News And Events

Summer Study in the UK

Oxford, the Globe Theatre, the University of Edinburgh
FREE to local public high school English, Drama, and History Teachers 

Since 1957, 132 Denver-area teachers have studied in England. You may know some of the teachers who have received fellowships: Carol Hendry from Chaparral attended the University of Edinburgh, and Susan Stokley went to Oxford; Lisa Cillessen from Standley Lake High School and Brian Kurz from Grandview were in London at the Globe; DPS principal Nick Dawkins studied at Oxford as did Alan Martin and Mary Connelly.  Mary Davenport from Bruce Randolph attended the Globe, and Josie Papazis from South High School studied at Exeter College in Oxford.  Cindy Poinsett from Cherokee Trail High School and Timothy Reyes from Overland High School attended the Globe.  In 2015, Aimee Arens and Todd Madison of East attended Oxford.  Their experiences were memorable, and all agree that they are better teachers as a result. 

Best of all, the fellowships are FREE. 

 

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Packed House for A Genteel Captivity— A Centennial Remembrance

On Thursday, September 24 in St. John's Cathedral,  Christiane Citron enthralled Denver Branch members and their guests with stories from the unpublished memoir of Sir Clive Morrison-Bell.  This 22-year member of Parliament, Personal Private Secretary to Winston Churchill, and internationally acclaimed author was also a World War I Prisoner of War.  Christiane shared stories of Clive-Bell's hard-to-believe experience over four years as a German POW in five different German POW camps, followed by a surprising internment in Switzerland.  Prior to the presentation, attendees socialized while enjoying wine, beverages and light appetizers.  Christiane lingered after she was finished speaking, answering questions and swapping stories with those in attendence. 

Christiane  Citron

 

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2015 Annual Meeting

Sue Stokley, Ruth Beckley and Basil Carpenter

The Lakewood Country Club was host to the Annual Meeting of the Denver Branch of the English Speaking Union on Sunday, July 26.  It was a lovely day for a brunch overlooking the golf course and a perfect time for members to reconnect, share good food and drink and celebrate the previous year's Branch accomplishments. 

Following a brief reception, Kennedy Walters, winner of the 2014 Dr. Howard F. Beckley Writing Competition, treated members to reading of an original work.  Following brunch, the meeting was called to order by president, Bruce Haefner.  In addition to a President's report by Bruce, reports were given by Treasurer, Chuck Thompson and Committee Chairs, Michael Thornton, Susan Stokley and Cindy Poinsett.  Polly Cox, on behalf of the Nominating Committee, presented the nominees for the vacant Board positions.  Nominees included Aimee Arens, Everett Engstrom, Bruce Haefner, Karen Kellogg-Fain, Mary McLean, Bonnie Pritchett and Tim Reyes.  All nominees were approved by the membership. 

 

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Celebrating the Queen

Doris Payne, Jean Riddle, Pat LaMoe, Beverly Cotten and Ruth Beckley

On Sunday, June 7, members of the Denver Branch of the English-Speaking Union and their guests gathered to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.  The celebration was held at Beacons Community Space, a unique venue in the heart of the Cherry Creek North Shopping District.  Members and their guests had time to socialize prior to sitting down for the formal tea, catered by English café and tearoom, The House of Commons.  Tea sandwiches, miniature scones, Scottish shortbread and homemade petit fours were accompanied by pots of tea.  Guests were then served glasses of champagne as ESU Denver President, Bruce Haefner offered toasts, first to U.S. President Barack Obama and then to Queen Elizabeth. Glasses were raised and socializing continued.

 

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Sara Doerner : Semi-Finalist at ESU National Shakespeare Competition

New York City, April 27th, 2015 – With a performance of a sonnet and monologue from Shakespeare, Sarah Doerner from Denver, CO, a student of Shawn Hann at Denver School of the Arts in Denver, placed as a semi-finalist in the 32nd annual English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition. The Competition was held on April 27th at Lincoln Center Theater in New York City for 57 winners of ESU Branch competitions nationwide. Sarah had previously won the ESU Denver Branch regional competition.

This year's winner of the English-Speaking Union Hawaii Branch competition, Sarah Spalding, won first prize in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition, winning a full Scholarship to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art's Young Actors Summer School in London, England. Second place winner, Evelyn Johnson, representing the Philadelphia Branch, won a scholarship to attend the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp. Third place winner, Elizabeth Mears, representing the Boston Branch of the ESU, won $500 from The Shakespeare Society.

 

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The English-Speaking Union

Denver Branch

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Welcome to the ESU

The ESU celebrates English as a shared language to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, and members.

To find out more about our programs click here.