ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION
Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 118 NOVEMBER 2004
European Conference in Strasbourg a great success
Contents Strasbourg Conference . . . . . . . . . .2 - 3 English in Action . . . . . . . .4 SSE Scholarships . . . . . . . .4 Japanese Debaters . . . . . .4 Lord Watson receives Romanian Award . . . . . . . .4 ESU Cultural Seminar at Shakespeare's Globe . . . . .5 2004 Globe Scholar . . . . .5 Alumni Reunion . . . . . . . . .5 New Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Project Madagascar . . . . .6
Above: The ESU's second regional Conference entitled 'Dimensions of the New Europe', took place in Strasbourg on 6 September 2004. Lord Watson is pictured with Mr José Nuñez Cervera, President of European Affairs, Coca-Cola, who sponsored the Conference.
Reflecting on the Conference, Lord Watson said: “There is no historical precedent for this free and democratic coming together of Europe. It is an achievement which English has helped to facilitate as the most widely used shared
language in Europe. EU enlargement is an achievement to be both understood and celebrated and this is what we sought to do in Strasbourg.”
Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Baroness Brigstocke's Memorial Service . . . . . . .7 Diary Dates . . . . . . . . . . . .8
More details inside.
New ESU website launched The ESU is proud to announce the launch of a brand new website - www.esu.org - which went live on the worldwide web in September. In conjunction with BlackOrange Ltd, a web design company, the organisation's website has been redesigned to reflect the value of English in the 21st century, and the need to make our message accessible and relevant to an ever-growing online community. The development involved consultation with all the UK branches and international ESUs around the world. Take a look at the website at www.esu.org and email your comments to the team at Dartmouth House who are interested to hear your views.
Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org
Celebrating the achievement Strasbourg, a city at the crossroads of Europe, the seat of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, was the location for the ESU’s second regional Conference.
Above: L-R HE Mr Stephen Howarth, Mr Luzius Wildhaber, Lord Watson and Mr François Duchêne.
Attended by representatives from 10 countries, who were joined by academics, diplomats, government representatives and journalists, the Conference proved to be hugely successful. With the extension of NATO and the expansion of the EU, it was apposite that the Conference's theme was 'Dimensions of the New Europe'. The Conference opened with speeches by Lord Watson, Chairman of the ESU, Mr Luzius Wildhaber, President of the European Court, and Mr François Duchêne, author of Jean Monnet: the first statesman of interdependence. Three sessions followed highlighting the economic, political and cultural dimensions of the expanded EU.
The session on the economic dimension of a new Europe was led by Mr Kjell Torbiörn, who was followed by José Nuñez Cervera, President of European Public Affairs, CocaCola, with Mr Patrick Dollat, Institute of Political Sciences, Strasbourg and Professor Dominique Moisi, Senior Adviser at the French Institute of International Relations, Paris speaking on the political dimension.
the dimension of the new Europe, as a facilitator of communication. She stressed that the ESU was not in favour of a monolinguistic community, but that it strongly supports linguistic diversity with all the colour and culture that it brings.
The third session was moderated by Mrs Valerie Mitchell, who introduced speakers from ESU France, ESU Czech Republic, ESU Latvia, ESU Lithuania and ESU Romania-Bucherest. In summing up the session, Mrs Mitchell concluded that English had a unique role to play in
Above: Mr Patrick Dollat.
Left: L-R Mr Gábor Békefi and Mr José Nuñez Cervera from Coca-Cola, Mr Michael Hall, Moderator and Mr Kjell Torbiörn.
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of the Enlargement of the EU
Above: Mrs Valerie Mitchell chairing the ESU panel.
The host of the Conference, Mr Gerard Bour, Acting Chairman, ESU France, Strasbourg Branch, introduced the Mayor of Strasbourg, Mme Fabienne Keller who concluded the Conference. It was an enlightened, varied and first class occasion, which educated, informed and stimulated the delegates on so many levels. Delegates left the Conference with a much clearer view on the future of Europe.
Strasbourg, with its rich and fascinating history dating from Roman times, offered delegates a wealth of attractions. ESU Strasbourg kindly organised a cultural tour of the city for delegates attending the Conference, which included a boat trip and a guided tour of the magnificent Romanesque and Gothic cathedral and the Oeuvre Notre Dame Museum. Delegates also enjoyed a wine tasting tour along the Wine Route of Alsace.
