ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION
Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 124 NOVEMBER 2005
The Lord Watson of Richmond completes six years as Chairman Lord Watson became Chairman of the English-Speaking Union in November 1999. The six years that have followed have seen much innovation and growth.
Contents Lord Watson Completes Six Years . . . . . . . . . .Page 1 Lord Watson's Speech at Branches’ Conference . . . . . . . .Page 2 Branches’ Conference . . . . . . . .Page 3 ESU Alumni and Branches . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 SSE Programme . . . .Page 3 ESU Members Visit Romania . . . . . . . . . .Page 4
David Cavill
ESU Conference in Romania . . . . . . . .Page 4
Above: The Lord Watson of Richmond receiving the ESU Medal of Honour from Lady Soames. The Award was given in recognition of his contribution to the English-Speaking Union during his six years as Chairman. Former recipients include The Hon. Dr Henry Kissinger, Sir Trevor McDonald, the Rt Hon. Christopher Patten and Senator George Mitchell.
Internationally the ESU has been established in a further 11 countries, and in the ESU of England and Wales there has been a fresh sense of purpose and renewal stimulated by the growth of the ESU's work worldwide. In London there has been the refurbishment of Dartmouth House and its increased effectiveness as the International Headquarters of the ESU. The financial position of the ESU has greatly strengthened from an annual deficit to a substantial surplus. All debts have been repaid. There have been significant innovations in terms of the outreach to London state schools for debating and public speaking, and the International Public Speaking Competition is now firmly established as the most important of its kind, attracting 60 participants from 34 countries.
In this edition of the newsletter, we feature two speeches given by Lord Watson: his farewell speech at the International Council Dinner at Dartmouth House on 8 September and his farewell speech at the Branches' Conference Gala Dinner in Liverpool on 1 October. The edition also includes a tribute by Mr William Miller, Chairman of the ESU of the United States, and The Rt Hon. the Lord Hunt of Wirral.
Romanian Visitors to Chester . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Honour Bestowed on Lord Watson . . . . .Page 5 International Council Meeting . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 Lord Watson's Speech at International Council Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 Cultural Seminar . . . .Page 8 Marsh Biography Award . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 9 ESU Schools Mace Roadshow . . . . . . . . .Page 9 Frank Bell Scholars .Page 10 English in Action . . .Page 10
Two important developments took place at the International Council meeting. The first was the election of The Lord Watson of Richmond as International Chairman Emeritus, which means that he will continue to be involved as an Ambassador of the ESU worldwide. The other was the award to Lord Watson of the Churchill Medal by Sir Winston Churchill's daughter, Lady Soames, in a ceremony in the Churchill Room at the House of Commons.
Bell Centre/ESU Lebanon Creativity Workshop Page 10 ESU Nurse Work Shadow Programme . . . . . . .Page 11 Obituary . . . . . . . . .Page 11 Dates for your Diary . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12
Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org
Lord Watson’s Speech at Branches’ Conference Gala Dinner Behind the elegance of Dartmouth House resplendent with its marble staircase and Parisian courtyard is the hardworking engine room of the ESU, our International Headquarters, the administrative centre for our myriad programmes and crucial committees, and none more so than the Policy and Resources Committee where I have been so ably supported by Lady Appleyard and Lord Hunt.
Above: Valerie Mitchell, Director-General, comments: Lord Watson has given us as ESU Chairman six years which have been stimulating, inspiring, challenging and motivating. We shall always remember him for his contagious sense of humour and general enjoyment of all he does. The scope and diversity of the ESU has thrived under his leadership. It has been a privilege to have worked with him.
However, the key to the organisation of Dartmouth House is its Director-General, Valerie Mitchell. In reality she is our Chief Executive, and as I know well from the commercial world the relationship between a Chairman and a Chief Executive is not always smooth. I know because I have been both. Valerie and I have distinctive approaches to life but from the start our approach has been consistently cooperative and never confrontational. I have come to admire and greatly value her carefulness, her commitment, her courage, her leadership and her counsel. Always tactfully but always unambiguously she has given me the benefit of her best judgment. She is an exemplary Director-General.
I would like to share with you something of a six-year perspective on the identity of the English Speaking Union and to focus on five specific aspects of that identity. First, the ESU is fun. It provides us all with moments of exhilaration, comradeship, adventure and humour. We all have our memories. Mine embrace so many places and events all around the world - from Madagascar to Morocco, Hong Kong to Seoul, Mauritius to Prague, Beirut to Bangkok - and I now include Liverpool and the particular delights and challenges of the Adelphi Hotel. Another distinguishing aspect of our identity is Dartmouth House itself. The very first Board of Governors meeting that I chaired six years ago had to decide whether or not to sell Dartmouth House. We decided not, and that has proved to be one of the best decisions ever taken by the Governors. We borrowed money and received many generous donations to refurbish Dartmouth House. The loan has been fully repaid, and now Dartmouth House has become a jewel and a very important source of revenue. In the very heart of the West End we have one of its most desirable locations. But also one redolent with history. After all, Winston Churchill lived just down the road and we now have the Churchill Room, the splendid portrait of him in Garter robes, on permanent loan from Churchill College Cambridge and, of course, the medal which tonight I proudly wear.
