/newsletter_2005_july

ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 122 JULY 2005

Mexico City opening heralds another breakthrough in Latin America The first ESU in this part of the world was set up in Argentina in 1993, followed by the launch of ESU Brazil in four cities. Now the ESU has opened in Mexico and next year a launch in Chile is planned. Latin America is well and truly on the ESU map.

Contents Mexico City Launch . . . . .2 Lord Watson's Speech . . . .2 ESU St Petersburg . . . . . .3 International Public Speaking Competition . . . .4 National Public Speaking Competition . . . .4 ESU Schools Mace . . . . . .5 John Smith Memorial Mace . . . . . . . . .5 Above: ESU representatives L-R Richard Atherton, Chairman ESU Mexico, Clive Bruton, Director, British Council, Valerie Mitchell, Director-General, ESU of the Commonwealth and Secretary-General, International Council, Lord Watson, Chairman, ESU of the Commonwealth and Chairman, International Council and Mme Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil, President, ESU France and President, ESU International Council.

ESU Centre Staff Teach in Chile . . . . . . . . . .5 The Morehead Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Spanish is the principal European language spoken most widely in the world after English and is the main language of Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Thus the opening in Mexico demonstrates a real partnership between these two world languages.

The Launch of ESU Mexico took place at the British Embassy in Mexico City on 15 May. A delegation of 28 ESU members attended from Austria, France, New Zealand, the UK and USA. During the Mexican visit, the Chairman and Director-General expressed their heartfelt thanks to all who had made the events possible and, in particular, to Richard and Vivian Atherton and all the members of the ESU Mexico Committee, the British Embassy, the British Council and British Airways.

There were some 70 invited guests at the Launch representing a broad spectrum of leaders and people of note in the local community. Clive Bruton, Director of the British Council in Mexico, hosted the Launch which was held in the Embassy Residence. He spoke first, and was followed by Lord Watson, Chairman, ESU International Council and Chairman, ESU of the Commonwealth, Valerie Mitchell, DirectorGeneral, ESU of the Commonwealth and Secretary-General, ESU International Council, Richard Atherton, Chairman ESU Mexico, and Mme Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil, President ESU International Council and President of ESU France. The British Government was represented

by HM Consul-General, Richard Morris.

Continue on page 2.

Watts Gallery Concert . . . .6 2005 Travelling Librarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Attingham Arts Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . .7 ESU Chilton Art History Scholarship . . . . . .7 Dartmouth House Staff Changes . . . . . . . . . .7 Diary Dates . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Above: Group of ESU delegates from Austria, France, New Zealand, UK and USA.

The key moment in ESU opening ceremonies is the presentation of the ESU flag to the newly-established ESU. The Mexican Government warmly welcomed the opening of the ESU at a ceremony the following day. At this, the Deputy Education Minister, Dra Yoloxóchitl Bustamante Diez, specifically noted the growing importance of English in Mexican schools, and the recognition by young people of how important and relevant English had become to their opportunities in life.

Lord Watson responded, and an excerpt is below. He emphasised that the choice of English around the world as a preferred second language could never replace the culture of any country's first language. The choice of English as a second language springs from the opportunities now open to young people internationally, and the ESU, with its programme of sponsorships, student exchanges, international conferences and competitions, facilitates this. He welcomed ESU Mexico as a significant and important

Above: ESU Mexico Committee, L-R Clive Bruton, Martha Jordan, Dr Vicente Armendariz Etchegaray, Nigel Parkinson, Bertha Cea, Susan Chapman, Eric Pearse and Vivian Atherton.

member of the ESU family. This, too, was the Director-General's view, with her characteristic emphasis on “mutual understanding as the basis of mutual acceptance and partnership”.

ESU Mexico organised an outstanding programme of events and cultural interest. Following the opening ceremonies, visits were arranged to see the famous Pyramids of Teotihuacan and Xochicalco and excursions to buildings and museums, providing a real insight into Mexican culture and history. But perhaps the most memorable was the hospitality offered at the private homes of ESU Mexico members, which was much appreciated.

