ESU NewsTHE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION Creating global understanding through English

ISSUE No. 124 NOVEMBER 2005

The Lord Watson of Richmondcompletes six years as ChairmanLord Watson became Chairman of the English-Speaking Union in November 1999. The six years that have followed have seen much innovation and growth.

Internationally the ESU has been established in a further 11 countries, and in the ESU of Englandand 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 ofDartmouth House and its increased effectivenessas the International Headquarters of the ESU.The financial position of the ESU has greatlystrengthened from an annual deficit to a substantialsurplus. All debts have been repaid.

There have been significant innovations in terms ofthe outreach to London state schools for debatingand public speaking, and the International PublicSpeaking Competition is now firmly establishedas the most important of its kind, attracting 60participants from 34 countries.

In this edition of the newsletter, we feature twospeeches given by Lord Watson: his farewellspeech at the International Council Dinner atDartmouth House on 8 September and hisfarewell speech at the Branches' Conference Gala Dinner in Liverpool on 1 October. The edition also includes a tribute by Mr WilliamMiller, Chairman of the ESU of the United States,and The Rt Hon. the Lord Hunt of Wirral.

Two important developments took place at theInternational Council meeting. The first was theelection of The Lord Watson of Richmond asInternational Chairman Emeritus, which meansthat he will continue to be involved as anAmbassador of the ESU worldwide. The otherwas the award to Lord Watson of the ChurchillMedal by Sir Winston Churchill's daughter, LadySoames, in a ceremony in the Churchill Room at the House of Commons.

Dav

id C

avill

Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org

ContentsLord 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

ESU Conference in Romania . . . . . . . .Page 4

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

Bell Centre/ESU LebanonCreativity Workshop Page 10

ESU Nurse Work ShadowProgramme . . . . . . .Page 11

Obituary . . . . . . . . .Page 11

Dates for your Diary . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12

Above: The Lord Watson of Richmond receiving the ESU Medal of Honour from Lady Soames. The Award wasgiven in recognition of his contribution to the English-Speaking Union during his six years as Chairman. Formerrecipients include The Hon. Dr Henry Kissinger, Sir Trevor McDonald, the Rt Hon. Christopher Patten and SenatorGeorge Mitchell.

2

Lord Watson’s Speech at Branches’ ConferenceGala Dinner

I would like to share with you something of a six-year perspectiveon the identity of the English Speaking Union and to focus on fivespecific aspects of that identity.

First, the ESU is fun. It provides us all with moments of exhilara-tion, comradeship, adventure and humour. We all have our memo-ries. Mine embrace so many places and events all around the world- from Madagascar to Morocco, Hong Kong to Seoul, Mauritius toPrague, Beirut to Bangkok - and I now include Liverpool and theparticular delights and challenges of the Adelphi Hotel.

Another distinguishing aspect of our identity is Dartmouth Houseitself. The very first Board of Governors meeting that I chaired sixyears 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 andreceived many generous donations to refurbish Dartmouth House.The loan has been fully repaid, and now Dartmouth House hasbecome a jewel and a very important source of revenue. In thevery heart of the West End we have one of its most desirable locations. But also one redolent with history. After all, WinstonChurchill lived just down the road and we now have the ChurchillRoom, the splendid portrait of him in Garter robes, on permanentloan from Churchill College Cambridge and, of course, the medalwhich tonight I proudly wear.

Behind the elegance of Dartmouth House resplendent with its marble staircase and Parisian courtyard is the hardworking engineroom of the ESU, our International Headquarters, the administra-tive centre for our myriad programmes and crucial committees, andnone more so than the Policy and Resources Committee where Ihave been so ably supported by Lady Appleyard and Lord Hunt.

However, the key to the organisation of Dartmouth House is itsDirector-General, Valerie Mitchell. In reality she is our ChiefExecutive, and as I know well from the commercial world the relationship between a Chairman and a Chief Executive is notalways smooth. I know because I have been both. Valerie and Ihave distinctive approaches to life but from the start our approachhas been consistently cooperative and never confrontational. I havecome to admire and greatly value her carefulness, her commitment,her courage, her leadership and her counsel. Always tactfully butalways unambiguously she has given me the benefit of her bestjudgment. She is an exemplary Director-General.

