About us
Welcome to the ESU Lincolnshire Branch. We are an active and lively group encompassing neighbouring Midlands areas as well the expanse that is Greater Lincolnshire.
We have found that there is a real appetite for interesting cultural events across our patch and so our busy committee organises a number of popular events every year with engaging and renowned speakers, and also offers special private access to exhibitions. Our calendar usually includes a spring lunch, a summer drinks reception, and an autumn black-tie dinner as well as our AGM. And, through Covid-19, we have learnt there is a strong appetite for on-line talks too which we think may well endure.
We have close relationships with a number of local cultural institutions and organisations including Doddington Hall, the International Bomber Command Centre, the Lincoln Book Festival and Lincoln University. As a pre-eminent organiser of cultural events in the area, we welcome new members and continue to respond to new ideas and interests and to remain relevant.
Past speakers include:
Former Prime Minister Sir John Major; Journalist Michael Buerk; international violinist and broadcaster Tasmin Little OBE; historian Lord Peter Hennessy; renowned Egyptologist Professor Toby Wilkinson; eminent medical doctor and broadcaster Lord Robert Winston; Commandant of RAF Cranwell Air Commodore Suraya Marshall; Lincoln University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Julian Free; Ex-Metropolitan Police Chief Lord Bernard Hogan-Howe
We have expanded our relationships with local schools in recent years so that as well as running heats and workshops for the well established ESU-Churchill Public Speaking Competition and the Performing Shakespeare competition, we have also been well placed to develop and evolve the Discover Your Voice programme in several targeted primary schools. In addition, with the generous support of several key local sponsors, the branch offers travel scholarships for local school leavers and third level students to help them have meaningful global experiences, learn new skills and hopefully develop long-lasting international relationships.
With schools responding to the challenges and aftermath of Covid-19, our oracy work has had to take a step sideways and our competitions have been somewhat reduced. However, we are in touch with the Lincolnshire Training Schools Association and continue to provide information and training on oracy through the ESU website. We are looking at ways to bring in new approaches and skills developed in response to the need for remote learning but which may offer interesting and innovative ways of reaching a wider audience.
And, once schools are in a position to embrace a broader curriculum, we will be ready to respond quickly – certainly, after prolonged lockdowns, the need for communications skills cannot be underrated.
So whether you are a committed educationalist or simply want access to our unique cultural opportunities, do please consider joining us. You will be very welcome!
Michael Graydon
