ESU News July 2008

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Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : [email protected] Web : www.esu.org ESU News THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION Creating global understanding through English ISSUE No. 138 JULY 2008 Tallinn Hosts Launch of ESU Estonia Contents Estonia Launch . . . . .Page 1 Philippines Win . . . . .Page 1 Estonia cont’d . . . . . .Page 2 Public Speaking cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 Schools Mace . . . . . .Page 4 Abbey School Title . .Page 4 Memorial Mace . . . . .Page 5 SSE Visits . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Arts Lecture . . . . . . .Page 6 Librarian Award . . . .Page 6 Georgia Event . . . . . .Page 6 ESU Book Award . . . .Page 6 Tribute to Lord Pym . . . . . . . . .Page 7 Leith’s News . . . . . . .Page 7 Diary Dates . . . . . . . .Page 8 (L-R) Mrs Valerie Mitchell, Secretary-General, ESU International Council, Dr Alexandru Budisteanu, President, ESU International Council and Chairman Emeritus, ESU Romania, Mr Toomas Vitsut, Chairman ESU Estonia, Lord Watson, Chairman Emeritus, ESU International Council and HE Mr Peter Carter, British Ambassador Public Speaking Win for Philippines The final of the 27th annual International Public Speaking Competition was won by Gian Karlo Dapul from the Philippines with the interestingly entitled speech Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus. Gian’s presentation, given at the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, highlighted some of the environ- mental problems facing his country. His success in claiming the International Public Speaking title endorses the truly global reach that the contest has attained since it was launched back in 1981. Recent winners have come from China, Russia and Yemen. Lord Hunt and winner Gian Karlo Dapul Continued on page 3. The ESU was launched in Tallinn, Estonia on Friday 18 April at the city’s picturesque Town Hall. The official ceremony, hosted by the Chairman of the City Council of Tallinn and Chairman of ESU Estonia, Mr Toomas Vitsut, was attended by HE Mr Peter Carter, the British Ambassador and HE Mr Noel Kilkenny, the Irish Ambassador. Twenty-three representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Latvia, Romania and three UK branches also attended. Continued on page 2.

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The final of the 27th annual International Public Speaking Competition was won by Gian Karlo Dapul from the Philippines with the interestingly entitled speech Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus. Tribute to Lord Pym . . . . . . . . .Page 7 Lord Hunt and winner Gian Karlo Dapul Public Speaking cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 Continued on page 2. Continued on page 3. ESU Book Award . . . .Page 6 Abbey School Title . .Page 4 Memorial Mace . . . . .Page 5 Librarian Award . . . .Page 6

Transcript of ESU News July 2008

Page 1: ESU News July 2008

Telephone : 020 7529 1550 Fax : 020 7495 6108 Email : [email protected] Web : www.esu.org

ESU NewsTHE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION Creating global understanding through English

ISSUE No. 138 JULY 2008

Tallinn Hosts Launch of ESU Estonia

ContentsEstonia Launch . . . . .Page 1

Philippines Win . . . . .Page 1

Estonia cont’d . . . . . .Page 2

Public Speaking cont’d . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3

Schools Mace . . . . . .Page 4

Abbey School Title . .Page 4

Memorial Mace . . . . .Page 5

SSE Visits . . . . . . . . .Page 5

Arts Lecture . . . . . . .Page 6

Librarian Award . . . .Page 6

Georgia Event . . . . . .Page 6

ESU Book Award . . . .Page 6

Tribute to Lord Pym . . . . . . . . .Page 7

Leith’s News . . . . . . .Page 7

Diary Dates . . . . . . . .Page 8

(L-R) Mrs Valerie Mitchell,Secretary-General, ESUInternational Council, Dr Alexandru Budisteanu, President, ESU InternationalCouncil and Chairman Emeritus,ESU Romania, Mr Toomas Vitsut,Chairman ESU Estonia, Lord Watson, Chairman Emeritus, ESU International Council and HE Mr Peter Carter, BritishAmbassador

Public Speaking Win for PhilippinesThe final of the 27th annualInternational Public SpeakingCompetition was won by Gian KarloDapul from the Philippines with theinterestingly entitled speech FishMucus and Foot Fungus.

