Here's What We Are All About:

Communication, Friendship, Relationships, Understanding. The international exchange of ideas and peoples of all nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and cultural perceptions, and improved comprehension and use of English.

The English-Speaking Union is an educational and cultural nonprofit organization founded after World War I. E-SU offers a variety of programs for members and community service activities that will expand your world.

E-SU has 88 American Branches and 50 branches in other countries.

Learn more about the Colonial North Carolina Branch of E-SU from our on-line newsletter, The Anglo-File [Click Here].

Colonial North Carolina Branch Membership

Our membership covers an extensive geographical area in Eastern North Carolina, members hailing from Havelock, Oriental, New Bern, Bath, Cove City, Wilson, Fountain, Greenville, Tarboro, Rocky Hill and even Richmond, VA. We welcome all residents of Eastern North Carolina to join our branch.

We urge all members to participate especially in meetings, preparation arrangements and providing visiting speaker hospitality.

To support the national and international activities of E-SU and local branch expenses, annual dues are paid by each member. These dues help to provide up to two speakers at no charge from the national organization. There is a separate charge for meal costs at meetings.

In addition to annual dues, we ask each member to contribute to our scholarship fund on an individual basis. Members' generosity in recent years has allowed us to resume offering an annual scholarship.

Annual Dues are: Single - $28.00, Couple - $45.00, Student - $23.00.

The Mission of the E-SU

The mission of the English Speaking Union of the United States is to promote communication and understanding through the medium of the English language. In fulfilling the mission, the E-SU initiates innovative programs to expand and improve the comprehension and use of English worldwide.

Our Slogan: "Linking People Through English".

Background and History

From its founding in 1920, the English-Speaking Union of the United States has been dedicated to strengthening friendship among English-speaking peoples by supporting information programs, educational and professional exchanges and person-to-person contacts.

Meetings and Events

Colonial North Carolina Branch of E-SU welcomes members from all nationalities. We usually schedule six to eight membership events during the fall-winter-spring seasons. For the latest information on upcoming events check our on-line newsletter, The Anglo-File [Click Here].

Visiting Speakers

Our meetings host distinguished speakers on a variety of topics of general interest to members. These are usually Saturday luncheon meetings at the The Colonial Inn in Farmville and other  restaurants in cities throughout the Hidden Coast. 

National E-SU offers speakers mainly from the UK with international reputations in world affairs and British culture. We draw also on the rich talent in local areas for many informative and entertaining programs and frequently cosponsor with other local organizations.

Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen's Birthday is celebrated in June. This is our annual Scholarship Benefit. Past themes have included "Ascot on the Neuse".

Educational Programs

Scholarship for Study in England

The Colonial North Carolina Branch of E-SU offers a significant scholarship to a deserving college student for summer study in England.

Chosen by the Scholarship Committee from a pool of local applicants, recipients must be enrolled in a college or university in the area or is a permanent resident of the area studying elsewhere.

The Colonial NC Branch is striving to make scholarship awards on an annual basis.

Shakespeare Recitation Competition

The E-SU's Shakespeare Competition is an acting and recitation contest providing high schools with a program to encourage students to develop their literary and dramatic talents. Started in 1983 with 500 students in New York City, the program now includes 8,500 participants sponsored by 54 branches.

In April each year, winners of English-Speaking Union branch contests compete in a final competition on the stage of the Lincoln Center in New York City, the winner receiving an all-expense paid visit to the United Kingdom.

Contacts and Links

Our mailing address for correspondence is:
Colonial NC Branch of E-SU
PO Box 1402
New Bern, NC 28563
e-mail: whipple@pamlico.net

National Headquarters

The national headquarters of the English-Speaking Union of the United States is located at:
E-SU National Headquarters
144 East 39th Street,
New York, NY 10016
Telephone (212) 818-1200
Web Site: www.esuus.org

The International Headquarters of the English-Speaking Union is located at

English-Speaking Union
Dartmouth House
37 Charles St
London W1J 5ED
Email info@esuus.org 

Tel 020 7529 1587
Fax 020 7495 6108