ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION
Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 134 NOVEMBER 2007
Treaty of Union Debate Thursday, 20 September saw an event that marked the culmination of cooperation between the English-Speaking Union and the Scotland Office who, in the last few weeks, hosted a series of events celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Treaty of Union and the formation of the United Kingdom.
Contents Treaty of Union Debate . . . . . . . . . . .Page 1
Treaty of Union cont'd . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2
Capitol Hill Reunion . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2
Globe Seminar . . . . .Page 3
Prince Philip at the Globe . . . . . . . . .Page 4
Lindemann Celebration . . . . . . . .Page 4 Debate runners-up: (L-R) Jamie Susskind, Callum Jones, Charlotte Thomas and Netan Dogra
The ESU Centre for Speech and Debate organised an event, which brought together members of the English and Scottish national schools’ debating teams, and was thoughtfully conceived to signify British unity. Both sides proposition and opposition - comprised Scottish and English speakers who debated the motion, This House believes a house divided against itself shall not stand. The debate brought a capacity audience to the Long Drawing Room in Dartmouth House, attracted in part, no doubt, by the calibre of the competitors. In addition, however, the guests whose enthusiasm for the subject came out in a lively floor debate following the main speeches - were probably equally impressed by the calibre of the judging. The panel consisted of: Baroness Blackstone, former Education Minister and the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, Stephen Hesford, MP for Wirral West and Lord Hunt. In his opening remarks, Lord Hunt commented that the ESU was the ideal institution to oversee such a prestigious debating event, owing to the Centre for Speech and Debate’s expertise and
longstanding investment in bringing debate to the whole of the UK. In addition, he noted that debate is an especially fitting activity to undertake in celebration of the Treaty of Union for, while the process may seem “to raise to an art form partisanship,” it is also true that it speaks to a “deeper consensus.”
Anjou Concert . . . . . .Page 4
President Reflects . . .Page 5
Paris Prize . . . . . . . .Page 5
SSE Scholars . . . . . .Page 5
“The essence of a successful democracy,” commented Lord Hunt, “is the ability to agree on the rules of the political game, and the encouragement of civil disagreement. Both of these principles are exemplified by structured debate.” Baroness Blackstone delivered closing remarks after the formal debate before handing over to Stephen Hesford, who announced the winning team of Lizzie Bauer, Stuart Cullen, James Solyom and Joanna Farmer. Both Baroness Blackstone and Stephen Hesford also applauded the teams for the high standard of debate they provided, while offering hints from their extensive experience in both houses of parliament. Continued on page 2.
Raven Lecture . . . . . .Page 6
Glyndebourne Talks . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6
New Face . . . . . . . . .Page 6
Library Accolade . . . .Page 7
Edinburgh Conference . . . . . . . .Page 7
Diary Dates . . . . . . . .Page 8
Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org
Treaty of Union Debate continued the competitors received a personal communiqué from the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, congratulating them: I congratulate the eight young people who have reached today's final round of the Treaty of Union Anniversary Debate. The Debate is a fitting way to mark the anniversary of the Treaty of Union - the landmark event in 1707 that represents the foundation of the United Kingdom. We can take pride in the last three centuries of British history as a country of different nations and identities, but shared values. The importance of free and democratic debate is one of those values, and I hope all the participants today will enjoy a great event in the best traditions of our country.
(L-R) Lizzie Bauer, Stuart Cullen, James Solyom and Joanna Farmer
Following the debate competitors and guests were taken in coaches to the Scotland Office, which kindly hosted a delightful reception at its headquarters, Dover House, on Whitehall. At this event all of
Besides being a pleasant surprise, the Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the extent to which the event paralleled the pertinence of the Treaty of Union in today’s Britain. Consider the amalgam of British identities: Scottish and English debaters, in The Scotland Office, in England, receiving a message from the Scottish Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; what could be more fitting?
Alumni Turn Out for Capitol Hill Celebration
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The atmosphere at the evening reception was buzzing as alumni met up with old friends and shared the experiences they had enjoyed in Washington. Special guest speakers were broadcasters, Faisal Islam, Channel 4’s economics correspondent and Gordon Corera, the BBC’s security correspondent. Both took part in ESU exchanges to Washington several years ago and told the audience how much they had benefited from their time there and the impact that it had on them.