A distinguishing aspect of the ESU's identity is the support that ithas received over so many years from the Royal Family, from HerMajesty The Queen herself, and of course from our President, HRHthe Duke of Edinburgh. As Chairman of the ESU I have been privileged to work closely on the promotion of the English languagewith Prince Philip and, as Chairman, I was honoured to be invitedby The Queen and Prince Philip to lunch at Buckingham Palace - astimulating occasion in which I managed to avoid the attention ofthe corgis through the simple device of having my own BelgianShepherds lie across my ankles at breakfast, a stratagem whichamused 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 loosephrase. There is deep seated idealism in promoting global understanding through English, and there is comradeship andteamwork in seeking out the ways in which this can be achieved.This Conference has demonstrated the momentum and sense ofinnovation that permeates the whole of the ESU.

There is much else that contributes to the ESU's identity as anorganisation to which we are all proud to belong. It has been myvery special privilege to have led the ESU during these years ofexhilarating international expansion and domestic renewal. I amfull of optimism for the future. We have our course set with therise and reach of our language presenting us with opportunities andobligations. We shall seize the former and meet the latter. Thetime is right for the ESU.

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 hasbeen a privilege to have worked with him.

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.

Above: L-R Valerie Mitchell, Hilary King, Chairman ESU Liverpool, The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Alan Dean, The High Sheriff ofMerseyside, Rosemary Hawley, June Lancelyn Green, ESU PresidentLiverpool, and Lord Hunt.

3

Branches’ Conference: A Huge SuccessThe Branches’ Conference is the annual opportunity for ESU members, officers and Dartmouth House staff to meet together toexchange views and experiences in a social environment. Thisyear, the 2005 Conference, whose theme was ESU and the Future,took place in Liverpool, which has been nominated City of Culture2008. The Adelphi Hotel was the venue for more than 80 dele-gates from all over the UK who enjoyed an extremely full and interesting programme.

The Conference opened with a reception at the Town Hall, hostedby the Lord Mayor, followed by the Opening Dinner at the Adelphiat which delegates were entertained by the Birkenhead OperaticSociety. Saturday saw reports by Lord Watson and Valerie Mitchellon the ESU's National and International Progress and panel sessions on Education, the ESU Website, Branches Development,Public Speaking and Programmes and Recruitment.

There was a tour of the Anglican Cathedral that afternoon, followedby a boat trip on the Mersey and the Gala Dinner at the Adelphi at which Lord Watson was the guest speaker. Sunday morning'ssession opened with the presentation of the Branch Awards, followed by an Alumni Panel, an Open Forum, and Lord Watson'svision of the future of the ESU.

Above: Alexander Finnis, Chairman of NCEW, presenting Hilary King,Chairman ESU Liverpool and Merseyside, with a thank-you gift for organising the conference.

Alumni and the BranchesOn 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 theAlumni. Many of ESU alumni are already ESU members and someare even corporate members. However, not all alumni want to travel to London to attend reunions, the ESU wants to encouragealumni to become involved in local Branches.

It is important to reach new alumni while their ESU experience isstill vivid. They may be going on to university, concentrating ontheir careers or coping with family demands but if they can bereminded of what the ESU stands for and the good work beingdone, hopefully the ESU can build a young and active membership.

It is also important to remember the ESU Alumni Association isinternational. While our colleagues in New York administer the US

Alumni, Dartmouth House holds a database of over 3,500 namesincluding all scholarships, competitions, international and culturalseminars. If Branches host any international scholars, they shouldencourage them to keep in touch with the ESU on their returnhome. Through this network, the growth of international ESUs will flourish.

The database is constantly being updated, and if details are passedon to Branches they may soon become out of date. The ESU mustalso comply with the Data Protection Act. It was therefore decidedthat ESU Branches should contact Jo Wedderspoon at DartmouthHouse with details of events to which they would like to invitealumni, and Jo would then pass on the information. Rememberthat the alumni database is sorted by county, and as Branchboundaries are sometimes flexible, please state which counties you would like to be targeted.

Secondary School Exchange ProgrammeSince 1928 the Secondary School Exchange programme has givenAmerican and Canadian scholars the chance to spend a year at aschool in the UK. US scholars study academic courses as well astaking part in a variety of extra-curricular activities at boardingschools 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 hecticbreakfast briefing before leaving for homestays and schools aroundthe UK. The ESU hopes that the next year will be both interestingand enjoyable for them, and that they will find the time to drop into Dartmouth House to share their experiences.

Right: SSE Scholars enjoying a breakfast briefing at Dartmouth House on their first day in the UK.

4

Hospitality at the Princely Court

In August, ESU members Eric and MaryBevan visited Romania as guests of MarianaNicolae, Vice-Chairman of ESU Romania,and her husband, at their summer home inCurtea de Arges (Princely Court), ancientroyal capital. Their friendship goes back to1993 when Mariana met Eric and Mary atan ESU conference in Budapest.