Another memorable occasion was a Luncheon at the invitation of the British Embassy, with good food and wine, and fine weather allowing the delegates to enjoy the outstanding gardens of the Residence.

Above: Lord Watson and Dra Yoloxóchitl Bustamante Diez, Under-Secretary of Education.

Excerpts from Lord Watson’s speech Mexico City is our first new ESU of 2005.

Prague and Manila are to follow. But it is a particular honour to be here in the world's most populous Spanish speaking nation.

Spanish is the second most numerous European language after English - a language of great vitality, beauty, power and penetration. It is the official language of 20 countries and its use is widespread 2

in the United States. So it is indeed an honour to be here.

To explain the expansion of the ESU we have to look at what has happened to the English Language especially over the last 10 years. It has gained extraordinary momentum. From its historic roots - the British diaspora and the magnet of Ellis

Island - it has been propelled by technology, globalization and political change to become the working language of the Global Village. For example, in China it has become an essential qualification for all who would enter university and a key language within each university. That process alone creates tens of millions of English speakers every year.

Excerpts from Lord Watson’s speech cont.

This expansion of English presents the ESU with both opportunity and an obligation. In responding to this challenge we have focused on four key aspects.

First, we recognise that the use of English is driven by the market not by Governments.

Its driving force is the desire by young people to use the language to advance their own opportunities in life. Thus we place very great emphasis on the ways in which young people can use the language together and competitively, in conferences, debates and competitions. All these are now gaining in profile and prestige.

Second, there is a dynamic linking English and Information Technology. So we have established an important innovation - formal debating on the Internet linking audiences of young people around the world in structured and disciplined debate.

To see and hear students in as widely separated locations as South Africa, Hong Kong, South Korea, Britain and the US engage in well argued debate gives one real confidence in the future of International understanding.

Third, our emphasis is on spoken English.

That does not mean we are careless of syntax and the quality of the language.

Far from it. If the language is to be used effectively when spoken publicly, in conferences or in debate then participants must use the language with style and discipline. Sentences without syntax do not hold up nor persuade an audience.

Fourth, we see spoken English as a great enabler, helping young people to overcome disadvantages. That is why our inner city debating initiative in England is meeting with such success. In schools across London youngsters from homes with no tradition of scholarship or debate are now achieving recognition as outstanding users of the language.

English thus has much to offer but at the ESU we do not wish to see a world in which English reduces cultural diversity or diminishes the appeal of other languages.

Let me speak plainly. English does not provide an alternative or replacement language. Instead it is an additional language offering unique opportunity especially to the

young. Let me offer an analogy - like all analogies in part flawed but perhaps useful.

When Cortes landed on the Mexican coast in 1519 his first action was to burn all but one of his ships. His purpose was to show his men there was no way back. When young people here in Mexico and around the world learn English as a language of opportunity they must not burn the boats of their own languages and cultures. Rather, their own language and culture is the boat in which they can travel upon the sea of English as the world's preferred second language. On this sea they can reach destinations and achieve things which would not otherwise be possible. English is not the only language to out-distance its origins and extend beyond its geographical and historical frontiers. Spanish too has done that. But English is the widest such sea the preferred adoptive language for all five continents - not owned by Britain or America but belonging to all who use it.

So let's launch this ESU as a vessel of opportunity for young people and as a means of global understanding.

ESU Director-General visits St Petersburg Directors from Western and Central and Eastern Europe, Executives for Tourism and the Press. Her speech, which attracted much interest from both Press and the audience, was entitled 'Culture, Education and the English Language'. Following the Conference, there was a magical performance of Swan Lake in the Hermitage Theatre.

Above: Board Members; Above L-R Tatyana Tretyakova, Natalia Gavrik, Margarita Mudrak, Frieda Zaitseva, Yuri Tretyakov, Tatiana Emelyanova, Julia Volkova. Below L-R Olga Arkhipova, Leonid Seleznev, Valerie Mitchell, Olga Filimonova, Tatyana Ivanova.

