Sun shines at Stirling Congress

The 101 st Scottish Esperanto Congress (2/5 June 2006) in the Smith Art Galley and Museum, Stirling , was a most pleasant experience: the weather was warm and sunny; and holding the congress in a cultural institution was a brilliant idea.

On the Friday, after a delicious buffet, and much conversation, Kreŝo Barkoviĉ, General Secretary of SAT, spoke about his visit to Japan. He is a skilled observer; so what he had to say about the culture of Japan was fascinating. His lecture was followed by the role-playing game of wolves and villagers guided by Duncan Thomson.

Saturday began with a Scottish Esperanto Association committee meeting. The others explored the museum and its attractive surroundings. The next lecture was given by David Kelso, and dealt with Esperanto Education: a title which permitted him to wittily comment concerning many cognate themes. After lunch Dr. Marjorie Boulton gave a major lecture concerning Charles Reade, the English novelist and dramatist, with particular emphasis concerning a stay in Scotland which changed his entire career. The following lecture was given by Jack Casey concerning a miracle of modern engineering, the Falkirk Wheel. After the AGM of SEA David Bisset conducted a town walk of Old Stirling, finishing at the castle. In the evening the Congress Banquet in the Terraces Hotel provided an appropriate ambience for eating, drinking and erudite conversation!

On the Sunday morning the Falkirk Wheel was visited; it was no disappointment! The afternoon began with an Ecumenical Service for Pentecost, guided by Tom Neil, in Holy Trinity Church , and a simultaneous discussion, led by Hugh Reid, concerning consciousness. The last lecture of the congress was given by Kreŝo Barkoviĉ; it was a masterly summary of the history and ideology of SAT. John Francis then arose to say apposite things concerning all the contributors; and President Diana Richardson closed the congress with thanks and reminder concerning two excursions the next day.

The excursions on Monday were to Stirling Castle and the site of the Battle of Bannockburn.

The congress was no anti-climax after the festivities of the 100 th Scottish Esperanto Congress last year. There were 28 participants; and, of course, every item was in Esperanto.

David W. Bisset