ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION
Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 137 MAY 2008
US Ambassador Delivers Churchill Lecture in ESU’s 90th Year Contents Churchill Lecture . . .Page 1 Churchill Lecture cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2 Sir Ian Blair Dinner . .Page 3 SSE Reunion . . . . . . .Page 3 India Conference . . . .Page 4 India Conference cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 SSE Scholarships . . .Page 6 Faiths Forum . . . . . . .Page 6 Morehead-Cain Awards . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 USA Debate Tour . . . .Page 7 Biofuels Debate . . . . .Page 7
The ESU was honoured and delighted when The Hon Robert H Tuttle, the Ambassador of the United States of America, gave the 32nd Churchill Lecture, on 17 March at Guildhall. This glittering event coincided with the ESU’s 90th anniversary year and was one of our best attended Churchill Lectures ever. Guildhall has been the centre of City government since the Middle Ages. Its imposing medieval hall has stained glass windows and several monuments to national heroes including Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. The Rt Worshipful the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman Sir Robert Finch welcomed 500 guests on behalf of the City of London Corporation. Representatives from embassies, high commissions and governments, as well as ESU members and their guests filled the venue to capacity.
Drawing from the preface to Churchill’s A History of the English-Speaking Peoples, which he wrote at Chartwell on 15 January 1956, The problems, perils, challenges and opportunities confronting the English-speaking peoples of today, Ambassador Tuttle spoke on Freedom’s Fate – The Destiny of Democracy?
Presidential Panel . . .Page 7 Hines Page Interviews . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Argentine Recital . . .Page 8 Sea-Vac Update . . . .Page 8
He posed three questions: • What are the drivers of democratic development, and what is the relationship between elections and democracy? • Is democratisation the same as westernisation or modernisation, and what is the relationship between economic development and democracy? • And finally, what should we mean when we talk about the "promotion of democracy," and what is our policy response?
Thai Drama . . . . . . . .Page 9 Eastbourne Book . . . .Page 9 Marsh Award . . . . . . .Page 9 Language Matters . .Page 10 St Petersburg Conference . . . . . . .Page 10 Obituaries . . . . . . . .Page 11 Diary Dates . . . . . . .Page 12
Continued on page 2.
Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org
Web : www.esu.org
US Ambassador Delivers Churchill Lecture in ESU’s 90th Year continued The ESU is very grateful to the City of London Corporation for donating such a magnificent venue for the lecture and for hosting the reception in Guildhall Art Gallery.
Richard Lewis
Richard Lewis
A full copy of Ambassador Tuttle’s speech can be found on the ESU web page, www.esu.org or from Jo Wedderspoon jo_wedderspoon@esu.org.
Ambassador Tuttle addresses guests at Guildhall
He gave a thought-provoking analysis on the development of democracy as a fluid process using the analogy of waves. He was optimistic about a new wave of renewal and, in particular, of democracy across the Islamic world. He said: “It may be the right time to reassess our policies, or re-evaluate our programmes, but it is always the right time to re-affirm our faith in freedom - and in democracy as the system that best reflects the potential of the human spirit.”
Ambassador Tuttle and Deputy Pauline Halliday
In his closing remarks, he quoted a letter written by Lady Soames, Sir Winston Churchill’s daughter, six months before his death: "In addition to all the feelings a daughter has for a generous father, I owe you what every English man, woman and child does - liberty itself."
Richard Lewis
Ambassador Tuttle’s speech received a rapturous response from the audience.
Richard Lewis
Lady Soames and Ambassador Tuttle
Lord Hunt introducing the speaker
Lord Hunt had introduced the speaker and Edward Gould, ESU Deputy Chairman gave the Vote of Thanks.
2
There followed a champagne reception in Guildhall Art Gallery where guests were welcomed by Deputy Pauline Halliday, the Chief Commoner.
Richard Lewis
Lady Soames then presented Ambassador Tuttle with the ESU Churchill Medal of Honour. She said: “It is a very great privilege to present this distinguished medal as a token of our great respect and deep gratitude for Ambassador Tuttle’s support of the EnglishSpeaking Union.” (L-R) Edward Gould, Ambassador Tuttle, Lady Soames, Alderman Sir Robert Finch, Valerie Mitchell and Lord Hunt
Sir Ian Blair Acknowledges Role of ESU Scholarship giving back to the ESU, in gratitude to the scholarship he was awarded to Harvard-Westlake School. He also touched on the scale of the challenges facing the Metropolitan Police today.