At the invitation of ESU Russia, St Petersburg, Valerie Mitchell spent five days in this imposing city at the end of April. She was met at the airport by Professor Leonid Seleznev, Vice President, Professor Olga Brodovich, Vice President, and Margarita Mudrak, Chairman of ESU Russia, St Petersburg. The purpose of her stay was to join a panel of judges for the ESU Shakespeare Drama Festival, in which 14 schools participated. Valerie was delighted by the high standard of performances by the students and particularly impressed by their interpretation of Shakespeare as non-native English speakers. “It was indeed a privilege to be asked to be involved with such a first-class project organised under the aegis of ESU St Petersburg.”

Included in Valerie's programme were two major presentations. In one of these she was asked by Olga Arkhipova, Head of Tourism and Special Education Programmes of the Hermitage, to be one of the plenary speakers at a Conference on Culture and Tourism hosted by the Hermitage Museum. Participants included Museum

Earlier that week, at the ESU’s Russian international headquarters, the House of Friendship, Valerie gave another presentation on 'The English-Speaking Union: Communicating with the World' to a packed house which included academics, business people and students. There was a most enthusiastic response to her talk, and particularly for the way in which the ESU can provide opportunities to those who wish to benefit from their effective English programmes. Her agenda also included meetings with Dr Natalia Eliseeva, President ESU St Petersburg, the City Administration of St Petersburg, the State University of St Petersburg, the British Council, and a wonderful Luncheon which was hosted at the Residence by Mr George Edgar, HM Consul-General, and Mrs Edgar, in honour of HM Ambassador, Mr Anthony Brenton, and herself.

“This has been my fourth visit to ESU St Petersburg. I was most fortunate to have been given the opportunity to stay in a committee member's delightful apartment overlooking the river and close to the House of Friendship. Never before have I felt so much a part of the people of St Petersburg. I knew when I arrived I had returned to dear friends, and this is predominantly what the ESU is about. Every aspect of the programme was a joy, and extremely exciting. I have the greatest admiration for our ESU in St Petersburg, and apart from meeting so many people, we were able to look ahead and make plans for a new project on debating to be started in 2006.”

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Peng Xia from China wins 2005 International Public Speaking Competition International public speaking has become a key feature of the ESU and critical to its international role. This year the International Public Speaking Competition attracted 61 participants from 35 countries, representing the very highest standard of public Above: Peng Xia receiving his prize from speaking by young Valerie Mitchell. people from these nations. The competition, which has grown every year, not only provides the chance for the ultimate winner to achieve international recognition, but also for all the participants to form links of friendship and understanding which will last.

'Differences and Diversity' provided the theme for the speeches by the 2005 participants. The panel of judges found the standard of the speeches to be truly exceptional. After much deliberation, participants from Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, Italy, Lebanon, Moldova, Morocco, and South Africa were put through to the Grand Final at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City of London.

Participants and the audience were welcomed to the Grand Final

by Valerie Mitchell, Director-General.

It is a feature of these competitions that the speeches are judged by a panel of outstanding communicators. This year, the Chair was Patrick Spottiswoode, Director, Globe Education, and other panel members were: Dame Mary Richardson, Chief Executive, HSBC Education Trust; Robert Rowland, Executive Producer of CTN; Edward Gould, Chairman of the ESU Education Committee and formerly The Master of Marlborough College; Nigel Waterson MP, Conservative Member of Parliament for Eastbourne; and Jenni Hibbert, formerly a BBC producer.

The judges announced the winner as Peng Xia from China, who spoke on 'My One Time Deskmate'. Peng Xia is the second competitor from China to win this prestigious competition and he was also the Audience's Choice. The runner-up was Rita Lahlou from Morocco, with her speech 'The World: A Beautiful Mosaic'.

The Best Non-native English Speaker was Samia Badih from

Lebanon, with her speech 'A Curse or a Blessing'. All the participants received a dictionary donated by Macmillan Publishers.

Reflecting on his visit, Peng Xia referred to a presentation given by the Director of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, in which he said “In Shakespeare's time, poor people couldn't afford the seats; thus, they could only stand under the stage seeing the play. They were called 'understanders', and that is the origin of understand, for they came, they heard and they understood the plays.” Peng related this to his visit to the UK and said, “In May 2005, I became an 'understander' in England, for I came, I heard and I understood the differences and diversity of the world”.

