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Home > ESU branches in England and Wales > Lincoln & Lincolnshire

Lincoln & Lincolnshire

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

Lincolnshire branch travel grants

Are you in Year 12 or 13 at school or at university and thinking to travel abroad next year as part of your development?  Would a travel grant make a difference? The ESU has several grants available to support students in or from Lincolnshire looking to travel, study or work abroad. Grants are open to all those born in the county and/or studying in Lincolnshire schools, universities and other educational establishments.

  • The ESU Lincolnshire Branch Travel Grant aims to encourage young people to travel, ideally to developing countries, and to teach English in schools. Promoting the use of English is a way of improving communication and therefore understanding between nations and is a prime objective of the English-Speaking Union. Activities other than teaching English will be considered if they contribute to this objective. Application is open to Lincolnshire school students in Year 12 and 13. In previous years, the branch has given discretionary awards from several hundred pounds to over £1,000.  Candidates should be able to explain the benefits they hope to achieve from their travel experience as well as outline what additional plans they have to raise the money needed.  Scholars are asked to keep ESU members informed about their trip and speak at our AGM about their experiences.
  • The ESU John Roberts Scholarship is directed at encouraging young people interested in a career in art, architecture and design, to travel and gain knowledge of their subject and the grant is supported by John Roberts, founder of acclaimed Lincoln architect firm JRA. The award process takes place in the period February-March (alternating with the Carlbom scholarship described below). An award of up to £2,000 can be given for each successful applicant.
  • The Carlbom Scholarship Fund supports local oracy programmes run by the ESU and encourages young people to travel, especially in the Scandinavian region, to promote understanding in the world through the use of the English language.  The fund is supported by the Carlbom family, owners of Immingham based Carlbom Shipping. An award of up to £1,000 can be given for each successful applicant.

Click here to find out more.

Click here for the application form.

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