Above: Professor Dominique MoĂŻsi.
Everybody agreed that one of the highlights was the magnificent reception hosted by HE Mr Stephen Howarth, the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the Council of Europe, in the stunning surroundings of his Residence.
Above: Mr Gerard Bour, Acting Chairman, ESU Strasbourg and Mme Fabienne Keller, Mayor of Strasbourg
One of the countries represented by delegates at the Conference was Thailand, which will be the location of the ESU’s next regional Conference in November 2005 entitled 'English and the Asia-Pacific of today.'
Above: The audience at the Council of Europe. 3
English in Action: the new term begins
SSE Scholars arrive in the UK 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. Scholars study academic courses as well as taking part in a variety of extra-curricular activities. This year, 29 students from the United States and one from Canada will participate in the programme in the UK. The US scholars flew in on 27 August and enjoyed a breakfast briefing at Dartmouth House before leaving for homestays and schools around the UK.
Above: Alison Wheatcroft (2nd from right) with volunteer tutors and Catherine North (4th from left) at the briefing day.
The new English in Action in Schools (EIAS) term got off to a good start with a briefing morning held at Dartmouth House on 6 September. Experienced and new volunteers attended the event, which was chaired by Alison Wheatcroft, Director of the EIAS programme. Catherine North also spoke about her experiences as an English language support tutor at Barlby Primary School in London. The EIAS programme places pairs of volunteers in primary schools to work with groups of around 6-8 children who have English as an additional language. Volunteers use stories, games, drama and drawing to help the children improve their confidence, as well as their language skills.
Above: SSE Scholars arrive at Dartmouth House.
If you are interested in learning more about the programme or becoming a volunteer please contact Mary Dawson, Assistant Director of Education at the English-Speaking Union.
Japanese Debaters visit Dartmouth House
Lord Watson receives medal from Romania Below: Lord Watson, with Romania’s President, HE Mr Ion Iliescu and Lady Watson at Lord Watson’s investiture at the Romanian Embassy. He was appointed Grand Officer of Romania’s Order of Merit, in recognition of his contribution to Romania’s progress towards EU membership.
Above: Ms. Saito and Ms. Otsu, from International Christian University, Tokyo, winners of the 2003 English-Speaking Union of Japan National Universities Debate Tournament, meet with Centre staff at Dartmouth House. They spent five days in the United Kingdom as part of their prize, provided by ESU-J. 4
ESU Builds International Bridges with Shakespeare's Globe Attended by teachers and lecturers from an extremely diverse range of nations, the Seminar provided the opportunity not only to learn more about Shakespeare, but also to experience the different cultures represented from around the globe. We should like to thank Patrick Spottiswood, Director of Globe Education, and Deborah Callan for having organised such a first class and stimulating programme for our international delegates. ESU Director-General Valerie Mitchell said: “By representing the ESU on the International Committee of Shakespeare's Globe, it has given me the opportunity to play our part in bringing together the varied cultures of the world under the banner of English at this Cultural Seminar.” Above: Delegates taking part in a teaching workshop at the Globe.
Twenty delegates, from 18 countries where there are active ESUs, gathered at Southbank's Shakespeare's Globe for the ESU Cultural Seminar. The Seminar, held for the first time at the Globe, examined the work of William Shakespeare and contained sessions created especially for the international delegates. Delegates were able to explore new teaching methods, attend various performances, discuss theatre with the actors and enjoy workshops that approached teaching Shakespeare in a dynamic and exciting way. Delegates also enjoyed a rally where they were able to discover Shakespeare's haunts in London and a dinner at Dartmouth House where they met members of the London Branch. Our thanks go to the London Branch for their generous sponsorship.
Above: Delegates and ESU staff at Shakespeare's Globe, London.
2004 Globe Scholar Announced Tandi Wright from New Zealand was awarded the 2004 ESU Scholarship to attend the Shakespeare's Globe International Artistic Fellowship programme. Fellows attend a four week programme of voice, movement, verse and acting work and end with a public performance on the Globe stage. Tandi visited Dartmouth House in September where she met Valerie Mitchell and Katie Brock, ESU Cultural Affairs Officer. Says Tandi of her experience:
“I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere at the Globe; to be surrounded by such exceptionally talented and like-minded people was incredible. The workshops which explored the elements of movement, sound and verse were inspiring…I am genuinely grateful to the ESU for giving me the opportunity to participate in this career-changing programme.” Right: Tandi Wright (2nd from left) with Valerie Mitchell and ESU Staff at Dartmouth House.
