R = Uzu nur la radikon
(Ĉi tiun tekstodosieron oni rekonstruis el skano de elektitaj eroj en originala papera dokumento. La precizan paĝaspekton kaj grafikojn el tiu dokumento oni ne konservis en ĉi tiu teksta dokumento. Ankaŭ la teksto-rekona procezo eble enkondukis literum- aŭ transskrib-erarojn. Dosero laŭ formato PDF de la paĝo-bildoj elŝuteblas el la EAB Ĝisdate arkivo.)
Published by the Honorary Secretary of Esperanto-Asocio de Britio
All articles in EAB-Update, apart from any that are signed, have been written by the Hon. Secretary: Eric Walker.
My rather provocative editorial in the last issue succeeded in its aim of producing a good supply of letters which you will find in the appropriate section. (Because of the number of letters and other items which I feel should not be left to the next issue this will be a 'bumper' edition. An interesting cross-word by Sue Ralph appears, plus 'Ĉiutaga Esperanto' by Don Lord (we are going to explore the possibility of publishing a book, of these entertaining and educating essays by Don which stretch back over a good number of years). Another 'Bonvolu Esperantigi' by Michael Cayley is also present. (Only 7 people entered for the competition- that's rather poor, only 7 out of 700 readers - surely we can do better than that?)
We have decided to have a slightly irregular publishing schedule for EAB-Update. This is to allow the poor editor a decent breakout Christmas and in the summer, but it also means that at the time when we may need more frequent contact with our members, the period just before the A.G.M., it will come out at monthly intervals. I hope that this will meet with your approval.
I have been doing a little telephone chasing up of members who did not respond to the two renewal reminders which were sent to them. Most of my calls were well received, but often inertia had overcome good intentions! However a couple of people did observe to me that their local groups did not make much of an effort to help beginners. In fact they felt that they had been given the cold shoulder! People at the club either talked very rapidly in Esperanto, or just gossiped in English. I realise it must be difficult where there is just a small group of say 5 to 8 people if the group contains both beginners as well as experts. One group I know has decided to run a beginners' group on the alternative Mondays to their regular fortnightly meetings. There are only about two or three beginners and it will mean one of the other members giving up one evening every two weeks but it will aid the beginners to progress. If we want to build up our groups again to a decent size we have to do something like this. Also, please look in the 'Federations and Clubs' section for details of the Eastern Federation's 'Conversation Day' and go forth and do likewise! It does not necessarily need to be done on a Federation-wide basis, just a couple of groups willing to come together and organise, making sure that their beginners and slow learners are included.
I have to end this editorial on a sad note. My very good friend, Fraser Dunbar, died on 5th October. Fraser, although ill at the time, worked very hard during the setting up of the temporary EAB office in Ipswich. He helped me in the updating of the office procedures and also found the time to both sell Holland Park Avenue (for a very handsome sum), and to start the very trying negotiations with Stoke on Trent City Council to obtain a decent lease at Wedgwood Memorial College. I miss his calm and trenchant advice.
Eric Walker
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 2]
Even though a lot of books have been taken away, both by EAB members and also Simo from U.E.A., a lot remain. So we are now offering mystery parcels! Yes, send £5.00 (or £10.00) and we will make up for you a varied mixture of books, booklets etc. I am afraid it is not possible to offer a choice. Note: the books will be free, we will make up parcels that cost £5.00 (or £10.00) in carriage. Cheques payable to EAB, please.
[Out-dated: "ESPERANTO MAGAZINES 2001"]
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 3]
[Out-dated: "BOOKS FOR ALL"]
A school assembly lesson about Esperanto has been prepared by Michael Cayley and is on a web site of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. "www.assemblies.org.uk" To look at it, go to the home page and choose 'Current Assemblies'. On the page, Paul Hewitt has been credited in error.
We shall hope to appoint someone to this post in the New Year. What do you see as the main priority for someone whose task is to try to build EAB and to promote the image of Esperanto? How do you think they should go about doing it? I look forward to receiving many opinions from you. Opinions are always valuable, so please send them in.
Applications for this post are welcomed. (Please also see page 4 of Update 8). Please send for job description and conditions of employment. Closing date for applications 31s Dec. 2000.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 4]
La Brita Esperantisto - vekiĝu! Brita Esperanta movado bezonas britan, Esperantan revuon: ne britan, ĉefe anglalingvan EAB Update! kaj ne rusan, sed ja Esperantan Ondo de Esperanto. Ambaŭ bultenoj, kies redaktoroj kaj produktantoj pro sencesa, sendube sendanka laboro umoble gratulindas, provizore ŝtopas breĉon: nek unu nek la alia kontentige anstataŭas La Brita Esperantisto.
