ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 144 JULY 2009
ESU France, Bordeaux is Launched The Musée d’Aquitaine was the venue for the official launch of ESU France, Bordeaux, held on the last weekend in May. Attended by 56 representatives, guests were drawn from France, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Tajikistan, USA and 15 UK Branches. The speakers at the launch ceremony were Lord Watson, Valerie Mitchell, Mme Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil, National President, ESU France, Florence Cartigny, President, ESU Bordeaux and Mr Richard Oldham, Chairman, National Committee for England and Wales. They were followed by members from across the world who gave kind words of support to the President and her committee. Please see page 9 for more information.
L-R, Valerie Mitchell, Richard Oldham, Mme Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil, Mme Florence Cartigny and Lord Watson
A Message from Lord Hunt New Director-General is Appointed I am delighted to write with the good news that Mr Michael Lake, CBE, has been appointed to succeed Mrs Valerie Mitchell, OBE as Director-General of the English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth and Secretary-General of the ESU International Council. Mr Lake will take up his new post on 20 July, 2009. Michael Lake CBE Michael Lake was educated at Humphrey Davy School, Penzance and at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He was commissioned in the British Army and served in Germany, Northern Ireland, the Middle East and the Far East in a variety of roles. On leaving the British Army in 1996, he was appointed Director General of Help the Aged, one of the leading charities in the United Kingdom, with roots in international disaster relief and with both national and global roles in the fields of research, policy development and campaigning, and community work. In 2008, the charity raised circa. £80 million, primarily from public donation. In April, 2009, having managed a merger with Age Concern, another leading UK charity,
Michael was appointed as a director of The Princes Charities Office, the managing structure for HRH The Prince of Wales charities group. In addition to those responsibilities, he has served on the boards of Help Age International: the Network Housing Association; the council of the Pensions Advisory Service; the Benevolent and Strategy Committee of The Royal British Legion and the Disasters Emergency Committee. He is currently on the Boards of the Charity Aid Foundation and Charity Bank. He is Chairman of the British Gas Energy Trust of the UK Age Research Forum and of the International Longevity Centre. He is also a non-executive director of Golden Charter Limited. He was appointed CBE in 1996.
Contents Bordeaux Launch . . . .Page 1 New DG Appointed . . .Page 1 Valerie Retires . . . . . .Page 2 Valerie Retires cont’d .Page 3 Chairman Visits Cyprus & Malta . . . . . .Page 4 Turkish Plans . . . . . . .Page 4 Mauritius Win . . . . . . .Page 5 ENO Evening . . . . . . .Page 6 Kate Adie Book Talk . .Page 6 Gardner’s Far Horizons . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 Chilton Lecture . . . . . .Page 7 Schools Mace . . . . . . .Page 7 International at Home .Page 7 Oxford Wins JSMM . . .Page 8 Schools Trophy . . . . . .Page 8
Michael is married to Christine, a primary school teacher, and he has three daughters. His leisure interests include most sports and he enjoys ball games, particularly golf. He has a keen interest in the visual arts and collects West Cornwall post-impressionists. He is Chairman of the management company of the Chelsea Arts Club. Michael looks forward to meeting members of the ESU family.
Interns Arrive . . . . . . .Page 8 Bordeaux Launch cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 Lindemann Awards . . .Page 9 Lexington Donation . .Page 10 Library Fellowship . . .Page 10 From the Archive . . .Page 10 Chile Winner’s Trip . .Page 11 Maurice Bows Out . .Page 11 Diary Dates . . . . . . .Page 12
The Rt Hon The Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE, PC
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ESU Bids Farewell to Valerie Mitchell After 29 years, 15 years of which have been at the helm, Valerie Mitchell steps down as Director-General of the ESU in July. ESU News caught up with her, as she prepares for her retirement. I never thought anyone would ask me to take on such a noteworthy challenge.
