Bill Auld honoured

The former editor of La Brita Esperantisto was the guest of honour at a lunch held in the Green Hotel, Kinross, Perthshire, on Saturday 21st October 2000.

As a token of appreciation for his 28 years of editorship he received a cheque and a bottle of malt whisky with a suitably engraved silver neck label from the Esperanto Association of Britain.

Whiskey for Bill!

Greetings were read out from many renowned Esperantists, including Kep Enderby, the World President, Humphrey Tomkin and Giorgio Silfer. All spoke of his astounding contribution to Esperanto literature, original and translated.

Chris Gledhill who has just translated The Hobbit revealed the fact that Bill had provided the translation of the poems, and , to everyone’s delight, declaimed one of these poems

Dr. Marjorie Boulton, a close friend of Bill and eminent Esperanto poet and scholar, spoke eloquently concerning Bill’s Herculean editorial endeavour and his unique position in the Esperanto literary world. Her tribute was leavened with anecdotes concerning Bill’s extraordinary career. She emphasised his genuine modesty which co-existed with literary achievements of world significance. In relation to his translation of Tolkien’s Trilogy, she stated that even to copy the text would be a horrendous task, but to translate it was almost beyond belief!

Meta and Bill Auld and Dr. Marjorie Boulton (left to right)

Ron Calder, the former Secretary of the Scottish Esperanto Association, presented Bill with a cheque as a token of the Association’s esteem. He praised Bill’s literary achievements, and indulged in some amusing reminiscences.

Ron Calder congratulates Bill on behalf of the Scottish Esperanto Association

Bill rose to his feet on two occasions to express his appreciation of the gifts and verbal tributes. Wit and fluency were not lacking! Every word was savoured!

Bill Replies!

The Scottish Esperanto Association with great pleasure made Bill Auld and Dr. Marjorie Boulton life members.

Flowers for Meta Auld

David Bisset, Vice President of EAB and Secretary of EAS, acted as Chair at this relaxed and happy occasion.

The event was admirably organised by Jean Bisset.

David W. Bisset