Guests at the reception with Braxton Moncure
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More than 100 graduates of the ESU’s Capitol Hill exchange programme turned out to celebrate its 20th anniversary at Dartmouth House. This Capitol Hill programme forms part of the wider ESU parliamentary exchange that not only sends students to Washington on summer placements in congressional and senatorial offices, but also welcomes US students to work as interns in the Westminster offices of MPs. A third strand involves an exchange with the Assemblée Nationale in Paris. Gordon Corera and Lord Watson
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The ESU was pleased to welcome Lord Watson, who talked about the success of the scheme and the plans to extend it with the Three Cities project. This will offer more young people the chance to benefit from the initiative and combine it with a lecture programme. Lord Watson also put the programme into context when he spoke about his latest book, Jamestown: The Voyage of English. Without this important historical event, there probably would never have been a parliamentary exchange programme with Capitol Hill. Our thanks also go to Braxton Moncure, Treasurer ESU US and sponsor, who spoke at the reception.
Alison Wardrop, Alumni Officer and Brian Marsh, Honorary President of the Alumni Association 2
Jenni Hibbert of the Alumni Association Committee brought the formalities of the evening to a close by thanking all the alumni for their efforts in promoting the event so successfully, as evidenced by the crowd of guests. She also explained the benefits of joining the ESU and that membership was complimentary for those aged 27 or under.
Globe Cultural Seminar Celebrates Fourth Successful Year
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Valerie Mitchell welcomed delegates and Globe staff to Dartmouth House for a workshop entitled Period Music and Globe Productions followed by a dinner to mark the seminar, in which she paid tribute to Patrick Spottiswoode, Director, Globe Education and his team.
ESU and Globe Education staff with Cultural Seminar delegates
“All the activities offered to us were brilliant, they were all very well organised with great attention and care to details and were all very organically intertwined into the whole context of the seminar. It was like a performance in itself, take one part out and it will lose its flavour.”
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The fourth English-Speaking Union Shakespeare’s Globe Cultural Seminar took place in August this year. The week-long seminar aims to promote and encourage the performance and appreciation of Shakespeare and is specifically aimed at teachers for whom English is a second language. Nineteen delegates from eighteen countries were selected to attend in 2007. Entitled Shakespeare and His Stage, the course examined Shakespeare’s plays in the context of the performance space for which they were written and provided participants with an opportunity to see his works truly brought to life.
L-R Donna Lloyd George, Robert Lloyd George, Patrick Spottiswoode and Valerie Mitchell
The celebratory evening was also attended by the sponsors of the seminar, Mr Robert Lloyd George of Lloyd George Management Ltd, Mr Adrian Kearney, Cambridge ESOL, Mrs Holly Shakespeare, ESU London Branch and Dr and Mrs Keith Saunders, ESU Exeter and District Branch. The ESU expresses its deep gratitude to these sponsors, and to ESU London Branch, for their immense generosity and support. Attended by teachers and lecturers from an extremely diverse range of nations, the seminar enabled participants not only to learn more about Shakespeare but also to experience the different cultures represented from around the globe. The Chinese delegate, Hou Yan remarked that, “We had a very interesting and meaningful time with all the staff members of the Globe Theatre. With them we had a better understanding of Shakespeare, his plays, the performances and the Globe Theatre (its past and now). I really enjoyed all the three performances and I’m still deeply impressed by the actors’ most wonderful, the most devoted and maybe I can use the word the most delicate acting I’ve ever seen. We had a very good dinner party at Dartmouth House with Mrs Valerie Mitchell and others where we know so much about ESU and its contribution and efforts in promoting the use of the English language throughout the world. Although we had a very short time of staying together, we’ve had the most valuable and the best experiences that we could have within such a short time.”
Delegates were able to explore new teaching methods, attend performances including The Merchant of Venice, Othello and Love’s Labour’s Lost, discuss theatre with the actors and enjoy workshops that approached teaching Shakespeare in a dynamic and exciting way. During this activity-packed course participants learned how to design clothes for the Elizabethan stage with the Master of Clothing and Properties, express words though motion, with the Master of Movement, and vocalise the written word with the Masters of Play and Verse. Following the performance of Love’s Labour’s Lost, delegates had the rare opportunity to interview Company Members.