On hearing that Peng Xia had won the competition, the Ambassador of China, HE Mr Zha Peixin, said: “I am very pleased to hear the exciting news and wish to convey my warm congratulations to Peng Xia on his outstanding performance. The ESU International Public Speaking Competition has played a positive role in promoting mutual understanding among peoples across the world. I wish greater success of the ESU competitions in the years to come”. The Ambassador is scheduled to speak at Dartmouth House in the near future.

During their week in the UK, participants went to the theatre to see The Woman in Black. Prior to this, they enjoyed a talk from its Director, Robin Herford, who is also an ESU Alumnus. They also went on a tour of the HSBC Holdings plc Headquarters in Canary Wharf, and visited Shakespeare's Globe. Many of the participants spent the weekend following the competition with ESU members outside London.

The support of these hosts, and also all the Branches who so generously supported the competition, is invaluable.

Above: L-R Runner-up, Rita Lahlou from Morocco, Winner Peng Xia from China and Best Non-native English Speaker, Samia Badih from Lebanon.

The competition was once again sponsored

by HSBC Holdings plc and the Corporation of London provided the venue for the Grand Final.

Bedford School triumphs in National Public Speaking Competition In addition to the International Public Speaking Competition, the ESU National Branches support and organise a National Public Speaking Competition. This year, it was held on 23 April at the City of London School for Girls in the Barbican. An audience of around 200 watched nine teams participate in the Final.

The first class judging panel was made up of Eric Bevan, a Communication Skills Left: L-R Robert Stagg, Speaker, Chris Chapman, Chairman and Jamie Findlay, Questioner, of Bedford School (East Region).

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Consultant; Frances Edmonds, Author, Broadcaster, and Fellow of the Professional Speakers Association; and Sarah Harrison, Author and Broadcaster.

Bedford School fielded the winning team.

Their speaker, Robert Stagg, who took on the topic 'Random drug testing should be compulsory in schools', also won the Best Speaker and Outstanding Personality Awards. The best Chairperson was Andrew Chapman from University College School, and the best Questioner was Charlotte Oakes from Moreton Hall School.

ESU’s Schools Mace International Final held at Churchill’s Cabinet Universities Debating War Rooms Championships Final The 2005 Schools Mace International Final, the culmination of the largest and oldest parliamentary schools debating competition in the world, covering secondary schools in the UK and Ireland, was held at the Cabinet War Rooms on 7 May.

The national champions of separate competitions in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales faced each other in two motions chosen for their relevance to the location and the date, the eve of the 60th anniversary celebrations of VE Day. Scotland and Wales debated 'This House believes it is time to end the special relationship between the US and the UK', while England and Ireland argued the proposal 'This House would ban extremist political parties in the European Union'.

The judging panel was chaired by Lord Watson, Chairman of the English-Speaking Union, who told the audience that they were right to be inspired by the venue where the debate was being held. He went on to say that even at the worst moment of the Second World War, Churchill insisted on Parliamentary and Cabinet procedures.

This was not a military bunker, it was where the Cabinet met, taking decisions for which they were ultimately responsible to the British Parliament and people. He expressed the ESU's thanks to Phil Reed, Head of the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms.

The winners were the team from St Bonaventure's RC School, a comprehensive school in Newham, East London. The team

Above: Winners, Lewis Iwu and Will Sharp, from St Bonaventure's RC School, with the International Schools Mace. Lewis and Will first learned to debate through the ESU when they were in Year 9. They soon began to enter competitions and were named Champions of the Tesco ESU London Debate Programme in 2001.

consisted of Lewis Iwu and Will Sharp, both of whom are planning to become university mentors in the ESU London Debate Programme next year, a programme in which they themselves learned to debate.

Above: Will Sharp in mid-speech, debating against Fergal Titley and Mark Thuillier from Belvedere College, Ireland.

An audience of over 80 supporters from across Britain and Ireland attended the 2005 International Final of the John Smith Memorial Mace, which took place at the Scottish Parliament on 23 April. The four teams, winners of the national universitylevel debating competitions of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, took part in a debate on the motion 'This House would lift the European Union's arms embargo on China'.