Gian’s presentation, given at the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square,highlighted some of the environ-mental problems facing his country.His success in claiming theInternational Public Speaking titleendorses the truly global reach thatthe contest has attained since itwas launched back in 1981. Recent winners have come fromChina, Russia and Yemen.

Lord Hunt and winner Gian Karlo Dapul

Continued on page 3.

The ESU was launched in Tallinn, Estonia on Friday 18 April at the city’s picturesque Town Hall. The official ceremony, hosted by theChairman of the City Council of Tallinn and Chairman of ESU Estonia, Mr Toomas Vitsut, was attended by HE Mr Peter Carter, the BritishAmbassador and HE Mr Noel Kilkenny, the Irish Ambassador. Twenty-three representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Latvia,Romania and three UK branches also attended.

Continued on page 2.

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Tallinn Hosts Launch of ESU Estonia continued

Riina Altpere, Foreign Affairs Adviser, Tallinn City Council Office andmember of the ESU Estonia committee, introduced the speakers,who included HE Mr Peter Carter, Toomas Vitsut, Dr AlexandruBudisteanu, Lord Watson and Valerie Mitchell. They were followedby representatives from across the world who gave kind words ofsupport to the Chairman and the committee.

During the ceremony, Toomas Vitsut presented Valerie Mitchell with a replica of an historic, heraldic Estonian flag. This featuresthe coat of arms of Tallinn City Council and a single specimen ishoused in the office of the Council’s Chairman. It is used alongsidethe Tallinn City flag at festive events which the City CouncilChairman attends and, on special occasions, it is given to the most honoured guests.

The British Ambassador wasimmensely supportive of thelaunch and the future of theESU in Estonia. He hosted a reception at his beautifulresidence for the overseas delegation.

Delegates at the launch of ESU Estonia

A lively and diverse week opened with a seminar at the CityCouncil of Tallinn. A presentation on e-Tallinn, e-governmentexplained the use of internet technology as a platform for exchanging information, providing services and transacting with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government.

Delegates experienced the capital through a sightseeing tour on foot, a visit to the National Park Lahemaa, the oldest andlargest national park in Estonia and to the Sagadi and PalmseManor Houses, two beautiful properties in the heart of the National Park.

There was musical entertainment too with a visit to see My Fair Lady performed in Estonian and a concert by the EstonianPhilharmonic Chamber Choir, one of the most esteemed choirs in the world.

On the final day Lord Watson gave a fascinating lecture on the Rise and Rise of English at Tallinn University to an appreciativeaudience, which comprised lecturers, students and the internationaldelegation.

Lord Watson was honoured by Tallinn University with a Certificateof Thanks to mark the occasion, presented by Professor Suliko Liiv,Director, Institute of Germanic-Romance Languages and Cultures atthe University. A full copy of Lord Watson’s lecture is available onthe ESU website www.esu.org.

Our grateful thanks to Toomas Vitsut, HE Mr Peter Carter, Richard Carr and Riina Altpere, whose tireless work on the formal proceedings and cultural events enabled us to have an unforgettable experience in Estonia.

Toomas Vitsut presents Valerie Mitchell with an historical heraldic Estonian flag

Lord Watson addresses the delegates

Riina Altpere and Richard Carr, ESU Estonia with Katie Brock

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International Public Speaking Title Goes to thePhilippines continued

Later this year, Gian will return to London to receive a certificatefrom HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

The runner up was Kanyanat Piticharoen from Thailand, the prizefor Best Non-native English-Speaker was presented to Dobri Dobrevof Bulgaria and the Audience’s Choice Award went to MartinRacimo of Argentina.