Above: L-R Valerie Mitchell, Hilary King, Chairman ESU Liverpool, The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Alan Dean, The High Sheriff of Merseyside, Rosemary Hawley, June Lancelyn Green, ESU President Liverpool, and Lord Hunt.
A distinguishing aspect of the ESU's identity is the support that it has received over so many years from the Royal Family, from Her Majesty The Queen herself, and of course from our President, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. As Chairman of the ESU I have been privileged to work closely on the promotion of the English language with Prince Philip and, as Chairman, I was honoured to be invited by The Queen and Prince Philip to lunch at Buckingham Palace - a stimulating occasion in which I managed to avoid the attention of the corgis through the simple device of having my own Belgian Shepherds lie across my ankles at breakfast, a stratagem which amused and intrigued both my hosts. A final defining aspect of the ESU's identity is undoubtedly the idealism and comradeship of the ESU family. This is no loose phrase. There is deep seated idealism in promoting global understanding through English, and there is comradeship and teamwork in seeking out the ways in which this can be achieved. This Conference has demonstrated the momentum and sense of innovation that permeates the whole of the ESU.
Above: L-R Lord Watson, Peter Sparling, ESU Governor and Patrick Clancy, ESU Governor and President ESU Exeter and District Branch, at the Town Hall. 2
There is much else that contributes to the ESU's identity as an organisation to which we are all proud to belong. It has been my very special privilege to have led the ESU during these years of exhilarating international expansion and domestic renewal. I am full of optimism for the future. We have our course set with the rise and reach of our language presenting us with opportunities and obligations. We shall seize the former and meet the latter. The time is right for the ESU.
Branches’ Conference: A Huge Success The Branches’ Conference is the annual opportunity for ESU members, officers and Dartmouth House staff to meet together to exchange views and experiences in a social environment. This year, the 2005 Conference, whose theme was ESU and the Future, took place in Liverpool, which has been nominated City of Culture 2008. The Adelphi Hotel was the venue for more than 80 delegates from all over the UK who enjoyed an extremely full and interesting programme. The Conference opened with a reception at the Town Hall, hosted by the Lord Mayor, followed by the Opening Dinner at the Adelphi at which delegates were entertained by the Birkenhead Operatic Society. Saturday saw reports by Lord Watson and Valerie Mitchell on the ESU's National and International Progress and panel sessions on Education, the ESU Website, Branches Development, Public Speaking and Programmes and Recruitment.
Above: Alexander Finnis, Chairman of NCEW, presenting Hilary King, Chairman ESU Liverpool and Merseyside, with a thank-you gift for organising the conference.
There was a tour of the Anglican Cathedral that afternoon, followed by a boat trip on the Mersey and the Gala Dinner at the Adelphi at which Lord Watson was the guest speaker. Sunday morning's session opened with the presentation of the Branch Awards, followed by an Alumni Panel, an Open Forum, and Lord Watson's vision of the future of the ESU.
Alumni and the Branches On Sunday 2 October, Jo Wedderspoon, Alumni Co-ordinator, spoke at the 2005 Branches’ Conference. at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool. The theme of her talk was the Widening Reach of the Alumni. Many of ESU alumni are already ESU members and some are even corporate members. However, not all alumni want to travel to London to attend reunions, the ESU wants to encourage alumni to become involved in local Branches. It is important to reach new alumni while their ESU experience is still vivid. They may be going on to university, concentrating on their careers or coping with family demands but if they can be reminded of what the ESU stands for and the good work being done, hopefully the ESU can build a young and active membership. It is also important to remember the ESU Alumni Association is international. While our colleagues in New York administer the US
Alumni, Dartmouth House holds a database of over 3,500 names including all scholarships, competitions, international and cultural seminars. If Branches host any international scholars, they should encourage them to keep in touch with the ESU on their return home. Through this network, the growth of international ESUs will flourish. The database is constantly being updated, and if details are passed on to Branches they may soon become out of date. The ESU must also comply with the Data Protection Act. It was therefore decided that ESU Branches should contact Jo Wedderspoon at Dartmouth House with details of events to which they would like to invite alumni, and Jo would then pass on the information. Remember that the alumni database is sorted by county, and as Branch boundaries are sometimes flexible, please state which counties you would like to be targeted.