Monica Meira www.mojocandy.com
After Sir Ian’s fascinating speech, guests were invited to ask questions, moderated by Lord Hunt. Alumni commented on how enjoyable the talk had been and how privileged they were to attend such a special evening. The Alumni Association hopes there will be more such successful evenings in the future and, with so many accomplished and interesting alumni amongst the ESU’s ranks, there should be many more to come!
Lord Hunt, Sir Ian Blair and Brian Marsh, Honorary Chairman, ESU Alumni Association Monica Meira www.mojocandy.com
In early February, Sir Ian Blair was the guest speaker at an exclusive dinner, held at Dartmouth House, in aid of the Alumni Association. Sir Ian Blair, an SSE alumnus, gave a talk on Policing the Metropolis in a Time of Controversy. Over 50 guests, including alumni from all programmes, attended a beautiful evening in the Long Drawing Room, where they enjoyed a drinks reception and three-course dinner, followed by Sir Ian’s talk. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, who is an active supporter of the Alumni Association, described how important his ESU scholarship has been to his career and how committed he felt to
Sir Ian Blair and Jenni Hibbert, Vice President, ESU Alumni Association
SSE Class of 1954 Reunion Fred Pearson and Martin Skan. The Alumni Association Committee was represented by its Honorary Chairman, Brian Marsh and Vice President, Jenni Hibbert. There were many amusing and memorable stories of the alumni’s experiences in the US and it was clear that the scholarship had a very strong and positive impact on their lives. They were all thrilled to meet again in Dartmouth House, where they had undergone their nerve-racking interviews for the scholarships 50 years previously.
Guests at the SSE Class of ’54 Reunion
A very special Alumni Reunion took place in Dartmouth House to celebrate the SSE’s 50 year anniversary.
memories of their trip together – some of whom had not seen each other since that illustrious journey!
An impressive ten of the original ’54 year that sailed out on their schoolboy voyage to America gathered to catch up and exchange
Guests included John Birch, John Boyd, John Cole, Ted Maden, Michael Mander, Noel Marshall, Paul Mundy, John Paine,
The Reunion Dinner menu was chosen especially by Martin and Bridgette Skan, former owners of Chewton Glen Hotel. The meal took place in Dartmouth House’s Churchill room which was decorated with special memorabilia from the guests’ 1954 voyage. This wonderful event, captained by Martin Skan, was clearly a testament to the programmes which the ESU still runs today. 3
The ESU Celebrates the Way Forward on the Indian It raised some very important talking points about the relationship between the two countries and the Indian languages - and inspired excellent questions from the assembled delegation. Other speakers included Mr Peter Kyle, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Professor Christopher Mulvey, Chair, The English Project, Winchester. Peter Kyle held guests spellbound with his comparisons of literature in India and the UK and by making William Shakespeare come alive for his audience.
Delegates at the Taj Mahal
In February an international conference was held in New Delhi, India. Organised in collaboration with the British Council, this two-day event, at the British Council’s offices, was deemed to be one of the ESU’s most successful conferences. Entitled English, India and Globalisation, it covered a wide range of topics.
Christopher Mulvey excited delegates by outlining an impressive new initiative, The English Project, due to be launched in 2012. This is a major exhibition on the English language, that illustrates how English shapes our world and our future. Gurcharan Das, author, consultant and public intellectual spoke from the Indian perspective. He propounded the idea of “Inglish,” a language that was indigenous, independent and innovative in the way it combined Indian colloquialisms with English.
Speakers represented both Indian and English organisations. Guests, drawn from five countries, were joined by local academics, diplomats, government representatives and journalists.
Shri Anand Sharma and Valerie Mitchell Sir Mark Tully delivering his speech
Shri Anand Sharma, Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, opened proceedings. He underlined that India was home to the largest English-speaking population in the world and that the language had a symbiotic relationship with Indian languages and vernaculars, representing the very essence of globalisation. HE Sir Richard Stagg, British High Commissioner to India, Mr Rod Pryde, Regional Director, British Council, India and Sri Lanka and Valerie Mitchell, Director-General, ESU also provided opening remarks. There followed sessions and lectures on English and the Rise of India’s Economy, English and Education in India, English and Diplomacy, and The Political Dimension – A New Culture. The keynote speech, India and the UK, Looking Back and Looking Forward, was given by the esteemed writer and broadcaster Sir Mark Tully. He captivated the audience with his illuminating talk. 4
Saurabh Srivastava, Vice-President, National Association of Software and Services Companies, described how India’s Information Technology boom was based on the sound English language skills of the employees and entrepreneurs in that sector. A panel discussion, featuring ESU representatives from five countries, India, Yemen, Tajikistan, Romania and the UK, highlighted where the ESU stands today and its future in a changing world. Formal conference proceedings culminated in a debate on Dialogue and Debate, after which, HE Sir Richard Stagg hosted a magnificent reception at the British High Commissioner’s Residence. There was also a reception at the British Council to launch Barry Tomalin’s book The World’s Business Cultures and How to Unlock Them. Barry Tomalin is an expert in intercultural communications and his latest work looks at the accepted ways to conduct business in other countries.
