British Esperanto Congress at Letchworth

My wife Jean and myself arrived at Letchworth on the Saturday morning after travelling during the night from Belgium! Not perfect planning; but that's life - or, more accurately, a frantic life!

I have a passion for architecture; so Letchworth for me was a dream destination. It was, of course, the first Garden City; and Esperanto has been there for over 100 years.

Fatigue during the Saturday made the Congress really dream-like for me: for better or worse!

The number of young Esperanto-speakers there was very high: that's really good news! The AGM was brilliantly conducted by Professor John Wells; so no frightening fireworks!

World President Renato Corsetti gave the inaugural Buchanan Lecture (EAB and Liverpool University) about the value of bilingualism: very clear, very professional with refreshments after.

There were interminable discussion groups about renewal: far too many for me: a congress is primarily a celebration.

Plenty of private conversations; lots of overseas participants; a few outstanding lectures, particularly from Anna Lowenstein (Renato's wife) about the hidden dimensions of children's literature: utterly enthralling; she should have given at least three lectures!

The Broadway Hotel where we stayed was excellent with a marvellous carvery and reasonably priced New World wines: highly recommended.

Finally, Letchworth merits many more visitors: an earthly paradise of layout, architecture and gardens. My first impressions were no dream!