James Probert, Head of the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate, told the audience that those who won would be following in the footsteps of Scottish politicians such as the late Donald Dewar, the first person to assume the title of First Minister of Scotland in the new Parliament, Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and John Smith, the late Labour leader after whom the competition was renamed in 1995.

Jon Dye, Chairman of ESU Scotland and himself a former finalist, chaired the judging panel of five experienced adjudicators from each of the home nations and Australia.

The winners, who spoke first in opposition of the motion, were Fiona Dewar and Sebastian Isaac from the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, representing England.

The ESU expresses its gratitude to Robin Harper MSP for hosting the event.

The ESU lays foundations in Chile Chile became part of the ESU's focus on Latin America (see front page story) when James Probert, Head of the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate, visited the new Steering Committee of ESU Chile in April.

Working with a university in Santiago, Universidad Diego Portales, with which the ESU in London already had debating links, James delivered a week-long course for English teachers and teachers at British schools on preparing students for public speaking competitions and using debate in the classroom. In addition, James worked with university students at UTEM (the Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana) preparing them for taking

part in English-language debates, and met representatives of the British Council.

Following his work in Santiago, James called in on ESU Argentina. During his three days in Buenos Aires he delivered a workshop to a teacher training college, prepared over 200 students to take part in the national public speaking competition and spoke to employees of a major Argentinean law firm on the skills of advocacy. He also met representatives of the British Council as well as the new British Ambassador to Argentina, HE Mr John Hughes, to discuss the work of the ESU.

Above: L-R Sebastian Isaac, Robin Harper and Fiona Dewar, in the Chamber of the Scottish Parliament with the John Smith Memorial Mace.

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The ESU re-establishes key links with the US After a number of years, the EnglishSpeaking Union has re-formed its alliance with the Morehead Foundation to work together on The John Motley Morehead Foundation Scholarship Awards to the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill. These 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.

Scholars with unrivalled opportunities for university and experiential education. This number includes more than 100 British Moreheads, who are currently making their mark as business and professional leaders in the UK and around the world.

The Morehead was established in 1951 to attract outstanding, well-rounded studentleaders. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided more than 2,500 Morehead

For more information please contact Mary Dawson, Director of Education, Dartmouth House.

A British Morehead Alumnus commented “A British Morehead Scholarship at Chapel Hill provides the most unique university experience that any British school leaver can obtain in further education”.

Concert held in memory of former ESU Governor

Travelling Librarian named This year's Travelling Librarian Award was won by Heather Lane of the Scott Polar Research Institute housed at Cambridge University. Following her studies - a degree from Brasenose College, Oxford, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Librarianship and Information Studies - Heather has worked in various Cambridge colleges and undertaken freelance consultancy work and research.

She plans to use the Award to make contact with specialist libraries and research institutes in Alaska and Boulder, Colorado, in order to move towards collaborative ventures in preserving and making available information on Polar issues, which includes glaciology and Inuit history and culture.

Her tour will take place in the early autumn, and she will present her findings to the ESU and professional colleagues at the Travelling Librarian Reception in early 2006.

The Watts Gallery provided the visually rich backdrop for a performance by EnglishSpeaking Union scholars, the Sacconi String Quartet, on 28 April. The Quartet, which has performed for HM The Queen, David Trimble and Elton John, played pieces by Haydn, Hindemith and Beethoven in the Main Gallery. The members of the Quartet were the 2005 ESU scholars to Prussia Cove, Cornwall.

Above: Mrs Edward Norman-Butler, President Emerita, Cultural Affairs Committee, with the Quartet.

The concert was held as a tribute to Lady Daphne Constance Heald, former Governor of the ESU. Lady Heald was an inspirational friend of the ESU and an indefatigable fundraiser.

Above: The Sacconi Quartet, L-R Ben Hancox, Hannah Dawson, Robin Ashwell and Cara Berridge.