Valerie and Lord Hunt welcome Prince Philip to the annual prize-giving ceremony at Buckingham Palace, November 2008
What did you do prior to joining the ESU? VM: After graduating from McGill University, Canada with a degree in English and French, I worked for the Assistant Dean of Arts and Science at the University before returning to England. I have always been passionate about the Arts, especially opera, and I lectured on opera around the UK. I was married with three young children so that kept me busy. Any previous links with the ESU? VM: My husband and I were invited to a carol concert at St James’s Palace where I met the then Director-General. We got talking and he invited me to give a lecture on the appreciation of opera. It proved to be the start of my career with the ESU. How did your first ESU role materialise and what was it? VM: After the lecture, I was asked if I would be prepared to develop the ESU’s music and cultural activities. In addition, the Director of Education invited me to run the Duke of Edinburgh Book Award scheme. I soon realised that this would be a full time job and I had to weigh the decision carefully. This was in the 1980s when it was still unusual for a woman to combine working and a family. How did your career progress from there? VM: Not long after I joined I took on responsibility for the International Public Speaking Competition. Prince Philip asked the ESU if we could incorporate the winner of the Plain Speaking Australian Competition. We decided to form a separate competition, set up within six 2
weeks. We managed to engage Belgium, Canada and the American School together with the winner of the National Public Speaking Competition in England. We secured the US Embassy as a venue for the Final. Bernard Levin, Dorothy Tutin and Ian Ball, Headmaster Harrow School were judges and the BBC wanted to film it for BBC 2. I was keen to extend the cultural programme and when I was invited to become Director of Branches and Cultural Affairs, I wanted to combine the branches with the cultural programme as I knew this was a way to grow our membership. Our literary events were a great success attracting top speakers who were able to use the platform to sell their books and therefore not charge us. In addition, we had some outstanding young musicians who had benefitted from our music scholarships, such as Nigel Kennedy, violin, Steven Isserlis, cello, and Tasmin Little, violin, who donated their artistry in performing in cathedral concerts which enabled us to find substantial sponsorship for future young musicians to benefit from our music scholarship programmes. I must mention Belinda Norman-Butler who founded the ESU Music Scholarships and who proved to be a great friend and supporter. Her contribution was extraordinary. Later I became Deputy DG and when Lady Brigstocke was Chairman, she appointed me with the agreement of the Board of Governors, to become Director-General of the ESU of the Commonwealth and Secretary-General to the ESU International Council. I did so with so much pride as
How did you approach the job as DG? VM: There was a great deal to do – finances, address the state of the building which was crumbling, develop the organisation internationally. In 1994 we had 23 ESUs and now we are fully launched in 51 countries with more international ESUs on the way. My first launch as DG was Portugal and, in those days, we never took members with us. It was very successful and ESU Portugal continues to do great work today. Another memorable, early launch was ESU Romania. Lady Brigstocke, our two Deputy Chairmen, Lord Watson and Alan Cox, and I took along 64 members representing five countries to Bucharest. A special ESU song had been composed and this was sung wherever we went. From that moment, the development of the ESU has been overwhelming. In my capacity as Secretary-General to the International Council it was my responsibility to develop ESUs worldwide. During the last 15 years I have visited 42 countries, some where we had established ESUs and the others were countries where I helped to find the chairman who would take on responsibilities of forming a steering committee. We could never have had such a success in this area without the amazing support we have received from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council. In the 90s it was evident that the English language and the English-Speaking Union were part of a turning tide in history. English had become the lingua franca of the world and the language of opportunity for young people. During the last fifteen years, the growth of English has rapidly accelerated and I have witnessed and been part of this unprecedented momentum. To understand what is happening, the reasons, the opportunities, is to penetrate the heart of globalisation. What achievements are you most proud of? VM: That’s hard to define. The way I have looked at the ESU is as a family. We had to bring our national members together with people from different cultures, races and creeds. I know this has happened because the ESU does believe in cultural diversity. Our team at Dartmouth House has worked together with excitement and enthusiasm. The ESU is extremely fortunate to attract such talented people who truly care about what they are doing and where we are going. The ESU would never be where it is without the outstanding people who have given so much to this organisation. I would
like to extend my heartfelt thanks for the remarkable support I have had from our President HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, the three Chairman under whom I served, Baroness Brigstocke, Lord Watson and Lord Hunt, our national and international members, my amazing team at Dartmouth House and above all my husband Graham who has walked this path with me. How will you spend your retirement? VM: I have lots of exciting plans. I am on the board of Trustees for Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Academy of Dance, The Prince George Galitzine Memorial Library in St Petersburg, the Longborough Festival Opera in Gloucestershire, and I’ve been invited to be a Trustee of Harvard House for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford upon Avon. What will you miss? VM: I find it hard to allow myself to think about that. I will continue to have the most wonderful memories and be honoured and privileged to have been given such a wonderful opportunity.
