COMMUNICATING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE SPRING/SUMMER 2019

The big debate What happened when author Frank Cottrell Boyce joined 150 Doncaster primary school students for the day

Broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy on how the ESU Schools’ Mace kick-started his career

The A-Z of Dartmouth House

Breaking Down Barriers with Debate Academy

The winners of the inaugural International Oracy Teacher Award WILL YOU HELP WELCOME US REACH MORE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN? A message from our Chairman Primary schools can now sign up for Discover Debating for Upper KS2 pupils. Last year 1,770 children benefitted THANK YOU from the programme, generating on average a 60 per cent improvement in speaking and listening (oracy) skills. We want more young people, especially those in schools with high levels of deprivation, to experience ’d like to start this message with these two simple, With your help, we are changing this. Last year how debating can help them thrive academically, yet much-underused, words. Thank you. As our we reached over one million young people in more professionally and personally. centenary draws to a close, I want to thank each than 50 countries around the world, and students in and every member of the ESU for all you do to around 500 UK schools benefitted from our oracy OVER 90 PER CENT DISCOUNT FOR supportI our charitable work. For the time, expertise programmes. By 2022 we aim to have established QUALIFYING STATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS and professionalism you give in organising, running sustainable cultures of debate in 2,000 UK schools Primary schools can now sign up for the 2019-20 and judging our competitions such as Performing with high levels of disadvantaged students, while also academic year. The full price for independent and Shakespeare and the Public Speaking Competition. increasing our reach around the globe. These are For the financial support you give us ambitious targets and we need to state schools with low levels of pupils on Free School through your membership fees. rely on members, both existing and Meals (FSM) is £1,500+VAT. We have a substantial And for the intellectual and ‘BY 2022 WE AIM TO new, to help us achieve this. Many discount for schools with high levels of Free School emotional encouragement you HAVE ESTABLISHED of you have already made generous Meals (FSM) – but places are limited. give us, knowing that you share SUSTAINABLE donations to support this work and our belief in the transformative we are grateful for whatever you can Three things you can do to help: power of oral communication CULTURES OF DEBATE spare. We realise too however, that and cultural understanding. IN 2,000 UK SCHOOLS you, our members and volunteers, • Email the advert at esu.org/news-and-views/ When Sir Evelyn Wrench founded WITH HIGH LEVELS need focused and appropriate help-us-reach-more-primary-school-children/ to the ESU in 1918, it was primarily a OF DISADVANTAGED support from governors and staff schools in your area or to teachers and headteachers union of friendship among speakers STUDENTS’ and this is something we will you already know of English in the hope that better also address, with a dedicated mutual understanding could help to fundraising function and a • Consider printing the promotion and asking your bring about world peace. This belief still stands revitalised membership offering. To this end, I’m local library to put it on their notice boards ‘I’ve really seen the change in the children I’ve worked strong today. International communication and delighted to invite you all to our 4th July party (see page • Spread the word at all your branch events understanding remain at the heart of what we do, 7), an opportunity to celebrate all we have achieved in with. Children who have but so too we have noted the need for greater this century, and to share our hopes and dreams for THANK YOU! understanding within our own increasingly diverse the next. And, most importantly, to say thank you. benefited from oracy training and increasingly polarised communities. Likewise, have a better structure to we have noted the disparity in provision of oracy (listening and speaking) education in the private express themselves and and state sectors, the unfortunate effect of which is explain their answers.’ that those who most need to make themselves heard are often the least able to do so. THE RT HON. THE LORD BOATENG, CHAIRMAN LIEZEL JACOBS, TEACHER, UK Registered Charity 273136 BROADWATER PRIMARY SCHOOL, TOOTING 2 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 3 CONTENTS Events 7 Make a date in your diary for these exciting ESU events GENERAL ENQUIRIES Fiona Robinson A to Z of Dartmouth House 22 020 7529 1550 • [email protected] From the Robert Adam fireplace to marvellous murals, find out DIRECTOR-GENERAL’S OFFICE Kay Dacey, Executive Assistant what to look for on your 12 020 7529 1561 • [email protected] next visit to the house CULTURAL EXCHANGE EDUCATION & INTERNATIONAL News 31 Gavin Illsley, Head of Debating Programmes 16 Breaking down barriers 020 7529 1568 • [email protected] Including the winners of the How Debate Academy helps young Amanda Moorghen, Head of Impact & Resources Public Speaking Competition people broaden their horizons 020 7529 1565 • [email protected] and the Schools’ Mace 2019 ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT 18 ESUs around the world Juliette Young, Director of ESU St Petersburg and the new Engagement & Development 020 7529 1585 • [email protected] International Oracy Teacher Award Alex Bailey, Head of Membership & Stakeholder Liaison ESU PEOPLE & BRANCHES 020 7529 1586 • [email protected] 21 Helen Peel, Head of Philanthropy Giving for good 020 7529 1580 • [email protected] ESU alumnus Roderick Chamberlain on why he has left a gift to the ESU in his will MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES DARTMOUTH Shikha Battershill, Membership & HOUSE 8 30 Spotlight on... Alumni Relations Officer 020 7529 1571 • [email protected] Barbara Crellin, Public Speaking

ORACY & DEBATE Co-ordinator for the North West VENUE HIRE ENQUIRIES Regional Final CH&CO at Dartmouth House Education news 8 020 7529 1554 • [email protected] Frank Cottrell Boyce at The Big 34 Branch news HOLD YOUR EVENT AT DARTMOUTH HOUSE Debate, plus the latest from some FINANCE The latest news from around Tim Morris, Director of Finance of our education programmes the ESU’s branch network 020 7529 1569 • [email protected] Dartmouth House, home of educational programmes, so by holding an event at Victoria Kobus, Finance Manager Alumni stories 12 charity the English-Speaking Union, is an Dartmouth House, you are helping ensure that 42 Who’s who 020 7529 1581 • [email protected] Channel 4 News presenter and Say hello to some of our members and staff Dialogue is published by the elegant mansion set in the heart of London’s all children, regardless of their background ESU Schools’ Mace winner, English-Speaking Union, Dartmouth House, Krishnan Guru-Murthy 37 Charles Street, London, W1J 5ED Mayfair. With its stunning classical interiors, or education, have the speaking and listening www.esu.org original features and a beautiful marble skills and cross-cultural understanding they Word up 15 Twitter: @theESU courtyard, the house is the perfect venue 26 Facebook: The English-Speaking Union need to thrive. The lowdown on the latest for elegant private dinners and drinks books, talks and events to note Consultant Editor: Natasha Goodfellow The house can accommodate groups of Design: zed creative www.zedcreative.co.uk receptions, as well as conferences, This house believes 26 Art Director: Lee Penton board meetings, seminars and lectures. 10 people, up to 450 for a standing reception. The UK government should Art Editors: Stuart Mabbett declare a climate emergency Account Managers: Matthew Jenns, Maria Parker Every effort is made to ensure that information ESU members receive discounts on hire To find out more, speak to our events in Dialogue is accurate and correct. However, Listening for change 28 the English-Speaking Union accepts no charges and over 30 per cent of proceeds go team on 020 7529 1554 or email How one man’s ability to responsibility for inaccuracies or any listen is changing minds in consequences arising from them. Any views to the English-Speaking Union’s education [email protected] expressed in editorial are not necessarily the most unlikely places those of the English-Speaking Union.

4 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 @DartmouthHouse dartmouthhousemayfair Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 5 CONTRIBUTORS ESU EVENTS

The English-Speaking Union encourages people to listen, think and to speak up and make their voices heard. We asked some DIARY of our contributors which issues they would like to change DATES What would you speak out about? Take a look at just some of The courtyard at Dartmouth House the exciting ESU events coming up in the next few DEBATE CLUB months. You’ll find more at Monday, 15 July, from 6pm esu.org/events. We hope to Join us in the bar for happy hour, before Doddington Hall see you at one of them! watching two teams of debaters in action from 7pm. Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, KRISHNAN BOBETTE FATIMA ROGER ESU SUMMER ESU HOUSE OF LORDS London W1J 5ED GURU-MURTHY BUSTER CONTEH TILBURY DRINKS RECEPTION AFTERNOON TEA Members: £5; non-members: £7.50. ‘If there was one thing ‘I’ve always cherished ‘I’d like to speak ‘Who will want to Thursday, 4 July, 6.30pm Friday, 12 July, 3.30-5pm To book please email [email protected] I would speak out this wisdom: “Never out about poverty. stand for public office We would like to invite all members Afternoon tea in the Cholmondeley to join us at Dartmouth House on Room and the Terrace of the House SOUTH WALES SUMMER about and change, underestimate the five- I think in Britain we when the consequence Independence Day for a celebration of Lords (below). Enjoy a classic British GARDEN PARTY it would be political minute conversation tend to assume that is a torrent of threats of our centenary year; to usher in the menu of sandwiches, cakes and tea Thursday, 25 July, 5.30-8pm engagement. with a 16-year-old.” it doesn’t affect us, and abuse through next 100 years; and, most importantly, hosted by our Chairman, the Rt. Hon. the Join the South Wales branch for I would like to say But I would carry that it’s an issue for social media? Without to thank you for your vital support. Lord Boateng of Aykem & Wembley. ‘canapés, capers and camaraderie’ in Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, Cholmondeley Room, the stunning setting of Fonmon Castle. to people that politics it further: “Never developing countries, effective regulation it London W1J 5ED House of Lords, Parliament Square, Fonmon Castle, Fonmon, Barry, really does matter. underestimate the but it’s all around us. will be true that we £20 to cover the cost of food and London SW1A 0PW Vale of Glamorgan CF62 3ZN Debate matters and five-minute If we can get people get the government we drink. To book please email £65. To book please email £16. To book please email persuading people of conversation with out of poverty, we can deserve. In fostering [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] what you think, give them a chance to the skills of oracy the anyone, when you SUMMER OF SCULPTURE listening to what they listen.” Being heard educate themselves ESU stresses listening Tuesday, 6 August, 6pm think and meeting generates a sense of in the way they want and argument based The Lincoln branch invites all ESU somewhere along the astonishment, and and to have a better on evidence, not mere members to tour the garden sculptures line is what democracy quality of life.’ opinion, sound bites or and stableyard galleries. ultimately creates Doddington Hall, Doddington, is all about.’ common ground. This interpersonal Lincoln LN6 4RU point-scoring.’ £10. To book please email is what the world needs, Fatima is a secondary school student and has participated [email protected] Krishnan is a journalist, now more than ever.’ in Debate Academy three broadcaster and presenter of times. She tells us about Channel 4 News. His triumph at Roger is a Devon & Exeter branch THANKSGIVING DINNER the difference it has made member and a former ESU the ESU Schools’ Mace in 1984 Wednesday, 27 November Bobette is an author and to her on page 17. was a pivotal event in his life, as governor. He took part in this Professor of Storytelling at Save the date for our Thanksgiving you can read on page 12. issue’s debate, arguing against the Northeastern University in motion that ‘This house believes dinner; more details to follow. Boston, America. You can read an that the UK government should Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, excerpt from her latest book, Do declare a climate emergency’, Listen, on page 28. as you can read on page 26. London W1J 5ED

6 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 7 EDUCATION NEWS

From left: Doncaster primary school students at our Big Debate Day; author Frank Cottrell Boyce addresses the children; debating workshops in action