Secondary School Exchange Programme Since 1928 the Secondary School Exchange programme has given American and Canadian scholars the chance to spend a year at a school in the UK. US scholars study academic courses as well as taking part in a variety of extra-curricular activities at boarding schools around the UK. This year we are pleased to welcome 25 US scholars to the UK. The US scholars flew in on 2 September and enjoyed a hectic breakfast briefing before leaving for homestays and schools around the UK. The ESU hopes that the next year will be both interesting and enjoyable for them, and that they will find the time to drop in to Dartmouth House to share their experiences.
Right: SSE Scholars enjoying a breakfast briefing at Dartmouth House on their first day in the UK.
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Hospitality at the Princely Court historic city centre is underway in preparation for Sibiu's role as European City of Culture in 2007.
Above: L-R Ela Nicolae (who acted as interpreter), Mary Bevan, Eric Bevan and Mariana Nicolae at the current affairs discussion event organised by ESU Curtea de Arges¸ Chapter.
In August, ESU members Eric and Mary Bevan visited Romania as guests of Mariana Nicolae, Vice-Chairman of ESU Romania, and her husband, at their summer home in Curtea de Arges¸ (Princely Court), ancient royal capital. Their friendship goes back to 1993 when Mariana met Eric and Mary at an ESU conference in Budapest. On the second evening Eric and Mary were guest speakers at an ESU Curtea de Arges¸ Chapter current affairs discussion event. A lively exchange centred around Britain's
relationships with the EU and the USA and issues relating to Romania's entry into the EU in 2007. Prominent among those taking part were Cecilia Cornateanu, President of the Arges¸ Center for Economic and Social Development, Father Nicolae Arsene, Director of the Seminary of the Arges¸ Bishopric, Mariana Mustˇa, President of the Basarab Foundation, Nicolae Badea, former Director of the local hydroelectric plant and Lucia Chircˇa, teacher of English. Eric and Mary Bevan also visited Sibiu. Much EU-funded refurbishment of this
The return journey took in a visit to Raˆmnicu Vaˆlcea and a lunch hosted by Iulian Oprescu, Director of the Oltchim College, and his wife Aurelia. An exciting outcome of the discussion at lunch was the establishment of a new local ESU Chapter in Vaˆlcea, with Iulian Oprescu as Chairman of the Steering Committee. Iulian kindly offered to provide accommodation for ESU activities in his college. Also present at the lunch were Dan and Elena Grecu. Dan is the Director of the POSADA hotel chain and Elena is Director of the Curtea de Arges¸ Raiffeisen Bank. Before flying home, Eric and Mary Bevan called on old friends Alex Budisteanu, Chairman of ESU Romania, and his wife Ileana, at their home in Bucharest. This rounded off a most memorable and productive visit, further cementing the strong relationships that already exist between ESU members here in the UK and in Romania.
ESU Conference in Romania The ESU Conference held on 7 October 2005 at The President’s Palace, Cotroceni, Bucharest, was a great success. It was held under the auspices of HE The President of Romania and was organised by the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research, and The English-Speaking Union with support of the Romanian Association for Quality Language Services – QUEST. The Conference was opened by the President of Romania, HE Mr Traian Basescu, Honorary Patron of ESU Romania. Highlights included speeches made by, the British Ambassador, HE Mr Quinton Quayle, Mr Mircea Miclea, Minister of Education who spoke on English in Romanian Education and Lord Watson, who spoke on English as the Language of Opportunity.
There was also a debate between British and Romanian students on the motion: This House Believes that Europe cannot be fully united until it has a common language. The Conference was followed by a reception at the British Ambassador's Residence hosted by HE Mr Quinton Quayle. ESU Romania provided an excellent cultural programme on 6 and 8 October for ESU members attending the Conference. Full details on the Conference will be reported in the January ESU Newsletter. Left: Bran Castle, legendary home of Count Dracula, Transylvania, Romania. At the top of the turret is a whistling weather-vane, known affectionately to the locals as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, due to the constant sound it makes when the wind blows.
Visitor from Romania to the Chester Branch In September Nela Caragea, a student from Bucharest, Romania, spent two weeks at Reaseheath College in Chester studying a course in Milk Agriculture. The scholarship was sponsored by ESU Chester. 4
At the end of the course, Nela visited the ESU at Stanley Palace, where she thanked members and also gave a presentation entitled My Romania.
The talk was very well received by the members of the Branch which regularly supports visits both of foreign students to Britain and British students to other countries.
Honour Bestowed on Lord Watson at House of Commons Dinner when our Council meeting was held there. It was this new Constitution that created the position of a President to be elected annually.
David Cavill
Last year, we in the English-Speaking Union of the United States were the hosts for a World Members’ Conference in New York City and Alan played a leading role in the planning and leadership of the meeting. He has also made several visits to the United States, being the keynote speaker at our National Conference in New Haven 2000, addressing our Palm Springs Branch in 2003 and our Lexington Branch in 2005.