before, but it is now time for me to hand the baton to my successor. We are the enablers and facilitators in this field. We are needed and we are helping. The world is now our oyster, open to us as never before, but it is now time for me to hand the baton to my successor. In 2001, Valerie was awarded an OBE for her outstanding services to the ESU. Lord Hunt echoed the sentiments of all
those involved with the ESU, over many years, in his tribute to our departing Director-General. “Valerie Mitchell epitomises all that is great about the English-Speaking Union. For almost three decades she has dedicated herself to our mission of creating global understanding through English, and we can never thank her enough for all her commitment and achievements. We all owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
David Cavill www.davidcavill.co.uk
Any words of advice for the new DG? VM: I do feel that the future of ESU activity has to be with its international development with all the opportunities that we have given overseas ESUs through our education programmes, launches, youth exchanges, public speaking and debating, scholarships for teachers, international conferences together with the generous arm of support from our national branches. We are the enablers and facilitators in this field. We are needed and we are helping. The world is now our oyster, open to us as never
Back Row (L-R): Mrs Richard Chilton, Mrs Mark Sewell, Mrs Helen Baxter, Mr Edward Greenfield (Adjudication Panel), Mrs John Harper, Mrs Dorothy Coleman, Miss Margaret Thorne, Mrs Nella Marcus. Front Row (L-R): Mrs E. Norman-Butler (Chairman ESU Music Council), Dame Eva Turner (Adjudication Panel), Mrs Valerie Mitchell (Director of Branches and Cultural Affairs Department and Secretary ESU Music Council) 1985
Valerie (in the yellow dress) with Presidents of International ESUs at the 2006 International Council Meeting at Marlborough House 3
Chairman Visits Island ESUs as They Prepare For Launch Lord Hunt, accompanied by Lady Hunt, stopped off on their recent Mediterranean cruise to call in on Cyprus and Malta, two new ESUs who are preparing to launch in the near future.
Encouragement for Cyprus Lord and Lady Hunt gave their support to ESU Cyprus, ahead of its launch on 22 June, when they called in at Nicosia. They enjoyed a tour of the old town and the Archaeological Museum, before a lunch hosted by the Chairman of ESU Cyprus, Garo Keheyan in his olive grove. Among the guests were former President of the Republic, George Vasiliou and Katie Clerides, a former Member of Parliament. Richard Law, Director of the British Council and members of the committee also attended.
Lord Hunt enjoys the olive grove with friends at Garo Keheyan’s residence.
Meetings in Malta On arrival at Grand Harbour in Valletta, Lord Hunt and Lady Hunt were greeted by ESU Malta steering committee chairman, Martin Scicluna and committee member, Dr Michael Refalo who accompanied them on a courtesy call to the British High Commissioner, HE Louise Stanton.
After lunch at the Casino Maltese, Mr Scicluna and Dr Refalo escorted Lord and Lady Hunt on a tour of Valletta and Malta’s old capital, Mdina.
Photo: Ben Borg Cardona
In addition, a meeting with members of the ESU Malta Steering Committee took place at the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry in Valletta. This was followed by a press conference attended by the two leading daily English language newspapers and a national TV station. Lord Hunt’s visit was a prelude to the steering committee’s plans to formally launch ESU Malta in May 2010, so there was plenty to talk about.
Lord Hunt, Martin Scicluna and Lady Hunt meet the steering committee in Valletta
Turkey Plans Discussed Dr Riza Kadilar, Chairman of the steering committee, ESU Turkey, was in London recently to meet Valerie Mitchell and Annette Fisher to discuss the forthcoming launch of ESU Turkey in 2010. Dr Kadilar has started to form a committee in Turkey and one of the first initiatives was to send a participant to the 2009 International Public Speaking Competition. He also hoped that delegates from ESU Turkey would attend the ESU’s summer conferences on International Relations and Shakespeare.
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Mrs Mitchell explained the launch procedure to Dr Kadilar and he assured her that ESU Turkey was in an excellent position to launch next year.
Dr Riza Kadilar, Chairman, steering committee, ESU Turkey, and Annette Fisher
A Win for Mauritius
The 2009 delegation at HSBC headquarters.