At our recent Big Debate Day for primary school children in Doncaster, we caught up with our special guest, acclaimed children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce, to ‘ To hear why he feels we need to spend more time teaching listen speaking and listening speak graciously tolerantly and to – these are world-changing skills’ t’s the day after the centenary Cottrell Boyce – acclaimed children’s then he goes on to tell the story of have to be taught and cherished.’ is that of the pitch – the art of The benefits, he feels, are substantial, of Armistice Day. One hundred author, screenwriter and the man who Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s driver Frank counts himself lucky to verbally ‘selling’ your idea. But this is and go far beyond mere presentation and fifty primary school scripted the opening ceremony for who didn’t listen to directions, took a have grown up during an age where something that Frank, like so many of skills. ‘Speaking is a fantastic tool children from some of the most the 2012 London Olympics – speak, wrong turn and presented 19-year-old ‘there was a lot of public reading’. us, was certainly not taught at school. for thinking with,’ he says. ‘When deprived areas of Doncaster not, as you might expect, about the Gavrilo Princip with the opportunity ‘Jackanory was on television,’ he ‘Were we encouraged to speak? No. you have to explain something to are assembled in the brand new importance of writing, but about the to assassinate his target, thus says. ‘It was very normal for teachers The whole emphasis was on being someone, you find yourself out,’ he INational College for High Speed importance of listening. triggering World War One. to read a book to the class. That quiet and writing things down and says.‘You realise where the gaps in your Rail just outside the city centre. ‘Bad things happen when people ‘I really believe that we put far act of sitting in a group of people I do see that now as a lack. reasoning or knowledge are.’ Through the glass is the aqua and don’t listen,’ Frank tells the room in too much emphasis on reading and and listening to something is really ‘Even at quite high levels, I see As a writer who frequently goes yellow Donnystar, a Eurostar power his soft Liverpool accent. At first it writing in schools and nowhere near formative I think.’ people who are so unused to talking into schools to read his work, he cab some of the children have already seems funny, as he relates the story enough on speaking and listening,’ His professional life as a writer has it becomes a trauma,’ he continues. is alarmed at the very low levels of had the chance to explore. But this of his mother buying his daughter he says when we catch up later called on this skill a great deal. ‘Film ‘It’s time-wasting and damaging and speaking and listening he comes is not the reason they are here. They a frozen cake rather than the Frozen on. ‘We are living in an age where in particular is very international,’ it’s a skill we’re just not teaching.’ across. ‘I see children in Reception are here to see a debate by six Year doll he’d said she wanted. It still children’s recreational time is spent he says. ‘You’ll have meetings with and Year 1 who can barely talk; who 6 Discover Debating students from seems fairly amusing when he goes listening only to people they agree French people or American people barely know their own names,’ he Arbourthorne Community Primary on to describe the time he mistakenly with and shouting at those they and you have to listen hard and think ‘Speaking is a says. ‘It’s not just in schools that

School in Sheffield, and to learn boarded a flight to Los Angeles don’t. To listen tolerantly and to Flannery Shaun Photography Goodfellow Natasha what are they really saying?’ fantastic tool for speaking is undervalued, it’s in some of these skills for themselves. instead of Paris, thereby missing speak graciously – these are world- Of course, the other key skill in a homes. I think we’re in the midst

And they are here to hear Frank his daughter’s school assembly. But changing skills. These are skills that Words writer’s armoury, aside from writing, thinking with’ of a national oracy crisis.’

8 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 9 EDUCATION NEWS From top: A workshop in full swing; Mehdi, one of the speakers from Arbourthorne Community Primary School in Sheffield KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE Education LATEST ESU AWARDS, PROGRAMMES, EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND UPDATES FROM NEWS OUR EDUCATION TEAM… A growing culture The ESU’s Oracy Culture Award celebrates schools creating a sustainable culture of oracy across their curricula and in the wider community. We are delighted to announce this year’s winners are King Edward VI School, Morpeth (secondary) and Llanedeyrn Primary School (primary) which is working to ensure oracy underpins all learning in the school. Arbourthorne Community His fear is that by not teaching ultimately, is how we learn. ‘I always Primary School in Sheffield; Ansford Academy, Somerset, and St. Peter’s, children how to speak, we are ceding like to encourage contributions when York, were all also highly commended by the judges. ‘We’re thrilled to get the the stage to those who are already I’m reading,’ says Frank. ‘But often the award,’ says Bev Knuckey, Deputy Head of Llandedeyrn (pictured, right). ‘It’s an comfortable with the sound of their teacher will shush them. The cradle acknowledgement of the value of the work we’ve been doing, and will help us own voices. ‘That’s dangerous isn’t of civilisation after all is the agora, the to share our practice with other schools.’ it?’ he says, ‘because it means that forum, it’s a place for people to talk the floor is dominated by attention- and discuss different ideas. seeking extroverts. We need to tool ‘The truth is you can’t understand up the people who don’t have a anything unless you know something psychotic craving for attention to about its opposite, and that’s what’s ABOUT THE DAY On a high! speak up and make their points.’ great about debate,’ he continues. ‘No Held in Doncaster, a In April we recorded our highest number of student beneficiaries Even more frighteningly perhaps, matter how good you are at talking, government-designated of our Discover Your Voice workshops in recent history – well over by not encouraging children to listen you’ll never persuade anyone unless Opportunity Area, The 900! The full- or half- day workshops are bespoke, often acting as an and to ask questions we are failing you understand where they’re coming Big Debate Day is just one introduction to debating or public speaking, or allowing students to to engage their curiosity which, from, unless you listen to them.’ example of how we work sharpen up their skills ahead of competitions. Our thanks go to the to reach children in the branches who sponsor schools enabling them to take part, for example most disadvantaged areas. Lincoln & Lincolnshire, which recently sponsored De Aston School, and WHAT THE STUDENTS SAID... WHAT THE TEACHERS SAID... Over 150 students from six Epping & Essex, which sponsored The James Hornsby School. schools attended, all with at ‘Debating has boosted my ‘I have been really impressed least 30 per cent of students confidence of speaking in front by the workshops today. A few on Free School Meals and of an audience. I used to be children who are normally one with 54 per cent of Oracy in the news really shy and it’s helped me quiet in class have all joined students speaking English Oracy has been making headlines as language,’ he said. Damian Hinds, come out of my shell.’ in and participated well.’ as an additional language recently, with two government ministers Education Secretary is also keen to Maddison Woollen, Neil Harris, Assistant Head (EAL). Contributions from calling separately for more attention to encourage more children to get involved Arbourthorne Community Primary school of Castle Hills Primary School membership fees and be paid to speaking and listening skills, with public speaking and debating, donations – as well as both in and out of school. Speaking at alongside other skills including sport, ‘I liked discussing whaling. It ‘I hope the kids today leave support from our partner a conference organised by Parents & arts and crafts and volunteering, which he made me think why would people with a better understanding The Week Junior – made Teachers for Excellence, Nick Gibb, believes are vital in helping young people do that? Out of all the fish in the that they don’t have to shout the day possible and, as a Minister of State at the Department for develop into fully-rounded adults. He said ocean to eat you choose a whale? or fight to be heard – they’ll result, we are delighted that Education, called for more debate about that these skills combined ‘will stretch I think it’s not acceptable.’ all be heard.’ three of the schools have how oracy can be used to support the and challenge and will help young people Calvin Holt, Mick O’Hara, Social, Emotional and Mental signed up for our Discover delivery of a knowledge-rich curriculum. think, develop and grow and … enhance Hatfield Crookesbroom Primary Academy Health Manager at Park Primary School Debating programme. ‘Oracy helps sharpen thought as well their self-esteem and their confidence’.

10 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 11 ALUMNI STORIES

‘If I hadn’t done the Schools’ Mace competition, I wouldn’t be presenting Channel 4 News now’

KRISHNAN GURU-MURTHY, JOURNALIST & BROADCASTER

hannel 4 News presenter Krishnan eminent judges such as Lord Hailsham. Guru-Murthy considers himself to It raised our sense of what was possible in have the best job in the world. ‘I’ve our lives. And if you do well in a competition spent 30 years going to the most it makes you realise that anything is possible.’ Camazing places, meeting my idols: musicians, By the time Krishnan was 15 he had not actors, directors, activists, politicians,’ he says, only won the ESU Schools’ Mace debating his glee obvious. ‘And it wouldn’t have competition, he had achieved the ultimate in happened without debating. There’s no point terms of cachet, among his fellow students at pretending that debating is cool, but it leads least – he had been on television. ‘I think the you to places that are incredibly cool.’ kids who’d thought debating wasn’t for them Krishnan’s journey started back at school were probably kicking themselves,’ he laughs. when he harboured dreams of becoming a ‘Doing the Schools’ Mace competition lead to politician. ‘Debating society was just the my whole career.’ first step,’ he says. Though he admits it was That TV appearance – grilling politicians perceived as ‘a little bit square’ he found he as an audience member for BBC2’s Open to enjoyed not only the topics discussed but Question – soon led to him being taken on as THE ESU SCHOOLS’ MACE the sense of competition and the cachet presenter, aged just 18. He worked full-time that came with it. for a year before university and enjoyed it so The ESU Schools’ Mace is the oldest ‘Quite often, it’s only the football or rugby much he changed his degree from medicine and largest teams who get to go out and meet kids from to politics, much to his parents’ consternation, annual debating other schools,’ he says. ‘But debating is and then kept working part-time, presenting competition for another form of competition, and it really Asian current affairs programmes East and secondary school broadened my horizons. We debated in some Network East. ‘After two years my tutors said, students in

Natasha Goodfellow Goodfellow Natasha England. For more very grand settings, against kids from much “Enough – you’ve got to stop or you’re going details, see esu. posher schools than ours, and in front of to fail your degree”. And so, I resigned from

Words Words Hopkinson Charlie Photography org/schools-mace

Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 13 ALUMNI STORIES EVENTS AND BOOKS WORD UP The lowdown on the latest books, talks, podcasts and events to note in the coming months…

BOOKS You are If Only they Not Human didn’t Speak Simon Lancaster, English Biteback Publishing, Jon Sopel, BBC Books, £12.99 £9.99 ‘I think teaching children As a speechwriter, Simon Lancaster The ESU was set up to everything I was doing. But (Dialogue, Autumn 2017) is well aware promote good communication – then, a couple of weeks before to stand up and say what of the power of metaphors, dubbing and better understanding – between the beginning of my third year, they believe in life is them ‘the nuclear bombs’ of all the English-Speaking peoples of the the BBC asked me to take over vital to democracy’ communication. Though our world. This book, by the BBC’s North the children’s news programme conversation is ‘littered’ with them (we America Editor Jon Sopel, illustrates Newsround. They said I could use metaphors six times every minute) that, if we are to collaborate, this is still EVENTS just work during my holidays, they pass so unnoticed that few of us as necessary as ever, despite our Ian McKellen on Stage and then come full-time when too pompous, if people don’t learn to do are aware of their influencing effects. shared language. Looking at issues as To celebrate his 80th birthday Sir Ian I’d finished university. And so that’s what I did.’ this, we could find all the things we take This fascinating read makes these complex as US gun laws, patriotism McKellen – as well known for his many Stints on Newsnight and BBC News 24 for granted – all our freedoms – eroded and abundantly clear; exploring what and Trump’s victory in the first ‘no- Shakespearean roles as his portrayal of followed, before Krishnan joined Channel 4 it will be too late to do anything about it.’ happens when words begin to control truth’ election, he paints an insightful Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings films News in 1998. ‘Debating is about learning ‘My advice to any young person who thinks our thoughts and actions. picture of why America – is undertaking an 80-date tour of the to look at facts, to construct an argument debating is a bit square, or that the debate today is the way it is. UK. The show includes anecdotes and and argue it, and that has been really good society is talking about stuff that isn’t relevant How to Own performances, and proceeds from each practice for what I do now,’ he says. ‘When to you, is to join in and change the motions. the Room When they go show go towards the host theatre. I’m interviewing, I have to attack from a Suggest what is relevant and debate that and Viv Groksop, Bantam Low, We go High Until 15 September; position and then maybe swap positions get people to do what you want. That is what Books, £12.99 Philip Collins, ianonstage.co.uk because I want to keep my interviewee debating is about – persuasion.’ Acknowledging that 4th Estate, £9.99 guessing. I must always think myself into the This matter brings another note of concern almost all the books about public ‘Words need to inspire because An audience with Simon Reeve other side. Debating was the perfect training to Krishnan’s voice however. As someone speaking have been written by men, disenchantment with politics fosters If there’s anyone who knows about ground and I’ve no doubt that if I hadn’t done who has covered politics for decades now, about men and for men; journalist the illusion that there is an alternative.’ cultural understanding it’s travel the Schools’ Mace Competition, I wouldn’t he is worried about the level of political and stand-up comedian Viv Groksop’s So writes Philip Collins, former chief reporter Simon Reeve. His acclaimed be presenting Channel 4 News now.’ engagement in this country. ‘A lot of people SUPPORT OUR WORK new title is aimed squarely at women. speechwriter to Prime Minister Tony TV series (20 so far) have taken him to Your donations help us Krishnan also credits debate with boosting think that politics isn’t for them, and they are Analysing speeches by women Blair, in this book, a passionate more than 120 countries and spanned ensure many more young including Michelle Obama, J.K. defence of the power of public adventures from hunting with the his confidence and his sense that his thoughts taking entrenched positions and aren’t really people have the speaking mattered just as much as anybody else’s, open to being persuaded any more,’ he says. and listening skills and Rowling and Oprah Winfrey, she speaking. Through analysis of 25 of Bushmen of the Kalahari to being something he worries is now not common ‘The facts don’t seem to matter as much as the cross-cultural both helps readers to identify their the greatest speeches ever given he detained for spying by the KGB, as enough. ‘I think teaching children to stand they used to. To change your mind when you understanding they need strengths and build on them, and considers how speeches can shape this, his first-ever theatre tour, reveals. up and say what they believe in life is vital listen to powerful arguments is a good thing, to thrive. Please visit esu. encourages them to get out there our world, from defining nations to Dates from October; to democracy and, without wishing to sound and needs to be encouraged.’ org/support-our-work and make themselves heard. ensuring the people are heard. ticketmaster.co.uk

