describes in this vivid and compelling account the significance of the arrival on America's East coast in 1607 of the Godspeed, the Susan Constant and the Discovery.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wine.

Contact: Gillian Parker Wednesday 13 June 10.30 - 11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends.

Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Wednesday 13 June at 7pm Lecture at Dartmouth House by Jason T. Busch on Art and Life Along the Mississippi River, 1850-1861. Jason Busch is the former Associate Curator of Architecture, Design, Decorative Arts Craft and Sculpture at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Since 2006, he has been Curator of Decorative Arts, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh.

Tickets: £7.50 to include a glass of wine.

Contact: Gillian Parker

JULY Thursday 17 May International Public Speaking Competition Final. With over 60 participants from more than 30 countries, this promises to be another exciting competition. Members are welcome to Dartmouth House to see the heats from 9.00 am Contact: Katie Brock Thursday 24 May at 7.00 pm Stephen Crisp, Head Gardener to the American Ambassadors since 1987, on Horticultural Diplomacy - the History Gardens and Flower Arrangements of Winfield House, the American Ambassadors' Home in London.

Tickets: £7.50 to include a glass of wine.

Contact: Gillian Parker Thursday 31 May-4 June Launch of ESU Moldova in Chisinau. To include a two day conference entitled The Development of English In Moldova at the State University Senate Room and a cultural programme.

Contact: Katie Brock

Tuesday 3 July House of Lords Tea Party 3.30-5.00pm The Rt Hon The Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE will receive guests on the Terrace of the House of Lords. This event is now fully booked. Please contact Gillian Parker if you wish to go on the waiting list.

Tickets: £25 Contact: Gillian Parker

ADVANCE NOTICE Friday 19 to Sunday 21 October 2007 Branches Conference at the 4-star Old Ship Hotel, Brighton. The conference will open on Friday evening with a reception and dinner at the hotel. Conference events will take place in the hotel and there are optional excursions on the Saturday afternoon. A gala dinner with musical entertainment will take place on Saturday evening at Brighton's Royal Pavilion.

Contact: Meriel Talbot Wednesday 24 October at 7pm Professor Tony Badger, the Master of Clare College and Professor of American History at the University of Cambridge on The Origin of Franklin Roosevelt and the Fireside Chats.

Tickets: £7.50 to include a glass of wine Contact: Gillian Parker

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