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The English-Speaking Union was founded as a membership organisation, bringing together those who share a belief that better communication makes for better global understanding. Today, we have over 5,000 members in 36 regional branches across England and Wales who meet to socialise, gain new perspectives on the world and to help organise and raise funds for our educational work.
We are hugely grateful to our branches, which are central to the running of our Public Speaking and Performing Shakespeare competitions. Some also run their own, complementary, oracy programmes and many choose to sponsor local schools to take part in our Discover Debating programme or Discover Your Voice workshops.
To find out more about your local branch, please select the city/region nearest to you from the filter above.
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Branch events across the country
Churchill's Abandoned Prisoners with Rupert Wieloch
English-Speaking Union
An evening at Dartmouth House with Rupert Wieloch who will give a talk for the ESU on his book Churchill’s Abandoned Prisoners. The ESU invites you to an evening with Rupert Wieloch who will provide insights into the foundation of the modern Anglo-Russian relationship from his book…
The Fall of Margaret Thatcher
Bristol & Somerset
‘The Fall of Margaret Thatcher’ – a semi-dramatisation by the authorised biographer of Margaret Thatcher Lord (Charles) Moore and former Spectator journalist Kate Ehram, who assisted Lord Moore in preparing his Thatcher biography. Further information from Nigel Currie, Chairperson: nigelcurrie29@gmail.com 0117 914 0773…
ESU Quiz Night at Dartmouth House
English-Speaking Union
Brush up on your general knowledge and join us at Dartmouth House for our ESU quiz night. An evening of fun and knowledge to see who will be crowned the winning team. Ten teams of 8 people (max) with a winning team prize – the bar…
Salisbury Branch: 'Love, Passion and Betrayal' by Michael Gould
Salisbury & Wiltshire
Salisbury Branch is pleased to present a lecture by Michael Gould entitled ‘Love, Passion and Betrayal’. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insight into the themes of love, passion, and betrayal. Further details about the event can be found below Coffee will be served from 10.15am, with the main…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
Ouse Valley Branch: 'The Importance of Physiotherapy in Maintaining Good Health' by Phil Pask
Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes
Phil Pask is a Chartered Physiotherapist for the Northampton Saints and the England Rugby Team, one of the world’s best at the rehabilitation and treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. His experience of over 25 years, knowledge base and skill set is far-reaching and includes using motivation and exercise…
ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition Grand Finals 2023
English-Speaking Union
The prestigious ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition, sponsored by the International Churchill Society, is the largest such contest in England and Wales, with around 400 teams (each comprising a speaker, questioner and a chairperson). The different roles allow students to practice and excel in different skill sets, and the competition’s unique…
ESU Coronation Tea Party at Dartmouth House
English-Speaking Union
Join the royal celebrations with our Coronation Tea Party. Enjoy a delicious glass of English sparkling wine alongside a traditional afternoon tea at the beautiful Dartmouth House. Ticket includes a glass of English sparkling wine, tea & coffee, a traditional tea of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats including…
ESU International Public Speaking Competition 2023
ESU Regional Event
The ESU International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) is the world’s largest competition of its kind. Bringing together participants, aged 16-20, from over 50 countries for a week of cultural exchange and competition, the IPSC is one of the ESU’s flagship programmes. The Grand Final on Friday, 12…
Salisbury Branch: ‘The Women of the Raj’ by Brian Freeland
Salisbury & Wiltshire
‘The Women of the Raj’ by Brian Freeland Brian Freeland has written a dozen stage scripts (nine produced so far, four of them published). Following comments that he didn’t write many good roles for ladies, he staged a piece about the British women in India during the second half of…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
Visit to the Kilns (CS Lewis house)
Oxford & Oxfordshire
The Kilns, also known as CS Lewis House, is the house in Risinghurst, Oxford, where the author wrote all of his Narnia books and other classics. The house itself was featured in the Narnia books and Lewis’s gardener at The Kilns, Fred Paxford, is said to have inspired the character…
Ouse Valley Branch: 'The Swarbrick Singers' by Ian Clarke
Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes
Ian Clarke is an organist and musical director of the acclaimed chamber choir the Swarbrick Singers, as well as member of the panel of Examiners for the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music. The choir was formed in 1983 while Ian was the organist of All Saints’ Church, Northampton.
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
Violin Concert with Emmanuel Bach at Dartmouth House
English-Speaking Union
Join us in the beautiful surroundings of Dartmouth House for an evening of music with award-winning violinist Emmanuel Bach A limited number of Early Bird tickets are available for just £10 – book soon to secure your discounted ticket! ESU Music Scholar and Winner of the 2018 Royal Overseas League…
Save the Date: Fourth of July Celebrations at the ESU
English-Speaking Union
Save the date for a very special Fourth of July celebration at the English-Speaking Union. More details coming soon.
Oxfordshire Annual Dinner
Oxford & Oxfordshire
The Oxfordshire 2023 Dinner will be held 100 years after the first Oxford ESU Dinner was held at Oriel College in 1923. This year the college is undergoing building work and cannot accommodate us. However, Linacre College has kindly offered to host us. To book contact Dr Jan Carter…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
Oxfordshire Branch Thanksgiving Lunch
Oxford & Oxfordshire
Save the date for the Oxfordshire Branch Thanksgiving Lunch which will this year again be held at Studley Wood Golf Club on 26 November. More details to follow. To book contact Dr Jan Carter jan@paddockcottage.net or ring 01865 848528 or Tim Hallchurch tim@paddockcottage.net 01865 377099…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
London Branch: Book Club
London
The ESU London Branch Members’ book club meets once a month at Dartmouth House to exchange views on a book chosen by the group. Discussions take place from 11.00-12.30hrs on the third Wednesday of each month. If you would like to join our friendly and informal club please contact Kathleen…
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