an Subcontinent
Rod Pryde and Sir Richard Stagg
The entire conference proved to be an enlightening, varied and first class occasion, which educated, informed and stimulated the delegates. Everyone left with a wider understanding of the role of English in India and with their pre-conceptions challenged. The event also gave the ESU a unique opportunity to begin to re-build the ESU in New Delhi.
ESU panel discussion: (L-R) Saroj Chakravarty, Dilip Borowake, Katie Brock, Sheikh Tawla Abdullah, Parvonakhon Jamshedov and Alexandru Budisteanu
Following the conference, it continued through Rajasthan to the pink city of Jaipur and the ancient Rajput capital of Amber. It concluded with two days at Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve where delegates were fortunate enough to see the tigers up-close and in their natural habitat; some also enjoyed an elephant ride! For many, the highlight was a magical trip to watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal in Agra. As one delegate commented, “To see the Taj Mahal at dusk is majestic; to see it at dawn is sublime”.
(L-R) Saroj Chakravarty, Sir Mark Tully, Richard Stagg and Shri Anand Sharma during the conference
A cultural programme, organised in conjunction with Cox and King, started with a pre-conference tour of New Delhi, taking in such sights as India Gate and the President’s Palace.
The speakers: (L-R) Rod Pryde, Christopher Mulvey, Valerie Mitchell, Gurcharan Das, Saurabh Srivastava, Barry Tomalin and Peter Kyle
“The English-Speaking Union and the British Council share the view that the English language is a fantastic tool which can enable people from all parts of the world to communicate across cultures and socio-political boundaries. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the ESU in India and we look forward to hosting many more events together in the future.” Rod Pryde, Regional Director, British Council, India and Sri Lanka
Krishnar Omkar delivering his speech during the ESU debating session
“English has a unique role to play in the dimension of the new India, as a facilitator of communication. The English-Speaking Union is not in favour of a monolinguistic community, but strongly supports linguistic diversity with all the colour and culture that it brings, which was identified in the ESU panel discussion representing five countries. The ESU has gained from this successful conference and now looks forward to working closely with the British Council in the future and particularly in its task of re-building and strengthening ESU branches in India.” Valerie Mitchell, Director-General, ESU 5
Morehead-Cain Scholarship Awards The ESU is delighted to announce that this year, three UK candidates were successful in receiving Morehead-Cain Scholarship Awards: Gregor MacLennan of Fettes College, Joel Semakula from the Fulbright's USAP programme and St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form Centre and Russell Martin of Sevenoaks School. Morehead-Cain Scholarship Awards to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill are among the world’s most generous university scholarships. They provide a fully funded four-year undergraduate first degree programme for selected British school leavers. Scholars also gain opportunities for global travel, work
experience and support from the Morehead-Cain Foundation staff and alumni. Shortlisted UK candidates must pass two rounds of interview at Dartmouth House before travelling to Chapel Hill for a weekend of intensive interviewing alongside candidates from the US, so our successful candidates can be truly proud of their selection. We wish all three scholars every success in their studies. For further information about the Morehead-Cain scholarships or to apply next year, please contact education@esu.org or visit www.esu.org.
Three Faiths Forum Dialogue Each re-asserted the Forum’s aims, which are to encourage friendship, goodwill and understanding amongst people of the three Abrahamic monotheistic faiths in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Sir Sigmund Sternberg is a businessman who has dedicated a great part of his life to serving the Jewish community and the cause of dialogue and interfaith relations across the globe. Imam Maulana Shahid Raza is the Deputy Director of the Muslim College in London and President of the World Islamic Mission of Europe.