Mrs Belinda Norman-Butler, President Emerita of the Cultural Affairs Committee, said a few words about her friend, who “inspired friendship wherever she went and valued beauty in all its forms”. The striking paintings of the world-renowned Victorian painter GF Watts, offered a stunning and fitting environment for this musical tribute, which was attended by Elizabeth Lane, daughter of Lady Heald. Proceeds from the concert went to benefit the ESU Music Scholarship Fund and the Watts Gallery.

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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Above: Heather Lane, Librarian, Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge.

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.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Lecture raises funds for Attingham Arts Scholarship Bret Waller, the Director Emeritus of the Indianapolis Museum of Art since 2001, gave the first in this year’s series of lectures at Dartmouth House on 10 May. His lecture was entitled ‘Terra Incognita: The American Midwest and its surprising museums’.

Above: Left: Bret Waller and Giles Waterfield.

Since 2001 the ESU has supported a US student attending the Attingham Summer School, a three-week residential course examining the applied arts and history of the English Country House.

Changes in Dartmouth House Staff A number of important new appointments have been made to strengthen the Dartmouth House team.

Bret Waller gave a wonderful impression of the richness and variety of Midwestern museums and the art they hold, in a talk that touched upon thirteen museums in Terra Incognita or “Parts Unknown”.

Giles Waterfield, FSA Director of The Attingham Summer School was welcomed by the organiser of the lectures, Mrs Alys Rickett, who introduced the speaker.

Japanese Theatre Prints Exhibition Preview

Gemma McCoy has joined the ESU as Programmes Administrator for their International and Cultural Departments.

She graduated in 2004 in History of Art and Italian Studies, and has volunteered and travelled in South America, Eastern Europe, Central America and Africa.

At the kind invitation of the Japan Research Centre, members and guests were able to enjoy hearing a lecture on ‘Creating Celebrity: Kabuki Actors, Poets and Artists’

by Professor Andrew Gerstle, Professor of Japanese Studies, Department of the Languages and Cultures of Japan and Korea, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

The lecture, which was held at The Brunei Gallery, SOAS, University of London, was an introduction to a major Exhibition of Japanese Theatre Prints which opened at the British Museum on 30 June. A large and distinguished audience was delighted

by Professor Gerstle's fascinating insight into the world of Kabuki Culture.

Mrs Richard Chilton, Chairman of the ESU Chilton Art History Scholarship, welcomed the guests and Mrs Susan Bull, Chairman of the Promotions Sub-Committee, gave the Vote of Thanks. We were honoured that Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko was present, together with Mr Futao Motai representing the Japanese Ambassador and Mr Alexander Finnis, ESU Governor and Chairman of the NCEW. The lecture was preceded by a reception and raised £1,600 for the Scholarship.

The ESU is grateful to Professor Gerstle, Dr Timon Screech, Chair of the Japan Research Centre, who chaired the evening, and to Dr Meri Arichi, a lecturer in Japanese Art History, for making this such an outstanding occasion.

Above: Irina Shkurkina, current ESU Chilton Art History Scholar, Mr Alexander Finnis, Mrs Richard Chilton, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko, Professor Andrew Gerstle, Mrs Susan Bull and Dr Meri Arichi.

The ESU Chilton Art History Scholarship was established in the early 1990s as a visual arts scholarship, in conjunction with Christie's Education for its Art History course. Mrs Chilton, who had links both with the ESU and Christie's, was instrumental in launching this highly successful scheme. “We receive applications from all over the world. Each year, the recipient is chosen by Christie's Education, in conjunction with me and representatives of the ESU,” said Mrs Chilton.

Funding for the Scholarship comes largely from two events that Mrs Chilton organises each year, together with donations from other sources. “We have been most fortunate with some very busy and high profile people agreeing to give lectures for us,” Mrs Chilton concludes.

Anne Hodgson joins the English-Speaking Union as Programmes Assistant for both the Education and International Departments. She has a background in events, marketing and communications.

Anne has worked for the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce and, most recently, for an online advertising firm.

Norma Reid has joined the DirectorGeneral's office and has taken on responsibility for the ESU Newsletter and Annual Report. With an Anglo-Argentine background, she joins the ESU after a career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where her job covered secretarial, consular and information work. Postings with the FCO took her to a wide variety of countries.

