The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union to A Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley Hall

The Earl and Countess of Derby Invite the English-Speaking Union toA Magical Holiday Weekend at Knowsley HallPrescot, Merseyside L34 4AG EnglandNovember 20–23, 2025 From $2,500 pp double / $3,400 pp single in an Executive SuiteUpgrades to Deluxe and Royal Suite/Lord Derby’s Suite available  Step into the enchantment of the holiday season with an exclusive invitation […]

Branch Christmas Party

A Sunday afternoon Christmas Party Chez Marijke Ford, from 1:30 to 4:30. A tax-deductible per person charge will be levied in support of the Shakespeare Competition.   RSVP by week prior to the event. Questions: President Williams – 434/981-0444. Seating is limited. When: Sunday 7 December 2025 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm Where: Chez Marijke Ford (address to […]

Happy Hour: A Brief History of Toys for Tots (National Event)

From its humble beginnings in 1947, the wife of a Marine Reserve Major wanted todonate dolls to a charity that would distribute the toys to children in need. Sheconvinced her husband to create one. He looked to fellow Marine reservists to get thejob done. The project was a huge success and was officially adopted by the […]

Virtual Event: Churchill and the Middle East (National Event with Fee)

During World War I, Britain made numerous and often contradictory promises in the Middle East—including the Sykes–Picot Agreement, the Balfour Declaration, commitments to Arab leaders, and support for Wilson’s Fourteen Points—in an effort to secure allies. After the Ottoman Empire collapsed, Britain faced the challenge of reconciling these conflicting obligations. Winston Churchill, guided by T. […]

$10 – $30

Happy Hour: The American Revolution – Both a Civil and a Global War (National Event presented by Cville Branch President)

As the calendar turns to 2026, The English-Speaking Union of the United States begins a year-long celebration of 250 years of American independence. Throughout the year, ESU will feature several Happy Hours that give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on this historic milestone.The American Revolution was a war unlike any other—one of ideas […]

Branch Robert Burns Night at Glenmore

Glenmore Country Club 1750 Piper Way, Keswick, Virginia, United States

A Thursday – A “Robert (“Rabbie”) Burns” night at Glenmore – complete with the ritual procession of the Haggis and Single Malt Scotch whiskey. Kilts, Period Costumes, and Formal Attire are encouraged. This event will be hosted by Glenmore Country Club. Our Branch will be a major sponsor. Details to follow with invitation. 

Branch Shakespeare Competition at Blackfriars Playhouse

Blackfriars Playhouse 10 S Market Street, Staunton, Virginia, United States

The Shakespeare Competition at Blackfriars Playhouse, the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia at 10:00. For those who wish to remain for lunch, we will gather at a nearby restaurant. We want a good Branch showing in the playhouse. Free.

FREE

Branch Mystery Movie

Alamo Theatre 375 Merchant Walk Square, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Mystery Movie – Not a mystery this coming year. It will be the family-friendly Pirates of Penzance. Venue: The Alamo Theater. Time: 12:00 Noon. Children’s best Pirate Hat contest. Winner – free Jumbo Popcorn. Don’t miss this opportunity for the families of our younger members, or the grandchildren of more seasoned members, having a great time […]

Branch Informal TLAB Presentation

Informal TLAB presentation by our TLAB winners of their experiences, and take-aways, of studying in the UK. 3:00-5:00. Invariably a fascinating, and animated, report.  Hospitality Committee event. Free. Venue to be determined. Members seriously encouraged to attend. Support our teachers and their schools.  Free.

FREE

Branch Waterperry Farm Tour (Free Union)

Waterperry Farm 4284 Ballards Mill Road, Free Union, Virginia, United States

(Rain Date is Sunday April 26th) - Waterperry Farm (Free Union) – Private Guided Tour by Owner-Designer, Katherine Kane at 4:00. Prosecco and Hors D’oeuvres at the Pool House at the end of the tour (rest rooms available). One need not be a garden-lover to find these elegant gardens, their inspiration, glass in hand, to […]

2026 Annual General Meeting (National Event)

The English-Speaking Union welcomes its members to NYC for the 2026 ESU Annual Conference on April 24th-25th,2026. The conference, under the theme “United by Language, Inspired by Liberty.” The conference program will include the ESU 2026 Annual General Meeting, social events such as receptions and meals, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and local tours. We invite […]

$650

Branch Waterperry Farm Rain Date

Waterperry Farm 4284 Ballards Mill Road, Free Union, Virginia, United States

(This will be the date for the tour if 19 April is rained out)