Imam Maulana Shahid Raza, Sir Sigmund Sternberg and Revd Marcus Braybrooke
In March, the ESU hosted an event in collaboration with the Three Faiths Forum. Lord Hunt and Valerie Mitchell welcomed three speakers from the Forum - Sir Sigmund Sternberg, Revd Marcus Braybrooke and Imam Maulana Shahid Raza. In a panel discussion, they aired their ideas surrounding the engagement in Trialogue between Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Revd Dr Marcus Braybrooke is a retired Anglican parish priest. He has been involved in interfaith work for over forty years, especially through the World Congress of Faiths. Karsten van Sander, the Education Officer of the Three Faiths also spoke, giving an overview of the organisation’s Youth and Education Department. Lord Hunt kindly presided the dialogue which sparked a lively debate between the audience and the guest speakers.
2008 SSE Scholars Take Up the Baton In early March, candidates were interviewed at Dartmouth House for the 2008 SSE Scholarships. Thirteen awards were made to scholars who will take up their places in September. This award has been running for 80 years and is one of the most prestigious programmes managed by the ESU, as evidenced by those who reminisced at the recent class of ’54 reunion.
Recipients gain the opportunity to spend a gap year at an American High School. Selection is based on scholastic record, breadth of interests, adaptability and the potential to be an ambassador for the UK and for the ESU.
Katherine Plummer, ESU Education Programmes Manager. For further information about SSE scholarships, or to apply next year, please contact education@esu.org or visit www.esu.org.
This year’s interview panel comprised Adrian Underwood, Former Director, Boarding Schools Association, Elizabeth Stokes, ESU Director of Education and
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. 6
Speech and Debate Squad USA: Tour of the UK competition - an impressive achievement for their first British tournament. In the following week, as well as enjoying a tour of the Houses of Parliament, organised by ESU alumnus Andrew Mitchell MP, the pair continued to acquit themselves successfully, debating in Ireland, the American School in London, and in Oxford. At the American School they competed against the two British members of the corresponding British debate tour, Alex Just and Alistair Cormack. This foursome also put on a UK-US show debate for the Dartmouth House Debating Society. The following day Alex Just treated Darryl and Meredith to dinner with Deputy Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia, at the Oxford Union. They then attended one of the Union’s weekly debates, where Darryl spoke. Darryl Stein and Meredith Price
The annual tour of the American National Debate Squad, coordinated by the ESU’s Centre for Speech and Debate, welcomed to the UK Meredith Price and Darryl Stein. Meredith is an alumna of Lewis and Clark College, Oregon, and currently works as an analyst for IBM. Darryl is an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley. He currently teaches debate at Western Washington University. The visitors had an auspicious beginning to their tour in February. Following orientation from staff at the Centre, and a quick introduction to British debating formats, they competed in the Inner Temple Intervarsity. They reached the semi-finals of this
Meredith and Darryl confirmed their quick adaptation to British debating when they competed in the Cardiff Intervarsity. Meredith was placed the top speaker overall but the team narrowly missed out on winning the tournament after reaching the grand final. Next, they headed to Edinburgh where they rounded off their trip under the stewardship of Robert Marrs of ESU Scotland, who organised more sightseeing and debating with a Scottish flavour. They returned to London ready to catch their flights home the next morning. Many new friends were in attendance to see them off. This was a fitting tribute to a pair which was not merely the most successful to come here on the tour, in debating terms, but also among the most affable.
Canning House-ESU Biofuels Debate In early March, Dartmouth House Debating Society hosted another event which successfully paired the ESU with a partner organisation. The ESU’s Centre for Speech and Debate joined forces with Canning House to bring the Society, This House believes Latin America should prioritise food, not biofuels. Canning House is a not-for-profit organisation, founded in 1943, to stimulate understanding between Britain, Spain, Portugal and Latin America. In the light of the growth of the biofuels market, and general concern surrounding the environmental impact and sustainability of fossil fuels, it is unsurprising that a great many people found this debate a germane topic.