14 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 15 CULTURAL EXCHANGE CULTURAL EXCHANGE

MUNA: ‘We hoped the children would gain three ‘I’ve enjoyed getting ‘Young people need to BREAK I things: one, a better mastery of the English people to know who be given the opportunity N language; two, broader general knowledge; and we are as Palestinians’ to discuss world affairs’ three, an expanded capacity for critical thinking. Helena Wolthas, 15, from Bethlehem, Fatima Conteh, 17, from Newcastle. G Of course, an opportunity like this is not cheap, Palestine. Attending Debate Attending Debate Academy for the DOWN and our costs are higher than they might be Academy for the first time third time because of our political situation. From ‘I think the things I’ve enjoyed most about the week are ‘Debate Academy is just amazing, both socially, and Bethlehem, we cannot hop on a plane and fly to first, meeting so many people and second, getting them because of the skills you learn here. It’s definitely helped London. With a very few exceptions, Palestinians to know who we are as Palestinians. You don’t find me build my resilience, perseverance and self-discipline. BARRIERS are not allowed to travel via the airport in Tel Palestinians everywhere and sometimes people think It’s also given me the ability to be confident with the way I Aviv, so we must travel by bus for five or six hours that we’re something we’re not. They stereotype us compose myself, the way I speak and interact with people, Each year Debate Academy helps broaden to Jordan, and fly from there, where the cost when we’re all humans, me just like you. I also think it’s and in the way I look at and develop arguments and the horizons of dozens of young people of the plane ticket is double. But thanks to the important for girls to learn how to debate as, in many understand what is going on. I feel like that is crucial in from across the UK and the world. We hear English-Speaking Union and the philosophy of communities, women’s voices aren’t heard. I’ve learnt order to become the best version of myself. Coming here philanthropy of the British people, the students how to approach problems and to express my opinion in has allowed me to be confident enough to stand for from some of them – and their teachers – received scholarships enabling them to come and a calm way. We can talk here in class, and then in future Newcastle Youth Council, and to start my own politics about the difference it makes for this, we can never ever be thankful enough.’ we can use these skills at university and in society.’ society at school. Young people need to be given the DAISY: ‘The children have changed drastically opportunity to discuss world affairs. We’re the decision Daisy Giacaman (below left) and Muna Kattan over the five days. When we landed, they were makers of tomorrow.’ (right) are debating teachers at the College des screaming, now they have seen how quiet and MUNA: ‘Back home, we live in a very, very Frères, Bethlehem, Palestine. They accompanied polite people are here, they whisper. When we traditional society where the parents, 12 of their students to Debate Academy arrived here, the 12 of them moved around grandparents, uncles are all around you 24 hours ‘I’ve learnt how to better engage DAISY: ‘We’re always looking for opportunities as a pack, but now they have gained so much a day. Being here has allowed the children to for our students to get quality education confidence they have integrated completely, take a big step towards independence, towards with the audience and how to through debating, so when we heard about it’s been amazing to see. They have flowered.’ responsibility. The way that they are taught here deliver messages more effectively’ Debate Academy and the chance it presented to has created a shift, too. At home, our curriculum Ahmad Nawaz, 17, from Birmingham. Attending bring them to the UK, the home of debate, and is based on knowing things by heart, whereas Debate Academy for the second time to learn a new culture, we were really excited.’ here it’s all about critical thinking, so their ‘In 2014, the Taliban attacked my school in personalities come to shine. They’ve discussed Peshawar, Pakistan. I lost my brother and subjects that are completely taboo in our 132 friends. I was shot in the arm and flown schools, and realised that there are two points to the UK for surgery. While I was in of view, at least, for any given subject. This will hospital, I started wondering why would help them not only on a personal level. They are anyone attack a school? I realised the going back to a country that is in need of such terrorists were trying to stop us from people, people who will, eventually, sign a peace educating ourselves so that we would take on their ideologies. I agreement. We come from a culture that is decided then to work towards ensuring that people in deprived areas rooted in heavy politics, we don’t really have get their education. I also want to encourage young people to speak the chance to explore other ways of expressing out about what we think is wrong in society, so we can change it. ourselves. The debate academies throughout ‘I now do a lot of public speaking and Debate Academy has the world give students that chance.’ helped me to engage with the audience, to deliver messages more DAISY: ‘If we want to achieve a peaceful reality then effectively and it’s given me a lot more self-confidence. The people we need to equip the younger generation with here at Debate Academy all have the ability to express themselves. these skills, to teach them, through debate and I want them to realise that young people have a platform in the UK conversation, to listen to each other and to which is not the case in every other country. I want them to realise

Natasha Goodfellow Natasha by Interviews imagine themselves in each other’s shoes.’ that if they use this platform and speak out, they will be heard.’

16 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 17 CULTURAL EXCHANGE ESU CULTURAL EXCHANGE ST PETERSBURG FACTFILE

FOUNDED 1998

FOUNDER & CHAIR Margarita Mudrak PRESIDENT Mushrooms are considered Smiling has different Liudmila Verbitskaya, a delicacy and consumed in cultural connotations in ESU President and any number of ways: with Russia than in the West. ST PETERSBURG Professor, potatoes; pickled; or salted Russians tend only to smile at St Petersburg As ESU St Petersburg prepares with onions and sour cream. those they know, or to whom State University Many Russians also go they have truly positive to host the International Council MEMBERS mushroom-hunting − in feelings. It is considered Meeting later this year, we c. 300 summer Moscow newsstands odd to smile at strangers, catch up with its founder and sell the necessary maps for example. chair, Margarita Mudrak for novices.

or as long as she can remember, ‘It’s our aim for the ESU to Margarita Mudrak has been play a leading role in people’s involved with English. When diplomacy and intercultural St Basil’s Cathedral came sheF was a six-year-old child in communications,’ says A riot of marble, mosaic, close to demolition in the stained glass and murals, Vladivostok, her mother decided Margarita. ‘Our events From top: Participants of the Shakespeare 1930s, when it was removed Moscow’s underground Margarita and her sister should learn provide possibilities to interact Drama Festival 2018; judges and participants of from the heritage register. system is considered by many the St.Petersburg final of the Public Speaking the language. A private tutor was and break down barriers and Architect and conservationist Competition at the Legislative Assembly 2017 to be the world’s most duly found – no small feat in 1954 prejudices,’ she says. Pyotr Baranovsky beautiful. Over 40 of the – and Margarita’s education began. These events comprise international 10 universities participated. Winners remonstrated, and was sent to stations are listed as cultural Six years later, by then living in cultural exchanges, professional and from the school competitions are the Gulag for his objections. heritage sites. Leningrad (as it was then known), business partnerships, conferences given master classes by the ESU to Margarita continued her English and teacher training courses for help polish their speeches before the studies at the International Friendship English language teachers in the city, final at the Legislative Assembly. The Club and remembers the British alongside educational and cultural winner then represents Russia at the schoolchildren who would visit the programmes to help young people International Public Speaking Fascinating facts about the country Russia is the largest country city on former military naval ships, improve their English. Competition in London. ‘Participation Beer was not considered in the world, occupying 10 alcoholic until 2012. In a hosting our International where she and her friends were invited Such programmes run the gamut in this programme helps our young country where vodka (‘little Council Meeting this September per cent of all land on Earth. on board. Many years on, now a from charitable English language people to understand that they can It borders three oceans (the water’) is the national drink, qualified English teacher and member classes at a city orphanage to the play a meaningful role in their own Arctic, Atlantic and the Pacific) ale and other drinks with an of the Association for International annual Shakespeare Drama Festival, country and in the global community,’ and spans 11 time zones. Cooperation, she was part of the in which 15-20 schools take part, and says Margarita. ‘Even if they don’t alcohol content of under founding team of the English-Speaking the Public Speaking Competition, now win, participation in the competition 10 per cent were previously st considered foodstuffs. Union in the city, which also included in its 21 year. Last year, about 500 is a memorable and beneficial Russians love a cuppa as Ice-swimming is a popular the St. Petersburg State University, the students from around 25 schools and experience for them.’ much as the English do. sport, particularly on the Russian State Pedagogical University Imports from its neighbour, night of 19 January, when Russia is home to the and The State Electrotechnical BOOK NOW TO VISIT ST PETERSBURG WITH THE ESU! China, began via camel Russian Orthodox Christians majority of the world’s University. Other key supporters All ESU members are invited to the English-Speaking Union International Council caravan in the 17th century. celebrate the festival of Siberian tigers. Only about included the then ESU Director- Meeting (ICM), 25-29 September 2019 in St Petersburg, Russia. The trip will include Although 75 per cent This has given rise to a blend Epiphany. Cross-shaped holes 500 remain in total, 95 General Valerie Mitchell; Michael visits to the Hermitage, the Mariinsky Theatre, and other cultural destinations. of Russian territory is known as ‘Russian Caravan’ are cut into the ice and the per cent of them in Russia’s Bird, the British Council Director in The cost is £495 and includes transfers, meals and excursions (but not flights). The located in Asia, only 22 inspired by the smoky flavour swimmers plunge in, clad only Far East, particularly Saint-Petersburg; Baroness Elizabeth final deadline for registration is30 June. For more information please contact Kay per cent of the population imparted to the leaves by the in swimming costumes (and within the Sikhote-Alin Smith; and Lord George Robertson. Dacey, Executive Assistant, [email protected] or telephone +44 207 529 1561. live in these parts. traders’ campfires en route. the occasional bobble hat). Biosphere Reserve.