The final of the 28th annual International Public Speaking Competition was won by Sebastien Ng Kuet Leong from Mauritius. Speaking on the interestingly entitled speech Colouring Grey Matter, Brain Boosting, Sebastien’s presentation, given at the HSBC headquarters in Canary Wharf, brought to light the issues associated with Alzheimer’s and how we can be constantly regenerating and renewing our own minds. Sebastien’s success demonstrates the global reach that the contest has attained since it was launched back in 1981. Recent winners have come from China, Russia, Yemen and the Philippines. Sebastien will receive his certificate from HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later this year. The runner-up was Roos van Es from the Netherlands. The Best Non-native English-Speaker Award was presented to Siti Khadija Jaafar from Malaysia and the Audience’s Choice Award went to Tevivi Daniel Tama from New Zealand. Regeneration and Renewal was the over-arching theme for this year’s speeches and the diversity and quality of responses to this brief impressed the judges of both the Grand Final and the heats, which took place in the morning at Dartmouth House. Seventy-two participants from 43 countries took part, each of whom had already achieved success in their own national competitions. The Final was judged by Sir Peter Heap, Richard Barrington Brooke and Dame Mary Richardson, Deputy Chairman of the English-Speaking Union and founder of HSBC Global Education Trust. The winners were announced by Edward Gould, Deputy Chairman of the ESU.
embarked on the four-day programme which lay ahead of them. In addition to competing in the public speaking competition itself, the delegates took part in debating workshops and role plays, led by Andrew Fitch, ESU Debates & Education Officer. Competitors also enjoyed visits to some of the top attractions in London. Their first stop was the House of Commons, where they witnessed the resignation of the House of Commons Speaker, Rt. Hon. Michael Martin MP and a heated discussion on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The group then went to the Fortune Theatre for a performance of The Woman in Black. Director Robin Herford, an ESU Alumnus, kindly gave a pre-performance talk. Next it was the National Gallery, where they enjoyed a unique tour before heading back to prepare their speeches for the Grand Final. Some of the students unwound after the competition by spending the weekend with ESU branches outside London. Home stays were kindly provided by ESU branch Chairmen and members who generously opened their houses to give some of the group a great opportunity to sample English life. This is a highly valued part of the programme, and we would like to thank the host families and branches for their generous hospitality, as well as branches who gave financial support and those who judged during the heats. Special thanks are due to HSBC Global Education Trust, which supported the International Public Speaking Competition and without whom, it would not take place. The ESU would also like HSBC and their staff for hosting the Grand Final and especially to Paul Sinclair who was an immense support throughout.
Valerie Mitchell welcomed the students at Dartmouth House and gave them a few words of encouragement and support before they
A deighted Sebastien Ng Kuet is congratulated by ESU Deputy Chairman Edward Gould
(Front row L-R) Roos van Es, Netherlands, Sebastien Ng Kuet Leong, Mauritius, Siti Khadija Jaafar, Malaysia and Tevivi Daniel Tama, New Zealand (Back row L-R) judges Dame Mary Richardson, Sir Peter Heap and Robert Barrington Brooke. 5
Evening with the American Friends of The English National Opera The American Friends of the English National Opera and The English-Speaking Union hosted a successful collaborative event at the International Headquarters of the ESU, Dartmouth House on 27 April.
follow-up with Does it Lose Something in Translation?
Valerie Mitchell, Director-General of the English-Speaking Union welcomed guests before Chief Executive of The English National Opera, Loretta Tomasi introduced guest speaker, Martin Fitzpatrick, ENO’s Head of Music. His talk Around the World of Opera in 40 Minutes set the scene for mezzo-soprano, Fiona Murphy to
The event was also attended by Anne Borland, Development Director at the ENO.
Wanda Kim, Chairman of the American Friends of the ENO, gave the closing remarks.
Guests enjoyed a reception afterwards in the Churchill Room.
Into Danger with Kate Adie The English-Speaking Union was delighted to welcome Kate Adie to Dartmouth House to speak on her new book Into Danger: Risking Your Life For Your Work. Kate Adie, British journalist and former Chief Foreign Correspondent for the BBC, gave guests an enthralling and entertaining lecture on time she spent working abroad for the BBC. Having regularly reported from some of the world’s most dangerous war zones, often placing her own life at serious risk, Kate gave a most gripping account of how she narrowly escaped injury several times and how she coped when she was wounded by gun-shot. The journalist looked at various individuals also drawn towards situations, or professions which put them in regular peril of their lives. Valerie Mitchell provided the words of welcome and Anne Skeggs, former Chairman of the Cultural Affairs Committee, gave the Vote of Thanks.
