BRANCHES
Branches Conference 2013
“MEASURES TO REJUVENATE, EXPAND
AND SUSTAIN BRANCHES AND
INCREASE THEIR NUMBER”
WORDS CLARA WIDDISON PHOTOS GIGI GIANNELLA
Delegates convened in Stratfordupon-Avon for the annual Branches
Conference between 18 October and 20
October. Seventy-five delegates attended
to discuss and share ideas, as well as
enjoy a stimulating
cultural programme.
The conference was officially
opened by Her Royal Highness, The
Princess Royal, the new President of
the English-Speaking Union, at the
Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust. HRH
gave a speech to those in attendance
about the vital importance of the
members and the branches, and in
turn, the responsibility that they have
to growing the membership and
upholding the values and aims of the
organisation. She spoke at length about
the importance of branches embracing
technological change and maintaining
websites in order for the organisation
50 | dialogue
to remain current in the 21st Century,
and in doing so laid down the challenge
for the conference to the delegates in
attendance. The Princess Royal then
met each of the delegates prior to being
presented with a posy by 8-year-old
Matilda Anne Stone, who was dressed in
traditional Tudor clothes.
Delegates were given a tour of The
Birthplace and the treasures collection,
which comprises of the First Folio
and The Quiney letter, and had the
opportunity to request excerpts of
Shakespeare plays from the Shakespeare
Aloud! acting troupe in the gardens.
On Friday evening delegates were
entertained with a performance by
violinist Magdalena Filipczak, regarded
by critics and pre-eminent musicians
as one of the most outstanding young
Polish violinists of her generation.
Magdalena, who was awarded an