New Horizons; New Frontiers was the theme for this year’s speeches and the diversity and quality of responses to this briefimpressed the judges of both the Grand Final and the heats, whichtook place in the morning at Dartmouth House.

Fifty-eight entrants from 33 different countries took part, each of whomhad already achieved success in their own national competitions.

Participants were welcomed to the Embassy by Mr RichardLeBaron, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States

of America, who congratulated the finalistson their achievement and wished themluck. Valerie Mitchell opened the proceedings and, at the conclusion of the event, Edward Gould, Deputy-Chairmanof the ESU presented each competitor witha certificate and a copy of the MacmillanEnglish Dictionary for Advanced Learners,kindly donated by Macmillan.

Judging the Grand Final were Mr Peter Kyle,Chief Executive, Shakespeare Globe Trustwho chaired the panel, Dame MaryRichardson, former Chief Executive, HSBCGlobal Education Trust and President of SOSChildren’s Villages UK and Mr Tony Byrne,Director of The Royal Academy Trust.

Participants traditionally enjoy a week of events in England and this year was no exception. Competitors had the chance to learnmore about our supporters during a tour of HSBC’s global headquarters in Canary Wharf. They also took part in a mock parliamentary debate, visited the House of Commons, and attendeda performance of The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre,which was preceded by a talk from the show’s director, RobinHerford, a former ESU scholar.

Two-thirds of the contestants went on to spend the weekend withESU members around the country. This is a highly valued part ofthe programme, and we would like to thank the host families andbranches for their generous hospitality. We would also like to thankbranches who gave financial support to the participants, those whojudged during the heats, and ESU Colchester branch memberDavid Watson who kindly filmed the final.

Special thanks are due to HSBC Global Education Trust, which supported the International Public Speaking Competition and without whom, it would not take place. The ESU would also like to thank the US Ambassador and his staff for allowing us to usethe Embassy as the venue for this year’s final.

Winner, Gian Karlo Dapul from the Philippines

Martin Racimo from Argentina, winner of the Audience Choice Award

Lord Hunt, Valerie Mitchell, Edward Gould, judges and participants

Dobri Dobrev fromBulgaria, winner ofthe Best Non-nativeEnglish-SpeakerAward

Runner up, Kanyanat Piticharoenfrom Thailand

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Schools Mace Final Goes North

On Saturday 10 May, Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture,played host to the International Final of the ESU Schools Mace, the national debating championships for Britain and Ireland.

Liverpool Town Hall served as the ideal venue to host this auspicious occasion. The Mace is now in its 51st year and is theoldest parliamentary schools’ debating competition in the world.

This year, more than 800 secondary schools participated acrossEngland, Ireland, Scotland and Wales with the champions fromeach nation facing each other in the International Final.

The first debate saw the champions from England, CheltenhamLadies College, in proposition against Dalriada School, the Irishchampions on the motion This House would allow parents to castproxy votes on behalf of their children.

Scottish champions, George Heriot’s School followed againstPencoed School, Wales on the motion This House supports policiesof positive discrimination to combat historical injustices.

Each debate was followed by a lively floor discussion in whichaudience members from the Liverpool and Merseyside branch andteam supporters all had a chance to air their views on the issuesraised by the debaters.

Of the four excellent teams there could only be one winner and thattitle was awarded to Sarah O’Neill and Michael Sinclair from

Dalriada School. Their success was particularlysignificant because it is the first time that a teamfrom Northern Ireland has won the competition.

The judges were also asked to name one speakerwho they felt was the best individual in the final.The Kenneth Harris, Best Individual SpeakerPrize, named in memory of the founder of thecompetition, was awarded to Georgina Barkerfrom George Heriot’s School.

International adjudicator and ESU Speech andDebate Squad member, Andrew Marshall chairedthe judging panel. He said: "The standard of theInternational Mace final this year was very high.Each of the teams showed why they were theirrespective national champions by demonstratingtheir formidable speaking prowess.”