On the second evening Eric and Mary wereguest speakers at an ESU Curtea de ArgesChapter current affairs discussion event.

A lively exchange centred around Britain's

relationships with the EU and the USA andissues relating to Romania's entry into the EU in 2007. Prominent among those takingpart were Cecilia Cornateanu, President ofthe Arges Center for Economic and SocialDevelopment, Father Nicolae Arsene,Director of the Seminary of the ArgesBishopric, Mariana Musta, President of theBasarab Foundation, Nicolae Badea, formerDirector of the local hydroelectric plant andLucia Chirca, teacher of English.

Eric and Mary Bevan also visited Sibiu.Much EU-funded refurbishment of this

historic city centre is underway in preparationfor Sibiu's role as European City of Culturein 2007.

The return journey took in a visit toRamnicu Valcea and a lunch hosted byIulian Oprescu, Director of the OltchimCollege, and his wife Aurelia. An excitingoutcome of the discussion at lunch was theestablishment of a new local ESU Chapterin Valcea, with Iulian Oprescu as Chairmanof the Steering Committee. Iulian kindlyoffered to provide accommodation for ESUactivities in his college. Also present at thelunch were Dan and Elena Grecu. Dan isthe Director of the POSADA hotel chain andElena is Director of the Curtea de ArgesRaiffeisen Bank.

Before flying home, Eric and Mary Bevancalled on old friends Alex Budisteanu,Chairman of ESU Romania, and his wifeIleana, at their home in Bucharest. Thisrounded off a most memorable and produc-tive visit, further cementing the strong relationships that already exist betweenESU members here in the UK and inRomania.

Visitor from Romania to the Chester BranchIn September Nela Caragea, a student fromBucharest, Romania, spent two weeks atReaseheath College in Chester studying acourse in Milk Agriculture. The scholarshipwas sponsored by ESU Chester.

At the end of the course, Nela visited theESU at Stanley Palace, where she thankedmembers and also gave a presentation enti-tled My Romania.

The talk was very well received by themembers of the Branch which regularlysupports visits both of foreign students to Britain and British students to othercountries.

ESU Conference in RomaniaThe ESU Conference held on 7 October2005 at The President’s Palace, Cotroceni,Bucharest, was a great success. It washeld under the auspices of HE ThePresident of Romania and was organised bythe Romanian Ministry of Education andResearch, and The English-Speaking Unionwith support of the Romanian Associationfor Quality Language Services – QUEST.

The Conference was opened by thePresident of Romania, HE Mr TraianBasescu, Honorary Patron of ESU Romania.Highlights included speeches made by, theBritish Ambassador, HE Mr Quinton Quayle,Mr Mircea Miclea, Minister of Educationwho spoke on English in RomanianEducation and Lord Watson, who spoke onEnglish as the Language of Opportunity.

There was also a debate between Britishand Romanian students on the motion: ThisHouse Believes that Europe cannot be fullyunited until it has a common language.

The Conference was followed by a recep-tion at the British Ambassador's Residencehosted by HE Mr Quinton Quayle.

ESU Romania provided an excellent culturalprogramme on 6 and 8 October for ESUmembers attending the Conference.

Full details on the Conference will bereported in the January ESU Newsletter.

Left: Bran Castle, legendary home of CountDracula, Transylvania, Romania. At the top ofthe turret is a whistling weather-vane, knownaffectionately to the locals as Mother-in-Law’sTongue, due to the constant sound it makeswhen the wind blows.

Above: L-R Ela Nicolae (who acted as interpreter), Mary Bevan, Eric Bevan and Mariana Nicolae atthe current affairs discussion event organised by ESU Curtea de Arges Chapter.

5

Above: Lord Hunt speaking at the House of Commons Award Ceremonywhen 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 broughtthe organisation into the 21st Century with particular emphasis on gettingthe message across to the younger generation and raising the profile of the ESU internationally.

Honour Bestowed on Lord Watson at House ofCommons Dinner

when our Council meeting was held there. It was this newConstitution that created the position of a President to be electedannually.

Last year, we in the English-Speaking Union of the United Stateswere the hosts for a World Members’ Conference in New York Cityand Alan played a leading role in the planning and leadership ofthe meeting. He has also made several visits to the United States,being the keynote speaker at our National Conference in NewHaven 2000, addressing our Palm Springs Branch in 2003 andour Lexington Branch in 2005.

The English-Speaking Union has long admired Alan's great abilitiesas a speaker and advocate for the mission of the organisation. Hisskills of persuasion were finally put to the test when he tried toconvince the Dean of Westminster to allow an 85th AnniversaryService in the Abbey. “Surely one should wait and celebrate the100th” 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 congregationwith many of our overseas ESUs represented.