David Cavill
Above: Lord Hunt speaking at the House of Commons Award Ceremony when Lord Watson was presented with the Churchill Medal of Honour. Lord Hunt concluded that Alan Watson had been responsible for tremendous advances within the English-Speaking Union. He had brought the organisation into the 21st Century with particular emphasis on getting the message across to the younger generation and raising the profile of the ESU internationally.
David Cavill
Above: Mr William Miller, Chairman ESU of the United States addressing the guests.
Above: Lord Watson relaxes with Lady Soames over Dinner attended by members of the Board of Governors and Presidents of ESUs worldwide representing 31 countries.
Remarks by William Miller
The English-Speaking Union has long admired Alan's great abilities as a speaker and advocate for the mission of the organisation. His skills of persuasion were finally put to the test when he tried to convince the Dean of Westminster to allow an 85th Anniversary Service in the Abbey. “Surely one should wait and celebrate the 100th” said the Dean. “Oh no” said Alan, “because you and I may not then be around!” The service took place and Alan gave an inspirational address before a most distinguished congregation with many of our overseas ESUs represented. It has been a great pleasure to work with Alan Watson since we first met in Harrogate in 1996. I am very glad that he has agreed to accept the position of Chairman Emeritus of the International Council and will therefore continue to be associated with Lord Hunt and myself in the furtherance of our mission - creating global understanding through English.
During my previous period as Chair of the International Council when Alan Watson was Deputy Chair, there were launches in Morocco 2000, Georgia 2000, Hong Kong 2001, Thailand 2001 and Latvia 2002.
Perhaps the most significant accomplishment of the era was the complete revamping of the Constitution of the International Council, culminating in the St Petersburg Constitution of 2003
David Cavill
During the last three years when Alan assumed the Chair, there were launches in Lebanon 2003, Madagascar 2003, Mongolia 2003, Republic of Korea 2004, Mexico 2005, Czech Republic 2005 and there will be a launch in the Philippines in November. Above: L-R Margarita Mudrak, newly-elected President of the ESU International Council, Lord Waltson and Lady Soames applauding one of the speeches.
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International Council Meeting: an Exhilarating Oc
Above: Delegates attending the 2005 International Council Meeting.
Thirty countries were represented by 42 delegates at the 2005 International Council Meeting which took place from 7-9 September at Dartmouth House, London.
At the end of the meeting Lord Watson handed over Chairmanship of the
Helen Green, Manager, International Programmes, and Making it Happen (sponsorship and fundraising), moderated by Valerie Mitchell, Secretary-General to the International Council.
Above: L-R Dr Gillian Bickley, Member ESU Hong Kong, Michael Greig, Chairman ESU Canada, Dr Verner Bickley, Chairman ESU Hong Kong.
Above: L-R Vivian Atherton, Board Member ESU Mexico, Richard Atherton, Chairman ESU Mexico, Jon Dye, Chairman ESU Scotland.
The meeting itself, which took place on 9 September, was chaired by The Lord Watson of Richmond CBE. During the meeting, the new President of the ESU International Council was elected - Mrs Margarita Mudrak, Chairman ESU RussiaSt Petersburg. In addition ESUs were ratified for launch in Chile and Yemen in 2006, and agreement was reached that the 2006 International Council Meeting would take place in Lebanon. 6
International Council to Mr William Miller, Chairman ESU of the United States, and took on the role of Deputy Chairman. It was also unanimously agreed by the Council that, since Lord Watson's term as Chairman of the ESU of the Commonwealth comes to an end in November, and hence his term as Deputy Chairman of the International Council, he should become Chairman Emeritus of the ESU International Council. The two-day Council Meeting started with a splendid reception in the courtyard at Dartmouth House to honour international guests, and the ESU was delighted that nine UK Branches were present, together with the Board of Governors and members of their various Committees. On the opening day two panel discussions took place: Communication, moderated by
Above: Prince Michael Ajose, Chairman ESU Nigeria in the courtyard at Dartmouth House.
The first panel included members of ESU staff, Mary Dawson, Director of Education and James Probert, Head of the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate, and four international representatives: Alice Boyne Executive Director/President ESU of the United States, Youmna Asseily, Chairman ESU Lebanon, Sir Victor Glover, President ESU Mauritius and Jon Dye, Chairman ESU Scotland.
ccasion The second sessions included Katie Brock, Cultural Affairs Officer, together with Dr Pavel Mudra, Treasurer ESU Czech Republic, Dr Verner Bickley, Chairman ESU Hong Kong, Dr Alexandru Budisteanu, Chairman ESU Romania-Bucharest, and Margarita Mudrak, Chairman ESU RussiaSt Petersburg. There was a most enthusiastic response to these discussions which gave delegates an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss possible collaborations on projects. Above: L-R Margarita Mudrak, newly-elected President of the ESU International Council with Karineh Hakobyan, Chairman of ESU Armenia and Lalivan Karnchanachari, Honorary Secretary of ESU Thailand.