Kate Adie at Dartmouth House
Frank Gardner’s Far Horizons The ESU was proud to secure a second, high profile BBC correspondent to speak at a Literary Luncheon in June. This time, it was Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent who graced Dartmouth House with his presence. Speaking on his newly published book Far Horizons, he gave an account of his epically hard travelling in a remarkable number of countries. Drawing on diaries, sketches and photos he kept during his travels, he pieced together extraordinary descriptions of often strange, sometimes daring adventures in many of the world’s most out of the way places. Showing incredible strength, Frank Gardner explained how he regained the confidence to continue travelling and working as the full-time BBC Security Correspondent after his debilitating injury in 2004 when Islamist gunmen shot the reporter six times at point blank range. He talked extensively about his experiences in some of the least hospitable regions of the world, including the volcanic craters of Sumatra and the cloud-villages of Colombia. Valerie Mitchell chaired the proceedings and Robert WoodthorpeBrowne gave the vote of thanks. The author kindly signed books for guests after the lecture.
Frank signs copies of his book Far Horizons after his lecture.
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Palace Porcelain Features at Chilton Art History Lecture Joanna Gwilt was the guest speaker for the Chilton Art History Lecture held on 3 June at Dartmouth House. Ann Chilton welcomed and introduced her to the audience. At present Assistant Curator, Works of Art at The Royal Collection, Joanna has specialised in French 18th-century works of art, in particular Vincennes and Sèvres porcelain for over ten years. She is the curator of the exhibition French Porcelain for French Palaces held in the Queen’s Gallery, 23 May – 11 October and is the author of the accompanying publication.
She treated guests to an informative lecture on French Porcelain for English Palaces. The talk examined aspects of George IV’s acquisitions of outstanding 18th-century pieces of Sèvres porcelain that once formed glamorous accessories enhancing the visual theatre of his state apartments at his London residence, Carlton House. Sue Bull, Chairman of the Promotions Committee gave a few words of thanks.
Temple of Peace Hosts International Schools Mace speakers debated at an exceptional standard, demonstrating to the enthusiastic audience that they were the very best. In the first debate the team from St Paul’s School, England proposed This House would ban companies from giving bonuses to executives. The Irish champions from St Conleth’s were in opposition. The debate flowed back and forth covering everything from the role of executives to international recruitment and the morality of pay. The second debate involved the Scottish and Welsh champions from George Heriot’s School and Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls who debated This House would ban expert witnesses from court. The four speakers used arguments about the nature of trial by jury, the corrupting influence of money and public perception to support their cases.
Ben Woolgar and Ben Martin with the Silver Mace
Cardiff’s Temple of Peace hosted the national school debating champions when they met in early May to compete for the ESU International Schools Mace. Each of the two-person teams had already won through several rounds of their domestic championship and each of the eight
Following both debates the five-man judging panel retired to deliberate and select the winning team, eventually choosing Ben Woolgar and Ben Martin of St Paul’s School, the England champions. In addition, Ben Woolgar was awarded the Kenneth Harris prize for the best speaker in the final. Alex Worsnip, chair of the judging panel and current ESU International John Smith Memorial Mace winner, said: “There is something really valuable about this format, it allows for really high quality debates and we saw that today.”
International at Home Guests from 30 countries were welcomed by Valerie Mitchell and Susan Bull, Chairman of the Promotions sub-Committee, to an International at Home, held at Dartmouth House in June. Valerie Mitchell spoke to the visitors about the work of the ESU and the morning ended with the traditional tour of Dartmouth House.