It has been a great pleasure to work with Alan Watson since wefirst met in Harrogate in 1996. I am very glad that he has agreedto accept the position of Chairman Emeritus of the InternationalCouncil and will therefore continue to be associated with Lord Huntand myself in the furtherance of our mission - creating globalunderstanding through English.

During my previous period as Chair of the International Councilwhen Alan Watson was Deputy Chair, there were launches inMorocco 2000, Georgia 2000, Hong Kong 2001, Thailand 2001and Latvia 2002.

During the last three years when Alan assumed the Chair, therewere launches in Lebanon 2003, Madagascar 2003, Mongolia2003, Republic of Korea 2004, Mexico 2005, Czech Republic2005 and there will be a launch in the Philippines in November.

Perhaps the most significant accomplishment of the era was thecomplete revamping of the Constitution of the InternationalCouncil, culminating in the St Petersburg Constitution of 2003

Remarks by WilliamMiller

Above: Mr William Miller, Chairman ESU of the United States addressingthe guests.

Dav

id C

avill

Above: Lord Watson relaxes with Lady Soames over Dinner attended bymembers of the Board of Governors and Presidents of ESUs worldwide representing 31 countries.

Dav

id C

avill

Dav

id C

avill

Above: L-R Margarita Mudrak, newly-elected President of the ESUInternational Council, Lord Waltson and Lady Soames applauding one of the speeches.

Dav

id C

avill

6

International Council Meeting: an Exhilarating Oc

Thirty countries were represented by 42delegates at the 2005 International CouncilMeeting which took place from 7-9September at Dartmouth House, London.

The meeting itself, which took place on 9 September, was chaired by The LordWatson of Richmond CBE. During themeeting, the new President of the ESUInternational Council was elected - MrsMargarita Mudrak, Chairman ESU Russia-St Petersburg. In addition ESUs were ratified for launch in Chile and Yemen in2006, and agreement was reached that the 2006 International Council Meetingwould take place in Lebanon.

At the end of the meeting Lord Watsonhanded over Chairmanship of the

International Council to Mr William Miller,Chairman ESU of the United States, andtook on the role of Deputy Chairman. It was also unanimously agreed by the Councilthat, since Lord Watson's term as Chairmanof the ESU of the Commonwealth comes to an end in November, and hence his termas Deputy Chairman of the InternationalCouncil, he should become ChairmanEmeritus of the ESU International Council.

The two-day Council Meeting started with a splendid reception in the courtyard atDartmouth House to honour internationalguests, and the ESU was delighted thatnine UK Branches were present, togetherwith the Board of Governors and membersof their various Committees.

On the opening day two panel discussionstook place: Communication, moderated by

Helen Green, Manager, InternationalProgrammes, and Making it Happen (spon-sorship and fundraising), moderated byValerie Mitchell, Secretary-General to theInternational Council.

The first panel included members of ESUstaff, Mary Dawson, Director of Educationand James Probert, Head of the ESUCentre for Speech and Debate, and fourinternational representatives: Alice BoyneExecutive Director/President ESU of theUnited States, Youmna Asseily, ChairmanESU Lebanon, Sir Victor Glover, PresidentESU Mauritius and Jon Dye, Chairman ESU Scotland.

Above: Delegates attending the 2005 International Council Meeting.

Above: L-R Vivian Atherton, Board Member ESUMexico, Richard Atherton, Chairman ESUMexico, Jon Dye, Chairman ESU Scotland. Above: Prince Michael Ajose, Chairman ESU

Nigeria in the courtyard at Dartmouth House.

Above: L-R Dr Gillian Bickley, Member ESUHong Kong, Michael Greig, Chairman ESUCanada, Dr Verner Bickley, Chairman ESU Hong Kong.

7

ccasion

My involvement over these last six years in the international workof the ESU has been intensive, enjoyable and very worthwhile.The first three were as the Vice Chairman of the InternationalCouncil, 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.

When I think back over these six years I recall moments of humourand delight. I have visited a great many places across the worldattending 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.

I do not wish to rehearse the reasons for this expansion except tonote that as the ESU we must meet both the opportunities andobligations that stem from the ever greater use of the English language worldwide. The rise and rise of English is powered, notby governments, but by people who use the language and, aboveall, by young people. They see English as crucial to their owncareers and self-fulfilment. They want to be part of the global vil-lage and know that this is only possible if they can use the workinglanguage of that village, English.

Looking back over these six years so many events strike me and somany memories give me pleasure. But there are five events whichcommand particular attention.