All ESUs represented also gave a report on current activities and their plans for the future.
Above: L-R Loline Reed, International Liaison Officer, ESU Philippines and Anna-Jorunn Mossige, Member ESU Norway, enjoying lunch together in the courtyard.
International Council Dinner: Lord Watson’s Speech My involvement over these last six years in the international work of the ESU has been intensive, enjoyable and very worthwhile. The first three were as the Vice Chairman of the International Council, the second three as Chairman. Throughout the period I have been privileged to work with Bill Miller whose experience, perspective and commitment have been invaluable.
Specifically, we showed that the ESU is now not only for the English Speaking Peoples but for all those who by using English also own it. This we achieved by creating the office of the President of our International Council, a post which cannot be filled by either someone from the United Kingdom or the United States. Thus our first President was French and our second Russian.
When I think back over these six years I recall moments of humour and delight. I have visited a great many places across the world attending the launches in Morocco, Georgia, Hong Kong, Latvia, the Lebanon, Madagascar, The Republic of Korea, Mexico, The Czech Republic and, before this year's end, the Philippines, It has been a period of unprecedented expansion for the ESU.
We have also clarified the governance role of the International Council. We must defend the values and protect the credibility of the ESU's worldwide brand. What we cannot do, however, is to intervene directly in internal disputes in different countries. Where these sadly and very rarely occur, the Council must encourage and await resolution.
I do not wish to rehearse the reasons for this expansion except to note that as the ESU we must meet both the opportunities and obligations that stem from the ever greater use of the English language worldwide. The rise and rise of English is powered, not by governments, but by people who use the language and, above all, by young people. They see English as crucial to their own careers and self-fulfilment. They want to be part of the global village and know that this is only possible if they can use the working language of that village, English.
The final event that I want specifically to mention is the celebration of our 85th Anniversary in Westminster Abbey. Anyone who participated in that wonderful occasion would never forget it - the words, the music, the spectacle together confirming the idealism, commitment and global appeal of the ESU.
Looking back over these six years so many events strike me and so many memories give me pleasure. But there are five events which command particular attention. There were the terrible events of 9/11 which challenged us to do more than express solidarity and sorrow. We needed to examine the relevance of the ESU in the post 9/11 world. Were we more than do-gooders? Could we really contribute to global understanding through English in a world so divided? We decided that by concentrating on young people worldwide, by facilitating their development through competitions and conferences, by widening their horizons through shared experience and a shared language we would make a difference and we have. To be truly effective, however, we needed a new constitution internationally and it was dramatic and appropriate that we were able to agree one in St Petersburg in a hall emblazoned by the old Soviet constitution displayed in marble - a constitution which promised freedom but delivered none. Our new Constitution simplified and strengthened the way in which we test and endorse the establish of new ESUs around the world and it recognized how we have evolved from the original Anglo-American ESU founded in 1917 to that of the present day.
So what of the future? I am certain that we will continue to focus on young people and on English as their language of opportunity and understanding. We will continue to emphasise spoken English in debate, discussion and dialogue. We will continue to harness information technology to that end. However, I think there are further challenges. We need to reinvigorate and facilitate the ESU in India, the most populous country in the world. In China we must attempt to move outwards from the Universities to civil society and we must establish the ESU in South Africa. Our role in the transatlantic dialogue between Europe and America has never been more important and there is now the new, difficult and distinct challenge of bridging the gap between different faith communities. This is an objective dear to the heart of our President, HRH Prince Philip, and it is something that we can move forward on both in Britain through our inner-city schools outreach programme and in the Middle East where we hope to expand the ESU. I have enormously enjoyed my period of leadership in the ESU. Yesterday I was looking at how success can be defined. Paul Getty, the Oil Magnet who knew a great deal about success, defined the difference between success and failure very succinctly: “some people find oil, some don't!” When I was fortunate enough to become involved in the ESU, I struck oil. 7
Cultural Seminar 2005: A Memorable Occasion
Above: Cultural Seminar delegates representing 19 countries from around the world, with ESU and Globe Education staff.
“I have gained so much from this seminar. It has completely changed my view of Shakespeare. I'm not just reading it now, I live it” Aurelie Rivault France, Anjou The second English-Speaking Union Shakespeare's Globe Cultural Seminar took place in August this year. The week-long event aims to promote and encourage the performance and appreciation of Shakespeare and is specifically aimed at teachers for whom English is a second language. Twenty delegates from 19 countries were selected to attend this year's event entitled: Shakespeare and Production. 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 the Bard’s works truly brought to life. Delegates were able to explore new teaching methods, attend performances including The Winter's Tale and Pericles, discuss theatre with the actors and enjoy workshops that approached teaching Shakespeare in a dynamic and exciting way. An actionpacked curriculum enabled participants to learn how to design clothes for the Elizabethan stage with the Master of Clothing and Properties, express words through motion, with the Master of Movement, and vocalise the written word with the Masters of Play and Verse.
