Events calendar for 2023
Upcoming events
JUNE
Myths about Shakespeare’s Language - a free lecture on Thursday 22 June at 6 pm (for 6.30 pm start).
Venue: State Library Victoria - The Conversation Quarter. Access via Entry 3 on La Trobe Street.
Refreshments and canapes will be provided. The event will conclude by 8 pm.
Learn the truth behind the myths surrounding Shakespeare and his ongoing impact on the English language.
He’s one of the most prolific and celebrated English playwrights of all time - but how much of what we know about Shakespeare and his impact on the English language is true?
Calling all Shakespeare lovers! Hear from Professor Jonathan Culpeper, Professor of English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University, as he unpacks a range of myths about Shakespeare’s language.
Using discoveries from his newest research project, the £1 million AHRC-funded ‘Encyclopedia of Shakespeare's Language’, Professor Culpeper will show how Shakespeare changed the English language - creating new words, new patterns of speech and modes of performance.
Seats are limited. RSVP is essential for catering purposes. Register by June 16 to secure your spot! Click HERE for the EventBrite link.
Professor Culpeper's lecture is organised by Monash Arts Events. His visit to Melbourne is supported by a Minor Project Grant, awarded by The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch).
JULY
Friday Night Forum: Theme to be announced - Friday 7 July, from 6:30 pm.
We have reintroduced regular social gatherings for members who have an activist orientation. These are held on the first Friday of every odd-numbered month, commencing in March 2023. Light refreshments will be provided. Dinner can be purchased locally, or BYO.
Please book for the July Forum by 5 pm on Wednesday 5 July so that we know the numbers to expect.
Email: admin@esuvic.org.au or mobile: 0477 005 932
AUGUST
Pub Lunch - Saturday 5 August at 12:30 pm.
Join members and friends at The Last Jar, 616 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (corner of Queensberry Street). This is a pay-as-you-go event. To ensure that we reserve a suitable table, please RSVP by 5 pm on Wednesday 2 August by telephoning 0477 005 932 or by sending an email to admin@esuvic.org.au. Let us know about any special dietary requirements.
"Poems we love" - Saturday 12 August
This event will be held as part of Australia's national Poetry Month this year. We hope to be able to host this as a hybrid (Zoom + face-to-face) event for members and the public.
SEPTEMBER
Friday Night Forum: Theme to be announced - Friday 1 September, from 6:30 pm.
We have reintroduced regular social gatherings for members who have an activist orientation. These are held on the first Friday of every odd-numbered month, commencing in March 2023. Light refreshments will be provided. Dinner can be purchased locally, or BYO.
Please book for the July Forum by 5 pm on Wednesday 30 August so that we know the numbers to expect.
Email: admin@esuvic.org.au or mobile: 0477 005 932
OCTOBER
Pub Lunch - Saturday 7 October at 12:30 pm.
Join members and friends at The Last Jar, 616 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (corner of Queensberry Street). This is a pay-as-you-go event. To ensure that we reserve a suitable table, please RSVP by 5 pm on Wednesday 4 October by telephoning 0477 005 932 or by sending an email to admin@esuvic.org.au. Let us know about any special dietary requirements.
NOVEMBER
Friday Night Forum: Theme to be announced - Friday 3 November, from 6:30 pm.
We have reintroduced regular social gatherings for members who have an activist orientation. These are held on the first Friday of every odd-numbered month, commencing in March 2023. Light refreshments will be provided. Dinner can be purchased locally, or BYO.
Please book for the July Forum by 5 pm on Wednesday 1 November so that we know the numbers to expect.
Email: admin@esuvic.org.au or mobile: 0477 005 932
Annual General Meeting
The AGM for ESU members will be held before the start of December. Members will receive details via direct email or by post.
DECEMBER
Pub Lunch - Saturday 2 December at 12:30 pm.
Join members and friends at The Last Jar, 616 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (corner of Queensberry Street). This is a pay-as-you-go event. To ensure that we reserve a suitable table, please RSVP by 5 pm on Wednesday 29 November by telephoning 0477 005 932 or by sending an email to admin@esuvic.org.au. Let us know about any special dietary requirements.
End-of-year celebration - Saturday 9 December at 1 pm.
Join members and friends for a BBQ and picnic at Fawkner Park, South Yarra. Full details will be announced in November.
Communication and bookings
Our members and supporters receive notification of events via our occasional E-News and via supplementary emails if we have your email address. To join as a Social Member, please complete the form HERE.
Unless otherwise advised, all events are held at our premises in Ascot Vale.
If you wish to attend a scheduled ESU activity, please book by contacting the office - via telephone on 0477 005 932 or via email at admin@esuvic.org.au.
For the record - our past events in 2023
MARCH
Friday Night Forum: The Voice referendum - Friday 3 March, from 6:30 pm.
APRIL
Book launch - Wednesday 5 April at 6.30 pm.
Bonfire Books launched its Anthology of Australian Verse with a wonderful celebration of contemporary Australian poets - established and emerging. Attendees mingled over wine and nibbles, and were treated to readings by some of the poets featured in the Anthology.
Bonfire Books won the 2022 ESU Major Project Grant. We are thrilled that their project has been completed successfully.
To order your copy of Anthology of Australian Verse 2023, visit https://bonfirebooks.org/product/anthology-of-australian-verse-2023/
APRIL
Meet an ESU Award Winner: Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network - Friday 21 April at 7 pm.
Dr Jackie Watts OAM, inaugural Chair of the Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network, and her fellow Board member Major General (ret.) Michael O'Brien CSC, spoke about the Network's establishment, roles, objectives, current progress and language. The Network has won several ESU awards.
Read about the speakers, HERE.
Anzac Day commemoration and BBQ lunch - Tuesday 25 April from 12:30 to 4 pm.
ESU members and friends attended ESU House for a free BBQ lunch followed by a commemorative afternoon service at 3:00 pm.
See the flyer for this event, HERE.
MAY
Friday Night Forum: Modern corporate governance and the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity agenda - Friday 5 May, from 6:30 pm.
JUNE
Pub Lunch - This event was scheduled for Saturday 3 June but was not held.
This page was updated on 29 May 2023.