Alumni Reunion held A reunion was held for all Alumni of the English-Speaking Union at Dartmouth House on 13 September 2004. The evening drinks reception was enjoyed by all, with old friends renewing acquaintances and new connections being discovered. The major topic of discussion for the evening was the first meeting of Michael Mander and Robert Milligan since they hitchhiked around the US after their scholarship 50 years ago. The Alumni were thanked for their generous donations to the Alumni Fund up to 2004 and shown how the money will be spent on SSE Scholarships, The England Schools Debate Team, The Cultural Seminar and The ESU Menuhin Banff Scholarship. As the evening was so popular, another reunion will be held in September 2005. Above: L-R Michael Mander and Robert Milligan at the Alumni Reception at Dartmouth House. 5
Dartmouth House welcomes New Staff Welcome to‌.
Katie Brock (left) who is the new Cultural Affairs Officer at the ESU.
Project Madagascar: Creating a World Class Centre for Lemur Conservation Many of the ESU Delegates who attended the launch of ESU Madagascar in 2003 were fascinated by their visits to two of the country's Lemur Parks where they were able to witness flora and fauna unique to Madagascar and hear the territorial call of the endangered Indri Indri lemur. Due to its isolation from Africa, Madagascar has an extremely high level of endemism of plant and animal species, and is the second highest country in the world for primate species diversity. However, 90% of all Madagascar's original forests have already been lost to human inspired degradation, something which poses a threat to the country's unique collection of species and in particular, the 61 endemic species of lemur.
Katherine Plummer (right) is the new Administrative Assistant for Branches and Education.
The ESU Centre for Speech and Debate James Probert who has worked as Debates and Education Officer at the ESU for the last two years has been promoted to the position of Head of the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate following the departure of Debbie Newman who has left to take up a teaching position. The Centre has seen continued expansion this year following the success of the London Debate Challenge, and record numbers of students and schools continue to be involved in our existing programmes. For this reason a new position has been created in the Centre and we are pleased to welcome Vivienne Thomson in the role of Speech and Debate Programmes Co-ordinator. Harold Raitt also joins the team as the new Debates and Education Officer.
Project Madagascar is an initiative of the Global Canopy Programme, based in Oxford, an alliance of 22 institutions around the world investigating forest canopies. Set in Ranomafana National Park in the south-eastern rainforests of the country, Project Madagascar aims to create a world class centre for lemur conservation. The aims of the project are to build capacity to study lemurs in the wild, strengthen the local National Park Service, and provide benefits to the communities surrounding the Park. A 350m canopy walkway is to be built, Madagascar's first, which will provide a unique opportunity to see some of the Park's 12 habituated lemur species face-to-face in their own treetop world. Tourism revenues from the walkway will provide badly needed funds to support the management of the Park, resources for the local community to build clinics and schools, as well as funds for a forest restoration programme. If you feel you would like to make a donation to the project please contact: Katherine Secoy, Programme Co-ordinator, Global Canopy Programme, John Krebs Field Station, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Wytham, Oxford, UK Tel: +44 (0)1865 724 222.
Above: L-R James Probert, Vivienne Thomson and Harold Raitt.
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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Obituaries Lady Heald CBE
Above: Lady Heald receiving her ESU Churchill Medal of Honour, June 1999.
Lady Heald, one of the greatest supporters of the English-Speaking Union, died on August 14, aged 99. Her dedicated contribution to its work was tireless. She inspired and supported with enthusiasm and energy its activities and endeared herself to all who became involved with her. She was most generous in offering home hospitality to overseas visitors, which included students, young scholars and young musicians. She made her beautiful home at Chilworth Manor the home of the Guildford Branch of which she had been Chairman and later President since 1959. “The loss to the Guildford Branch of our dear Lady Heald is immense. We have everything to thank her for. It is impossible to count the number of events held at her home throughout the years - lunches, Christmas teas, suppers, dinners, garden parties, AGMs and Committee Meetings”.