Above: L-R Patrick Spottiswoode, Director, Globe Education, Dr Michael Milanovic, Chief Executive Cambridge ESOL, who gave a generous donation to the Seminar, and Valerie Mitchell. 8
After the performance of The Winter's Tale, which delegates viewed from the groundlings, they had the rare opportunity to interview one of the actors, Yolanda Vazquez (Hermione - The Winter's Tale). Valerie Mitchell, who is a member of the International Committee of Shakespeare’s Globe, welcomed delegates and Globe staff to Dartmouth House for a workshop entitled: Period Music and Globe Productions. This was followed by a dinner where she paid tribute to Patrick Spottiswoode, Director, Globe Education. A Director of the International Shakespeare Globe Centre Ltd since 1998, Patrick sits on the Board of the International Shakespeare Globe Centre, Globe Education's Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Globe's Artistic Board. Valerie Mitchell thanked Patrick for “the great direction which he has given on this course.” 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. Ashish Beesoondial from Mauritius remarked that it had been “an absolutely thrilling and stimulating Seminar. It is still beyond my belief how so much was imparted during this one week.” He afforded a sincere note of appreciation to those who organised the programme “and to both the ESU and the Globe for providing this golden opportunity for the broadening of our horizons.”
Above: James Bisgood performing during a musical workshop with Cultural Seminar delegates.
Marsh Biography Award Winner Announced Speaking Union and Mr Philip Ziegler CVO selected the winner from an outstanding short list. Announcing the winner of the Award, the Chairman of the judging panel Dr Alastair Niven OBE, said: 'It is always a privilege to be asked to judge a literary prize, but when the shortlist is as good as the Marsh Prize's has been this year it is doubly so. Two Stuart biographies, two biographies of poets, and a major politician of today writing about a Prime Minister of yesteryear: it was hard to know which to pick up first, and all were equally hard to put down. In the end our winner was chosen because the author has taken one of the most written about people in history and cast genuinely new light upon her, as a result of reading new evidence and surmising in a wholly constructive way.
Above: Dr Alastair Niven OBE, Chairman of the Judging Panel, Dr John Guy, Lord Watson and Aleksandra Marsh.
On the 4th October 2005 John Guy was awarded the Marsh Biography Award for his book My Heart is my Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots, published by Fourth Estate in 2004, at a celebratory dinner ceremony held at Dartmouth House. Established in 1985, The Marsh Biography Award, a biennial award, is given for the best biography written by a British author and first published in the UK during the previous two years. Accepting the Award, John Guy remarked that he was 'thrilled and delighted to have won the Marsh Biography Award. The competition was formidable, so I never expected to win. Now I hope this prize will encourage new readers to look again at Mary Stuart's story. I thought I knew it until I started my biography. I couldn't have been more wrong!' Under the chairmanship of Dr Alastair Niven OBE, the judging panel of Ms Mary Dawson, Director of Education at the English-
Down the ages Mary, Queen of Scots, has been romanticised and demonised in equal measure, but what John Guy achieves in his prize-winning book is a re-positioning of her that makes her far more like the astute Elizabeth I than she has ever been perceived before. But all the biographies in this list were strong and the selection of John Guy, though unanimous, was by no means unchallenged.' The author received the Award, worth £4000, and a silver inkwell trophy, at the Gala Dinner at the English-Speaking Union. Publishers submitted entries for the award, and the four other books on the Short List of five were Pablo Neruda: A Passion for Life by Adam Feinstein (Bloomsbury 2004), W.B Yeats: A Life, II: The Arch-Poet 1915-1939 by Roy Foster (Oxford University Press 2003), Arbella by Sarah Gristwood (Transworld/Bantam Press 2003) and William Pitt the Younger by William Hague (HarperCollins 2004). Previous winners have included Brenda Maddox, Anthony Sampson and Richard Holmes. The Award is sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust and has been administered by the ESU since 1999 as part of its cultural and literary programme.
ESU Schools Mace Roadshow Tours the UK from a two-and-a half week Roadshow teaching debating skills to new entrants to the ESU Schools Mace, the National Debating Championship.
The tour travelled the length and breath of the country, from Edinburgh…
As part of the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate's new partnership with the Department for Constitutional Affairs, Harold Raitt, the ESU’s Debates and Education Officer, and five university students, Alex Just, Robert Robinson, Kirsty Russell, Tom Shinner and Alice Tullo, have just returned
The Roadshow started in Glasgow before heading on to Dunfermline, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds, Bury St Edmunds, Birmingham, Plymouth, Bristol, Guildford, St Albans and London. Over 600 pupils and 150 teachers had the opportunity to watch a display debate given by the Roadshow team. Pupils then worked with the university students to learn how to construct and deliver a speech in the Schools Mace: by the end of the evening, everyone had delivered their own one-minute speech. Harold Raitt worked with teachers to pass on coaching tips and information about the competition. As a result of the Roadshow, participation in the ESU Schools Mace has increased from 450 schools last year to over 570 this year, making the ESU Schools Mace by far the biggest schools competition in the country.
