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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

Zoom event: Philosopher Professor Cheshire Calhoun explores the meaning and importance of civility

ESU Social
London

What is civility? Why does it matter? And what is its place in an ever-changing world? On Thursday, 28 January at 7.30pm, Professor Cheshire Calhoun, CLAS Trustee Professor of Philosophy at Arizona State University, will consider these questions in what promises to be a fascinating evening. A Q&A led by…

SAVE THE DATE: ESU Evelyn Wrench with Mary McAleese

ESU Social
London

We are delighted to announce that the ESU 2021 Evelyn Wrench lecture will be delivered by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese.

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
Paul Boateng close up with columns of Parliament behind him

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
Photo of teenager Ahmad in a blue tshirt smiling

Ahmad Nawaz

I realised that if we all speak out about what we think is wrong in society, we can change it.
Changing Lives
daphne james reflecting, side on to camera

Daphne James

My year in America opened my eyes to civil rights and what they mean.
Changing Lives
Fatima pictured with a bright yellow top infront of astone wall

Fatima Conteh

Debate Academy opened my mind to different opinions.

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