Lady Heald joined the ESU in 1957. She became a Governor in 1963 and served until 1970. She was an active member of the Promotions Council and of the Cultural Affairs / Music Council. She was generous with charities and we were most fortunate that she profoundly supported the aims of the ESU. At Chilworth Manor she held musical events ranging from an adventurous concert in a field, the Yehudi Menuhin School Orchestra to the Whiffinpoofs from Yale University, USA. In 1988 she was a source of strength in assisting a fund-raising ESU Concert in Guildford Cathedral in which former ESU music scholar Tasmin Little (violin) played with the Yehudi Menuhin School Orchestra. In June 1999 Lady Heald was presented with the English-Speaking Union's most prestigious Award, the Medal of Honour. Lady Heald was a truly remarkable person. She will be remembered for her generosity, hospitality and kindness. Nothing was ever too much trouble and whatever she did was always with charm and grace together with her wit and great sense of humour. It is sadly the end of an era for the EnglishSpeaking Union. Mrs David de Carle We were greatly saddened to hear of the death of Jancis de Carle. She was a longstanding member of the English-Speaking Union. In 1984, she joined The Hospitality Council where she made a significant contribution through her enthusiasm, personal warmth and generosity to the lives of the many scholars who benefited from this important programme.
Baroness Brigstocke's Memorial Service The Memorial Service for Baroness Brigstocke CBE, former Chairman of the ESU, who tragically died in a motor accident in May, was held at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey in September. Lord Watson gave the following Address recalling how he first met Heather Brigstocke: “The High Mistress of St Paul's Girls School welcomed me and without delay led me directly on to the stage of the auditorium. I was suddenly confronted with serried tiers of young women staring down at me - the visiting speaker - served up to their regular current affairs class. Their intelligence was visible, and so was their appetite for the debate to come. I was seriously intimidated. Heather waved me to my seat and whispered in my ear, “It's just how the Christians felt entering the Coliseum”, and flashed the warmest, most encouraging smile imaginable. It was the start of a kind of complicity between us based on her zest for life, her sense of the dramatic, her sense of fun. Even the dullest meetings, or the most difficult subjects were enlivened by this complicity. We hugely enjoyed working together.
She realised how much young scholars coming to this country, many of whom had never left home before, valued a few days in the homes of ESU members, before going on to their various courses or placements. The Hospitality Council evolved into The Promotions Council, continuing the Hospitality programme and many other fundraising responsibilities. Jancis served as Chairman of the Council from 1990-92, and as an ESU Governor from 1990-96. She also sat on the NCEW from 1990-95. Her keen intelligence and sound common sense were much appreciated by all her colleagues. Jancis epitomised the spirit of the EnglishSpeaking Union. She had a serenity and warmth which endeared her to all who met her. She had a genuine interest in the lives and welfare of young people, from all backgrounds and nationalities. She always gave generously of her time, even in the last few months of her illness, in support of ESU events. She enjoyed a happy family life with her husband, David, and their two sons William and Edward. David de Carle gave great support to Jancis with her work for the ESU. We were deeply saddened to hear of his sudden death a few weeks after that of Jancis. We feel their loss deeply and on behalf of all their friends and colleagues in the ESU send our sympathy to their family at this very sad time. We shall all miss them enormously.
“We did so within the English-Speaking Union. She had a vision for the ESU and she motivated me to share it. She saw how our language, the English language, mastered and used well, can liberate the potential and enrich the lives of millions of young people giving them the power to express themselves effectively across the barriers of disadvantage, distance and self doubt. “Hers was an educationalist's vision of what English can do as the working language of the global village. It was a vision she sought to realise through her own gifts and those of others. She partnered with you - leading and motivating. She led by never compromising over what was best, demanding it of herself and everyone else. She motivated by praise - always given directly and with charm whenever it was earned. She didn't flatter. She rewarded. Hers was a gift for leadership of a very high order. Heather gave that gift of leadership to many causes and many institutions - to the Francis Holland School, to St Paul's Girls School, to Landau Forte College, to the HSBC Education Trust, to the Gettrye Museum, to the Sasa Kawa Foundation, to Home Start International, to the ESU. Always and everywhere she set standards and motivated individuals and organisations to meet them. Why? Because she believed life is an extraordinarily precious gift of which each of us must make the very most. “Suddenly, tragically, that gift was taken from her, but only after she had indeed made the very most of it, and in doing so, helped countless others to do the same. We owe her so much.” 7
Diary Dates
Unless otherwise stated we regret that no refunds can be made for cancellations within seven working days of an event.