There were the terrible events of 9/11 which challenged us to domore than express solidarity and sorrow. We needed to examinethe relevance of the ESU in the post 9/11 world. Were we morethan do-gooders? Could we really contribute to global understand-ing through English in a world so divided? We decided that byconcentrating on young people worldwide, by facilitating theirdevelopment through competitions and conferences, by wideningtheir 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 wereable to agree one in St Petersburg in a hall emblazoned by the old Soviet constitution displayed in marble - a constitution whichpromised freedom but delivered none. Our new Constitution simplified and strengthened the way in which we test and endorsethe establish of new ESUs around the world and it recognized howwe have evolved from the original Anglo-American ESU founded in1917 to that of the present day.

Specifically, we showed that the ESU is now not only for the EnglishSpeaking Peoples but for all those who by using English also ownit. This we achieved by creating the office of the President of ourInternational Council, a post which cannot be filled by either some-one from the United Kingdom or the United States. Thus our firstPresident was French and our second Russian.

We have also clarified the governance role of the InternationalCouncil. We must defend the values and protect the credibility ofthe ESU's worldwide brand. What we cannot do, however, is tointervene directly in internal disputes in different countries. Wherethese sadly and very rarely occur, the Council must encourage andawait resolution.

The final event that I want specifically to mention is the celebrationof our 85th Anniversary in Westminster Abbey. Anyone who partic-ipated in that wonderful occasion would never forget it - the words,the music, the spectacle together confirming the idealism, commit-ment and global appeal of the ESU.

So what of the future? I am certain that we will continue to focuson young people and on English as their language of opportunityand understanding. We will continue to emphasise spoken Englishin debate, discussion and dialogue. We will continue to harnessinformation technology to that end.

However, I think there are further challenges. We need to reinvigo-rate and facilitate the ESU in India, the most populous country inthe world. In China we must attempt to move outwards from theUniversities to civil society and we must establish the ESU in SouthAfrica. Our role in the transatlantic dialogue between Europe andAmerica has never been more important and there is now the new,difficult and distinct challenge of bridging the gap between differentfaith communities. This is an objective dear to the heart of ourPresident, HRH Prince Philip, and it is something that we can moveforward on both in Britain through our inner-city schools outreachprogramme 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 thedifference between success and failure very succinctly: “some people find oil, some don't!”

When I was fortunate enough to become involved in the ESU, Istruck oil.

The second sessions included Katie Brock,Cultural Affairs Officer, together with Dr Pavel Mudra, Treasurer ESU CzechRepublic, Dr Verner Bickley, Chairman ESU Hong Kong, Dr Alexandru Budisteanu,Chairman ESU Romania-Bucharest, andMargarita Mudrak, Chairman ESU Russia-St Petersburg. There was a most enthusias-tic response to these discussions whichgave delegates an excellent opportunity toexchange ideas and discuss possible collaborations on projects.

All ESUs represented also gave a report oncurrent activities and their plans for thefuture.

International Council Dinner: Lord Watson’s Speech

Above: L-R Loline Reed, International LiaisonOfficer, ESU Philippines and Anna-JorunnMossige, Member ESU Norway, enjoying lunchtogether in the courtyard.

Above: L-R Margarita Mudrak, newly-electedPresident of the ESU International Council withKarineh Hakobyan, Chairman of ESU Armeniaand Lalivan Karnchanachari, Honorary Secretaryof ESU Thailand.

8

Cultural Seminar 2005: A Memorable Occasion

“I have gained so much from this seminar. It has completelychanged my view of Shakespeare. I'm not just reading it now, I live it” Aurelie RivaultFrance, Anjou

The second English-Speaking Union Shakespeare's Globe CulturalSeminar took place in August this year. The week-long event aimsto promote and encourage the performance and appreciation ofShakespeare and is specifically aimed at teachers for whom Englishis a second language. Twenty delegates from 19 countries wereselected to attend this year's event entitled: Shakespeare andProduction. The course examined Shakespeare's plays in the context of the performance space for which they were written andprovided participants with an opportunity to see the Bard’s workstruly 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 approachedteaching Shakespeare in a dynamic and exciting way. An action-packed curriculum enabled participants to learn how to designclothes for the Elizabethan stage with the Master of Clothing andProperties, express words through motion, with the Master ofMovement, and vocalise the written word with the Masters of Play and Verse.

After the performance of The Winter's Tale, which delegates viewedfrom the groundlings, they had the rare opportunity to interviewone 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 toDartmouth House for a workshop entitled: Period Music and GlobeProductions. This was followed by a dinner where she paid tributeto Patrick Spottiswoode, Director, Globe Education. A Director of theInternational Shakespeare Globe Centre Ltd since 1998, Patrick sitson the Board of the International Shakespeare Globe Centre, GlobeEducation's Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Globe'sArtistic 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 rangeof nations, the Seminar enabled participants not only to learn moreabout Shakespeare but also to experience the different cultures represented from around the globe.