David Bussey, chairman of the committee for the Centre for Speechand Debate, presented the silver mace to the winning team and, inhis concluding speech, thanked the Liverpool Schools Parliamentwho provided the venue.

The Liverpool Schools Parliament and staff members from theCentre for Speech and Debate ran a workshop for more than 100school children in Liverpool, prior to the final and we hope to continue to work together for future events.

International Mace finalists with (centre) Hilary King, Chairman and Sue Davies, Secretary,Liverpool and Merseyside branch

Champions Sarah O’Neill and Michael Sinclair with the silver mace

Abbey Takes Schools Title The Abbey School, Reading was the winner of the NationalSchools Public Speaking Competition, held in late April.

Over 400 schools from across Britain entered the competition, run annually by ESU branches around thecountry for pupils in Years 10 and 11. Nine schools wentforward to contest the final.

Mette Isaksen from the Abbey School won a prize for Best Questioner, Ross Ledsham from Jedburgh GrammarSchool was judged Best Chairperson and Katie James,from Howell’s School, the Welsh representative, won Best Speaker.

Please see Branches News for further information aboutthe contest.

The contestants in the grounds of Grey Coat Hospital School with Lord Hunt andAlexander Finnis, ESU Governor and Chairman NCEW

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Lincoln’s Inn Triumphs in Memorial Mace Contest

The world’s largest and oldest debating competition, the John Smith Memorial Mace, has been won by Usman Ahmed and Hannah Klein from The Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn,representing England.

Every year, teams compete in England, Ireland, Scotland and Walesto become national champions and ‘The Mace’ crowns the overallwinners.

More than 100 people attended the final at Dartmouth House,including representatives of the sponsors of the competition, Baillie Gifford.

This House supports increasing the use of civilian nuclear energywas debated by David Jones and Holly Tomlinson (AberystwythUniversity), Doug Cochrane and Connie Grieve (University of StAndrews), Marguerite Carter and Ross Reid (University CollegeDublin Law Society) and the eventual winners from England.

Dr James Acton, chair of the judges, a former Mace winner and arecognised expert in nuclear forensics and weapons, described theLincoln’s Inn pairing as “exemplary, demonstrating excellentresearch skills, witty rapport and intelligence.”

Usman Ahmed commented: “I feel privileged to join the ranks ofdistinguished public figures who have won the John SmithMemorial Mace in the past.” He added that he is “delighted tohave won... I finish my education this summer so it's the perfectcap to my debating career.”

Each finalist performed to a superb standard and impressed thejudges with their ability to remain effective and engaged debaterswhilst under the pressure of competing in this prestigious and well-respected competition.

The 2009 rounds of national competitions begin in the new academic year. Further information will be available fromwww.britishdebate.com. This website also carries a list of former winners of the national and international competitions.

Alternatively, information can be obtained directly from the ESUCentre for Speech and Debate by emailing [email protected]

Winners Hannah Klein and Usman Ahmed with Baillie Gifford sponsorsKen Barker (left) and Richard Barry

School Visits Prepare for New Arrivals

In late August, 15 American high school graduates will arrive in theUK to spend a year at a British boarding school as part of theSecondary Schools Exchange scholarship.

In preparation for their arrival the Education department has beenvisiting some of the host schools.

Katherine Plummer, Education Programmes Manager, visited CliftonCollege, Cheltenham College and Caterham School in Surrey.

The purpose of the visits is to see the current scholars and to meet with staff to discuss the impact of the programme at theirschools. The visits also serve to strengthen the links between theESU and participating schools and help the ESU staff gain agreater understanding of the schools’ ethos which can only improve the SSE scholarship in the future.

At Cheltenham College Katherine had the chance to chat with the current scholar, James Garrido, and to hear what a busy andexciting time he has been having in the UK.

The Education Department is grateful to all the schools for arranging such worthwhile visits and in making the SSEProgramme such a success. It is especially pleased to be able to welcome Caterham to its first year as an SSE host school.