...to Plymouth.
More information on the Roadshow is available at www.britishdebate.com/blog. 9
Frank Bell Scholars head for Saffron Walden
English in Action in Schools Attracts New Volunteers “I very much enjoyed learning about the English-Speaking Union and getting a feel for the role as volunteer. It was very useful indeed.” “Thank you for the session. I was especially impressed with the other volunteers.” These are views expressed by two volunteers who, over the course of the next year, will be giving up their time to help children learn to communicate. Many of the children are new to the UK and all have English as an additional language. Currently, there are 16 volunteers who have been selected to train as tutors. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Without their commitment, enthusiasm and patience, the programme would not have got off the ground.
Above: Front L-R Waltina Thomas N'dille from Sierra Leone, Lala Raveloarisoa from Madagascar Back L-R Helen Green, ESU International Programmes Manager, Nabeel Al Bashiry from Yemen, Enkhtuul Gantogtokh from Mongolia and Gemma McCoy, ESU Programmes Administrator.
Frank Bell believed that international understanding and harmony are promoted both through the teaching and learning of languages. It was during the Second World War, whilst he was interned in a prisoner-of-war camp, that he began teaching languages to fellow captives. Eventually, he returned to England and founded the first Bell School in Cambridge in 1955.
Each year, the ESU hosts a Training Day at Dartmouth House to provide the volunteers with the opportunity to meet other tutors and to exchange ideas and tips for working in the classroom. To mark the beginning of its seventh year, the English in Action in Schools programme hosted its annual Training Day at Dartmouth House on September 13, when 10 new faces joined the growing team of volunteer tutors. Alison Wheatcroft, programme director, runs the scheme in collaboration with Mary Dawson, ESU Director of Education.
Today there are four Bell Centres in this country, and internationally in Geneva, Prague and Malta, as well as joint ventures in 14 other countries. Each year, Frank Bell Scholarships are offered to candidates with limited means to attend intensive courses in English language, and teaching methodology at a Bell Centre. In August 2005, four teachers from Mongolia, Madagascar, Yemen and Sierra Leone received ESU/Frank Bell scholarships, funded by the Bell Educational Trust, to attend the Bell School in Saffron Walden. During their stay Helen Green, Manager of ESU International Programmes, and Gemma McCoy, Programmes Administrator, visited the scholars who all expressed how important the scholarship was both to their career development and to the provision of English language training in their countries.
Above: Volunteers on English in Action in Schools Volunteer Training Day at Dartmouth House.
Bell Centre and ESU Lebanon in Creativity Workshop ESU Lebanon, in co-operation with the Lebanese Ministry of Education's Centre for Research and Development, organised a week-long workshop in Beirut from 12 to 17 September 2005. Mr Kenny Graham, a gifted trainer from the Bell Centre, Cambridge, went to Beirut and conducted the workshop at the Ministry's Centre for teacher training in Beirut. A group of enthusiastic teachers from all over the country's governmental schools had been carefully selected on application by Mrs Abouhamad of CERD, Youmna Asseily, Chairman ESU Lebanon and Mona Chahine, Honorary Secretary ESU Lebanon. The workshop focused on creativity in the classroom and the 10
feedback speaks for itself: “I've learned new ways to help my students speak out loud in a joyful way” “These activities challenge the student's critical thinking and enhance their abilities” The course also provided the teachers with the opportunity to meet for the first time in a relaxed and creative atmosphere. At the end of the week, the teachers took Mr Graham for a well-deserved celebratory Lebanese meal. This ESU programme was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Philippe Jabre Association.
ESU Nurse Work Shadow Programme Swindon and for all the hospitality I received.” Thanks are due to Ian Tervit, Chairman of ESU Czech Republic, for his collaboration with this project. It is hoped that the ESU will welcome other nurses from the Motel Hospital Prague in due course. This programme has far-reaching benefits for the nurses, the Branches, the use of spoken English, and the ESU. Thanks are due to the Great Western Hospital, Swindon for their help, organisation and goodwill without which this programme would not be possible.