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Mr Aban Amad, Lebanon (left), who was sponsored by ESU Exeter Branch, with Chairman, Dr Keith Saunders and Mrs Saunders
Mrs Azaa Dashzeveg, Mongolia, who was sponsored by ESU London Branch, with its Chairman Holly Shakespeare 3
Prince Philip at Shakespeare's Globe In June, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited Shakespeare's Globe, of which he is a patron. The visit was to mark the tenth anniversary of the completion of the construction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Accompanied by Robert Brooke, Valerie Mitchell, Trustees of the Shakespeare Globe Trust, and Peter Kyle, Chief Executive, HRH undertook a tour of the Globe Exhibition, observed rehearsals for Love's Labour's Lost and saw a Globe Education workshop in action, before making a brief address to a gathering of Globe staff, volunteers, Friends and other supporters in the theatre. The visit was enjoyable for all involved, and HRH's enthusiasm and commitment to the Shakespeare Globe Trust was clearly evident. HRH Prince Philip with Robert Brooke, Valerie Mitchell and Peter Kyle
Lindemann Dinner In late September, the ESU and the Lindemann Trust SubCommittee hosted a dinner to mark 35 years of ESU administration of the Lindemann Trust Fellowships and to celebrate the achievements of the alumni. The Lindemann Trust Fellowships are offered to graduates of exceptional promise in both the pure and applied physical sciences and are among this country's foremost science prizes. Many fellows have gone on to have successful academic teaching careers and have completed substantial research in their chosen field. Thirty guests including members of the Lindemann Trust Sub-Committee and alumni representing each decade of the fellowship were in attendance to swap stories of their research and subsequent careers. Many alumni commented that they were pleased to revisit Dartmouth House despite reliving memories of the rigorous interview for the fellowship. The Earl of Stockton, Chairman of the Lindemann Trust Sub-Committee opened the evening with a speech to welcome the fellows. Professor Robert Williams of the University of Oxford spoke after dinner and entertained guests by explaining the origins of the fellowship. Dr Michael Collins, an alumnus from 1973, gave an impromptu vote of thanks. The ESU was delighted by the positive response of the fellows and seeks to build on this event by encouraging alumni to promote this year's Lindemann Trust Fellowship to their students and colleagues.
Professor Robert Williams and former Lindemann administrator, Yvonne Theobald
“It was great to meet others who had benefited from this award. It was also very enjoyable to meet staff of the ESU both old and new; I had not met Yvonne Theobald since the day of my interview back in 1977. I have always felt that the Lindemann fellowship was a wonderful platform for my academic career; it enabled me to work at Stanford with two mentors who subsequently went on to win Nobel Prizes.” Professor Allister Ferguson, Professor of Photonics, University of Strathclyde
France-Anjou's Summer Soirée In August, ESU France-Anjou members welcomed Valerie Mitchell and her husband, Graham, to a picnic and performance of Don Pasquale by the Opéra de Baugé. It was a very happy occasion, meeting new friends and renewing old friendships. Helen Lear, the New Zealand mezzo soprano, who is sponsored by the ESU branch in Wellington, was able to join the group. Helen is studying in London. It was a great pleasure to watch such talented young singers and musicians giving their best in this vibrant, amusing and emotive opera. Valerie Mitchell and President ESU France-Anjou, John Brown with Helen Lear with members of France-Anjou 4
The International Council President’s Year International At Home Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House in the autumn of 2006 and the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of ESU France in Paris in February. Mrs Asseily has also continued collating stories for the ESU international book of tales and traditions from ESUs in Lebanon, Malaysia, Austria, Norway, Finland, Russia and Mauritius. Chile, USA, France and Brazil will also shortly be contributing to this project. Earlier in the year, Mrs Asseily visited branches in Chichester (West Sussex), York, Salisbury, Cranfield and Munich. She additionally intends to visit Guildford, Paris and Anjou before the end of her term of office.
Youmna Asseily receiving Liverpool 800 (which celebrates the history of Liverpool over 800 years) with (left) Liverpool Branch's Sue Davies, Hon. Sec. and Hilary King, Chairman.
As her time as President of the International Council drew to a close, Mrs Youmna Asseily, who is also Chairman ESU Lebanon, had a chance to reflect on her year. She made visits to the University of Kent (Canterbury), the Liverpool Branch and Edinburgh Branch as well as attending an
Of her time as President of the International Council, Mrs Asseily commented, “It is an absolute pleasure to visit branches; members throughout the UK are so welcoming and one feels that one is in a way ‘bringing the world’ to them. Members in the UK don't always realise how much is done by the International ESUs, and I believe it gives them great satisfaction to hear about international projects and how much their individual contributions, however small, help young people exchange knowledge of their cultures in the true tradition of the ESU's original mission statement.”