Antiguan High Commissioner, Dr Carl Roberts and El Salvadorian Ambassador Roberto Ricardo Avila Avilez with Lady Graydon, Annette Fisher and Sue Bull
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Oxford Union Takes John Smith Memorial Mace The motion for the final was This House believes that aid to Africa has done more harm than good. Trinity College Dublin Historical Society, Ireland, and The University of St. Andrews, Scotland were in proposition and England and Wales, represented by The University of Cardiff, opposed. Opening remarks were provided by the Rt Hon George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and Keith Brown MSP and Minister for Skills and Schools. Both praised the participants for making it through their national rounds and expressed how impressed they were by the ability of all the teams. The debate itself was a very lively affair with extensive knowledge and enthusiasm shown by every team. The topic encouraged wide-ranging discussion and included themes such as colonial guilt, border disputes, the aims of aid and the problems posed by the diversity of desperate situations it aims to help solve. (L-R) Jonathan Leader Maynard and Alex Worsnip with their medallions
The International Final of the ESU John Smith Memorial Mace took place at the end of April at the Signet Library in Edinburgh. The winners were Oxford Union, represented by Jonathan Leader Maynard and Alex Worsnip, for England. The prize for best speaker went to Josephine Curry, representing Ireland.
Chair of judges, Alan Merson, told the audience that "the England team demonstrated not only a remarkable amount of knowledge but an ability to use that knowledge and present it in a way that everyone could understand". The event ended with canapés and wine whilst all those who had watched the debate continued to discuss the ideas raised.
Godolphin and Laytmer Brings Home National Schools Public Speaking Trophy The 49th annual National Schools Public Speaking Competition was won by Francesca Humphreys, Daniela Raffel, and speaker Kitty Parker-Brooks from Godolphin and Latymer School, Hammersmith.
Roland Kemp Photography
The final of this prestigious event took place at City of London School on 25 April and demonstrated the fantastic standard of public speaking in schools across England. For a fuller report, please see Branches News.
(L–R) Daniela Raffel, Kitty Parker-Brooks and Francesca Humphreys.
Parliamentary Interns Arrive The ESU’s Parliamentary Exchange Programme takes place again this summer. Ten interns from the Catholic University of America arrived in mid-May to take up internships in Westminster. Going the other way across the Atlantic, at the end of June, were nine interns from various UK universities. They will intern on Capitol Hill, Washington.
Interns are briefed at Dartmouth House by Rosie Unwin
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ESU France, Bordeaux is Launched A lively and diverse weekend was laid on for delegates to enjoy, including an evening boat ride on the Garonne and a visit to the Chateau de Montesquieu. Among the highlights were a drinks reception at the Chateau of the Baron de Montesquieu, cousin to Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil, and a vineyard tour of the Chateau Biac, winery of Youmna Asseily, Chairman, ESU Lebanon. The ESU would like to thank the Committee of ESU Bordeaux and Beatrix de Montgermont-Keil for arranging such a successful trip, Youmna Asseily for welcoming delegates to her home and all those who attended and supported the launch of the branch. ESU members will be pleased to note that the ESU France, Bordeaux already has a diverse range of activities and events planned and encourages ESU members to join them when in Bordeaux.
Enjoying the sunshine at Chateau Biac, estate and winery of Youmna Asseily, Chairman of ESU Lebanon
The delegation outside the Chateau de Montesquieu, La Brède
Lindemann Trust Fellowships Awarded The Lindemann Trust Fellowships have been awarded for 2009-10 following the interviews of short-listed candidates which took place in April. This year’s scholars are Daniel Burnham, University of St Andrews, Martin Shotter, University of Oxford and Donna Wilton, University of Cambridge. Daniel is a biophysicist, developing techniques to study cellular releasates. Donna is a chemist, who will be researching construction of complex molecular architectures and Martin is a physicist who will focus his research on ultracold gaseous clouds and nanoparticles. 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. Each Fellow will receive a grant of $30,000 to enable them to undertake scientific research in the USA for a year.
The Lindemann Trust Award Committee including the Earl of Stockton (fourth from left)
The interview panel is chaired by the Earl of Stockton and comprises some of the most prestigious science academicians in Britain including representatives of the Royal Society.
After the interviews, Valerie Mitchell joined the committee for lunch.
