2023 British Faire

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ESU Members and Guests Are Invited to
Celebrate the Annual British Faire

The British Are Coming! All ESU members and guests are invited to the Annual British Faire and Tea.  This fun event is sponsored by the Daughters of the British Empire in Kansas. This annual fundraising event benefits retirement communities and local charities. Some of the events and activities at the British Faire:

• Traditional British Afternoon Tea
• Lots of home-baked goods
• The best local British vendors
• Antiques
• Crafts, Celtic jewelry
• Books
• Specialty food and cheeses
• Christmas Crackers
• Teas
• Children's activity room

Admission: Adults: $5.00, Children, 12 & under $1.00, Purchase tickets at door. Cash only.

Click here for all the entertainment and activities at the Annual British Faire

This is a fun event for the whole family with activities and events for all ages.  The Kansas City Branch of the ESU will have an Informational Booth at the Faire so be sure to stop by and have your photo taken to be added to our Facebook page.  

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Gerald Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol

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Gerald Charles Dickens Returns to Kansas City
To Perform "A Christmas Carol" In-Person

Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, continues to shape the way we celebrate Christmas over 180 years after the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits of Christmas first touched hearts in 1843.

Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, is returning for a live performance of A Christmas Carol. In this 30th anniversary performance, Dickens portrays the voices of nearly all the characters in the Christmas classic. His striking resemblance to his great-great-grandfather and his dramatic rendition brings A Christmas Carol to life. 

It's been seven years since our ESU Group has gathered to see this wonderful Dickens program. All ESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to see this special performance by Gerald Charles Dickens—the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens. Limited seats. This is a free program but registration is required. 

When: Friday, November 3, 2023

Where: MGC Community Hall
3440 S. Lee's Summit Road
Independence, MO

Time: 7:00 pm

Watch video preview:  Click here

Free Admission. Registration required: Click here to register as guest.

About Gerald Dickens

Gerald Charles Dickens is returning from England to the Kansas City area to perform his great-great grandfather's classic tale, A Christmas Carol.  Join us in welcoming Gerald Dickens as he performs his stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol and brings each scene vividly to life. Dickens adopts different voices, expressions and mannerisms to portray each of the story's twenty-six characters in this acclaimed one-man show.

A professional actor in England, the energetic Gerald Dickens leaps, laughs, and sobs as he portrays the voices of A Christmas Carol.  Gerald's performance of A Christmas Carol has received standing ovations all over the world. Gerald notes that Charles Dickens didn't write his first book until age 24 and died at age 58, yet managed to put out an extraordinarily large body of work.

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The Questionable Identity of Shakespeare

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The Questionable Identity of Shakespeare

Monday, October 30, 2023, 10:00-11:15 am CT

The question may be met with chagrin by traditionalists, but to some, the identity of William Shakespeare is not positively decided. Dr. Felicia Hardison Londré, Ph.D, presents a thought-provoking analysis on the Shakespeare authorship question. This free lecture program is at 10:00 am on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Grant Hall Auditorium, 5228 Charlotte St., Kansas City, MO., University of Missouri at Kansas City Campus. Metered parking is immediately south of Grant Hall.

Was it William Shaksper of Stratford-upon-Avon or Edward De Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford or some other playwright of the time? Dr. Londré delves into the sensitive question of authorship in an illustrated presentation. Read more

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ESU Annual Conference Oct 20-22, 2023

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Every year the ESU National Headquarters holds an Annual General Meeting for all ESU members throughout the U.S. This year, the Kansas City Branch will be host to this 3-day Conference. This year's theme, Blueprint for Growth: Unity of Purpose, will cover diverse and enriching approaches for organizational growth in the ESU's second century of programming. 

The conference program will include the ESU 2023 Annual General Meeting, social events, including receptions and meals, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and local tours. We invite you to partake in the camaraderie and help us to advance our programs that support teachers, students, and recent immigrants.

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Classical Shindig Book Signing at Nell Hill's

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Join Us for a Classical Shindig

Join us on Thursday, October 19 at 6:00 pm for an evening with two of New Orleans' most beloved hosts and concert pianists, Michael Harold and Quinn Peeper, who sure do know their shindigs. From seasonal celebrations to iconic book clubs to lavish parties for family, friends, and non-profits, Michael and Quinn have seen, done, and decorated it all.

Nell Hill's, Kansas City's premier home décor store, and the English-Speaking Union Kansas City Branch are co-hosting a book signing of Michael's and Quinn's newly published book, Classical Shindig, Amateur Artistry: From the Simple to the Sublime.

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