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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

JULY

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday 6 July at 3.30-5.00pm The House of Lords Tea Party The Lord Watson of Richmond will receive guests on the Terrace of the House of Lords. This event is fully booked Tickets: £22 Contact Jacqueline Abbott to join the waiting list Tuesday 12 July at 2.30pm The Secrets of Freemasonary Pauline Chakmakjian, a London Branch Committee member, will give a talk on aspects of Occidental and Oriental Freemasonry at Freemason's Hall, Great Queen Street, London WC2. Tours of the building will be held at 11.00am, 12.00pm or 4.00pm Tickets: £10 for ESU members and their friends Contact: Pauline Chakmakjian, telephone 020 7495 4759 Wednesday 13 July at 10.30-11.30am At Home at Dartmouth House Members and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth House Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Saturday 30 July - Friday 5 August Visit St Petersburg and be treated like a Czar or Czarina!

Through the Fabergé Family and ESU St Petersburg, we are arranging a trip of a lifetime to St Petersburg. Staying at the luxurious 5* Astoria Hotel the full programme covers all the main attractions. As befits a Fabergé event, there are many surprises which no other tour can include. For more information telephone Irene Clarke at the St Petersburg Collection, 01895 238 674 Places are very limited so early booking is recommended

AUGUST Wednesday 10 August at 10.30-11.30am At Home at Dartmouth House Members and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth House Contact: Jacqueline Abbott

Wednesday 14 September at 10.30-11.30am At Home at Dartmouth House Members and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth House Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Wednesday 14 September at 6.00-8.00pm ESU Alumni Association Reunion: drinks reception at Dartmouth House Tickets: £15 Contact: Jo Wedderspoon Friday 30 September - Sunday 2 October The 2005 Branches Conference will be held at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool.

The programme will include a Reception at the Town Hall, a boat trip on the Mersey, and superb entertainment at the Opening Dinner. The Guest Speaker at the Gala Dinner will be The Lord Watson of Richmond Contact: Meriel Talbot

ADVANCE NOTICE Friday 7 October ESU Conference, Romania, Bucharest. “The Education Role of English: How it is Taught, How it is Learnt and How it is Used” Followed by a cultural programme organised by ESU Romania, Bucharest Contact: Helen Green Wednesday 19 October at 7.00pm Dorothy Kingston, a soprano in world premieres, oratorios, concerts and opera, will sing American vocal music at Dartmouth House: Negro spirituals, American folk songs and Broadway hits.

She will be accompanied by Markus Compton Tickets: £7.50 to include a glass of wine Contact: Katie Brock Philippines Launch The Launch of ESU Philippines will take place in Manila on 21 November with a programme of cultural events organised from 1825 November. An extended programme will be available from 16-30 November. The programme is a fascinating mix of visits to meet government officials, tours of Museums and wildlife sanctuaries and the chance to see Filipino dance and music performances. The programme will include trips out from Manila to the city of Davao and, for those on the extended programme, Subic Bay and Corregidor Island Contact: Helen Green

Obituaries Mr Peter Cooper We were deeply saddened to learn the news of the death of Peter Cooper, a dear friend of the English-Speaking Union. Peter had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He was a member of the London Branch and a frequent visitor to Dartmouth House.

Peter was an outstanding linguist and particularly enjoyed attending international events. He will be greatly missed.

Mrs Sheila Honeyman The Glasgow and South West Scotland Branch of the ESU notes with regret the death of its Honorary President, Mrs Sheila Honeyman.

Widow of Tim Honeyman, Editor of St Andrew's Press, the Church

of Scotland publishers, and himself a long-standing Chairman of the Branch, and SNC member, Sheila proved herself an indefatigable and hardworking supporter of the ESU, its aims and objectives.

Her father-in-law, Dr Tom Honeyman, was a founder member of the ESU Scotland. As Director of Glasgow Art Galleries, he, a personal friend of Salvador Dali, negotiated the purchase of the “Christ of St John of the Cross” at a reduced price of £7,500, the total annual buying allocation for that year. The painting is now valued at £7,000,000.

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