18 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 19 INTERNATIONAL EVELYN WRENCH SOCIETY

with native English speakers, unless there Excellence in Oracy are American Peace Corps volunteers. Students know the functional language, GIVING FOR GOOD Our new International Oracy Teacher Award recognises but it is difficult for them to express ESU alumnus and Honorary Treasurer Roderick Chamberlain tells us excellence and outreach in oracy teaching around the world. their opinions with confidence. why he has left a gift to the ESU in his will, and why he hopes you will too Our first winner and runner-up tell us what it means to them What approaches do you use to teach oracy? How do you hope it helps your students? My students’ favourite exercises ots of people say ‘the ESU changed be opportunities to express our gratitude, HOW LEGACIES I think it makes other experiences less are balloon debates and fish bowl my life’; my line is that it made my to update Evelyn Wrench Society members LIVE ON scary. Once you’ve given a five-minute discussions and I like to incorporate life. In 1963, aged just 17, I won on the difference their gift will make, and 2003 speech after only 15 minutes’ prep, role plays and theatre and stage a BASS (now SSE) scholarship for all to stay in touch with old friends. Joyce Rolfe other things become less daunting. I performances such as Romeo and toL Harvard School in North Hollywood, The amount left to us is less important than legacy – now think it helps young women in Juliet. I also run a public speaking California. I was gauche, pimply, clever and the act of giving, not only because what you funding Discover particular, who may otherwise become and debating after-school club to unathletic, but they took me as I was and, leave is more valuable than you might think Debating and quieter as school progresses. help students practice their skills. in so many ways, life, as opposed to learning, when added to the gifts of others; but because other educational started there. your support strengthens the answer to the programmes What difference has the award made? How do you hope it helps your students? I love thinking up new ideas for fundraising standard question put by grant-making trusts 1970 It seems as if all of my pupils saw the These activities help students to gain and, as the ESU’s centenary approached, two and other outside funders: ‘What do your Charles Lionel news story online and, since most of oracy and other skills necessary for things struck me. First, we needed something members and alumni do to help?’ Lindemann them asked me what ‘oracy’ meant, today’s fast-developing world. which would bind together the whole ESU I feel I owe it to the ESU to do this. We are legacy – funding the main difference it made is that family, keep people involved and provide all members, beneficiaries and supporters of the Lindemann it provided lots of good learning What difference has the award made? a different and perhaps easier ask for the a brilliant institution that did great work in scientific Robbie McDonald, history and opportunities about the value of oracy! The award was well recognised in my fundraising question in order to help us risk- its first century and is evolving to do equally Fellowships debate teacher – Broxburn Academy, country and the British Ambassador proof the ESU’s future. Second, I realised that, great work in its second. I believe that leaving 1948 West Lothian Maia Tkemaladze, English teacher in Georgia, Mr. McKenzie Smith, 100 years on, we have instituted nothing that a legacy is a relatively straightforward way of – Sachkhere Public School, Georgia Westbury Preston Tell us about the challenges facing called me a ‘true Georgian hero’ on bears the name of our founder Evelyn Wrench. recognising your fondness for, your affinity legacy – now the students at your school. Tell us about the challenges facing Twitter. Along with other recognition, So why not put the two together and set up a with, your belief in and maybe even your funding financial I find that many young people simply the students at your school. this has given me encouragement and society, dedicated to the name we all revere, duty to the ESU, and I would ask all members support for SSE lack the confidence to develop their Children in villages and small towns are a greater sense of responsibility to do to honour legators to his cause? and alumni to join me. students oracy skills. Talking to a group can be isolated and have no communication more for my students. My vision is that, over time, it a scary experience and the pressure will become a routine expectation of feeling judged can be extremely that every member and every Join the Evelyn Wrench Society off-putting. alumnus/na should remember us Members who kindly choose to leave a gift in their wills to whatever extent in their wills to the ESU will become part APPLY NOW! What approaches do you use and in whatever way they can. of the Evelyn Wrench Society and will be If you are a teacher (outside invited to annual events so we can show our to teach oracy and why? Their legacies will continually England and Wales) or know of gratitude. To let us know your intentions, I teach oracy in three main ways: build up an endowment fund anyone who might like to apply please contact [email protected] in the classroom, at a club, and at for the International Oracy whose income will support our or call 020 7529 1580. competitive training, and I try to offer Teacher Award 2019, please visit educational programmes – as many opportunities as possible esu.org/awards/international- remember the ESU has no history in the hope that the more they do, oracy-teacher-award/ or tradition of general fundraising for this. the more their confidence will grow. Donors who are content to be named can I’ve found focusing on topics relevant be thanked in appropriate publications; all will to the young people in front of me be invited to the annual lunch or tea parties we tends to be the most successful. intend to hold once funds permit. These will

20 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 21 MEMBER BENEFITS

The Bar Dungeons & dragons This room, clad in French mid- There are no dungeons at eighteenth-century panelling was Dartmouth House, but there are once the morning room. It has since dragons of sorts – at the base of TO been a library, a cards room and the the rococo balustrade of the grand ESU’s travel bureau. staircase, which took a father-and- son-team two years to make.

AZ Robert Adam fireplace Call the maid! OF The jewel in the crown of Dartmouth House, The staff of Dartmouth House in 1900 the fine, classically inspired Robert Adam numbered at least 48 people, including fireplace in the Long Drawing Room began four chefs, ten maids and three hall boys. DARTMOUTH life at Derby House, Grosvenor Square. You can still spot one of the original The original watercolours can be seen at bells used to summon staff in the Long HOUSE Sir John Soane’s Museum. Drawing Room. Home to a Robert Adam fireplace and once a shelter from Zeppelin air raids, Dartmouth House holds plenty Evelyn Wrench Edward Reginald of surprises. Here are some alphabetical points memorial Frampton of interest to illuminate your next visit ‘What others have Frampton (1870-1923) was dreamed, he has done’. influenced by the Pre- Guiding lights Words Natasha Goodfellow Pictures Roger Harris and Andrea Liu So reads the memorial Raphaelites, as can be Above the fireplace in the rear to Sir Evelyn Wrench, seen in his charming Love entrance hall hangs the plaque bearing who founded the and the West Wind in the the names of all our presidents and hat is now known as Revelstoke’s bankruptcy) drew English-Speaking Union Long Drawing Room. It chairmen, including Lord Balfour Dartmouth House is the works to a sharp halt. in 1918. Find it on the was last on public display (President, 1918-1930) and Winston actually two houses: The next owner, conservative wall in the courtyard. at the RA in 1921. Churchill (Chairman, 1921-1925). nos.W 37 and 38 Charles Street. politician Lord Dartmouth, made Both were built in around 1755, further embellishments, creating when Berkeley Square was the Long and Small Drawing the haunt of thieves and the Rooms on the first floor and Tybourne brook was described inscribing his name on the porch. Imposing entrance Just a little bit wrong as ‘a common sewer’. The English-Speaking Union Hospital stay When 37 & 38 Charles Next time you visit, take a The two buildings were bought Dartmouth House in After the outbreak of war in Street were combined to closer look at the panelling combined between 1890 and 1926, and Clough Williams Ellis 1914, Lord Dartmouth and his form Baron Revelstoke’s in the front hall. A copy of 1891 by banker Edward Baring, (of Portmeirion fame), was brought family moved to the country magnificent home, they the original wood panelling Baron Revelstoke, who wanted a in to transform what was by then and the house was used as a needed an entrance to match. to the rear, unfortunately home equal to his vast collection a somewhat outmoded house into military hospital. Wall coverings The central Doric porch a damaged section was of French antique furniture and the organisation’s headquarters and fireplaces were sealed up (with its polished granite chosen from which to make art. The Barings Bank crisis of and a ‘home from home’ for its and the Small Drawing Room columns reputedly from St the master, so each panel is the 1890s (which led to Lord growing membership. was known as St George’s Ward. Petersburg) was the answer. missing a moulding.

22 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 23 MEMBER BENEFITS MEMBER BENEFITS © Andrea Liu

Knobs & knockers Lights, camera, action! Marble & murals Nocturnal animals Out the back These fine lion’s heads The historic surroundings Dartmouth House’s marble Look up at the staircase The elegant mews house can be found on the have appeared in many courtyard is a draw, but there ceiling to spot a flutter created by Baron Revelstoke doors of the Churchill hit TV programmes and is lots more marble about the of bats; while in the was once the stables and Room. This room, and films including The Crown, place, too, not least in the Wedgwood room coach house. In World War Precious stones the drawing rooms Sherlock, Mr Selfridge and elaborate full-height staircase you’ll find three owls II it became the workrooms, No rubies or emeralds, sadly, adjacent, host the heats House of Cards, with over hall. The painted ceiling is by carved into the mace – from which US donations of but the fine Italian fireplace in and finals for some of 30 per cent of proceeds Pierre Victor Galland (1822-1892) decorative staffs given clothes, blankets and medical the Revelstoke room is inlaid our speech and debate going towards funding our who was also responsible for the to the winners of our goods were distributed. with lapis lazuli, the source of competitions. educational programmes. panels in the Wedgwood Room. debating competitions. Today it houses our offices. ultramarine pigment.

The Queen Revelstoke Room Tea with the troops US connections A portrait of HM Today a drawing room for members, By 1942 the house had Not only did ESU US the Queen and this features portraits of Evelyn Wrench Stucco become a ‘home from members contribute much Prince Philip hangs and his friend and colleague, American Turn your eyes skywards home’ to visiting service to the war relief effort, they in the staircase hall diplomat Walter Hines Page, after whom and you’ll find plenty of personnel, providing one donated money for the because both are one of our scholarships is named. elaborate stuccowork, of the busiest information original fit-out of the house. former presidents of particularly in the Long bureaux in London. VIP At its opening, it had 38 the ESU. HRH the and Small Drawing Rooms visitors included Eleanor bedrooms for members, 26 Princess Royal is our and in the Churchill Roosevelt who took tea with their own bathroom and Did you know? current president. Room, seen here. with American troops here. all with their own telephone. As a member of the English-Speaking Union, you are welcome to visit Dartmouth House, to Very fine design THE HOUSE lunch with us, to meet Dartmouth House was described in You! friends or simply to relax IS OPEN! The Illustrated London News in 1970 Our members who come here – to work, On Sunday, 22 in our beautiful rooms as ‘by far the grandest building in X marks the spot meet friends, dine or to attend events September Dartmouth or courtyard. Members Charles Street’. It is Grade II*-listed It would be disappointing if a house of this age – are what gives Dartmouth House its House will open its doors also receive discounts and is included in Simon Jenkins’ didn’t have some secret passageways. Can you special atmosphere. Thanks to you we are to the public to explore on hire charges for England’s Thousand Best Houses. spot the concealed hinges in the rear hallway? able to continue and expand our work, its interiors as part of function bookings, and ensuring more young people have the Open House London. over 30 per cent of speaking and listening skills and cross- This follows last year’s proceeds go towards cultural understanding they need to thrive. successful opening during funding our educational Wedding Bells Zeppelin raids which over 400 people programmes. The house The ESU’s hospitality programme The house escaped the raids visited. Why not tell your is open to members from during World War II led to many of World War One, but it is friends, or bring them 9am to 6.30pm Monday marriages. Today, the house is reported that, during the attacks along for a free tour? Visit to Friday. For more a popular location for weddings (while the house was a Red Cross esu.org/open-house- details, please call – indeed, last year it was twice hospital), officers’ beds were london for more details or 020 7529 1550. awarded ‘best wedding venue’. Members moved to the space under the to book your tour. receive a discount on hire charges. stairs for protection.