EAB Update! informas pri eventoj en la brita Esperanto-kalendaro; laŭdindas raportoj pri kunsidoj de la administra komitato; tamen tiuj, kiuj volas lerni aŭ praktiki Esperanton, plejparte seniluziiĝos. Ondo de Esperanto provizas lingvan nutraĵon sed - evidente - de rusa perspektivo. Bone: Esperanto estas ja internacia lingvo, kiu helpas transsalti landlimojn, aparte mensajn. Sed, kvankam mi, loĝanto de X-urbo, scias, ke la ĵurnalo en Y-urbo elstaras, mi ne abonas ĝin, ĉar min interesas aferoj en X, ne en Y. Same Ondo de Esperanto: mi tramaĉas la vortojn, ne la ideojn. Dume mi ne povas deteni min de la penso, ke Esperanta asocio, kies ĉefa, hejmproduktata organo aperas precipe en la nacia lingvo, riskas same ridindigi sin kiel fervoja kompanio, kiu kamione transportas siajn lokomotivojn. Kiel pravigi la ekziston de tia organizaĵo?
Tamen kia revuo dezirindas? La Brita Esperantisto nun dormas: kiel gi aspektu, kiam oni decidas - se oni decidas - veki ĝin? Jen dek rubriko-proponoj por vivigi eldormigitan La Brita Esperantisto (kelkaj rubrikoj memevidentas kaj ne menciindas -ekzameno-sukcesoj, novaj membroj, kalendaro de eventoj, deziras-korespondi, ks; ankaŭ krucvort-enigmo estus bonvena):
1. aktivulo-profilo: ĉiunumera intervjuo - plus foto - kun loke diligenta Esperantisto, por ke legantoj inspiriĝu kaj informiĝu pri la agado de aliaj (plaĉegas tiaj 'klaĉ'-rubrikoj!);
2. federacio- aŭ klubo-profilo: ĉiunumera priskribo de federacio aŭ klubo (denove: kiu estas kiu, kiel la organizaĵo funkcias; kiamaniere ĝi prosperas, ktp);
3. administranto- aŭ estrarano-profilo: por demokratiigi la asocion, nepras 'koni' estraranojn (ĉu vi scias, kiu estas prezidanto de EAB?);
4. komitato-raportoj: resumoj - koncizaj - pri la decidoj de administra komitato (kaj aliaj);
5. redaktora angulo: pensiga, eventuale polemika artikolo pri la brita movado (por instigi leganto-leterojn, reagojn kaj, se necese, kritiki decidojn, agojn/neagojn de la administra komitato [nepras sendependa redaktor[ar]o]);
6. lingvaj rubrikoj: Ĉiutaga Esperanto sed ankaŭ legaĵo en pli simpla Esperanto (tia, kia aperis en Eko); eventuale gramatika/lingva konsultejo;
7. traduko-konkurso: laŭ la principoj de William Auld (daŭrigataj de Michael Cayley en EAB Update!)
8. originala rakonto/poemo: por kuraĝigi britajn verkemulojn (tamen oni atentu vortlimon!);
9. recenzoj: unuavice de verkoj far britaj Esperantistoj; nur duavice de nebritoj (denove: por reliefigi britojn kaj la britan movadon);
10. raportoj pri E-eventoj: nepras ne nur koncizaj raportoj (ekz. pri Brita Kongreso) sed ankaŭ fotoj; bonvenaj estas ankaŭ impresoj (denove koncizaj) pri eksterlandaj eventoj (ekz. UK).
Jen kvin kromaj principoj:
1. lingvo: La Brita Esperantisto aperos en Esperanto (krom klarigoj en la lingvo-rubriko; eventuale ankaŭ leteroj);
2. redaktor(ar)o: redaktoro(j) estos sendependa(j) de la administra komitato; La Brita Esperantisto ne fariĝos nura propagandilo por komitatanoj; redaktoro(j) ne nur ricevos sed ankaŭ aktive petos artikolojn; ĉefredaktoro - eble aliaj redaktoroj - ricevos honorarion;
3. originaleco: La Brita Esperantisto ne aperigos artikolojn publikigitajn en aliaj revuoj aŭ en interreto; (nenio pli ĝenas ol artikolo, kiun oni jam legis); se necese, oni prezentos redaktitan resumon de la koncerna artikolo;
4. eldonritmo: kvar numeroj jare (sur reuzpapero);
5. EAB Update!: ĝi restos kaj enhavos - en la angla -- superrigardon pri E-eventoj en Britujo kaj en la mondo, superrigardon pri komitataj decidoj, kalendaron, bazan informon pri EAB por novaj membroj (ekzamenoj, kursoj, ktp). Kvar A4-paĝoj sufiĉos.