Paris Prize for New Branch Members Brigadier Angus Murray and his wife Rosemary, from the Bristol Branch, enjoyed a weekend in Paris this summer after winning the New Members Prize Draw. The award, initiated by Lord Hunt, brought in over 100 new members. Lord Hunt joined the couple at Waterloo International to congratulate them before they set off for Paris. Please see Branches News for further details.
(L-R) Meriel Talbot, Director of Branches, Brigadier Murray, Lord Hunt, Mrs Murray and Alexander Finnis, Chairman NCEW
SSE Scholarship is Underway have imagined. The unique part is that I was able to learn through people my age, from all across the country with different backgrounds and views. I believe they also learned much about British culture which I enjoyed sharing.” Ahron Khachik SSE Scholar 2007 at Mercersburg Academy. At the end of August, the ESU welcomed 22 American SSE scholars to Dartmouth House before the start of their academic year at UK boarding schools. This programme is generously supported by ESU branch members and SSE alumni who host the students over their arrival weekend in Britain by offering homestays.
American SSE students look to find the location of their UK homestays
“I have learned so much about American culture and it extends so much more beyond the pronunciation of "tomato" than I could
Fifteen UK SSE scholars departed for the States in September to start full academic year placements at US schools and we expect to send a further 10 students to the States in January following the two-term interviews in late September. The ESU Education Department would like to take this opportunity to thank ESU branches for supporting SSE scholars by funding extra-curricular trips, books for academic courses and offering scholarships. 5
James Raven's Business of Books In July, The English-Speaking Union hosted a lecture at Dartmouth House with Professor James Raven, an ESU Governor and President of the Colchester Branch. He presented his new book The Business of Books: Booksellers and the English Book Trade.
Tim Rix, a former ESU governor and Chairman of Edinburgh University Press, Book Marketing Ltd and the Independent Publishers' Guild, presided. The lecture was followed by an interesting question and answer session.
James Raven is Professor of Modern History at the University of Essex and is the author of numerous studies in cultural history. Viewing print and book culture through the lens of commerce, Professor Raven offered guests a new interpretation of the genesis of literature and literary commerce in England. He drew upon sections of the vast archival sources to reconstruct the successes and failures of those involved in the book trade. Through groundbreaking investigations of neglected aspects of book trade history, Professor Raven thoroughly aided guests’ understanding of the massive popularisation of the book and the dramatic expansion of its markets over the centuries.
Tim Rix and Prof James Raven (right)
Glyndebourne London Talks this year’s Festival, Verdi’s Macbeth, Bach’s St Matthew Passion and Britten’s The Turn of the Screw. The opening talk focused on Macbeth with Vladimir Jurowski, Glyndebourne’s Music Director and Director Richard Jones who were in conversation with Julian Johnson, a lecturer and fellow at St Anne’s College, Oxford University. In April, Director Katie Mitchell discussed with Dr Margaret Reynolds, reader in English at Queen Mary, University of London and conductor Richard Egarr, the new production of Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
(L-R) Dr Margaret Reynolds, Richard Egarr and Katie Mitchell
The third and final talk of the series in June focused on the Turn of the Screw. Director Jonathan Kent and conductor Edward Gardner were in conversation with Julian Phillips, Composer in Residence at Glyndebourne.
Glyndebourne’s Education Department co-ordinates a range of lectures to complement the operas performed within each Glyndebourne Festival Season. This season the ESU hosted and supported lectures which focused on the three productions new to
A private drinks reception was held before each event and we were pleased to welcome many of the Cultural Affairs Sub-Committee members and some corporate sponsors who also attended the lectures.
New Face – Annette Fisher Annette Fisher has joined the organisation as International Programmes Officer. Educated at the British School in the Netherlands, she graduated with a Masters from Uppsala University in Sweden in Peace and Conflict Research. Her previous employment has been with Shell Global Solutions International BV and RITE University. Annette hopes to contribute to the international department of the ESU and is looking forward to working with other ESUs worldwide. Her other interests include opera, theatre and krav maga, a self-defence system. In her spare time she also works on an ethnic cleansing data-set for the Yugoslav War Tribunal with Uppsala University.
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Library Celebrates Jeanne’s 30 Years ESU staff gathered on 15 September to celebrate Jeanne Huse’s 30th anniversary at the ESU. Jeanne described how her husband, a Books-Across-The-Sea Committee member, suggested he had found her a job, even before she knew she wanted one. Travelling from Bognor, she arrived late to the interview for ESU Librarian since there were cows on the line, but still managed to charm the panel. Jeanne worked with Valerie Mitchell as National Co-ordinator for Branches in the mid-80s and was responsible for the Books-Across-the-Sea scheme. She has retired twice, but we just cannot manage without her, so she continues to put her considerable ESU knowledge to good use in the Library and Archive.
