British Congress 2002: a few thoughts and positive experiences

 Four members of the Scottish Esperanto Association made the journey to Stoke from Scotland; but as SEA membership is not confined to Scotland at least 10 SEA members actually participated; and the Congress certainly merited participation. The Esperanto Association of Britain is going through a time of acute transition since its move from London; but there are definite signs of hope in the current situation.

 Why have a Congress in Stoke-on-Trent, a city which is experiencing the pain of industrial change and is not a conventional tourist destination? The reason, of course, is that the new HQ of EAB is now found at Wedgwood Memorial College, a Mecca for Esperantists during more than forty years. When Stoke was chosen it was reckoned that the HQ would be built and fully operational. Well contractual complexities resulted in unexpected delays, and it seemed a few months ago that there would be no new HQ to see; but the building rose like a phoenix and a large proportion of the 85 or so participants had the chance of seeing a building within a week of final completion, and of listening to Dr. Derek Tatton explaining what was there and what would soon be there with his customary vision and enthusiasm. And the sun shone brightly!

2 Younger Participants Caputred by the Camera

 The AGM included some vigorous debate about electoral procedures for office bearers. Why not? These matters are important. But members also responded positively to a comprehensive summary by David Kelso, Director of development, concerning what had been achieved during the past year and the vision of the Association for the future. Four new members were voted on to the Management Committee; some well known personages decided to stand down. But the new committee has a potentially good combination of those involved in the move from London and those who share with them the vision (that word again!) of what can be achieved in a new setting with an intimate relationship with adult education. It was a pleasure to all that our job-sharing administrators, Viv and Lydia, were in attendance and demonstrated their charm and competence.

 The Congress presented many opportunities for discussion and debate: many ideas were tossed about; and hopefully office bearers and ordinary trustees took note. As always there was a comprehensive programme of lectures: cultural, informative, polemical, linguistic, international and of local interest. The entertainment was varied, and gastronomy played an important role. There were some representatives from abroad which helped to ensure that Esperanto was used almost universally in informal encounters. IT? Yes we had a cybercafe; and IT was utilised in several lectures. New friends were made; old friendships consolidated. Important decisions were made in unconventional places. There was buzz and quiet optimism.

 Particular thanks are due to Terry Page, the Organiser; he personified good humoured dedication and hard work. Without him there would have been no Congress; and that is an indisputable fact!

Terry Page Doing Pulicity!

 Next year the Scottish Esperanto Association and the Esperanto Association of Britain are having a joint Congress in Glasgow. Hopefully the momentum will be maintained! Note the dates: 23^rd to 26^th May 2003.

 We are on the move once again!

David W. Bisset