Esperanto HQ officially opened

Jack Casey Plants a tree on behalf of Scottish Esperantists

About 100 guests attended the Inauguration of Esperanto House, the HQ of the Esperanto Association of Britain at Wedgwood Memorial College, Barlaston, on Tuesday 17 September 2002.

The whole event was a judicious combination of ceremony and informality. The plaque to commemorate the Opening was unveiled by Dr. Renato Corsetti, the President of the World Esperanto Association; and the ribbon was cut by Councillor Ellis Bevan, the Lord Mayor of the City of Stoke-on-Trent. Both of them addressed the guests with apposite words.

The occasion was also attended by Dr. Komorowski, the Polish Ambassador, representing the home land of Dr. L.L. Zamenhof, who alluded to the continuing relevance of Zamenhof's vision.

Other speakers also included Dr. Derek Tatton, the College Principal; David Bisset, Vice President of EAB; Nigel Rigby Chief Education Officer of Stoke City Council, and Edmund Grimley Evans, the President of EAB.

Three trees were planted after the Opening Ceremony to commemorate a unique event, including one presented by the Scottish Esperanto Association.

A sumptuous buffet was provided by the College catering staff; and everyone had the opportunity of visiting the new Office, the Butler Library, the Arboretum, the Esperanto Garden, and exhibitions about the College's future plans and the heritage of EAB.

Dr. Corsetti's assertion that Esperanto in the UK has entered a new era was enthusiastically applauded by the assembled multitude!