The Society was delighted to host representatives from the biofuels industry, as well as from Canning House and associated organisations. Of particular importance in bringing these groups together was David Thomas, Chairman of Canning House and Honorary Treasurer of the ESU. Mr Thomas introduced proceedings and outlined the debate’s overall context, before handing over to the ESU’s James Probert (Head of the Centre for Speech and Debate), who acted as chairperson. Both sides were passionately and expertly argued. The proposition comprised Jamie Dick (Westminster College) and Ben Woolgar (St Paul’s School) and the opposition, Charlotte Outen (The Grange School, Hartford) and Mattea Shackleton (City of Norwich School). Both Jamie and
Mattea were selected by Canning House as a consequence of their involvement with the organisation. Charlotte was the winner of an essay competition on the subject of biofuels in Latin America, administered by Canning House and Ben is an active member of the national schools debating team for England, which is selected and coached by the Centre for Speech and Debate. There followed a lively and engaging floor debate, and a close audience vote, which narrowly gave the debate to the proposition. David Thomas closed proceedings, applauding the spirit of the debate and cooperation between the ESU and Canning House. It is very much hoped that the two organisations will cooperate on more public debates in the near future.
Panel Addresses Presidential Prospects An expert panel of pundits addressed the prospects for the Presidential Elections at a joint meeting of the Pilgrims and the ESU at Dartmouth House in early February. Field Marshal Lord Inge, President of the Pilgrims, welcomed the guests and Sir Robert Worcester, Chairman of the Pilgrims and ESU Governor, presided.
The panel comprised Stryker McGuire, London Bureau Chief, Newsweek, Greg Katz of Associated Press and Michael Williams of RUSI (Royal United Services Institute). The discussion was followed by a reception and dinner. 7
Walter Hines Page Interviews Six scholarships were awarded to provide teachers with the opportunity to spend two weeks in the United States to investigate an area of professional interest. The scholars plan to visit a variety of schools and educational organisations and will explore issues including autism, the teaching and learning of newly arrived pupils, raising achievement and the impact of performing arts activities within the curriculum. The panel also interviewed candidates for the Chautauqua scholarship which enables a teacher to study at the prestigious Chautauqua Summer School. The school is of value to those teachers who have particular interests in music, art, drama or crafts. Page interviewers (L-R): Donald Fowler-Watt (IAPS), Paula Roe (NASUWT) and George Wiskin (NUT)
Interviews were conducted in March to select recipients of this year’s Walter Hines Page and Chautauqua scholarships. These awards for teachers are generously sponsored by the teaching unions ATL, NASUWT and NUT. The ESU is also grateful to the unions for providing representatives to the panel.
Scholars of both awards are looking forward to exploring and comparing US strategies and ideas with colleagues in the United States, as well as sharing their own teaching experiences and promoting current UK educational initiatives and approaches. For further information about the ESU professional scholarships, or to apply next year, please contact education@esu.org or visit www.esu.org.
Argentine Singing Champion Gives ESU Recital Maria Eugenia Corradetti, winner of the ESU Argentine Singing Competition gave a performance for guests at Dartmouth House in March.
Warm thanks go to ESU branches who provided a home-stay for Maria.
The Dartmouth House recital opened with words of welcome from Valerie Mitchell and Anthony Westnedge, ESU Governor. Lady Dean gave a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, some of it in Spanish, to end the evening. Maria has loved music since a child and particularly singing. She had to beat competitors from 22 other schools in order to win the Argentine Singing Competition. Her visit to the UK included London, Oxford and Malvern where she stayed with ESU families. She also visited Hereford where she was given a tour of Hereford Cathedral and Hereford Cathedral School. Maria’s trip coincided with the Commonwealth Day Service in Westminster Abbey, so she was also able to attend this in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, the Patron of the ESU, and, President of the ESU, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
(L-R) Sofia Rodman, Anthony Westnedge, Maria Corradetti, Lady Dean
Sea-Vac Project Continues to Thrive In early March a group of nine undergraduate history students from the University of Reading interviewed 30 ex-SeaVacs as part of the ongoing research project into overseas evacuation. All of the students are presently following a module entitled War Children. These semi-structured interviews have been recorded into a digital format and will be transferred onto CD in the near future. The final recordings will be deposited at the ESU Library, the Imperial War Museum and Evacuee and War Child Archive at the University of Reading. Copies will also be given to those who contributed their story. 8
The event marked a new stage in the evacuee project, which began in November 2006. One overseas evacuee who participated in the interviews remarked, “by coincidence I met an old friend here today who was evacuated on the same boat as I was during the war. This project has given us the opportunity to re-forge friendships and these interviews today have been a great chance to relive some incredible memories.” The ESU is indebted to Rio Tinto which has generously sponsored the project and the interviews. Our thanks also go to Professor Martin Parsons and Sir Brian Fall for their invaluable role in this initiative.