Jeanne Huse (centre) with ESU staff
ESU World Members' Conference Bookings are now open for the World Members' Conference to take place in Edinburgh from 15 - 18 September 2008. The theme is Creating an ESU for the Modern World, and we have planned an exciting programme, with a stellar list of guest speakers, which we hope will stimulate lively discussion about the ESU's future. Guest speakers so far confirmed include: • Sir Christopher Meyer, former Ambassador to Washington and currently Chairman of the Press Complaints Commission • Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, former Defence Secretary and Secretary-General of NATO • Sir Richard Dearlove, former Head of MI6 and Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge • Professor David Crystal, leading world authority on the English language • Sir John Bond, Chairman of Vodafone and former Chairman of HSBC • Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty • Sir Bob Worcester, Founder and Chairman of MORI 2008 also marks the 90th Anniversary of the ESU's foundation and the conference will celebrate this landmark. In particular, we are asking ESU branches around the world to submit photographs and a written record of their activities in 2007. There will be a display of the best photographs at the conference, and we plan to produce a commemorative book, documenting the work of the ESU worldwide. Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, and the conference will take full advantage of this, with events taking place in some of the most impressive buildings. These include 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, for those who wish to explore Edinburgh and Scotland more closely. The conference website, www.esuworld2008.org, gives full details and will be continually updated. The full delegate fee is £300 (until May 2008, £330 thereafter), and you can now book your place, hotel accommodation and tours online through the website. More information or a postal booking form is available from: John Duncan Director ESU Scotland, 23 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8HQ tel: 0131-229-1528 email: director@esuscotland.org.uk
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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
NOVEMBER Tuesday 6 November at 7 pm Literary lecture with General Sir Michael Rose who will be presenting his book Washington’s War: From Independence to Iraq. In this hard-hitting book, he explains the principles of guerrilla warfare as revealed by the American War of Independence, and shows how they have been adopted by the insurgents in Iraq. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wine Contact: Gillian Parker Wednesday 7 November at 6.30 pm Lecture at Dartmouth House by Christopher Wood on William Powell Frith R.A – The Painter of Modern Life 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 Wednesday 14 November 10.30 -11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends. Contact: Jacqueline Abbott. Wednesday 14 November at 7 pm Dartmouth House Debating Society - Arts Debate. The Debate is free of charge. Contact: Patrick Emerson Wednesday 21 November at 7 pm Literary lecture with Ben Okri who will be presenting his new book Starbook at Dartmouth House. This is the first novel from Ben Okri in five years, with all the style and imagination that won him the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1991. This rich and stimulating novel opens up the nature of reality, where the essence of life is revealed, and the source of enchantment can be ours - where beauty, regeneration and fulfilment are perhaps possible. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wine Contact: Gillian Parker
DECEMBER Monday 10 December at 7 pm Literary evening with previous Director-General of the ESU 1973-77, Sir Hugh Jones, who will be interviewed by Lord Watson. Sir Hugh will be speaking on his new book Campaigning Face to Face, revealing the challenges and rewards of managing the politicians and volunteers who make our democracy work, and specifically those in the former Liberal Party and the ESU. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wine Contact: Gillian Parker Wednesday 12 December 10.30 -11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends. Contact: Jacqueline Abbott.
Wednesday 12 December at 7 pm ESU annual Christmas Concert at Dartmouth House, with seasonal music and readings. Join us for Yuletide cheer, festive fare, mulled wine, readings and carols with singers. Tickets: £15 to include mulled wine, sandwiches and mince pies. Contact: Gillian Parker
JANUARY Wednesday 9 January 10.30 -11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends. Contact: Jacqueline Abbott
ADVANCE NOTICE 18 - 19 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. Please book soon to guarantee a place. Contact: Katie Brock 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 on Monday 17 March. The guest speaker will be HE Mr Robert Tuttle, Ambassador to the Court of St James for the United States of America. The event will be followed by a reception in the Art Gallery hosted by the City of London Corporation. Tickets £15. Contact: Jo Wedderspoon
CHRISTMAS CLOSURE Please note that Dartmouth House will close on Friday 21 December 2007 and re-open on Monday 7 January 2008