Esperanto-Asocio de Skotlando

Sekretariejo

Monday, May 14, 2007

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!

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