Paul Gubbins
Dear Editor, Once again I read "Update" as soon as I received it. (This never happened with L.B.E.). It seems to me that "Update" is developing nicely - not only plenty of information relating to EAB but now also some articles etc. and favourite items from L.B.E. Why not let it just grow in response to need, requests and any material received from members. It seems important to get away from the template of L.B.E. and to let "Update" grow in its own way.
When its character is fully established a change of name could be considered, although I feel "Update" is pretty good and emphasises the fact that it is about developments in EAB. Maybe a suitable Esperanto equivalent could be found. Maybe then would be the time to think about format. I must say that I appreciate print of a reasonable size.
Norah Brown.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 5]
Dear Editor, I am opposed to re-starting La Brita Esperantisto because it necessarily must contain a given number of pages which requires time and money, while a Newsletter may consist of a single page or a dozen pages as the editor finds best according to the material in hand.
Thomas J. Woodall.
Why re-start BE! I don't like jumping from one language to another, even after 30 years of E-o...
And BE ended up as a mixture of things that may have been good in themselves but didn't go together: I had to keep turning pages saying "Not for me"!
A Polish friend liked the translation exercises, but it seems perverse to tackle passages that don't seem worth translating into any language (and smell of old exam papers!) when for me the translator's job is to find something that goes easily or neatly into E-o.
But the loudest "Not for me" came at the end: the poems translated into English were so disastrous that I lived in fear (until I'd sent the mag. away or cut it up) that a literary-minded visitor would see one and be put off E-o for life!
Kris Long
Dear Eric, I have now fully thought out my opinions on "La Brita Esperantisto" - (now defunct?)
1. I see no point in re-issuing L.B.E. unless and until it can reach the former levels of content and language (everything in Esperanto or bilingual), and quarterly.
2. I cannot see this happening in the foreseeable future. Before his retirement, Bill Auld appealed over a period for a new editor.
3. We are very lucky to receive "La Ondo" monthly as a substitute - we shouldn't be too 'in-growing'. Why don't we follow the example of Charles Dornan, Jack Warren and Charles Newman and send letters, articles, etc to "La Ondo"!
4. EAB-Update has its own advantages; a/ It isn't tied to a regular publishing date, b/ English helps beginners, new members and prospective members, c/ "Ĉiutaga Esperanto" & " Bonvolu Esperantigi" help English speaking Esperantistoj, d/ If Eric Walker no longer wants to edit it, easier to find a new editor than it would be for L.B.E.
Conclusion: in (3) & (4) we have the best of both worlds. Let's keep it that way.
Sincerely, Alwyn Kind.
(Note from E.W. I like producing Update and am happy to keep on doing so if that will be the wish).
My vision for BE The popularity of EAB Update, compared with BE, supports my view that BE should be primarily newsy. We are moving away from a World in which the Landaj Asocioj are the one-stop shops for Esperanto. Already it is clear that young Esperantists look first to world-wide use of Esperanto. The Landaj Asocioj will eventually serve only those who wish to actively help promote the language in the country. Those which do not adapt will wither away.
The best place to acquire literature is in the book shops. Short, popular bits and pieces in BE, perhaps, but serialisations, should have no place in BE. Nor should substantial articles on things like bee-keeping, which have nothing to do with Esperanto.
The quality should be high, in editorial, graphic design and printing. There should be a good working relationship between the editor and the committee. The role of the committee should only be to oversee general policy, and not to make decisions on things like whether there should be a poem on the back page.
In short, BE should reflect the strategic policy of EAB. If EAB hasn't got a strategic policy, then discussion will continue for yet another year. If it does have a strategy, then the solutions will be fairly self-evident. What sort of image should EAB be projecting for itself and for Esperanto - a quality product (in which case, BE needs to be a quality product, too), or a tacky one? What role should EAB take on - a traditional one-stop shop (in which case, it should serve the interests of the Esperantists) or a promotional organisation (in which case only those who wish to promote should be encouraged to join). If EAB doesn't take these decisions, then not only will BE suffer, but also press and public relations, publicity material ... in fact, all the association's activities.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 6]
It is true that there is still a need for members to be kept in touch with the international movement and speech community. There are many peripheral Esperantists, who want to support the movement, but would not wade through 'Esperanto', 'Eventoj', or 'Ondo'. I don't think a national magazine is the place for this sort of material though. It seems pointless to reproduce international news in many national bulletins, rather than compiling it in one concise and highly focused publication. Apart from the sheer waste involved, there seems no focusing in the movement on stories of particular interest to peripheral Esperantists, or the public, or those wishing to present the thing to the public. They are not written up in a way that would interest the target readership. It takes journalistic ability to create headlines that will interest people in the pub when they ask 'What's up in the Esperanto World, eh?'