Caterham School, Surrey is the latest SSE host school

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.

ESU Merchandise

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Travelling Librarian 2008The winner of the 2008 Travelling LibrarianAward hails from a rather more unusualprofessional environment than some of ourprevious winners.

Sybilla Parkhill is a librarian at HMPBronzefield, a contracted prison accommo-dating remand and convicted women prisoners. She was selected for the awardfollowing interviews held in May and willuse her bursary to travel to the UnitedStates to investigate the role of libraries in the US penal system in the autumn.

The English-Speaking Union ispleased to invite entries for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh ESU EnglishLanguage Book Award 2008 and forthe ESU President’s Award 2008.

The ESU annual awards celebrateinnovation and good practice in thefield of the English language andEnglish language teaching.

The widely respected HRH The Dukeof Edinburgh English Language BookAward was founded in the 1970s torecognise the book published in theprevious year that has contributedmost to the understanding of theEnglish language. The award is presented to a single work selected onthe basis of originality and substanceby a select panel of widely respectedjudges.

The ESU President’s Award was inaugurated in 2003 and is presentedfor innovation and good design in theuse of technology for the teaching,learning and advancement of Englishas a first, second or foreign language.

Entries published from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 are eligible andmust be submitted by 12 noon,Monday 21 July 2008.

For further information please contact [email protected]

Entries Invitedfor Book Award

Literary Lecture with Vernon Ellis

In April, Vernon Ellis gave a lecture on Funding of the performingarts – reflections on public and private funding at DartmouthHouse.

Vernon Ellis is Chairman of English National Opera, the ClassicalOpera Company and the Sacconi Quartet Trust and a trustee of the Royal College of Music and several other music organisations. He isalso a significant patron of the arts.

His lecture explored arts funding – a prevalent topic in the news.Most attention has been on the recent Arts Council funding cuts to a number of performing arts organisations but the Departmentfor Culture, Media and Sport has also published the results of the Brian McMaster review – Supporting Excellence in the Arts, which signals new approaches to the appraisal of arts organisations.

Ellis underscored the importance of private funding and its increasing role in supporting the arts. He also outlined the downsides, explaining the uncertainty of corporate sponsorship and how private patronage is often from a limited base.

Mrs Anne Skeggs, Chairman ESU Music Committee presided,George Isserlis, Vice President, ESU Cultural Affairs sub-Committeegave the Vote of Thanks and Lord Watson also gave a few words of support.

Victory Day in Georgia

Inhabitants of Tbilisi got a taste of Englandsuch as they had never experienced beforewhen ESU Georgia flew the British flag atGeorgia’s Victory Day celebrations on 9 May.

Two Chelsea Pensioners, resplendent intheir famous scarlet coats and medals,

were among those who joined the Georgian Prime Minister, MrVladimir Gurgenidze and otherGovernment ministers at the celebration event. Hosted inTbilisi’s British Garden (whichbelongs to ESU Georgia andICCBR, an Anglo-Georgian CulturalCentre), the festivities attractedlocal TV crews, keen to film thewar service veterans and conduct interviews with the ministerial delegation.

ESU Georgia is very thankful toMs Sally White, a great friend ofGeorgia for her support of theevent. It was also delighted to

have present young members of ESUGeorgia, Ms Sopho Gorgodze, the 2002winner of the ESU International PublicSpeaking Competition and Alex Chiaureliwho also participated in the finals inLondon.

(L-R) Anne Skeggs, Vernon Ellis, Lord Watson and George Isserlis

Mr Vladimir Gurgenidze, Prime Minister of Georgia (left)and Marina Tsitsishvili, Chairman of ESU Georgia (right)with guests at the event

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Lord Pym of Sandy

The ESU was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Francis Pym. Lord Pymheld many important Offices of State. He was appointed by Margaret Thatcheras Foreign Secretary following Argentina'sinvasion of the Falklands in 1982.