24 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 25 DEBATE DEBATE

This house believes... Bill of Rights. Enforcement is through the High Court which may make any order it considers appropriate. Be careful what you wish for! The UK Even so, issuing a declaration does not mean it would be observed. When confronted with a problem which government seems too enormous to contemplate, most people’s reaction is denial. As Al Gore has pointed out, there is nothing so difficult as trying to get someone should declare to understand something when their salary depends on them not understanding it. And we will find a climate that difficult so long as society projects the idea that a high-energy lifestyle is a badge of success. Swiss researchers identified the most emergency pervasive and enduring form of denial as the belief in the quick managerial fix – in particular, that the white knight IN FAVOUR of technology will come riding to the James Scruby is an ESU governor rescue without any need for serious and founder of environmental behavioural change. But the problem consultancy Envirocapital is far more complex than that. A climate emergency is developing; that and residential sectors, in that order, but there is a lack of personal and R&D incentives, government research emergency. The proposition claims We are fortunate to live in a is undeniable. Global greenhouse gas are the highest emitters. Reducing regulatory commitment. support and financial incentives for that the emergency is undeniable representative, liberal democracy emissions (GGEs) are still increasing by transport emissions will mean a major What impact can the UK have? We technology development could even but fails to show that a ‘declaration’ with freedom under the law. about 15 per cent per annum. To shift from personal transport to public only emit about one per cent of global create an economic success story out will make one jot of difference. Just Declarations of emergency need limit global warming to 1.5ºC, GGEs transport systems, especially in cities. GGEs, compared to China’s 30 per cent. of an emergency. But time is running labelling a situation as an emergency enforcement but world history shows need to fall by two per cent per year If you live in a city get rid of your car; Based on GGEs per capita, we are not out, we must act! achieves nothing. that, where those in power have not until 2030 and keep falling thereafter. use public transport and cycle. even in the top 50 countries, rather on The only official way for a taken the trouble to ensure genuine, India and China are within the A large increase in the electrification a similar level to China but with a far government to ‘declare’ an emergency positive, popular support, they are emission targets they agreed in of transport is also essential (and will higher standard of living; and this is one AGAINST in this country is under the Civil a first step towards loss of freedom Cancun. The USA and EU28, among also significantly boost air quality of the key issues. How can we expect Roger Tilbury, Devon & Contingencies Act. This is intended and perversion of the law. others, are not. We are the laggards in cities). Linked to this, renewable China to reduce its GGEs without being Exeter branch member for emergency response planning In the end, the solution lies in the and we need to catch up fast. energy generation must increase prepared to make sacrifices ourselves? and former ESU governor in situations of war and terrorism, hearts and minds of people, not in Even if targets are met, global dramatically, focused on onshore Especially as a proportion of our own First I have to disappoint any climate though there is a section in that hollow declarations. We need to warming is expected to cause severe and offshore wind, nuclear power emission reductions so far have been change deniers among you. I agree context which applies to scale up what we already know and droughts that may affect 130 million and solar PV. The government would achieved by displacing industrial with the description of the challenges contamination of the air, water or land salute those who are doing just that. people, who will seek to leave badly also need to champion other crucial activity to higher-emission countries facing us and accept the view of a and destruction of animals and plants.

affected regions for cooler regions and effective methods: retrofitting like China and India. huge majority of scientists who tell Its powers are draconian. A Minister HAVE YOUR SAY like Northern Europe. heat efficiency to existing housing, Technology holds the key to sharper us that climate change is a reality. of the Crown can make regulations We’d love to hear your opinion – please What action needs to be taken in expansion of heat pumps for heat GGE reduction, for example in energy But this motion is not about the which override any laws except the email [email protected] or tweet a climate emergency? In the UK, the generation, etc. The technology storage. The UK is well placed to reality of climate change. It is about Human Rights Act 1998. Unprotected @theesu and we’ll feature a selection transport, energy supply, industry already exists to get back on track develop these technologies. Targeted the declaration of a climate are the Habeas Corpus Act and the of responses in the next issue.

26 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 27 A FIVE-MINUTE ORACY LISTENING PRACTICE Can you find five minutes to give to t’s December 2017. Billy Snuffer – someone – perhaps Members of the NAACP (National the Imperial Wizard of the Rebel someone you know you Association for the Advancement of Brigade Knights (aka the Ku Klux should listen to more, or Coloured People) have derided Davis Klan) – stands with other Klansmen someone who simply for associating with any member of the at a courthouse in Charlottesville, needs your time and KKK. But Davis sees this as his life focus? Simply listen to Virginia. They are attending the trial of one mission. Davis believes that to make the other person without of theirI colleagues charged with shooting a change happen, ‘you have to find some judging, or reacting gun during the infamous Unite the Right visibly or audibly. brotherhood.’ At the courthouse that rally, at which protestor Heather Heyer was See what happens… day, Davis appealed to the judge to killed by a charging car. Angry protestors consider sending the Klansman on trial shout down the Klansmen as they attempt to the National Museum of African to enter the courthouse. Into this melée walks 59-year-old American History and Culture in Washington, DC, in Daryl Davis, a blues musician and descendant of African the way that courts mandate education for first-time slaves. As protestors scream vitriol from the sidelines, offenders. Davis sat in the courtroom alongside Snuffer Davis shakes Snuffer’s hand, saying, ‘What’s going on, for two hours. His hope was that Snuffer would man, how’re you doing?’ remember that Davis was decent that day. The Imperial Daryl Davis has made it his life’s work to befriend Wizard witnessed a black man stand up for him against Klansmen. Many times, he is the first black person they angry protestors. have ever spoken to. This journey began for him when he When Davis got home that night, his phone rang. was a ten-year-old boy, facing racism in Belmont, a suburb Billy Snuffer asked him if he made it home all right. of Boston. Even then he wondered, ‘How can they hate As Davis organised his room full of hanging robes given me? They don’t even know me.’ to him by Klansmen he had befriended, he reflected on He began to seek out Klan members. He has been his conversations with Snuffer, and the potential there attacked and kicked. His modus operandi? Mostly he was that, in listening, he might change someone’s heart just listens – even as they spew hatred. He listens, and mind: ‘And so it begins.’ thinks, and then responds, and he has been doing so for The story of such a man as Daryl Davis heartens me. more than 30 years. By all accounts, he is an ordinary citizen. For more than At Davis’s home, there are dozens of KKK robes hanging 30 years, he has taken his own free time to seek out his on his walls like museum artefacts. They have been given to enemy and simply try to reach out to him, by listening. him by the many Klansmen who he has inspired to leave What an extraordinary thing to do. And, yet, what else the group. All he did, he says modestly, was to try to reach can we do in a democracy but agree to disagree? To try a middle ground. He looks around at all the robes, arranging and find a way to ‘get on, by getting along’. Surely, this the opulent cowls and belts, and, of course, the hoods, saying, is how democracies have risen to such heights of ‘They’re done. They’re done. As a result of meeting me and progress for the common good. I take heart in what having these conversations. Not overnight, but over time.’ historian and activist Howard Zinn said in his book Walking alongside Billy Snuffer at the Charlottesville A People’s History of the United States: courthouse, Davis knew all too well that they made an ‘…Listening takes time. You must pause, take a moment, unlikely couple. This was their second meeting. Davis and offer yourself to another person, with your full was trying to find some common ground. They discussed attention. Honestly, sometimes this can feel like a drag. the Klan, Nazis, and hate, and Davis got Snuffer to Maybe their issue will inconvenience you. Maybe they’re admit that the Unite the Right rally was confused, in emotional pain. But there will not about the removal of a Confederate be times when listening will be the most ‘To make change Bobette Buster tells us how one man’s ability to listen is changing general’s statue but ‘all about starting a important thing you will ever do.’ race war.’ Snuffer agreed, ‘You’re exactly happen, you minds and establishing common ground in the most unlikely places right.’ As Davis listened, he was ever FIND OUT MORE mindful of the KKK’s history of have to find some This is an edited extract of Do Listen by Bobette lynching, raping and terrorising. brotherhood’ Buster (Do Book Company; thedobook.co)

28 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 29 MEMBERS THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS Spotlight on... NEWS FROM THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

WINNERS PATRICK AND JAMES WITH From tiny acorns… BARBARA CRELLIN GUEST JUDGE THE RT HON. THE LORD Tim Parritt, who spent a year on an Public Speaking Co-ordinator for the North West Regional Final BLUNKETT AND ESU GOVERNOR SSE exchange at St Andrew’s School BARBARA FIRTH in Middletown, Delaware, has used discretionary funds from his When retired English and drama teacher Barbara Crellin joined the mid-Cheshire branch employer, The Oak Foundation, to of the ESU in 2011, little did she know that it would one day lead to work in Sao Paolo kindly donate £6,000 to the ESU’s Discover Debating programme. arbara Crellin is not afraid final when the incumbent retired. there – a feeder for the ESU’s IPSC,’ ‘I attended an alumni event last year of a challenge. After retiring ‘Certain times of the year are busy,’ Barbara explains. ‘She suggested that where I learnt about the ESU’s new Bfrom her job as a teacher of says Barbara, ‘but the committee perhaps they would prefer to have emphasis on oracy skills and what English and drama, one of the first works as a team and it gives me a me instead, since I was visiting and they represent for less privileged things she did was to sign up for wonderful sense of how brilliant had experience of this sort of thing.’ Mace goes to Mersey children,’ says Tim. ‘It seems an a stint teaching in Siem Reap, young people are. Despite all the The organisers were delighted and so The team from St Francis Xavier’s respect someone else’s point of appropriate and timely deepening Cambodia. ‘We taught a roomful chaos going on around us, young Barbara found herself judging. Then, College, a state school in Liverpool, view and I think these young of the ESU’s original philosophy.’ Tim of 14-20 year olds in a floating people are still managing to do these on her next visit, she was invited to has been named the winner of the people did that very well and likes the fact that Discover Debating classroom on the lake,’ she says. fantastic things and I love that.’ run a workshop for teachers of English-Speaking Union Schools’ deserve every commendation. I’d is still relatively young, and how it ‘Even though their English was very With the support of her branch, public speaking in Brazil. ‘I’d been Mace 2019. Patrick and James beat like to encourage more people to uses mentors in schools to support limited, they were desperate to learn Barbara is keen to attract more told to expect around 12, but nearly over 270 other schools, including take part in debating and the teachers. ‘Even quite a limited as they knew it would mean jobs, state schools to the competition. 40 turned up. The competition starts 11 other regional finalists, to first Schools’ Mace. Now more than ever, contribution will expand the number or entry into college.’ To this end, the branch offers a prize at age eight in Brazil, with nearly place. In the grand final, held at we need people who are able to of schools and children impacted in The transformational power of at six local primary schools for the 2,000 children registering for it in Dartmouth House and watched by listen to each other, who can put a a relatively large way,’ he says. spoken English is something which student who has most improved his Sao Paolo alone.’ parents, friends and students from coherent argument and who can Barbara has seen many times in her or her speaking skills during Year 6. Barbara has since been asked local London schools, the duo were understand and combat the other career, and why, when she spotted Barbara has seen the difference back to run three further workshops, pitted against Gabriela and Yasmine person’s point of view in a an ESU leaflet in her local library, that an early focus on oracy can and last year, with two branch from Sevenoaks School, arguing the reasonable and sensible fashion. her interest was ignited. She was make at first hand, too. ‘My colleagues, attended the IPSC motion: ‘This house would grant ‘All those working with the young more than happy then, a few years daughter is Consul-General in Sao reception, where she met the posthumous pardons to suffragettes’. people at St Francis Xavier’s deserve after joining, to take over as the Paolo and had been invited to judge Brazilian finalist. ‘I was struck by The Rt Hon. the Lord Blunkett, enormous credit but particular co-ordinator for the NW regional the public speaking competition how fantastic this competition is guest chair of judges, said, ‘One of commendation to James and for those young people,’ she says, the key aspects of debating is to Patrick, the national winners!’