For members: We accept payment for Dartmouth House events and membership subscriptions by credit/debit cards. Cards bearing Visa, Master-Card, Maestro, Switch, Solo or Delta symbols can now be used to make bookings by post, telephone or email. DARTMOUTH HOUSE Telephone : 020 7529 1550
NOVEMBER Tuesday 2 November at 9.00pm till late American Election Night Party Come to Dartmouth House and watch the results roll in! Live satellite links on giant screens will provide continuous coverage of the election results as they are announced. A raffle and other events will be held throughout the night Tickets: £50 to include food and two glasses of wine Contact: Helen Sender
Wednesday 17 November at 7.00pm As part of the ESU American Arts Scholarship to Attingham Lecture Series 2004, Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, Anthony W and Lulu C Wang, Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Metropolitan Museum, New York, will give a lecture on 'Louis Comfort Tiffany, 1848-1933, Interior Designer, Glassmaker, Metalworker and Jeweller Extraordinaire'. Proceeds from the lecture help to support an ESU scholar at Attingham Tickets: £7.50 to include wine Contact: Helen Sender
Wednesday 3 November at 7.30pm Debating Society Meeting at Dartmouth House 'This House would make HIV testing compulsory in countries with high rates of infection'. This event is held in association with The Stop Aids Campaign Contact: James Probert
Monday 29 November at 7.00pm Alistair Horne, Britain’s Premier historian on France, will talk about his new book ‘Friend or Foe’ at Dartmouth House. In this, the centenary of the Entente Cordial, this new history of France reflects on the Franco-British relationship over the centuries Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wine Contact: Katie Brock
Thursday 4 November at 6.30pm for 7.00pm Rosemary Baird, Curator of the Goodwood Collection, will give a lecture on 'Glorious Goodwood - The history, house and art collection of the Dukes of Richmond' in aid of the ESU Chilton Art History Scholarship Tickets: £17.50 to include a glass of wine Contact: Jacqueline Abbott
Tuesday 30 November at 7.00pm Lecture at Dartmouth House in association with the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum. Lord Thomas of Swynnerton will speak on ‘Slavery and the British Empire’ Tickets: £10 to include a glass of wine Contact: Katie Brock
Monday 8 November at 7.00pm William Lyne in conversation with Edward Greenfield at Dartmouth House One of the most well-known names in the music industry, journalist and broadcaster will speak with William Lyne about his time as Director of the Wigmore Hall, the Edwardian venue which he transformed into a glittering gem of classical music Tickets: £10 to include a glass of wine Contact: Katie Brock Thursday 9 November Champagne Reception at 7.00pm, Dinner at 7.30pm Dinner with Theo and Sarah Fabergé’s ‘St Petersburg Collection’ – Black Tie Philip Birkenstein, Chairman of the Fabergé Collection, will give an amusing and informative talk at this dinner at Dartmouth House, and bring you up to date with the family’s creations today – a selection will be on display Tickets: £70 to include champagne reception, dinner and half a bottle of wine. Tables of 10 are available at £650 This event is fully booked. Please contact Jacqueline Abbott if you wish to go on the waiting list. Wednesday 10 November at 10.30-11.30am At Home at Dartmouth House Members and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth House Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Wednesday 17 November at 6.15pm The 2004 ESU Churchill Lecture will take place at Guildhall with guest speaker Senator George Mitchell, United States Senator Tickets: £25 to include a wine and canapé reception Contact: Sarah Spinney
DECEMBER Tuesday 7 December at 12.00pm for 12.30pm The Hon. Gerard Noel will present his new book ‘MILES A Portrait of the 17th Duke of Norfolk’ at a literary lecture at Dartmouth House Tickets: £30 (members) £32 (non-members) to include two courses and wine Contact: Katie Brock Wednesday 8 December at 10.30-11.30am At Home at Dartmouth House Members and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth House Contact: Jacqueline Abbott Monday 13 December at 7.00pm ESU Carol Concert Readings and carols with the Rodolfus Choir directed by Mark Shepherd Tickets: £15 to include mulled wine and mince pies Contact: Katie Brock Please note that Dartmouth House will be closed from Thursday 23 December 2004 and will reopen on Wednesday 5 January 2005.
FUTURE EVENTS Friday 13 May The 2005 International Public Speaking Competition will take place. The ESU is looking for members to host participants for the weekend 14-15 May. If you are interested, or would like to discuss what is involved, please contact Helen Sender
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Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org