In 1987, when he was created a LifePeer, Francis Pym quickly moved to givetremendous support to the ESU. Hespoke at the Branches Conference in1987 and became Chairman of the

Board of Governors in 1988, the year ofour 70th birthday. He did, however, takeover the chair at a time when the ESUwas facing some important financial challenges and, in particular, the needurgently to renovate Dartmouth House.He led the appeal for funding for thatvital project and established more scholarship programmes.

His many other responsibilities never prevented him from attending receptions,conferences, launches and literary lunches, and all were strongly supportedby his wife, Valerie, in his constant efforts to promote the ESU.

Lord Pym's high political profile did muchto strengthen the credibility of the ESUand brought the US Ambassador, HenryCatto to the Branches Conference andforeign dignitaries to other events.

The then Director-General, David Hickssuggested that, “not the least of ourassets is a strong and wise Chairman,Francis Pym, whose influence gotPresident Reagan to give this year’sChurchill lecture and so enhanced ourstanding considerably.”

Other political figures that he brought in to add influence to the ESU lectureprogramme included Virginia Bottomley,Paul Boateng and Casper Weinberger.

In an interview prior to his departure asChairman in 1992, Lord Pym suggestedthat the ESU’s role was in working withparallel organisations like the BritishCouncil overseas, and through developingprogrammes at home, to support themaintenance of the highest standards inthe use of the English language.

Under his chairmanship, preliminarywork was completed on establishingdebating competitions in schools and universities and he encouraged the ESUto help build bridges with EasternEuropean countries.

Francis Pym was a high profile politicianwith a human touch and a popularChairman, who will be missed by manyin all walks of life. Archive photographsshow him taking an active part in all ESU activities, shaking hands with anAmerican President, sharing the platformwith Jerry Hall and a joke with PrincePhilip, and taking tea with an elderlymember whom he had invited to tell him about the ESU’s early days in the1920s.

A Memorial Service was held in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster on 16 June.

Obituary

Leith’s Summer at Dartmouth HouseDartmouth House, the home of the English-Speaking Union is anelegant mansion house set in the heart of London’s Mayfair, providing the perfect setting for a summer party.

The beautiful Courtyard with the adjoining Revelstoke Room makesan ideal location to enjoy the long summer evenings. Alternatively,The Revelstoke, Courtyard, Long and Small Drawing Rooms andChurchill Room are available as a whole house hire.

Food and beverages are provided by Leith’s and we can offer asmuch or as little assistance as you need for music, entertainment,flowers, table set-ups, acts and, of course, catering.

Choose between our Cocktail, Bowl Food, BBQ Style, BritishSummer and Mexican Summer Packages, which are pricedbetween £54.00 and £85.00 + VAT per person for a minimum of60 people. We can also provide a bespoke quote depending onyour requirements.

For further information on our summer party packages, menus and availability, please contact Nicholas da Costa, Events Executive on 0207 529 1578 or email [email protected]

Leith's at Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5ED.The Courtyard at Dartmouth House

Page 8: ESU News July 2008

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.

Diary DatesDARTMOUTH HOUSE Telephone : 020 7529 1550

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 : [email protected] Web : www.esu.org

Design by Carbonari, Tel : 01392 215 993

ADVANCE NOTICE

JULY

Tuesday 8 July 3.30 – 5.00 pmHouse of Lords Tea Party. Lord Hunt will receive guests on theTerrace of the House of Lords. This event is now fully booked.Contact: Gillian Parker

Wednesday 9 July 10.30 – 11.30 amESU members are invited to a coffee morning at DartmouthHouse. This is an opportunity to meet old and new membersand to introduce friends to the ESU’s international headquarters.Contact: Annette Fisher

Friday 25 JulyBranches ConferenceThe conference will be held at Dartmouth House, followed by areception and dinner at The Royal Over-Seas League.Contact: Meriel Talbot