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. 9
ESU Lexington Books Donated to the Lebanese University Books donated by the ESU Lexington, Virginia Branch were recently presented to the Lebanese University. ESU Lexington which has been ‘twinned’ with ESU Lebanon since 2004, donated the volumes as part of the “Books as Ambassador Awards”. They were formally handed over by Mrs Youmna Asseily, Chairman ESU Lebanon to Dr George Roufayel, Director of the Department of Literature at the Lebanese University, Fanar Campus. These books will remain at the library of the English Department on special shelves dedicated to the ESU, and will be made available to all students. Dr Roufayel and Dr Naji Nasr, Director of the English Department expressed heartfelt thanks for the donation, since the books represent a valuable insight into different aspects of American life. Dr George Roufayel with Mrs Youmna Asseily and the books
Travelling Librarian Fellowship The 2009 Travelling Librarian award was made to Peter Lund, Academic Services Manager (Science) at Loughborough University. Peter is responsible for resources in Mathematical Sciences and Physics and for the Library’s support for research. He will travel to the US in September to look at how universities in Boston, West Virginia and Atlanta serve the needs of researchers. The popular annual Travelling Librarian Reception, attended by alumni, members of the ESU and CILIP, The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, which jointly funds the award, was held in May. Last year’s award recipient, Sibylla Parkhill, from Her Majesty’s Prison, Bronzefield, which caters for women prisoners, gave a short talk on her experiences on visiting American prisons last year. Peter Lund with last year’s awardee, Sybilla Parkhill
From the Archive Spotting a pretty blonde in a newspaper an American member enquired of the ESU Speaker’s Bureau “What about getting this charmer over for an ESU tour?” Exactly 40 years ago, Margaret Thatcher, described as “one of our very bright girls in Parliament” embarked on a month long ESU sponsored tour. Deemed to be “not only a first class speaker, but extremely pretty – and a very good advertisement for this country”, Mrs Thatcher, then Shadow Minister for Fuel and Power, took the US by storm.
Lady Thatcher with Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and Valerie Mitchell at the launch of The Downing Street Years at the Dorchester Hotel, 1993 10
In the light of the current expenses scandals in Parliament, the frugality of her trip was admirable. In 1969 the Bank of England’s had a strict £50 allowance for travellers. Mrs Thatcher’s secretary confidentially contacted the ESU worried she might be left walking the streets “without the wherewithal to take any form of transport” as on a previous trip. The ESU in New York, told that Mrs Thatcher “is not in the least grasping, but naturally a little worried” were prevailed upon to advance some of her $15 dollar a day allowance to avoid embarrassment. Naturally she travelled economy class. MPs take note!
Prizewinning Visit by Chilean Alumnus When Matias Marambio won ESU’s Chile National English Writing Competition 2008, part of his prize was a nine-day visit to the UK. The ESU was delighted to host him at Dartmouth House at the end
of April, where he was welcomed by Alison Wakefield, International and Cultural assistant and Cristel Guajardo, Alumni Officer. The international department also organised a set of homestays for him with branch members from the London, Colchester, York & District, Cambridge Welland Valley, Ouse Valley and Bath & District Branches. Matías, whose prize-winning submission in the adult category of the Chilean writing competition, 18-26 years old, was a poem entitled Always Already a Skeleton, put pen to paper again about his UK trip. He described it as ‘enriching at many different levels. First of all, it gave me the chance to visit England 'staying away from hotels, i.e., staying with real people who welcomed me with outstanding kindness. Also, I could visit and see places I had only read about or seen in films. As a History student, that is something which cannot be understated: the material experience of seeing and touching what you read on books has a whole new dimension to what History is about. England struck me as a place in which I could see how things have been working continually for a long time, something that does not seem to happen in Chile. As a whole, my ESU experience left me with the best impression of both England and the members of the ESU who hosted me.’ The English-Speaking Union would like to thank all branch members who kindly offered their homes and time to make Matías’ trip a once in a lifetime experience.
Matías at Colchester Castle
Maurice Caplan Retires Maurice Caplan retired at the end of April. He had worked as Manager of Operations since September 1995. Maurice came to the ESU after a career in the NHS where he held various senior management posts during his 22 year career in that organisation. The ESU represented a welcome change of environment and Maurice found that his skills transferred well. During his time at the ESU, Maurice was responsible for the Dartmouth House infrastructure and was deeply involved in the major refurbishment of the building. He was a member of the Policy and Resources Committee and attended and took minutes at Governors’ meetings. He worked very closely with the
Director-General on policy, personnel, constitutional and many other matters. Despite his part-time position, Maurice was fully immersed in the day to day running of the ESU. He has not totally severed ties with the organisation as he has made himself available on a consultative basis in the short term. His replacement will be announced in the next issue of ESU News. The ESU would like to thank Maurice for his contribution to the work of Dartmouth House and the English-Speaking Union.