Treading the Boards in Thailand Building on its great success the previous year, ESU Thailand in co-operation with the Ministry of Education, the Office of the National Culture Commission and the British Council Thailand organised this English drama competition for secondary level students at schools around Thailand. The purpose of this event is to promote constructive activities for young Thai people and to encourage them to perform and express themselves using the English language. It is also designed to enhance their knowledge and understanding of English, enabling them to achieve a higher level of skill in English language usage. This year, the winning entry was from Yothinburana School for the musical play Oliver Twist while the runners-up were Surasakmontri School and Samsen Wittayalai School who performed Oliver Twist and Friends. Students perform a scene from Oliver Twist
The second annual ESU Thailand Drama Competition award presentation was presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali at the Thailand National Cultural Centre.
The winners received the trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali and the two runners-up were presented with a trophy from ESU Thailand and the Ministry of Education Congratulations to all of them.
Eastbourne Book Launch In celebration of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the ESU, Eastbourne branch has become the first branch in our history to launch a guidebook to its hometown. By kind permission of Her Worship, Cllr Mary Pooley, Mayor of Eastbourne, branch members gathered at the Town Hall to celebrate the launch of Let's Promenade, A Quirky Guide to the Empress of Seaside Resorts. Written by ESU Eastbourne member Will Glover, this is the first in a series of charity books to be launched by the branch. All proceeds from sales will be donated to educational and child welfare charities.
Let's Promenade will raise funds for schools educating orphans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Later this year Pack-a-Picnic, 5 Days In and Around Loch Lomond will become the branch’s second book to be launched. The resulting proceeds will be donated to the Children's Hospice on the banks of the Loch. Copies of the book can be ordered from www.willglover.co.uk or 07515 281 258 Cllr Mary Pooley is presented with a copy of the book, with branch members Mrs Pat King, Miss Pam Alexander and President, Mrs Jane Laycock
The Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation Entries are invited for the Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation for the best translation of a children’s book from a foreign language into English and published in the UK. The translation must be first published in the UK by a British publishing company covering the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2008. The Award (of £2000) will go to the translator. Closing date for entries is 30 June 2008. The shortlist will be announced in October. For further information or entry forms please contact Elizabeth Stokes: elizabeth_stokes@esu.org, 020 7529 1550.
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. 9
Language Matters – Tech Talk coined the word internaute, a poetic term that evokes space exploration and that we English-speakers might do well to borrow.
Leith’s Joins the Newsletter!
Some of the more recent ‘tech’ words come from brand names. The word googling is now widely understood and will surely continue to be used after Google is supplanted by a better search engine. Most young people now spend their days facebooking, skyping or hotmailing. In an occasional series of articles, the ESU looks at influences that have helped to shape the English language. Language is the tool we use to reflect the world around us: as that world changes, we have to come up with new words to describe new things. It is not just the internet that did not exist twenty years ago, the word internet had yet to be coined. The same goes for e-mail, googling, website, online and more. Words are entering the mainstream faster than we can update dictionaries. The term internet is actually a bit of a disappointment: it sounds dull and technical. In no way does it evoke the free-wheeling excitement of what is serves to describe. The World Wide Web simile (how this differs from the internet is a mystery to most of us) is far more apt, though now less frequently used. Web users in the nineties were known as surfers, which reflected their cutting-edge status. As the internet became less novel, so did the term used to describe its users. People now soberly browse the web or simply use it. The French, meanwhile,
Many terms are adaptations of old, sometimes little known words. An icon is no longer just a religious image, it is what you click on to open Excel. A mouse is what you use to do that but, unlike the rodent, its plural can be mouses. A virus online has the same malicious effect as one offline (and one kind of virus, the Trojan Horse, is also a re-working of a known term). An avator is a created online personality. In Sanskrit, an avator is a rendition of a god who has descended into lower realms of existence. With a million users, the internet is now the place where language is made. Online chat-rooms have kicked up thousands of new technical terms, which live or die by the number of people who use them. In 1996, for example, one of the first people to post his diary online called himself an escribitionist. The word survived for a brief period until another user referred to her diary as a weblog. That was later shortened to blog, a term that is now widely accepted. The people had voted with their keyboards.
Leith’s is delighted to announce it will be joining the ESU Newsletter with a regular feature. As the ESU’s contract caterer for over 10 years, Leith’s will be sharing with you elements of their passions, successes, promotions and food ideas all of which they hope you’ll enjoy reading about. If you would like to book into the Leith’s Revelstoke Restaurant,please call Reception on 0207 529 1550. If you have an up and coming event, meeting, reception or party, the Leith’s Sales Team would love to hear from you. Please call 0207 529 1578 or email dartmouthhouse@compass-group.co.uk
Written by Stanley Pignal.