BARBARA WITH A ‘ – those friendships and GROUP OF PUBLIC SPEAKING TEACHERS understanding of each other’s AT HER WORKSHOP IN BRAZIL lives they gain.’ Equally impressive was the contestants’ ability. ‘Huge MARATHON MAN! numbers of adults couldn’t speak in On Sunday 28 April, Lindemann scholar and biophysics lecturer Steven Quinn ran the London that way in their own language,’ says Marathon on the ESU’s behalf, raising over £2,300 so far. He ran the 26.2 miles in an Barbara, ‘let alone somebody else’s.’ incredible 5.19.32, crossing the finish line on the Mall at 16.01.02. ‘Without the Lindemann Fellowship from the ESU I would not be where I am today,’ says Steven. ‘It’s always been a dream of mine to complete a marathon but I accomplished something far more meaningful by SUPPORT OUR WORK completing it on behalf of the ESU.’ Steven will also be running the Great North Run for us on If you would like to volunteer your time to 8 September, so if you’d like to sponsor him, keep an eye out for our newsletters nearer the time. support our education initiatives across England and Wales, please get in touch with ‘We are hugely grateful to Steven for undertaking these challenges,’ says Jane Easton, Director- your local branch; listed at esu.org/branches General. ‘His energy and efforts will help us to reach more children in areas of great need.’

30 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 31 NEWS NEWS

Expanding into ROOTS AND the south-west BRANCH We would like to thank Maureen Spreading the word Following the Speller and Bernice Philbrick of the recent meeting of Devon & Exeter branch for the huge branch chairs, amount of work they have put into Congratulations to all the winners at the national final of the branch education promoting the ESU’s Public Speaking ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition, held at Churchill co-ordinators, governors and Competition in recent months. College Cambridge on 27 April. Over 1,000 students took part in staff at Dartmouth House to discuss The branch has focused its efforts the competition as a whole, which featured around 70 heats and the new Branch Compact and the on the less affluent, northern parts branch finals and eight regional finals. As well as seeing an increase goals of the ESU in its second century, of the county, where students are in participant numbers and teams, we have also increased the number we thought it might be useful to traditionally less likely to have access of state schools taking part on last year, as part of our ongoing summarise our guiding principles here: Preparing for the next to opportunities to develop their strategy to extend opportunities to students who do not usually speaking and listening (oracy) skills. receive public speaking training in schools. • Founded in 1918 in the belief that It has also funded a Discover Matthew Godwin is a teacher at Davenant Foundation School, a more effective communication Your Voice workshop at St Cuthbert state school which took part this year for the first time in many years between nations would lead to YEARS Mayne School near Torquay, and and made the London region final. ‘The students were fairly reluctant improved global understanding, today hosted a successful judge-training at first – state school kids are perhaps not so used to having to give we work internationally to give young session for the south-west region, up their free time – but by the end they loved it. They have seen the people the listening and speaking (oracy) skills and the cross-cultural Following extensive discussion with members and a review by the hosted by Maureen and former benefits these skills bring in their own lives and want to continue, understanding they need to thrive. board of governors, membership rates have been amended from ESU governor and experienced so we hope to be back next year.’ Other teachers at the school also April this year. These are only obligatory for new members, but PSC judge and trainer, Roger noticed a change in the students. ‘They told me they were much • We are an educational charity and we very much hope that all existing members will choose to adopt Tilbury. Their efforts have led to more confident in lessons,’ says Matthew, ‘and also in their ability membership organisation with a them. By doing so, you will be helping us to realise our mission of an increased number of schools to think critically. Teenagers can network of branches across England working with young people all over the world, especially registering for the Public Speaking often be quite fixed in the way and Wales and over 50 international disadvantaged groups, in order to increase oracy skills and Competition in the region. they think about things, but we’ve ESUs around the world. cultural understanding. Your invitation to upgrade will come as noticed a real swing towards them • Our programmes divide broadly part of your annual renewal letter. being able to understand and into three categories: education discuss other perspectives.’ (in debating and public speaking), Pate’s Grammar School in NEW MEMBERSHIP RATES competitions (to hone these abilities), Cheltenham did particularly well, and cultural exchange (to build winning best team (pictured above) Supporter Membership – £55 relationships and share ideas across as well as best chair and best speaker If you haven’t seen it yet, log Branch membership & one visit* to Dartmouth House per annum communities and nations alike). Our in students Matt and Eleanor on to www.esu.org to see our key programmes include Discover Associate Member – £100 respectively. Advay Mehta from new-look website! Designed Debating (a sustainable, two-term Branch membership & 12 visits* to Dartmouth House per annum Newcastle-Under-Lyme School won with members, teachers and debating programme for primary best questioner and Rhys Griffiths potential supporters in mind, it schools) and the International Public Frequent Visitor Membership – £600 from Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg enables each group to find the Branch membership & unlimited visits to Dartmouth House Speaking Competition which brings won outstanding personality. information they need quickly, together students from more than Our sincere thanks to all involved, as well as providing plenty of Under 27s (Non-voting) – Free 50 countries. One visit* to Dartmouth House per annum especially all members and compelling quotes, statistics volunteers who gave their time and engaging, multi-media Your membership makes our charitable *Visits to Dartmouth House for events are unlimited and without whom we would not case studies about our work possible and we are extremely be able to run the competition. life-changing work. grateful for your support.

32 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 33 KEEP UP TO DATE For more event listings and information about any of our branches please visit esu.org/branches

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE questioner, William Bidwell; and On 9 February we held a very speaker, Zac Petre-Azeem, who gave successful branch final for the ESU- a structured argument in favour of In Search of a Voice Spring/Summer 2019 For more event listings and information about any of our branches please visit esu.org/branches Churchill Public Speaking Competition. the police being armed. The winning in a Foreign Language Hosted by Wycombe Abbey School this team for the southern area was from Wednesday, 19 June, time TBA event proved to be a fantastic showcase Brentwood School and was made up Exeter Golf and Country Club, for the public speaking talent from local of Anisa Sarwar, Mayukha Rodrigo Topsham Road, BEDFORDSHIRE distant galaxies, and ESU governor Jonny BRISTOL schools and a very enjoyable afternoon. and Nicole Fergus, who spoke Exeter EX2 7AE & OUSE VALLEY Sobczyk Boddington’s experiences of Our varied programme of speakers this The winning team came from Wycombe eloquently about the influence of the Speaker Professor Vesna Goldsworthy A grand fundraising dinner was held at the working with Peter Jones, one of the season started last September with a Abbey and there were great media. The teams from both areas Members £27, guests £30 University of Bedfordshire to celebrate the ‘dragons’ of TV show Dragons’ Den. challenging talk on human rights by Professor performances from both Aylesbury progressed to the regional final. For further details please ESU’s centenary, attended by guest of Imminent educational events include two Steven Greer from the University of Bristol Grammar School and John Hampden In December ESU London Chair, contact Tim Pink at honour Lord Boateng and several VIPs. sponsored public speaking competitions Law School. This was followed in October School, which went on to host the Edward Towne, gave an absorbing [email protected] The event featured a debate between two and one debating competition for by an equally well-attended meeting with Performing Shakespeare regional heat. illustrated talk on the Cambridge Spies outstanding debaters from sixth forms in Bedfordshire primary schools, and the Professor Tariq Modood, who heads the at Colchester English Study Centre. Bedford and Milton Keynes on the motion annual Ouse Valley Sixth Form Debates to university’s recently established School of Earlier, local chair, Brian Cooke, had ‘This House would discourage the use of be held in both Bedford and Milton Keynes. Multiculturalism. Tariq sought to answer the referred to the ESU’s centenary year EASTBOURNE English as a universal language’. Perhaps question ‘What is multicultural nationalism?’ Hughenden and the Suffragettes and paid tribute to the international The Eastbourne branch celebrated to the relief of the ESU, the motion was Both talks went down well with members Wednesday, 2 October, 7.30pm development work, the engagement in its centenary/Thanksgiving lunch narrowly defeated! At the end, the and guests, as did a very different Church House, public speaking and forward-thinking in November, and this was well branch President presented the ESU Bedfordshire Junior presentation in February this year by Professor Hughenden attitude of his much-respected attended by members. We were Director-General with a cheque for Debate Academy Philip Smallwood and his wife, Pam, who HP14 4LA predecessor, Mrs Geraldine Watson. very lucky in having Andrew Forrest £3,000 towards the centenary fund. Wednesday 19 June 2019, entertained and intrigued us with a their Speaker Edward Towne as our speaker, who gave us a most Educational activities included two 9.30-12 noon take on ‘Samuel Johnson – a life in writing’. £5 in advance entertaining talk on American Jazz. heats and a final for the branch ESU- Gateway Building, Polhill Campus, Our Public Speaking Competition was For further details please DEVON & EXETER In April, we enjoyed a talk by Churchill Public Speaking Competition, University of Bedfordshire MK41 9EA keenly contested, resulting in teams from contact Dr Annette Dearmun Dr Richard Ryder, clinical psychologist, Richard Fitzwilliam on ‘Mutiny on the with Bedford School going forward to the Free The Redmaids’ High School (‘Trade helps at [email protected] was the guest speaker at the February Bounty – What really happened?’ East Region Finals. These were For a free parking permit developing countries more than aid’), and or on 07711 332 243 lunch event, where he fascinated complemented by a social programme of please contact Tony Wood at Colston’s School, Stapleton, (‘University members with his talk about the luncheon talks for members on topics as [email protected] education should be free’) going forward to the personalities, similarities and motives diverse as the centenary of the RAF, South West Regional Final held at Badminton of the infamous ‘Cambridge Spies’. Independence Day lunch School, Bristol, on 3 March. Congratulations COLCHESTER Initially recruited by Soviet Spy Arnold Thursday, 4 July, 12.30 for 1pm to all the 15 teams from eight schools & NORTH ESSEX Deutsch, Kim Philby was followed Horebeech Lane, who took part in the Bristol competition. Over 80 young people actively by Donald MacLean, Guy Burgess, Horam TN21 9DZ participated in five heats of the Anthony Blunt, John Cairncross and Members £16.50, guests £19.50 ESU-Churchill National Public Speaking Michael Straight. Dr Ryder analysed My Life as an MP Competition for school years 9-11 their motives for acting as they did Tuesday, 10 September, Bristol ESU Summer Party organised by the branch across the which included their ideologies; the 12.30 for 1pm Wednesday, 17 July, 6-8pm county. Thirty of them performed a need to combat their fear of fascism; Royal Eastbourne Golf Club 29 Mariners Drive, second time by appearing at Anglia the will to appease those with whom BN20 8BP Sneyd Park BS9 1QG Ruskin University in February at the they came into contact; the motive of Speaker Stephen Lloyd £5 on the door local final, which was managed in two revenge against their upbringing and Members £25, guests £27 From left: BEDFORDSHIRE & OUSE VALLEY Debaters Robert (Shenley Brook End School, divisions. For the northern area, the contemporary views of homosexuality; Milton Keynes) and Enoch (Bedford School) prepare for combat at the Ouse Valley Centenary For further details please For further details please call Dinner DEVON & EXETER Torquay Girls Grammar School won the branch heat of the contact Tony or Tricia Williams team representing New Hall School, and even the thrill and excitement of Sarah Carr on 01323 506308 or ESU-Churchill Schools Public Speaking Competition, going on to compete in the regional on 0117 909 2924 Chelmsford, were adjudged the winners the ability to ‘cock a snook’ at the Jill Weston on 020 7736 9584 final on 3 March. They are pictured here with branch member Roger Tilbury and comprised chair, Oliver Pilling; society in which they operated.

