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Trees are important!It was appropriate that the theme of the September 2002 Scottish Study Weekend was trees; for last winter a tree was planted at Scottish Churches House to commemorate the 21st Anniversary of the Studrondo (to use Esperanto terminology) at this ideal residential venue. Thematic weekends have been organised in past years; but trees proved to be a theme of extraordinary richness; so that subject and terminological knowledge were both significantly enhanced for the participants. The leaders of the Studrondo were meant to be Girvan and Maire McKay from Ireland; but Girvan was unable to travel to Scotland because of a recent eye operation which has temporarily confined him to being within hailing distance of a Dublin hospital. However, he was able to participate in the complex preparations for the presentation of the theme; but had to leave Maire to bear the brunt of an intensive programme. This she did with good humour and no indication of flagging. Maire began by describing the methodology of the huge project which had occupied them during several weeks: the translation into Esperanto of the catalogue of the Arboretum at Wedgwood Memorial College where the HQ of the Esperanto Association of Britain is now located. This was, indeed, a challenge to there subject knowledge and terminological capability. There were computer disasters and the need to ponder at length concerning linguistic matters. But their labour is now complete, proof-read and awaits imminent publication. Let it be emphasised that there are over 700 trees in the Arboretum! After this technical description, Maire proceeded in her subsequent lectures to explore the ecological importance of trees and forests; trees and mythology; trees and mythology; trees and literature; kaj tiel plu (and so on) as one puts it in Esperanto. She had a wealth of practical exercises, including leaf identification and the naming of music related to trees, which she herself played on the piano. A delightful interlude was a promenade along the banks of the Allan Water led by our guest lecturer which provided her with the opportunity of identifying local trees and imparting further fascinating information concerning their characteristics; and, of course, the sun shone brightly as it always seems to do at Dunblane! Many slides were shown during the weekend which provided an insight into the aesthetics of trees; and there was also a short visual preview by David Bisset of the new Esperanto Garden at Barlaston. The theme of trees was an integral part of the entertainment during the weekend; the quantity and quality of songs and poetry concerning trees is indeed remarkable! A pleasant interlude was the presentation to Prof. Stanley Nisbet of a newly translated book, Blankaj Noktoj (White Nights), by the great Russian writer Dostoevsky, to honour his recent ninetieth birthday. Stanley was delighted by the gesture and thanked the Scottish Esperanto Association and the participants in elegant Esperanto. The Glasgow Congress Committee met on three occasions during the weekend (the Scottish/British Congress takes pace in May 2003), and the Scottish Committee also deliberated; so the work ethic was not neglected! The McKays merit sincere thanks and appreciation for their Herculean efforts!
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