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Home > ESU branches in England and Wales > London

London

About us

As the newly elected Chairman of London Branch I would like to welcome you and tell you a little about myself.  I’ve been an ESU member since 1973, when I was recruited by the great Eric Dehn, who was for many years the Chairman of the Bristol Branch. Moving to Kent in 1983, I got involved again in the Public Speaking Competition, and eventually joined the Committee of the London Region, latterly serving as the Chairman of the Grants Sub-Committee.

The main focus of our activities is to raise funds to support many local schools, who participate in the ESU’s activities. An increasing number of schools is taking part in the regional heats of the UK Public Speaking Competition, prior to the National Final. The London Branch also sponsors the Performing Shakespeare Competition, which grows year on year, and supports the Discover Your Voice programme and London Debate Challenge.

You can find here, the latest programme of London events (January 2019 – July 2019) – so I look forward to meeting you!

Edward Towne

Upcoming events in London

Yulia Chaplina Piano Recital

Piano Recital by ESU Alumni Yulia Chaplina, London

Join us for an evening of Russian piano music with ESU Music Scholar, Yulia Chaplina. Yulia’s programme of Russian and British music will include Rachmaninov and Prokofiev and is dedicated to the UK & Russia Year of Music 2019.  Born in Rostov-in-Don, Yulia is now London based and holds a Masters Music degree from the Royal College of Music. She has performed extensively in Europe and Asia in recital and with orchestras.

  • Time: Wine and canapés 6:30pm, performance at 7pm
  • Cost: Members £26; guests £32
  • Venue: Dartmouth House
  • Booking: click here to book
  • Further information: Jane Reid janereid440@gmail.com

I enjoy seeing young people realising they have something to offer and that they have more ability than they thought.

Ann Armstrong

Former branch Chair

News and views from the branch

Changing Lives
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Paul Boateng

The ESU gave me confidence that I could be a winner in a strange land.

 Evelyn Wrench, founder of the ESU sits writing at a desk

Our history

Since its foundation in 1918, the English-Speaking Union has been promoting better communication between people of all cultures and countries. Read on to discover how.

International network

We have 54 International English-Speaking Unions, spanning the globe from Albania to Yemen.
Changing Lives
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Ahmad Nawaz

I realised that if we all speak out about what we think is wrong in society, we can change it.
Changing Lives
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Daphne James

My year in America opened my eyes to civil rights and what they mean.
Changing Lives
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Fatima Conteh

Debate Academy opened my mind to different opinions.

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