Debate Academy Debate Academy will be held for the eighth time. Children aged 14-18 with an interest in public speaking and/or debating will spend a week at Oakham School in Rutland from Friday 24 July – Monday 27 July. No prior training or experience is necessary, and the children will be tutored by the ESU’s Debate and Education Officers and ESU mentors. For more information, please contact Jason Vit.
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. 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
Monday 21 September - Durham Tuesday 22 September - Liverpool Wednesday 23 September – Leicester and London Thursday 24 September - Hereford Friday 25 September – Plymouth
Wednesday 8 July 10.30 – 11.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends. Contact: Annette Fisher Friday 24 July – Monday 27 July Debate Academy, Oakham School, Rutland The ESU’s annual summer camp provides intensive and competition-focussed debate training to individual students. The Academy is open to debaters aged between 14 and 18, of any level of experience. Travel bursaries, full and partial scholarships are available. Full information on prices, dates and how to apply for a place can be found at www.BritishDebate.com Contact: Jason Vit
AUGUST Wednesday 12 August at 10.30 am Coffee Morning at Dartmouth House for members and their friends Contact: Alison Wakefield
Plus an additional date of Tuesday 29 September - London Contact: Andrew Fitch or Kallina Basli Wednesday 23 September at 7 for 7.30 pm Recital at Queen’s Gate Terrace in aid of the ESU Music Scholarship programme. Dedicated to the founder of the Music Scholarships, Belinda Norman-Butler, this concert will be held at the private residence of Vernon Ellis. It will feature ESU alumni Sam Haywood (piano), Gemma Rosefield (cellist, winner of the Pierre Fournier Prize) and violinist, Kathy Gowers. Programme to be announced. Tickets: £30 to include a reception. Contact: Gillian Parker
SEPTEMBER 4 – 8 September Launch of ESU Albania The formal launch of ESU Albania will take place on 7 September followed by a programme of cultural events. Please note, places are limited and no reservations will be made by the ESU without payment. Contact: Annette Fisher Washington 18-19 September Paris 20-22 September London 24-25 September A New Transatlantic Relationship: A Tale of Three Cities The ESU of the United States, ESU France-Paris and Dartmouth House will hold a series of three conference days on the theme A New Transatlantic Relationship. The events will include cultural programmes with the main feature of the Conference series held in Paris on September 21. This will include a reception held in the French Senate, a visit to the French National Assembly and an afternoon visit to the Residence of HE Sir Peter Westmacott , British Ambassador to France. Conference speakers will include M. Vincent Bolloré, Chairman, Havas Media and Lord Guthrie, former Chief of the UK Defence Staff.
Friday 2 October – Sunday 4 October Branches Conference The annual ESU Branches Conference will be held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff. Contact: Meriel Talbot Friday 2 October Introduction CPD Debating and public speaking continuing professional development session for teachers and teaching professionals. Contact: Andrew Fitch or Kallina Basli Saturday 5 October Advanced CPD Advanced debating and public speaking continuing professional development session for teachers and teaching professionals. Contact: Andrew Fitch or Kallina Basli Wednesday 9 October Public Speaking CPD Continuing professional development session for teachers and teaching professionals focusing on public speaking skills. Contact: Andrew Fitch or Kallina Basli
For information and bookings for the Washington and London sections please contact Ellen LeCompte on ellen@sterlingtvl.com or +1 804 353 0075
Thursday 10 December at 6.15 pm The Churchill Lecture The 2009 ESU Churchill Lecture will take place at Guildhall. The guest speaker is Her Excellency Madam Fu Ying, Chinese Ambassador to the Court of St James. The event will be followed by a reception. Contact: Jo Wedderspoon
For information and bookings for the Paris sections please contact Annette Fisher on annf@esu.org or +44 20 75291565
NOTICE TO MEMBERS 2 July Closure The Restaurant and Wedgewood Room will be shut on 2 July due to the London Debate Challenge, which will be taking place in Dartmouth House. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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Monday 21 September – Friday 25 September Speech and Debate Roadshow Each year the ESU sends staff members and university mentors on a road show around England to promote debating and to help teams. The cost is £50 and permits five students and accompanying teachers. Dates include:
This brochure has been printed with vegetable inks using environmentally friendly paper sourced from sustainable forests and is chlorine-free, acid-free, reclyclable and bio-degradable.
ADVANCE NOTICE
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