Wednesday 30 July at 7 pmLiterary lecture with Tim Heald on his recent book PrincessMargaret: A Life Unravelled. An elegant and sophisticated biography of Princess Margaret, the controversial sister ofElizabeth II. Tim Heald is a biographer, crime writer and journalist. He was chosen by Prince Philip to be his biographer on his 70th birthday.Tickets: £8 to include a glass of wineCopies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.Contact: Gillian Parker

SEPTEMBER

Tuesday 2 SeptemberLiterary lecture with academic, journalist and author JohnLaughland, on the subject of international war crimes tribunalsand the prosecution of heads of state. Tickets: Free of charge.Names must be submitted for the guest list. A cash bar will be available. Contact: Gillian Parker

Monday 8 September & Monday 27 October at 6 pmAn expert panel of political pundits will address the prospects forthe US Presidential Elections at a joint meeting of the Pilgrimsand the English-Speaking Union, to be held at DartmouthHouse. The panel includes Stryker McGuire, formerly LondonBureau Chief of Newsweek magazine and current Editor of theLondon-based International Quarterly and others who have allcovered Presidential elections in the past. Tickets: £25. Guests welcome. For those who wish to stay onat Dartmouth House following the reception, a dinner will beavailable for an additional £40.00 each.Contact: Tessa Wells, tel: 01622 606404, email: [email protected]

15 – 18 SeptemberESU World Members’ ConferenceThere is still time to register for the World Members’ Conferencein Edinburgh. We are delighted to announce that HRH PrincePhilip The Duke of Edinburgh will be attending. The conferencetheme is Creating an ESU for the modern world and guestspeakers include: Sir Christopher Meyer, The Rt Hon LordRobertson of Port Ellen, Sir Richard Dearlove, Professor David

Crystal, Sir John Bond and Sir Bob Worcester.A full and exciting programme of pre- and post-conference tours has been laid on. The conference website www.esu-world2008.org gives full details.The delegate fee is £330.

Tuesday 16 September at 7 pmEmily Ballew Neff, Curator, American Painting and Sculpture atthe Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on John Singleton Copley(1738-1815): Painter of American Revolutionaries and theEnglish Aristocracy.Tickets: £7.50 to include a glass of wine Contact: Gillian Parker

Wednesday 8 October at 12.30 pmLiterary luncheon at Dartmouth House. The guest of honour will be Mrs Maria Tuttle, the wife of the present Ambassador to the Court of St James’s for the United States of America, on her recently published book, Winfield House. In this handsome book, James Mortimer's glorious photographs and Maria Tuttle’s text reveal every aspect of the elegant house and garden and its role as a tool of modern public diplomacy.Tickets: £30 to include a two-course lunch with wine.Contact: Gillian Parker

Wednesday 15 October 12.30 for 1.00 pmFormer minister and Governor of Gibraltar, Lord Luce gives a sensitive insight into his life with his book Ringing the Changes: A Memoir. The book covers the tumultuous period covering the deaths of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, as well as the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. Lord Luce will present his book at a literary luncheon at Dartmouth House. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.Tickets: £30 for a two-course lunch and a glass of wine Contact: Gillian Parker

1 – 3 November The Future of EnglishesAn international conference held in Belgrade, Serbia to mark the 90th anniversary of the English-Speaking Union entitled The Future of Englishes, organised by ESU Serbia, the first ESU to be launched in Eastern Europe in 1991. Professor David Crystal will be keynote speaker and the conference will include a cultural programme.The delegate fee is £300. For more information or to make a booking, please contact Branka Panic, ESU Sebia, Strahinjica Bana 63, 11000 Belgrade, tel/fax: +381 11 3287300, email: [email protected]

Monday 24 November at 6.30 pmGala Concert at Goldsmiths’ Hall. The cellist Steven Isserlis is generously giving a recital in aid of the ESU Music ScholarshipFund, to celebrate the 100th birthday year of the founder Belinda Norman-Butler and the 90th anniversary of the ESU. This will be a superb evening of music. Tickets: £60 each or £100 for two.Contact: Gillian Parker