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“I believe the English-Speaking Union is making a very important contribution to global peace and understanding by helping people across the world to communicate in a common language.
Quick and easy communication is vital in the resolution of conflict, and it also plays a prominent part in economic and social development.”
HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT
President of the ESU of the Commonwealth |
The English-Speaking Union was founded in June 1918, the brainchild of
Sir Evelyn Wrench, one of the most distinguished British journalists of
the first half of the twentieth century. Sir Evelyn, a remarkable
Ulsterman, had earlier founded the Royal Overseas League.
As the tragedy of the Great War neared its close, he and a group of
like-minded British and American friends wanted to cement the ties of
comradeship formed during the war between the English-speaking peoples
of the British Commonwealth and the United States.
The original aim was to promote closer ties between the
English-speaking peoples, and from the very outset it attracted the
enthusiastic support of many of the most prominent figures on both
sides of the Atlantic. By the mid-1920s, the ESU was thriving not only
in Britain and the United States, but in many of the countries of the
British Commonwealth. Sir Winston Churchill was one of the
early Chairmen of the ESU of the Commonwealth, while President Taft and
President Eisenhower both served as Chairman of the ESU of the United
States.
Since the war, and particularly in the last thirty years, the ESU has
expanded massively beyond its Anglo-American roots. Now represented in
some 50 countries around the world, the bulk of which do not have
English as their native tongue, its mission of promoting global
understanding and friendship has never been more important or relevant.
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“I know how the ESU can provide a life transforming experience. The ESU brought me to America at 18, and it was the most formative year of my life.”
Sir John Bond
Chairman of Vodafone
former Chairman of HSBC
former Governor of the ESU of the Commonwealth |
In Scotland, the ESU has had a presence since the early 1920s, when a
Branch was established in Edinburgh, with its own club rooms in South
Charlotte Street. It flourished in the years between the
wars, when one of its main activities was to offer hospitality and a
platform for visiting dignitaries from the Commonwealth and the United
States.
1927 saw the dedication of the “Call” statue in
Princes Street Gardens, erected as a tribute from Americans of Scottish
blood and sympathies to Scotland’s contribution in the Great
War. The driving force behind the subscription for this
statue was the Philadelphia Branch of the ESU, and the Edinburgh Branch
was much involved in the arrangements for the dedication ceremony.
In 1932 the Edinburgh Branch organised the first annual commemoration
service at the Call, and this has taken place every year since (with a
three year hiatus during the darkest days of the War).
In 1952, the Scottish National Committee was formed, and ESU Scotland
has ever since had its own separate legal identity and charity status.
1954 saw the launch of ESU Scotland’s inter-school debating
competition, and intensive programmes of youth, student, trade union
and professional exchanges were built up. At this time, before the
establishment of tourist boards, a major service we offered was
guidance on travel and accommodation to visitors.
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“I am myself an English-Speaking Union”
Sir Winston Churchill KG
former Chairman of the ESU of the Commonwealth |
1961 was a major landmark, with the move to our present offices in
Atholl Crescent.
These days, ESU Scotland continues to offer exchange and scholarship
programmes, led by our flagship Thyne Scholarship (endowed by a
previous Chairman); is very active in the field of speech and debating
education for young people, where our work is supported by the Scottish
Executive; runs a major creative writing competition, jointly with the
National Galleries of Scotland; teaches English as a foreign language
to growing numbers of students; and organises a lively and varied range
of activities for our members. Many of these activities are
made possible by the generosity of our sponsors and supporters,
including ASDA, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Baillie Gifford
and the Scotsman newspaper.
Finally, In 1968 and again in 1986 ESU Scotland was proud to play host
to the World Members’ Conference. We are thrilled
that we have been awarded the 2008 Conference, and plan to make this a
truly memorable occasion.
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