34 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 35 BRANCH NEWS&EVENTS KEEP UP TO DATE For more event listings and information about any of our branches please visit esu.org/branches

EPPING FOREST ‘The Life of the poet Stevie Smith’. Ivora. Afterwards the Chairman, Rita John Major’s government, Lord Salisbury A busy period for Epping Forest which We also took the opportunity to thank Macdonald, gave a short talk about the spoke about some of the issues facing included six monthly meetings, our our outgoing chairman, Lori Winch- history of the ESU, followed by Matthew both this country and Europe today, annual visit to the Royal Festival Hall, Johnson, who relaunched the branch in Christmas, ESU Branch Education while suggesting that the work of the a trip to Bevis Marks Synagogue in the 2014. With her persistent and Officer, who gave an interesting account ESU and the championing of the English City and a six-day holiday in Dumfries indomitable spirit, she grew the branch of his work. The chief guest at our language could make a real difference. and Galloway which included tours of to 232 members – no small feat. We Christmas lunch was Josephine Stanley, Our branch Christmas party on 19 many sites of great interest, not least appreciate all the time, effort and librarian at Bexhill High Academy. December was well attended. We had Dumfries House. These activities raised energy that she put into organising She informed the meeting about the an excellent buffet and entertainment, over £2,000 for the support of ESU’s public speaking and debating progress of her new library and the with Nigel on piano accompanying charitable, educational aims. competitions, as well as the many exciting reading development of her member Julia Beynon and himself, and In addition, the branch chairman, well-received guest speakers she invited students. Josephine was presented with all present in the carols! Ros Nagler Tony Meagher, was chosen as leader to the branch over the years. a cheque for £250 to further support also recited some of her poetry. of a panel of judges for a heat of the Thanks to the hard work and the development of the library and the Our ESU-Churchill Public Speaking ESU-Churchill Public Speaking dedication of many of our members, students. Josephine invited two pupils Competition had two heats in January, Competition held at Woodlands School, we were also able to run a successful to the lunch who enjoyed helping with 13 teams from nine schools taking Basildon on 9 January. Public Speaking Competition in our with the raffle. Hastings 1066 always part. The heats were at Aldenham area, with 23 teams from 18 schools supports schools whenever possible. School and Haileybury College. The taking part in four heats. The standard branch final was held at St Clement was very high and each heat was well Danes School and the winners AGM & talk ‘Salt of the Earth’ fought, as was the district final which were St Clement Danes Team One. Thursday, 6 June, 10.15am was held at the Guildhall on 13 AGM Haileybury College Team One and Clockwise from top left:LINCOLNSHIRE ESU Lincolnshire‘s charity dinner raised over £2,600 February. Of the four competing St Clement Danes Team Two were to help local children (From left:) ESU members Kelly Bevers, Sir Michael Graydon, Jenny Speaker Colin Street Friday, 14 June, Wheeldon, guest speaker Michael Buerk, Camilla Carlbom-Flinn and Stephanie Thorn; the How to Travel schools, Salesian School in Chertsey 12 noon for 12.30pm joint runners-up. Yahya Fouladinejad team from Caistor Grammar, winners of the Lincolnshire branch Public Speaking Competition; Thursday, 4 July, 10.15 for 10.45am was the well-deserved winner, and Freezlands Farm TN39 5JD of Haileybury College won the judge Deborah Wilson-David gives feedback to heat winner Kamya at the branch Public the runner-up was Farnborough Hill. Outstanding Personality shield. Speaking Competition; judges Alex Bailey and Mark Locking give contestants feedback Speaker Elizabeth Gowing Price TBA HERTFORDSHIRE Branch Chairman Nigel Rogers at the branch centenary dinner £4 including tea/coffee Pre-Christmas Lunch Murder, Myths & Mysteries Wednesday, 6 November, Thursday, 1 August, 12 noon for 12 30pm LINCOLNSHIRE a local secondary, De Aston School, 10.15 for 10.45am The Sweet Sop Royal Victoria Hotel TN38 0BD The Lincoln branch has continued to and was delighted to see it enter Speaker David Nicol Date, time and venue TBA Speaker TBA build a strong network of organisations two teams this year. It produced the AGM followed by drinks £4 including tea/coffee Speaker Ingrid Persaud Price TBA in the community sharing common ‘Best Questioner’ winner while Caistor Wednesday, 3 July, 6pm All events take place at the Murray For more details please contact For further details please call goals of education and social outreach: Grammar, 2018’s local and regional Mansions of the Future, Hall, 106 Borders Lane, Loughton [email protected] 01424 223416 the branch sponsored the Lincoln Book winners, represented Lincolnshire in 15-16 St Mary’s Street, IG10 3SB Festival’s launch evening in September Leeds’ regional heat. We were blown Lincoln LN5 7EQ For further details please call and opened a conversation with local away by the jump in standards across For further details please call 020 8505 9001 or 01992 812454 literacy charity First Story. the board and hope to use this year’s 01469 571387 HASTINGS 1066 HERTFORDSHIRE The ESU Lincolnshire centenary success to recruit more schools and Summer of Sculpture & EAST SUSSEX The Hertfordshire branch has enjoyed dinner in November raised over nurture novice competitors. Tuesday, 6 August, 6pm Last year was busy and interesting a busy season, kicking off with our £2,650, a branch record, with delighted Lincolnshire branch’s first two Doddington Hall GUILDFORD for Hastings 1066. In September the centenary celebration dinner on 8 guests enjoying Michael Buerk’s talk enrolled primary schools have Doddington, Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner was members met at the Royal Victoria Hotel November. Our guest speaker was the about modern media and life as a responded well to the Discover Lincoln LN 4RU held in November at Guildford’s in St. Leonards-on-Sea to celebrate the Most Honourable Robert Gascoyne- foreign correspondent and presenter. Debating programme. We have several £10 th beautiful Guildhall. Thirty-four guests ESU’s centenary year with an Edwardian Cecil, 7 Marquess of Salisbury KCVO, Following feedback from the schools in the pipeline and so are For further details please email came together for a delicious meal and lunch. Many members dressed in PC, DL. A former Lord Privy Seal and ESU-Churchill Public Speaking currently looking to recruit more [email protected] to listen to Dr Jo Russell who spoke Edwardian style and they were Leader of the House of Lords and Competition Lincoln heat last year, the mentors so we can ensure these eloquently and knowledgeably about serenaded by well-known local pianist, Under-Secretary of State for Defence in branch sent ESU mentor Eddie Booth to relationships endure.

36 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 37 BRANCH NEWS&EVENTS KEEP UP TO DATE For more event listings and information about any of our branches please visit esu.org/branches

LIVERPOOL & MERSEYSIDE LONDON with the Loire Valley Branch, and MID-CHESHIRE interest talk on the Earlham and Rosary The highlight of our centenary celebrations We can report a busy year and have hope to visit them soon. Our current season started in Cemeteries of Norwich. On 14 was a dinner in the magnificent given financial support to the London Finally three other branch events September last with a visit to the branch Summer Lunch December we gathered at Park Farm surroundings of Liverpool’s Anglican Debate Challenge, the Performing should be mentioned, all efficiently by ESU Director-General, Jane Easton, Wednesday, 3 July, time TBA for an excellent three-course Christmas Cathedral. Preceding the dinner we were Shakespeare Competition and the Public organised by Jane Reid. In October and the meetings which have followed Abbeywood Estate, lunch followed by a fun Christmas entertained with a talk on the history of the Speaking Competition. Committee Penrose Halton and his wife talked to have been interesting and informative. Chester Road, quiz and social. The branch final of ‘Father Willis organ’ by world-renowned members assisted with judging at the us on ‘Marriages made in Bond Street’, The November talk was of considerable Delamere CW8 2HS the ESU-Churchill Public Speaking organist Professor Ian Tracey, with two hub days organised in November in November Henry Dallal gave us local and current political/social £25 Competition was held at Langley School appropriate musical interludes. for the latter contest, ably run by ‘The Nobility of Equine Pageantry’, and interest. Delivered by Anthony Annakin- on 14 February. Five schools entered We were delighted to welcome Lucia Dartmouth House staff Alex Bailey and in January Richard Fitzwilliams delivered a Smith, it was entitled ‘The slave ships AGM and Lunch seven teams: Wymondham High Dumont, Vice-President of ESU France Matthew Christmas, who also got the lively talk on ‘The Mutiny on the Bounty’. of Neston and Parkgate’. Neston and Tuesday, 11 September, 12.15 pm Academy (two), Langley School (two), and former Chair of the International London region Performing Shakespeare Parkgate were small but significant Portal Premier Golf Club, Norwich School, City of Norwich Committee who responded to the toast competition off the ground prior to the ports on the Wirral Coast and very Forest Road, School, and Wymondham College. to the ESU, and Patricia Curd, Chair of London finals on 1 April. No grants have active in the slave trade in the late Tarporley CW6 0JA The judges congratulated all th th ESU Loire Valley. As a result of Patricia’s been requested by individuals or groups AGM 18 and early 19 centuries. Gradually For further details and bookings participants on the very high standard visit, we are exploring the possibility of recently, but we are happy to subsidise Tuesday, 25 June, 3pm the importance of the ports declined please contact Jennifer of performance and offered some useful arranging a twinning visit between schools especially. We are indebted to Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, as the Dee estuary silted up and MacPherson on 01606 215908 tips. Every individual was presented members of the two branches. It was our dedicated Treasurer, Ann Armstrong. London W1J 5ED Liverpool grew in significance. with a personal certificate in recognition particularly special to our branch that the The ESU’s centenary was marked Speaker Canon Rachel Phillips On Saturday, 30 March we hosted of all the hard work and effort they had Chairman Jennifer MacPherson and other by a delightful evening party held at Free the North-West Regional Final of put into the event. members of the Mid-Cheshire branch Coral Sebag-Montefiore’s home, For further details please the ESU-Churchill Public Speaking NORWICH & NORFOLK The team winners were Wymondham joined us on this historic occasion. attended by Lord Boateng and some of contact Jane Reid at Competition at The Grange School On Friday, 28 September, following an High Academy Team Two; runners-up, Following our autumn heats, the branch our French and German colleagues. [email protected] in Northwich. Six schools from the enjoyable lunch, Rod Spokes gave us a Norwich School. Public Speaking Competition reached a Moreover we have established contact North West competed. fascinating and well-illustrated local The individual winners were: successful conclusion at the final on 26 chairman Freddy; speaker Millie (both January in Liverpool Cathedral. Four Wymondham High Academy Team Two, excellent teams participated and pictured below); and questioner, entertained an audience of branch James Nung Vu of Norwich School. members, parents and friends. The winners With thanks were St Edward’s College and runners-up, The London branch and all at Archbishop Beck College, who both went the ESU would like to extend on to the regional final on 30 March. our heartfelt thanks to Holly Life in Norwich in the 1900s Shakespeare, who has just left Friday, 21 June, the London Region Committee 12 noon for 12.30pm after 30 years of involvement Speaker Christine Humphries Fundraising Lunch: with the ESU. Among her many Please book by Wednesday, 19 June ‘The real life Downton Abbey’ contributions was coming up Thursday, 20 June, with the idea of the Performing AGM 12 noon for 12.30pm Shakespeare Competition. Friday, 19 July, West Lancs Golf Club, Working with former ESU From top: LIVERPOOL AND MERSEYSIDE 11.30am prompt Director-General Peter Kyle, Branch members gather in Liverpool Hall Road West, Blundellsands, Cathedral for their centenary celebrations Please book by Wednesday, 17 July Liverpool L23 8SZ a former Chief Executive of on 21 September 2018 NORWICH & Events cost £18 including lunch Speaker Ron Hutchinson Shakespeare’s Globe, she was NORFOLK Wymondham High Academy and take place at Park Farm Hotel, an avid supporter of it, helping Team Two (Freddy, Katy and Milly) won For further details please the Norwich & Norfolk Public Speaking Hethersett NR9 3DL contact Sue Davies at it grow from just six schools in Competition branch final. They are For further details and bookings pictured here with Brian Baker, Branch [email protected] 2012 to over 50 schools today. please call 01603 45661

