96^th Scottish Congress educates and entertains

The 46 participants of the Congress came from 8 different lands. They enjoyed an occasion which was educational but never dull at the Bentley Hotel in Motherwell. The standard of the cuisine was first class; and very little English was heard during the event!

It was a bold decision of the Local Committee to take industrial history and the influence of immigrants as the congress theme; but the experiment was successful. Lectures were of the highest standard and contributed to a real understanding of the theme. They included: an overview from the President; Mia Casey on the Economic Geography of Lanarkshire; Jack Casey on Keir Hardie, the founder of the Labour Party who was born in Motherwell; David Kelso (Director of the Esperanto Association of Britain) on the Italian Contribution; and Don Lord with a hilarious lecture (as light relief) about Amusing Encounters in the Esperanto World.

Mia Casey gives a geography lesson!

Jack Casey lectures about Keir Hardy

It was a particular pleasure that Princo Henriko from Nigeria also attended and had the opportunity to lecture about society and Esperanto in his land. Nigeria is buzzing with Esperanto activity in spite of the turbulence of recent years.

Prince Henry from Nigeria meets St. Andrew of Scotland!

The excursions to the local heritage centre, an industrial museum, Carfin Pilgrimage Centre and the Clyde Valley also helped to add further relevant dimensions and were more than pleasant interludes.

Down the mine!

The entertainment included a strong Irish element, and singing and accordion music from Elena and Alexander Danko from Russia. Some meals also took place outside the Bentley in Italian and Chinese restaurants to emphasise the strong internationalism of a town which is not a normal tourist destination.

Elena - Russian Singer and Dancer

The Scottish committee met twice and chose Duncan Thomson as Vice President, and Glasgow as the Congress city for 2003 when the societies in Glasgow and Edinburgh will celebrate their centenaries.

Books were sold; friendships were made or reinforced; town walks were conducted; the Bentley bar was patronised; and Esperanto and factual knowledge were advanced informally but effectively.

Thanks are due to retiring President Charlie Dornan for choosing the theme and chairing most meeting; Jean Bisset for supreme administrative competence; and Mia Casey for financial skills.

President Dornan (left) and an attentive audience!

The Scottish Esperanto Association is proud that its now has a President, Dr. Chris Gledhill, and Vice President, Duncan Thomson, who both belong to the younger generation of Scottish Esperantists!

David W. Bisset

David in the Pulpit at Dalserf Church, lecturing not preaching!

Esperantists like to talk!