The English Speaking Union by Kate Stuart
The last meeting of the 2014/15 season of the English Speaking Union was held at Portal Premier Golf Club on April 14, 2015.
Elizabeth Gowing gave a talk on ‘Edith and I on the trail of an Edwardian Traveller in Kosovo’. Elizabeth's partner was asked to be advisor to the Prime Minister for a period of 6 months, but stayed 9 years. While there Elizabeth heard many stories about this wonderful lady called Edith Durham from the local people and decided to investigate this English lady unknown to most of the British people. In the late 1890's Edith who travelled widely, discovered Kosovo and thereafter went for 2 months every year. In the first Balkan war she found herself organising aid for the people. She was a great writer and observer of local traditions. She also lobbied for Albanian rights. Edith is still remembered in Kosovo and Albania with love and respect.
Elizabeth goes back to Kosovo on a regular basis and has set up a school for Roma children. She also loves and admires the people as much as Edith Durham did in Edwardian times.
On June 16 we have afternoon tea at Abbeywood - a fundraising event for our sponsored students and schools. We start 2015/16 season on September 8. Please ring 01606 76534 for further information.
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