Welcome to the Greenwich Branch of The English-Speaking Union.  We were established in 1983, and now have a membership of over 300 area residents.   The Branch supports the worldwide ESU goal of advancing the effective use of the English Language in an expanding global society, through various joint and local programs and activities.  Our local Branch has monthly events, except during July and August, with a variety of speakers at cocktail receptions and luncheons, with occasional out-of-town visits.

Activities, both local and with National include:

   *   An annual Shakespeare (public speaking) contest for public and private students in grades 9th-12th.  In March, The ESU and the Smith College Club co-sponsor program preliminaries, and in April, local winners participate in the national finals, held at Lincoln Center in New York City. The national winner is awarded a summer course at The Globe in London.

   *   Each May, “Communications Awards,” supported by Greenwich ESU, are held at Greenwich High School.

   *   The “John Douglas Public Speaking Award,” in honor of the first Greenwich local president, is presented to a senior at their graduation. Over 200 students participate and the 25 winners receive awards in seven categories covering academic essay, journalism, public speaking, poetry, drama and video.

   *   Scholarships to Connecticut High School teachers in English, Social Studies and Creative Writing to pursue summer courses for three to six weeks at Oxford University, the Globe Theatre and Edinburgh University.

   *   His Majesty’s, King Charles III, Birthday party:   An annual Garden Party, each June, celebrates this event.  Amidst a lavish “tea Party” at the Bellehaven Club on Long Island Sound, event winners of the  Shakespeare Competition perform and the recipients of the Teacher Scholarships are introduced.

   *   “Luncheon & Lectures,” at the Greenwich Field Club.  The second Thursday of the month, in the spring and fall, members enjoy a fine luncheon and notable speaker- with visuals- on topics from “Kipling, father of Modern Espionage 

All members have access to Dartmouth House in London, the Headquarters of the ESU Commonwealth.  Accommodation is available at area hotels, which offer reduced rates to members.

We hope you will join us !

Natalie T. Pray, MBE
President of the Greenwich Branch