News And Events

News And Events

Obituary ELIZABETH BAGSHAW

Liz Bagshaw died on December 6, 2017, just one week after being diagnosed with a severe illness. She is survived by four children: Margaret, Paul, Michelle, and Ann. Sympathy notes may be sent to a special email account setup for the purpose: withlovetoyouliz@gmail.com.

Liz was the kindest and the most sociable person many of us knew. That was one of the reasons she joined ESU, to meet people united by a worthy cause. She quickly made friends in the group, and became involved in many of the activities that keep the branch going. Liz was often the first person I that you saw upon coming through the door at special events and receptions, as she was frequently the receptionist and toll-taker. She was also active in the Seattle Opera Guild, in which she held the positions of V.P. of Nominating and Chair of the Bellini Preview Group.

Read Full Story

UW’s Successful “Jane Fest 2017” Co—sponsored by SeattleBranch.

Saturday, November 4, was chosen to celebrate the author, Jane Austen, as 2017 marks the 200th anniversary of her death. The day saw the large "Commons" area in UW's Mary Gates Hall transformed into a Regency Festival with booths and activities, and later into a ballroom. ESU's Seattle Branch was listed prominently as one of the co-sponsors.

Activities during the festival included book discussions, a workshop on rare books, Regency letter writing, an Austen dress-up photo booth, Regency recipes and how to brew a proper cup of tea, card playing, a Regency fashion show, fabrics, sewing and embroidery, trivia quizzes, and a complete showing of the 1995 mold-episode version of "Pride and Prejudice" with Colin Firth. (The six-hour showing was off in a private room. I dropped in a few times and noted the presence of women who were reciting every line of the movie—now that's dedication!) A dance workshop helped attendees prepare for the ball that evening, which was splendid. I danced with a gentleman from Bainbridge Island who had ordered his outfit, complete with white breeches and high boots, waistcoat and blue tailcoat, from Sussex. Many of us were in beautiful costume, which lent to the ambiance.

Read Full Story

The Last Word.

May 2018 bring joy and good fellowship to all of you.

A special thank you to those who donated to our programs recently: Clarke O'Reilly; Tom and Kristen Ferguson, and of course, the "Lavender Hill Mob" members.

The following made donations to the Scholarship Fund: Ed and Sarah Atwood, Sandra E. Boyd, Christine Harrington, Lisa Machogan, James Kemp—Slaughter, Ethel Kemp-Slaughter, Michael Vaughn, Don and Elizabeth McKenzie, Bill Maschmeier and Patricia Haggerty, Ingeborg and Bob Dunlap, and Ingrid Philbrick.

All attended the 25th "Lavender Hill Mob" Holiday luncheon celebration at the Womens University Club sponsored by Ethel Kemp—Slaughter.

Read Full Story

December Auction and Raffle Increases ESU Scholarship Funds.

Many thanks to those who contributed items, purchased items, and/or purchased raffle tickets at ESU Seattle's recent Scottish Ball Auction and Raffle. The goal for the evening was half a scholarship ($750), and we exceeded that amount.

The winners of the pairs of tickets to the Seattle Symphony's Joshua Bell concert were Larry Woodin and Clarke O'Reilly, Jr. Congratulations! The raffle brought in $275, and the auction an additional $609, for a total of $884.

The fundraising doesn't stop there! If you know of something that would make a good raffle item, (condo, resort or hotel stays, hard-to—get theater or concert tickets), please contact me. For the next Summer Party auction, wine baskets or other themed baskets are also encouraged. We had some at the 2017 Summer Party, and they helped the fundraising considerably. If you cannot do an entire basket on your own, form a group where each person contributes something (e.g., a bottle of wine, or a Made-in-Washington gourmet food item). We'll be happy to provide the basket and ribbons!

Read Full Story

New Speakers Committee

The Seattle Branch is forming a Speakers Committee to take the place of the former Evelyn Wrench Speakers Program. President Bill Maschmeier has appointed Sandra Boyd to chair the new committee.

Sandra announced that both the Fundraising Chair, Loveday Conquest, and the Membership Chair, Barbee Tucker-Pigott, will serve as well representing their respective committees.

To round-out the Speakers Committee, anyone interested in participating in this worthy cause from the General Seattle Branch membership may contact Sandra at sfboyd10@gmail.com.

-Sandra Boyd

Read Full Story

Christmas Ball

2017 ESU Christmas ball and party will have a Scottish theme, with invitation to dress in Scottish attire or not, with a Scottish grand dinner and dance. The cost per person is $85.00. The date is Friday, December 8, 2017, at the Seattle Yacht Club in the Fireside Lounge. The evening commences at 6:30 pm, with a script bar and social hour. Dinner commences at 7:30 pm and the entertainment with a good band and dance floor ends at 11:59 pm. Scottish bagpiper to play.

The special two-course dinner selected by our board starts us off in Scottish fashion with a salad featuring Haggis (meat or vegetarian) or Prawn Cocktail. Please mail in your reservation today. Reservation form [link]

Download Christmas Ball.pdf

Read Full Story

ESU Help Wanted!

The Shakespeare Committee is looking for volunteers to help put together the Annual Shakespeare Contest and other programs for the upcoming year. See Susan Wilson, Chairperson for more information.

Contact her at (206) 292-9756 or wilcorgrounding®aol.com.

Read Full Story

English-In-Action Update

Just to let you know, English—In—Action will begin October, 3, 2017, at University Lutheran Church off 50th in the University area (1604 NE 50th St., Seattle, WA 98105). We would love to have any interested parties stop by to see us in Action, At the present time we have three visiting scholars who are enrolled and we are hoping for more. It is such a worthwhile program that is rewarding to both students and tutors. We hope to see you on the 3rd. Come and enjoy!

—Marlene Holbrook, English-In-Action Chairperson

Read Full Story

Annual Summer Garden Party & Silent Auction

Come and spend a relaxed summer afternoon in a beautiful garden, by the poolside and in a comfortable outdoor living splendor. This year's garden party is at a top residence in Woodinville where the hosts have perfected their gardens. It begins on July 30th at 3 pm with beverages at the gazebo, festivities, and a specially catered dinner that brings you delicious food. The theme is Hawaii, so pull out the straw hats and summer attire. You may forget this area ever receives rain! Mail your check to Susan Wilson: $75.00 per person, and the first 80 guests are assured a place at this grand event. See the application here. 

Garden Party Auction

We need donations for the Garden Party Silent Auction. Remember, your donations and purchases fund our scholarship program. You: "giveaway" is someone else's "find." Our auctions are always a good source of future gifts to family and friends!

Please contact Fred Kleinschmidt at 
(206) 325-7237 or fred.l.kleinschmidt@gmail.com for further information. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

Read Full Story

Annual Appeal Letter

Many of our members answered our Annual Appeal Letter. Among them are Sarah Navarre, Anne Passantino, Captain Richard and Diane Sardeson, Robert Schramke, Sara Hemphill, Ed Hyde, James Kemp-Slaughter, Eli Kirkpatrick, Fred Kleinschmidt and Loveday Conquest, William Maschmeier and Patricia Haggerty, Don and Elizabeth Buzzell-McKenzie, Hiromi Okumura, Heidi Renz, Ethel Kemp-Slaughter, Irene Tregear, Alan Waggoner, Tanya Zolotereva, Larry Woodin, and Pat and Susan Wilson. The Annual Appeal funds our educational programs.

We thank all for their support!

Read Full Story

 

The English-Speaking Union

Seattle Branch

Seattle Branch Landmark Photo

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.