Ashish Beesoondial from Mauritius remarked that it had been “anabsolutely thrilling and stimulating Seminar. It is still beyond mybelief how so much was imparted during this one week.” Heafforded a sincere note of appreciation to those who organised theprogramme “and to both the ESU and the Globe for providing thisgolden opportunity for the broadening of our horizons.”

Above: L-R Patrick Spottiswoode, Director, Globe Education, Dr MichaelMilanovic, Chief Executive Cambridge ESOL, who gave a generous donationto the Seminar, and Valerie Mitchell.

Above: James Bisgood performing during a musical workshop with Cultural Seminar delegates.

Above: Cultural Seminar delegates representing 19 countries from around the world, with ESU and Globe Education staff.

9

Marsh Biography Award Winner Announced

On the 4th October 2005 John Guy was awarded the MarshBiography 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 biennialaward, is given for the best biography written by a British authorand first published in the UK during the previous two years.Accepting the Award, John Guy remarked that he was 'thrilled anddelighted to have won the Marsh Biography Award. The competitionwas formidable, so I never expected to win. Now I hope this prizewill encourage new readers to look again at Mary Stuart's story. Ithought I knew it until I started my biography. I couldn't have beenmore wrong!'

Under the chairmanship of Dr Alastair Niven OBE, the judgingpanel of Ms Mary Dawson, Director of Education at the English-

Speaking Union and Mr Philip Ziegler CVO selected the winnerfrom an outstanding short list.

Announcing the winner of the Award, the Chairman of the judgingpanel Dr Alastair Niven OBE, said: 'It is always a privilege to beasked 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 Stuartbiographies, two biographies of poets, and a major politician oftoday writing about a Prime Minister of yesteryear: it was hard toknow 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 genuinelynew light upon her, as a result of reading new evidence and surmising in a wholly constructive way.

Down the ages Mary, Queen of Scots, has been romanticised anddemonised in equal measure, but what John Guy achieves in hisprize-winning book is a re-positioning of her that makes her far morelike the astute Elizabeth I than she has ever been perceived before.But all the biographies in this list were strong and the selection ofJohn Guy, though unanimous, was by no means unchallenged.'

The author received the Award, worth £4000, and a silver inkwelltrophy, at the Gala Dinner at the English-Speaking Union.

Publishers submitted entries for the award, and the four otherbooks on the Short List of five were Pablo Neruda: A Passion forLife by Adam Feinstein (Bloomsbury 2004), W.B Yeats: A Life, II:The Arch-Poet 1915-1939 by Roy Foster (Oxford University Press2003), Arbella by Sarah Gristwood (Transworld/Bantam Press2003) and William Pitt the Younger by William Hague(HarperCollins 2004). Previous winners have included BrendaMaddox, Anthony Sampson and Richard Holmes.

The Award is sponsored by the Marsh Christian Trust and has beenadministered by the ESU since 1999 as part of its cultural and literary programme.

Above: Dr Alastair Niven OBE, Chairman of the Judging Panel, Dr JohnGuy, Lord Watson and Aleksandra Marsh.

ESU Schools Mace Roadshow Tours the UK

As part of the ESU Centre for Speech and Debate's new partnership with theDepartment for Constitutional Affairs, HaroldRaitt, the ESU’s Debates and EducationOfficer, and five university students, AlexJust, Robert Robinson, Kirsty Russell, TomShinner and Alice Tullo, have just returned

from a two-and-a half week Roadshowteaching debating skills to new entrants tothe ESU Schools Mace, the NationalDebating Championship.

The Roadshow started in Glasgow beforeheading 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 towatch a display debate given by theRoadshow team. Pupils then worked withthe university students to learn how to construct and deliver a speech in theSchools Mace: by the end of the evening,everyone had delivered their own one-minutespeech. Harold Raitt worked with teachersto pass on coaching tips and informationabout the competition.

As a result of the Roadshow, participation inthe ESU Schools Mace has increased from450 schools last year to over 570 this year,making the ESU Schools Mace by far thebiggest schools competition in the country. More information on the Roadshow is

available at www.britishdebate.com/blog.

The tour travelled the length and breath of thecountry, from Edinburgh…

...to Plymouth.

