The English-Speaking Union

Colonial NC Branch

2023/2024 Programs/Activities

2023/2024 Programs/Activities
*(OTP) Open to the Public
*TBA – To be announced

September 16, Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Royal Shindig
Dinner on the Peterson Porch, weather permitting. "Royal" foods served in honor of the visit of Dr. Quinn Peeper, ESU Chairman and His Britannic Majesty's Honorary Consul to New Orleans.
(Members/Guests)

September 17, Sunday, 4 p.m., Classical Shindig
Piano Concert and Presentation of new book by Dr. Peeper and Michael Harold in the Christ Episcopal Church Nave
(OTP)

October 2, Monday 11:30 a.m., Refugees or Immigrants 
Lunch at the Chelsea Restaurant, Susan Husson, Executive Director of IRM, and Elizabeth Wood, immigration lawyer, will discuss their clients' needs and the changing demography of those arriving in New Bern
(Members/Guests)

November 19, Sunday, 4:30 p.m., "Veterans: Why, Which One, and Then What"
Harrison Center, 311 Middle Street. Major General USMC (ret) Tom Braaten will discuss the options facing veterans and soon to be veterans. From his experience, there will be lessons for all.
(OTP)

December 10, Sunday 4 p.m.,. Carols and Wassailing
Light refreshments at the 516 Middle Street home of Darrin and Tony Embrey. Members of the Christ Church Choir will lead us into the Christmas Spirit. The history of Wassailing will be followed by tasting and various "toasts".
(Members Only)

January 14, Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Origin of American Accents and Dialects
Lunch at  Harry's Blind Tiger on Craven Street (members/guests) The Rev Margaret Pollock, ESU member, has presented twice last year about the English-Speaking countries of Africa
(Members/Guests)

February 10, Saturday, 10 a.m., Regional Shakespeare Contest 
Epiphany School of Global Studies Trent Road Campus Auditorium, High school students from all over Eastern NC vie for a place in the National Finals in New York City
(OTP)

February 23, Friday, 5:00 p.m. Carolina Colours Clubhouse, Up-close Look at Ukraine
Dr. Kenneth Wilkins will discuss his recent medical trip to this beleaguered Country. Local Ukrainians will share their views and experiences. Optional buffet dinner to follow
(Members/Guests)

March 16, Saturday, 11:30 a.m., Gertrude Bell, Queen of the Desert
Luncheon at New Bern Golf and Country Club, Caroline Peterson has always had an interest in little known women who have had major impacts on the world. Gertrude Bell' influence on how the Middle East boundaries were drawn following World War I cannot be overstated. See how that has affected today's situation there.
(Members/Guests)

April 6, Saturday, 6 p.m. Shakespeare Dinner(Fund Raiser)
St. John's Lodge #3, 516 Hancock Street. After a three-year hiatus, this popular event will highlight Shakespeare's Groundlings with selected scenes and food associated with the theme. It's always a sellout.
(OTP – Limited seating, Sponsorships available)

May, What Has Really Happened to the Newspaper Industry?
Location, day, and time TBA, Stephen Johnson, ESU Member, will share his thoughts and insights based on his 50+ years in the newspaper industry including national Sales Director for the launch of USA Today in the first 20 markets.
(Members/Guests)

June 23, Sunday 3:00 p.m., King's Birthday and Annual Meeting 
Garden Party at the Johnson Street home of Cindy and Henry Gleisberg, ESU members, followed by The Language and Culture of Flowers –SpeakerTBA
(Members/Guests)