Above: L-R Tereza Kolacna, Czech nurse, with Head of ESU Work Shadow Programme, Gill Prior
The very successful ESU Nurse Work Shadow Programme started in 1997 as a result of a casual conversation between ESU member Gill Prior and former ESU International Officer, Ed Bracher, whilst on an ESU visit to Bucharest. At the time, Gill was a non-executive director for an NHS hospital in Bath, Somerset and was involved with other hospitals in the area. Through her contacts, she was able to arrange a 3-4 week shadow programme for fully trained nurses, Since its inception, the ESU Nurse Work Shadow Programme has made it possible for nurses from Georgia, Brazil, Latvia, Lebanon and Poland to visit the UK to improve their professional skills and English. Now in its eighth year, the programme is proving to be very successful. The latest arrival, Fernanda Barges from Sa˜o Paulo Hospital, was sent by Mrs Grace
Redfern and Dr Simons of ESU Brazil and there was great excitement at The Great Western Hospital, Swindon at the prospect of her visit. ESU Brighton & Hove also help to support this nurse. The Great Western is named as one of the top 100 best organisations in the UK for people to work. Earlier this year, we welcomed our second Nurse from the Czech Republic, Tereza Kolacna, who holds two degrees in surgery. Tereza spent her allocated time at the Great Western in the surgical wards and the Rehabilitation Unit. Her English was good when she arrived but she impressed the other nurses with her use of medical English. Gill was pleased to hear from Tereza, who commented: “I am grateful to the ESU for the opportunity to work with the wonderful people at the Great Western Hospital,
Above: Tereza Kolacna with Gill Prior outside the Great Western Hospital, Swindon.
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.
Obituary Professor H Richard Duhme March 2005 marked a watershed with the passing of Dick Duhme, a man who quietly influenced so many ESU Bell Tower scholars over the years. For me, personally, it was not only a privilege but an honour to have known and spent many happy hours with the man who became my American grandfather.
global experience in the days before mass transit. He had known so many characters that had shaped the last century and yet he was never boastful. Dick quietly contemplated the influence others had on his life and used his experiences to enrich his time here on earth. He taught me that life is not an isolated set of incidents but a tapestry to be cared for and nurtured along our journey.
Dick was a true gentleman with an old-fashioned sense of courtesy and respect that is so lacking in the modern world. He lived a full and fascinating life, and I enjoyed nothing more than whiling away the hours listening to the experiences that had shaped the man. From his sculpture to his war service, Dick's life had been a truly
A man so caring about the family who was willing always to open his doors to new members of his ever-expanding family is a true loss to society. Will Glover, Bell Tower Scholar 1998 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
NOVEMBER Wednesday 9 November 10.30-11.30am At Home at Dartmouth House Members and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth House Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Thursday 10 November at 7pm Literary Lecture at Dartmouth House David Faber will present his new book, Speaking For England, the riveting and moving story of an English political tragedy: how Leo Amery, a member of Churchill's wartime Cabinet, saw his son hanged for treason. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing Tickets: £5 to include a glass of wine Contact: Katie Brock Sunday 13 November at 5pm ESU Music Scholarship Fundraising Concert at St Paul's, Waldenbury with ESU scholar, Simon Wallfisch, cellist, accompanied by pianist Rhodri Clarke. St Paul's Waldenbury in Hertfordshire is a large stately home will-known for the 18th Century landscape garden with temples, statues and lakes. The house was the birthplace and childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Tickets £15 to included reception with a glass of wine Contact: Katie Brock Tuesday 15 November at 12 noon Literary Luncheon with Sir Christopher Meyer Former Press Secretary to Prime Minister John Major, from 1994 to 1996 and Ambassador to the US from 1997 to 2003, Sir Christopher will present his memoirs at a Literary Luncheon at Dartmouth House. Copies of the book entitled DC Confidential will be available for purchase and signing Tickets: £32 to include 2 course lunch, wine and coffee Contact: Katie Brock Tuesday 29 November at 6.30 to 8.00 pm Christmas Mince Pies with the Fabergé Family Join us for a glass of wine and hear the wonderful story of the Fabergé family - feast your eyes on Russian lacquer boxes and the fabulous Christmas goodies of the Burlington Arcade. Our host will be the Fabergés' St Petersburg Collection at 42 Burlington Arcade, London W1. The Gallery will be open only for ESU members who will be welcomed by the famous Burlington Arcade Beadles at the Burlington Gardens end. Limited places are available so early booking is essential. The event is in aid of ESU Scholarships. Tickets: £10 to include a glass of wine and mince pies Contact: Jacqueline Abbott.
DECEMBER Monday 12 December at 7 pm Writer and Broadcaster, John Julius Norwich, will present the long-awaited Duff Cooper Diaries Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets £5 to include glass of wine. Contact: Katie Brock Tuesday 13 December at 7pm ESU annual Christmas Carol Concert at Dartmouth House, with seasonal music and readings. Join us for Yuletide cheer, festive fare, mulled wine, readings and carols with singers from the Finchley Chamber Choir Tickets: £15 to include mulled wine, sandwiches and mince pies Contact: Katie Brock Wednesday 14 December 10.30-11.30am At Home at Dartmouth House Members and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth House Contact: Jacqueline Abbott
ADVANCE NOTICE Please note that Dartmouth House will be closed from Thursday 22 December 2005 and will re-open on Wednesday 4 January 2006.
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.
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