Celebration of the Queen's birthday.

Event Recap

At noon on June the first, the North Carolina Colonial Branch of the English-Speaking Union held its celebration of the Queen's birthday.  The annual meeting and luncheon was graciously hosted by the treasurer and her husband, Louise and George Halyak.  Their lovely home located overlooking the water in River Bend provided the perfect venue for the occasion.  It was a perfect summer, June day.  With over half the branch membership in attendance, the function began with drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the deck, the screened porch and great room.  An informal lunch by A Catered Affair followed.  At the business meeting later, the president, John F. Leys and vice-president, Patricia Talton were sworn in for their first full terms by Dr. Raymond Vickers, member National Board of the ESU.  To conclude the business part of the meeting, we closed with a toast to Queen Elizabeth II and the President of the United States, Barack Obama.  The afternoon was a great success, and we look forward to many enjoyable socials in the coming fiscal year!

Click Here to see pictures from the event

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Sad news

Announcement

It is with deep sorrow that the Colonial Branch of the English-Speaking Union announces the recent deaths of Margaret Nassef, former president, and Ed Risty, Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Margaret was a founding member of the Colonial Branch, and her love of language and the arts made her an invaluable part of our chapter.  Her work with the library, the Tryon Palace Historic Sites and local theater groups showed her dedication to our community.  Under her leadership, our chapter achieved the largest membership ever.  Her kindness, quick wit and creativity will be greatly missed.

Ed had not been a long time member, but his expertise in the world of computers and finance shone and saved us from many problems dealing with taxes and web site issues.  His personality, imagination and clever humor were always a welcome addition to our board meetings.  It will be impossible to ever replace a man of his standing and kindness.

Read Margaret's Obituary: Click Here

Read Ed's Obituary: Click Here

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Rodney Kemp - “The Mystery of the Lost Colony”

Event

The Colonial Branch of the English-Speaking Union
Presents
Rodney Kemp (a.k.a. Fish House Liar)

Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Cullman Performance Hall in the N.C. History Center
529 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 

"The Mystery of the Lost Colony"

This Lecture is Free to the Public

A passion for preserving the past makes Morehead City's Rodney Kemp a top North Carolina historian, educator, and storyteller.  When Rodney Kemp was named North Carolina Historian of the Year in 2003, he was really rewarded for decades of telling lies!  Kemp is what old-timers in the Morehead City area call a "fish house liar," delivering dozens of time-worn history-based stories that actually contain many truths.

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Wrench Speaker: Dr. Stephen Prickett

Event Recap

The North Carolina Colonial Branch of the English-Speaking Union was pleased to host the Evelyn Wrench Speaker, Dr. Stephen Prickett.  The topic of his program was "The Making of the King James Bible".  Preceding the program, Dr. Prickett and his charming wife dined with local ESU members at a popular restaurant.  The presentation by Dr. Prickett was held at the Cullman Performance Hall in the new and elaborate North Carolina History Center, a part of Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens.  The program was well attended with ministers from many churches present.  Dr. Prickett impressed everyone with his wide knowledge of religion, literature and his literary study of the Bible.  It was our pleasure to welcome the Pricketts to New Bern and eastern North Carolina.

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