10

Bell Centre and ESU Lebanon in Creativity Workshop ESU Lebanon, in co-operation with the Lebanese Ministry ofEducation's Centre for Research and Development, organised aweek-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 Centrefor teacher training in Beirut. A group of enthusiastic teachers fromall over the country's governmental schools had been carefullyselected on application by Mrs Abouhamad of CERD, YoumnaAsseily, Chairman ESU Lebanon and Mona Chahine, HonorarySecretary ESU Lebanon.

The workshop focused on creativity in the classroom and the

feedback speaks for itself: “I've learned new ways to help my stu-dents speak out loud in a joyful way”

“These activities challenge the student's critical thinking andenhance their abilities”

The course also provided the teachers with the opportunity to meetfor 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.

Frank Bell believed that international understanding and harmonyare promoted both through the teaching and learning of languages. It was during the Second World War, whilst he was interned in aprisoner-of-war camp, that he began teaching languages to fellow captives. Eventually, he returned to England and founded the firstBell School in Cambridge in 1955.

Today there are four Bell Centres in this country, and internationallyin Geneva, Prague and Malta, as well as joint ventures in 14 othercountries.

Each year, Frank Bell Scholarships are offered to candidates withlimited means to attend intensive courses in English language, andteaching methodology at a Bell Centre.

In August 2005, four teachers from Mongolia, Madagascar, Yemenand Sierra Leone received ESU/Frank Bell scholarships, funded bythe Bell Educational Trust, to attend the Bell School in SaffronWalden. During their stay Helen Green, Manager of ESUInternational Programmes, and Gemma McCoy, ProgrammesAdministrator, visited the scholars who all expressed how importantthe scholarship was both to their career development and to theprovision of English language training in their countries.

Frank Bell Scholarshead for SaffronWalden

Above: Front L-R Waltina Thomas N'dille from Sierra Leone, LalaRaveloarisoa from Madagascar Back L-R Helen Green, ESU InternationalProgrammes Manager, Nabeel Al Bashiry from Yemen, EnkhtuulGantogtokh from Mongolia and Gemma McCoy, ESU ProgrammesAdministrator.

“I very much enjoyed learning about the English-Speaking Unionand getting a feel for the role as volunteer. It was very usefulindeed.”

“Thank you for the session. I was especially impressed with theother volunteers.”

These are views expressed by two volunteers who, over the courseof the next year, will be giving up their time to help children learnto communicate. Many of the children are new to the UK and allhave English as an additional language.

Currently, there are 16 volunteers who have been selected to trainas 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.

Each year, the ESU hosts a Training Day at Dartmouth House toprovide the volunteers with the opportunity to meet other tutorsand to exchange ideas and tips for working in the classroom.

To mark the beginning of its seventh year, the English in Action inSchools programme hosted its annual Training Day at DartmouthHouse on September 13, when 10 new faces joined the growingteam of volunteer tutors. Alison Wheatcroft, programme director,runs the scheme in collaboration with Mary Dawson, ESU Directorof Education.

English in Action inSchools Attracts NewVolunteers

Above: Volunteers on English in Action in Schools Volunteer Training Day at Dartmouth House.

11

ObituaryProfessor H Richard DuhmeMarch 2005 marked a watershed with the passing of Dick Duhme,a man who quietly influenced so many ESU Bell Tower scholars overthe years. For me, personally, it was not only a privilege but anhonour to have known and spent many happy hours with the manwho became my American grandfather.

Dick was a true gentleman with an old-fashioned sense of courtesyand respect that is so lacking in the modern world. He lived a fulland fascinating life, and I enjoyed nothing more than whiling awaythe hours listening to the experiences that had shaped the man. From his sculpture to his war service, Dick's life had been a truly

global experience in the days before mass transit. He had known somany characters that had shaped the last century and yet he wasnever boastful. Dick quietly contemplated the influence others hadon his life and used his experiences to enrich his time here onearth. He taught me that life is not an isolated set of incidents but a tapestry to be cared for and nurtured along our journey.

A man so caring about the family who was willing always to openhis doors to new members of his ever-expanding family is a true loss to society.

Will Glover, Bell Tower Scholar 1998

The very successful ESU Nurse WorkShadow Programme started in 1997 as a result of a casual conversation betweenESU member Gill Prior and former ESUInternational Officer, Ed Bracher, whilst on an ESU visit to Bucharest.

At the time, Gill was a non-executive direc-tor for an NHS hospital in Bath, Somersetand was involved with other hospitals inthe area. Through her contacts, she wasable to arrange a 3-4 week shadow pro-gramme for fully trained nurses, Since itsinception, the ESU Nurse Work ShadowProgramme has made it possible for nursesfrom Georgia, Brazil, Latvia, Lebanon andPoland to visit the UK to improve their professional skills and English.