Public Speaking Co-ordinator © Miss R Evans

38 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 39 BRANCH NEWS&EVENTS KEEP UP TO DATE For more event listings and information about any of our branches please visit esu.org/branches

who meet together to develop their This group, which is mainly church- with seven teams from four schools our chairman and of many others in our

Clockwise from top: SOUTH WALES oracy skills through a series of activities based, was formed out of growing taking part. The winning chairman was branch. Valerie, ESU Director-General (From left:) Lord Aberdare, Derek that result in great fun, but also enhanced concern about people, mostly young, Alana Corbett of St Philip Howard from 1994 to 2009, spoke movingly of Morgan, Anne Morgan, guest speaker self-confidence. who are out on the streets of Bury School, Team One. The winning how she came to be appointed and then Lord Evans and Sir Norman Lloyd- Edwards at the Lord Jonathan Evans All these competitions are funded St Edmunds and Newmarket very late speaker was Tommy Hodson of Seaford told of personalities she had met and of lunch; the branch‘s summer garden locally by branch members who diligently on Saturday nights. The Town Pastors College. Will of Churcher’s College was the many overseas ESUs created during party saw many attendees including, attend our social functions with all profits have teams of people walking the the winning questioner. The outstanding her stewardship, the launch of ESU Paris from left, Sir Brooke Boothby, Lady Inkin, best-dressed winners Wyn committed to our education programmes. streets offering help to those in need. personality was Dylan Mowling-Sene being especially memorable. Calvin and Elizabeth Stokes, and Derek At recent functions, we have welcomed This can range from those who have of St Philip Howard School, Team Two. Our chairman’s Christmas reception, Morgan; speaker Roy Noble with Sir Lord Jonathan Evans, former Head of MI6, had too much to drink, to those who Churcher’s Team One was the overall unhindered this time by snow, was held Norman Lloyd-Edwards and Anne and Derek Morgan at a fundraising soirée celebrated Christmas with the Senior Girls’ have no means of getting home or who winner and went on to represent us at on Sunday, 16 December. During this in aid of the chairman‘s centenary Choir at Howell’s School and enjoyed our have perhaps lost their keys. Sometimes the South East regional final on 14 March. cheerful and seasonal occasion a appeal WEST SUSSEX Will, Tommy and Zoe from Churchers College Summer Garden Party at Fonmon Castle. people have even misplaced their presentation was made to Gill Team One, winners of the West Sussex What can beat having fun while raising shoes! While this is happening there is a Wagstaffe, sadly retiring as secretary branch Public Speaking Competition. money for the cause! central ‘command post’ who answers after many years of faithful and Will also won best questioner the phone or acts in an emergency and, Visit to Standen House conscientious service. At the end, additionally, a team of people behind Thursday, 20 June, a heartfelt vote of thanks was made the scenes, in their own homes, praying 11am at the ticket office to Sonia Chance, our chairman, for Joint ESU/University of for everyone’s safety. Standen House, all her untiring work for our branch. South Wales Annual Lecture Everyone gives their time willingly, East Grinstead RH19 4NE The Worcestershire final of the Thursday, 13 June, volunteering to help where they can. Price TBA ESU-Churchill Public Speaking 5.45pm A really absorbing and interesting talk. Car sharing trip to Morlaix Competition took place on The Atrium, Cardiff Campus Five days in September 29 January at RGS Worcester. Sonia Speaker General Sir Richard Shirreff Details TBA Chance presented the winner’s cup to £10 WEST SUSSEX Lord Kitchener Malvern St James, who went on to Summer Garden Party Early September saw us once again October, details TBA represent Worcestershire at the SALISBURY & SOUTH WALES Thursday, 25 July, in France, with a stay in St Malo and Barley Mow, Walderton PO18 9ED Midlands regional final at The Guildhall, SOUTH WILTSHIRE The finals of our two flagship education 5.30pm visiting Mont St Michel and Dinard. Speaker Kenya Tatton Brown Worcester on 9 March. On 18 January the five successful teams programmes were again held in the Fonmon Castle In October one of our members, £5 from the branch heats came together at prestigious surroundings of the former £16 Jane Paten, described life in Siam Thanksgiving Lunch Bishop Wordsworth’s School to compete Welsh Assembly Debating Chamber AGM and Lunch and Indonesia in the early 1950s, Friday, 22 November, against each other for the privilege of (for the Public Speaking Competition) September, date TBA while in November, Wendy Walker, the 12 noon A Midsummer Evening of representing the Salisbury and South and the Royal Welsh College of Music Cardiff City Stadium West Sussex County Archivist and our Boxgrove Village Hall PO18 0EE Music and Entertainment Wiltshire Branch of the English-Speaking and Drama (for Performing Shakespeare). £32 guest speaker for our Thanksgiving Speaker TBA Friday, 29 June, 6.30pm Union at the regional finals. As always this Marjorie Page and her colleagues have For further details please Lunch, shed light on Chichester’s For further details please Final details and ticket prices TBA was a very spirited competition, completed the public speaking heats contact Derek Morgan at authentic copy of the Declaration contact Adrienne Barnet at George Blake – the Ideological Spy competitive but in a friendly atmosphere involving 29 teams with six competing in [email protected] of Independence. It seems this was [email protected] Thursday, 12 September, and the speakers in particular had clearly the final. Meanwhile, Jan Purcell has given to the then Duke of Richmond 12 for 12.30pm learnt a lot from their heats and were able seven schools entered in the Performing in thanks and recognition for his Speaker Bob Skelt to be more relaxed and erudite. Shakespeare competition. support to the colonial rebels. £26 including lunch In the end South Wilts Grammar School At primary school level we look forward SUFFOLK Another member, Carol Stamper, gave WORCESTERSHIRE Events take place at The Board shone through and team Olivia went through to more memorable evenings when the The Suffolk branch has had another us an interesting talk in January on the Our Thanksgiving lunch was held on Room, The Beauchamp Community, to the regional finals. It was so nice to see so three finals of the Public Speaking very good year and we have enjoyed memories of a student nurse at Guy’s 23 November at the Worcestershire Newlands, Malvern WR13 5AX many parents making the time to be there in Competitions for Cardiff, Vale of talks from many excellent speakers. Hospital in the early years of the NHS. Golf Club. As we were celebrating For further details please contact support of their teams and particular thanks Glamorgan and Bridgend take place. One that particularly stands out was The branch final of the Public the centenary of the founding of the Mrs Elizabeth Farrer on go to Ryde School who journeyed all the These are preceded by a workshop given by Jo Copsey who told us about Speaking Competition was once again ESU, our special guest speaker was 01905 774212 way from The Isle of Wight to compete. involving around 100 pupils in each area the work of the Town Pastors. held at the Bishop’s Palace in Chichester, Valerie Mitchell OBE, an old friend of

40 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 41 PEOPLE WH 'S WH Say hello to some of our members and staff and find out what makes them tick DARTMOUTH HOUSE

Michelle Williams, What do you hope to achieve Chairman of in your role? Jonny Sobczyk-Boddington, Guilford branch; I’m extremely pleased with how ESU governor; joined 2015 joined 2017 Guildford‘s Public Speaking Competition (heats and district What made you want to join the ESU? What did you final) went this year and I hope At school, I took part in ESU debating want to be when to increase membership and competitions, which have served me you grew up? participation in events even more. incredibly well in my professional life. An accountant, I also saw the impact the ESU can have because I loved maths. However, Tell us a little-known fact about you. when I worked as a teacher in Tower studying for a degree in Actuarial I am the fourth in a family of 12 children! Hamlets, so it was a no-brainer to Science meant that I could leave Which culture in the world most apply to become a governor. Trinidad and study abroad. fascinates you and why? What made you want to join I’m fascinated by cultures such as the Tell us a little-known fact about you. the ESU? Amish community in Pennsylvania A friend and I once brought an old Its aims resonated with me: viz that have managed to keep their car for £250 and drove it to the Gobi developing ‘confident norms and rituals intact despite the Desert where, after 10,000 miles, communicators, critical thinkers passage of time and the influence it broke down. We sold it for $500 and empowered citizens.’ of the West. and hitched to Ulaanbaatar.

When have you used your voice to speak out for something you believed in? Gladys Stewart, member of Hastings branch; joined 1994 In my previous role as CEO of The WEDDINGS AT DARTMOUTH HOUSE What did you want to be when I’ve enjoyed the speakers and the Brilliant Club, we thought it was unjust you grew up? social outings and it’s been a good that 1 in 2 private school children go Twice awarded ‘best wedding venue’ in 2018, ESU members receive discounts on hire charges I was a wartime child so we did as influence. I just wish more young to a top 30 university, compared to 1 Dartmouth House, in Mayfair, London, is the and over 30 per cent of proceeds go to the we were told, but I would have loved people would join now. in 50 poorer children. We worked our to have been an actress. voices hard to address this issue and perfect place for your special day. Our talented English-Speaking Union’s education programmes, Tell us a little-known fact about you. The Brilliant Club now runs the UK’s team have a wealth of experience in creating so by holding a wedding at Dartmouth House, When have you used your voice I once took a party of 42 NSPCC boys largest university access programme. to speak out for something you aged between 11 and 16 to Spain for superb weddings and aim to make your dream you are helping ensure that all children, regardless believed in? three weeks. We took two tonnes of Who inspires you and why? day a reality, whether that’s a small, intimate affair of their background or education, have the I’ve been involved with many charities food including six turkeys As CEO of The Peter Jones Foundation or a reception for hundreds. Civil ceremonies speaking and listening skills and cross-cultural – the NSPCC, the MS Society and with us. All the I recently watched four young can be held in the blue-and-white-stuccoed understanding they need to thrive. charities for the blind, and I’ve used villagers came students pitch to Peter Jones my voice to work on their behalf. out to have a for a £5,000 investment Wedgwood room or in the wood-panelled What do you enjoy about the ESU? look – they’d in front of 600 people. Churchill Room, and there are a number of To find out more, speak to our events All the organisations I’ve been involved never seen Their energy and elegant rooms to choose from for dining, team on 020 7529 1554 or email with have added to the substance of such big determination was dancing and canapés. [email protected] my life and the ESU is one of them. birds. highly inspirational!

42 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 @DartmouthHouse dartmouthhousemayfair Spring/Summer 2019 www.esu.org 43 CHILDREN HAVE VOICES. HELP THEM TO BE HEARD Donate to the English-Speaking Union

YOUR DONATION CHANGES LIVES Do you believe in the power of communication? Do you believe that all young people, regardless of the school they go to, should have the chance to learn how to express themselves effectively? Do you believe in the global exchange of ideas; that the better we can communicate, the easier it will be to resolve differences? Perhaps you’ve participated in an English-Speaking Union programme or exchange and would like to ensure others have the same opportunities as you? Or perhaps you’re only too aware that reading and writing will only get you so far, it’s being able to talk that opens doors.

Whatever your motivation, donating to the English- Speaking Union will help us to address imbalances in opportunity and ensure that many more young people have the oracy skills and confidence they need to thrive.

Here’s what your donation could provide:

£30 will fund a school to take part in the ESU-Churchill National Public Speaking Competition, boosting young people’s confidence and oracy skills

£100 will fund a partial bursary for a young person to attend Debate Academy, giving them the chance to discuss world affairs

£600 will fund a Discover Your Voice session at a school, helping up to 24 children feel that their voices matter

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TODAY You can choose to make a regular or a one-off donation. Whichever option you choose, every gift, however large or small, will help us tackle inequalities in opportunity and enable more young people to change their lives and communities for the better, and we’re extremely grateful for whatever you can spare.

To donate, please see esu.org/support- our-work, or call the finance team on 020 7529 1582. Thank you. 44 Dialogue Magazine Spring/Summer 2019 UK Registered Charity 273136