Globalisation and Language, Unity in Diversity The Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen and Professor Ludmila Verbitskaya, Rector of St Petersburg State University. Sessions and lectures will include discussion on Cities of Globalisation, The Role of English as the Language of Globalisation and Universities – Agents of Globalisation and Cultural Diversity. Panel discussions will follow, to be chaired by Valerie Mitchell and Lord Watson. Business leaders from the UK and St Petersburg will be addressing the above issues, which are indicative of the future challenges with which we are faced. The opening night dinner will be held in the magnificent Palace of Prince Abamelek-Lazarev. The British Consulate General will also be giving a reception at his residence. The Prince George Galitzine Memorial Library, St Petersburg
10
Time is running out to book a place at an international conference organised by the English-Speaking Union to be held at St Petersburg State University, School of International Relations on 20 May.
There will be a pre-conference cultural programme, which will include the following sites of interest: the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Hermitage Museum, the Galitzine Memorial Library, a visit to Peterhof and the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly (Mariinsky Palace).
Speakers will include HE Mr Tony Brenton, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Russian Federation, Lord Watson,
For further information, or to make a booking, please contact Katie Brock.
Obituaries Sir Donald Hawley
After a sabbatical at Durham University, which resulted in the publication of one of the standard works on the Trucial States, Sir Donald was posted to Baghdad. Resumption of relations with Iraq required him as Commercial Counsellor and number two to the new Ambassador. It was a difficult time under a regime which shocked the world with the public hanging of alleged spies for Israel, an act that sorely tested BritishIraqi relations. In 1970, Sir Donald became the first Ambassador to the re-named Sultanate of Oman. He, later, went on to write the first definitive book about the country, Oman and its Renaissance.
Sir Donald Hawley, who died suddenly aged 86 on 31 January, was many things: solicitor, lawyer, administrator, but it is for his diplomatic career and accomplishments that he will be best remembered. His first diplomatic posting was in 1958 as Political Agent to the Trucial States (now the United Arab Emirates). Cairo followed, in the politically turbulent years under Nasser, before a transfer with new wife Ruth, to Lagos during the period when Nigeria moved from democracy to military rule.
Magnus Anthony Axel Carlbom
There followed a stint in London as Assistant Under Secretary in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. His last four years of service were as High Commissioner in Malaysia, which further contributed to his unrivalled knowledge of the Islamic world. In retirement, he wrote a number of books, including several publications on the Sudan and two volumes of advice on Manners and Correct Form in the Gulf. He also passed on his knowledge on the
In their Wiltshire retirement, Sir Donald and Ruth derived great pleasure from seeing their four children graduate from Oxford, and what they subsequently achieved, while they themselves became closely involved in local and church affairs. In 1985 Sir Donald joined the EnglishSpeaking Union and became a member of the Current Affairs Committee. In 1990 he was elected to the Board of Governors on which he served six years and he was a member of the National Council for England and Wales. In 1990 he was also appointed Chairman of the Education Advisory Committee and served for three years. He was a member of Lord Pym’s Management Committee. Always happy to share his knowledge and expertise, he will be remembered as a true friend and gentleman – courteous, witty, erudite and a man of integrity, honour and fun.
Tony Carlbom devoted much of his life to bringing people together; the ESU was a natural for him. He founded the ESU Carlbom Scholarship which has, over many years, helped young people to travel and gain experience around the world.
Consul for Sweden and Finland since the beginning of the 20th century, roles that Tony adopted in 1981. In addition, he was Chairman of the Humber Chapter of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and HM Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Lincolnshire.
He was a tireless supporter of his local branch and the wider ESU objectives as a Governor at Dartmouth House.
Holder of a private pilots licence, an accomplished horseman, skier and beekeeper, Tony and his wife Gunilla gave generously of their time and money in supporting a range of charities in Lincolnshire and London.
Born at Fulstow in Lincolnshire, he was educated in the UK, Sweden and Switzerland and did his national service in Sweden. He trained in the shipping business in Sweden, Germany and America.
Magnus Anthony Axel Carlbom, who tragically died at the early age of 73, became a Governor of the EnglishSpeaking Union in 2004. He had previously been Chairman of the Lincolnshire Branch from 1990-1997 and its Vice-President thereafter.
lecture circuit, where his sharp wit and puckish good humour endeared him to all.