Now in its eighth year, the programme isproving to be very successful.

The latest arrival, Fernanda Barges fromSao Paulo Hospital, was sent by Mrs Grace

Redfern and Dr Simons of ESU Brazil andthere was great excitement at The GreatWestern Hospital, Swindon at the prospectof her visit. ESU Brighton & Hove also helpto support this nurse.

The Great Western is named as one of thetop 100 best organisations in the UK forpeople to work.

Earlier this year, we welcomed our secondNurse from the Czech Republic, TerezaKolacna, who holds two degrees in surgery. Tereza spent her allocated time at the GreatWestern in the surgical wards and theRehabilitation Unit. Her English was goodwhen she arrived but she impressed theother nurses with her use of medicalEnglish.

Gill was pleased to hear from Tereza, whocommented: “I am grateful to the ESU forthe opportunity to work with the wonderfulpeople at the Great Western Hospital,

Swindon and for all the hospitality Ireceived.”

Thanks are due to Ian Tervit, Chairman ofESU Czech Republic, for his collaborationwith this project. It is hoped that the ESUwill welcome other nurses from the MotelHospital Prague in due course.

This programme has far-reaching benefitsfor the nurses, the Branches, the use ofspoken English, and the ESU. Thanks aredue to the Great Western Hospital,Swindon for their help, organisation andgoodwill without which this programmewould not be possible.

ESU Nurse Work Shadow Programme

Above: L-R Tereza Kolacna, Czech nurse, with Head of ESU Work Shadow Programme, Gill Prior

Above: Tereza Kolacna with Gill Prior outside theGreat Western Hospital, Swindon.

ESU MerchandiseWhen visiting Dartmouth House,

why not take a moment to look at thedisplay cabinet, where you will find an exclusive range of gift items, all

featuring the ESU logo.

The items for sale are reasonably pricedstarting from just £3.50 and range fromkey fobs to an impressive assortment of

glassware, ties, and jewellery. Ask at reception for details.

Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org

Published by the English-Speaking Union, Registered Charity No. 273136 Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED Tel : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : esu@esu.org Web : www.esu.org

Produced by Accountability PR, Tel : 020 7247 0367 Design by Carbonari, Tel : 01392 215 993

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 andmembership 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

Diary Dates

ADVANCE NOTICE

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 9 November 10.30-11.30amAt Home at Dartmouth HouseMembers and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth HouseContact: Jacqueline Abbott

Thursday 10 November at 7pmLiterary Lecture at Dartmouth HouseDavid 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 signingTickets: £5 to include a glass of wineContact: Katie Brock

Sunday 13 November at 5pmESU 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 QueenElizabeth The Queen MotherTickets £15 to included reception with a glass of wineContact: Katie Brock

Tuesday 15 November at 12 noonLiterary Luncheon with Sir Christopher MeyerFormer 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 Luncheonat Dartmouth House. Copies of the book entitled DC Confidentialwill be available for purchase and signingTickets: £32 to include 2 course lunch, wine and coffeeContact: Katie Brock

Tuesday 29 November at 6.30 to 8.00 pmChristmas Mince Pies with the Fabergé FamilyJoin us for a glass of wine and hear the wonderful story of the Fabergé family - feast your eyes on Russian lacquer boxesand the fabulous Christmas goodies of the Burlington Arcade.Our host will be the Fabergés' St Petersburg Collection at 42Burlington Arcade, London W1. The Gallery will be open only forESU members who will be welcomed by the famous BurlingtonArcade Beadles at the Burlington Gardens end. Limited placesare available so early booking is essential. The event is in aid of ESU Scholarships. Tickets: £10 to include a glass of wine and mince piesContact: Jacqueline Abbott.

DECEMBER

Monday 12 December at 7 pmWriter and Broadcaster, John Julius Norwich, will present thelong-awaited Duff Cooper DiariesCopies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.Tickets £5 to include glass of wine.Contact: Katie Brock

Tuesday 13 December at 7pmESU annual Christmas Carol Concert at Dartmouth House, withseasonal music and readings. Join us for Yuletide cheer, festivefare, mulled wine, readings and carols with singers from theFinchley Chamber ChoirTickets: £15 to include mulled wine, sandwiches and mince piesContact: Katie Brock

Wednesday 14 December 10.30-11.30amAt Home at Dartmouth HouseMembers and their friends are invited to coffee at Dartmouth HouseContact: Jacqueline Abbott

Please note that Dartmouth House will be closed from Thursday 22 December 2005 and will re-open on Wednesday 4 January 2006.

Support the ESUIf 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.