Palm Beach Branch of The English-Speaking Union of the United States
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The English-speaking Union of the United States was founded in 1920 by Sir Evelyn Wrench. It now has over 7,000 members in 74 Branches throughout the country.
Its purpose is to strengthen friendly relationships with other English-speaking peoples through the use of English as a common language. It seeks to accomplish this by educational and social activities, including the provision of scholarships, especially for teachers, for summer study in the United Kingdom.
History of the Palm Beach Branch
The first meeting of the Board of Directors of the Branch was held on May 24, 1957 for the election of Officers.
The first president to be elected was Mr. Marshall B. Wood, upon whose initiative the Branch was formed, following a meeting with Mr. Roger Hawthorne, then the Executive Assistant to the President of the English-speaking Union of the United States, and His Excellency Dennis Hennessey, then the British Consul in Miami.
By the end of 1957 there were 225 members. The 2007-2008 membership numbers over 300.
The Branch has been in continuous operation since that time, and has been fortunate to have the interest and support of many distinguished residents of Palm Beach.
In addition to our regular members the following are Honorary Life Members:
Mr. & Mrs. John K. Castle
Mr. & Mrs. Winston S. Churchill, Jr.
Mr. Frederick Hansen