Tony Carlbom came from a distinguished Swedish family. His grandfather had established the firm of Carlbom Shipping at Grimsby in 1894 and Tony became its Managing Director in 1966, later taking up the post of Managing Chairman.
A modest, charming and decent man, he was often described as the “the perfect English gentleman.” He will be greatly missed in his county and at Dartmouth House, but he will be long remembered for his many acts of kindness and generosity, and for the unfailing courtesy which was his hallmark. We extend our deepest sympathy to Gunilla and to the Carlbom family.
The Carlboms have been Honorary
11
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
MAY Friday 9 May from 9 am International Public Speaking Competition Final. Members are welcome to Dartmouth House to see the heats in the morning. Contact: Katie Brock Saturday 10 May at 3 pm International Schools Mace Final to be held at Liverpool Town Hall. The international championships involving the national champions from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Contact: Beth James Wednesday 14 May 10.30 – 11.30 am ESU members are invited to a coffee morning at Dartmouth House. This is an opportunity to meet old and new members, and to introduce friends to the ESU’s international headquarters. Contact: Annette Fisher Tuesday 20 May Globalisation and Language, Unity in Diversity Please see page 10 for details. Wednesday 28 May at 8 pm ESU France International Dinner in Paris in honour of Lord Hunt. Monsieur Pierre-Christian Taittinger, Honorary President ESU France and Mme Beatrix de Montergermont-Keil, President ESU France and former President ESU International Council will preside. On Thursday 29 May a tour of the 17th century chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte is organised. Tickets: €80 Contact: Katie Brock
JUNE Wednesday 11 June 10.30 – 11.30 am ESU members are invited to a coffee morning at Dartmouth House. This is an opportunity to meet old and new members, and to introduce friends to the ESU’s international headquarters. Contact: Annette Fisher
Tuesday 8 July 3.30-5.00 pm House of Lords Tea Party. Lord Hunt will receive guests on the Terrace of the House of Lords. Tickets: £25 Contact: Gillian Parker Wednesday 9 July 10.30 – 11.30 am ESU members are invited to a coffee morning at Dartmouth House. This is an opportunity to meet old and new members, and to introduce friends to the ESU’s international headquarters. Contact: Annette Fisher Wednesday 30 July at 7 pm Literary lecture with Tim Heald on his recent book Princess Margaret: A Life Unravelled. An elegant and sophisticated biography of Princess Margaret, the controversial sister of Queen Elizabeth II. Tim Heald is a biographer, crime writer and journalist. He was chosen by Prince Philip to be his biographer on his 70th birthday. Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wine Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Contact: Gillian Parker
ADVANCE NOTICE 15 – 18 September ESU World Members’ Conference 2008 There is still time to register for the World Members Conference in Edinburgh. The conference theme is Creating an ESU for the modern world, and guest speakers include: Sir Christopher Meyer, The Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, Sir Richard Dearlove, Professor David Crystal, Sir John Bond, Shami Chakrabarti, Sir Bob Worcester. A full and exciting programme of pre-and post-conference tours has also been laid on.
Tuesday 17 June at 7 pm Literary lecture in aid of The ESU Arts Scholarship to Attingham. Bruce Robertson, Deputy Director of Arts Programmes in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, will be speaking on High Culture and the Wild West: the Development of Art Museums in the American West. Tickets: £7.50 to include a glass of wine Contact: Gillian Parker Wednesday 18 June at 7 pm Literary lecture with Julia Fox, historical researcher and teacher, on her newly published book on the highly topical Jane Boleyn: The Infamous Lady Rochford. The story of Henry VIII’s queens – as seen through the eyes of Jane Rochford, sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn and cousin to Katherine Howard. Tickets: £8 to include a glass wine Copies of the books will be available for purchasing and signing Contact: Gillian Parker
The conference website, www.esuworld2008.org, gives full details. The delegate fee is £330. Monday 24 November Gala Concert at Goldsmiths’ Hall The cellist Steven Isserlis is generously giving a recital in aid of the ESU Music Scholarship Fund, to celebrate the 100th birthday year of the founder Belinda Norman-Butler and the 90th anniversary of the ESU. This will be a superb evening of music in the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall. Contact: Gillian Parker
Published by the English-Speaking Union, Registered Charity No. 273136 Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED Tel : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org Design by Carbonari, Tel : 01392 215 993