A few years ago I outlined the need for such a publication in an article in 'Esperanto', with the suggested title 'Esperanto Hodiaŭ'. The idea was for a short (4/8 x A5) high quality bulletin to be offered for sale to the Landaj Asocioj (and any other associations) for them to distribute with their own bulletins. This would encourage the peripheral Esperantists to take part in Esperanto - if only by getting news of the Esperanto world by reading short news items in the language.
At one stage, when I was looking for work, I tried to get a project going on a commercial basis. I would have needed to sell 3000 to make the project viable, but realised that I would really have needed to get the project up and running with one Landa Asocio before I could sell to the others. Otherwise the result would be lots and lots of committee discussions. I personally am no longer in a position to take that project on.
EAB is now in a financial position where it could make such an investment. Could EAB set up such a venture? It would solve a problem within EAB, and within a few years, with sales to other Landaj Asocioj, it would be bringing in money for the association. The editor would not need to be British, but would have to have journalistic ability, a sense of priorities and focusing, and be prepared to actively suss out information, by email and international phone calls, rather than waiting for it to land on his desk.
In short, the present crisis could be turned into a positive venture, with a profitable 'Esperanto Hodiaŭ', an invigorating BE (absorbing EAB Update), and a sense of focus, that the Esperanto movement seems to have lost. But what's needed to get it off the ground is a sense of vision.
Ian Fantom
Dear Editor, It might be an idea to consider publishing a once yearly (or twice yearly) "literary" supplement to Update, which would cater for those with a bent that way, and might go some way to replacing BE. It could be called La Brita Esperantisto if it published "works" of British Esperantists - if it is to include "foreign" extracts etc., I don't see much point in publishing at all - people can subscribe to one of the many international journals.
Angela Tellier.
Estimata EAB Update, Here are a few thoughts about the future of our publications; at the moment, we have EAB Update, la Ondo de Esperanto and our own individual subscriptions to international magazines.
Our options are, as I see it, to carry on as we are doing or to replace EAB Update and la Ondo with one comprehensive, British publication, or alternatively, more than one with complementary aims.
We also have to ask about our target readership. Are we aiming at fluent Esperanto readers, less fluent Esperanto readers, or supporters who are happier with English? Should we, or could we, aim at non-movement English speakers? Bearing these questions in mind, we have to ask ourselves what are the strong points and what are the weak points with the present situation.
My personal view is that EAB Update is an excellent publication which would be improved by a little more input from the membership; for example, perhaps an advance calendar of group meetings could be compiled.
I would also like to see a magazine completely in Esperanto at least once a year, but preferably more often, a mixture of fiction and non-fiction, relating the British movement to the world movement. Such a magazine should be of interest to those in other countries, not just ourselves in Britain.
Having said that, we have to ask about the practicalities. Plans are all very well, but can we find an editor? Can we find contributors? Is an excellent Russian magazine better than a poor British one?
Hoping for a debate on these issues.
Kore salutas vin, Angus Wilkinson
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 7]
Dear Eric, Contrary to my natural instinct (as a long-standing member of the London Esperanto Club) I am writing this in English, as a contribution to discussion on the future publications of EAB. I am one of those members who feel a sense of loss that we no longer receive 'La Brita Esperantisto'. However, we must be grateful that Bill Auld was able and willing to edit it for such a long time with such distinction.
'EAB Update' has developed into a very lively and useful publication and I congratulate you on stepping into the breach so effectively. The large print attracts attention and it is good to have up-to- date Information from HQ.
I agree with your comment that it is difficult to cater for both beginners and advanced users of Esperanto in the same publication. On the other hand, we should avoid too rigid a segregation. After all, the future of Esperanto depends on sufficient beginners eventually becoming experts.
I think the best solution is to revert to having two publications, one predominantly in English and the other predominantly in Esperanto.
The former would incorporate most of the features of 'Esperanto Update'. A section specifically for beginners could be included, unless we can find the resources for a separate publication on the lines of EKo, perhaps with a separate membership category and low subscription.
LBE would include traditional items, as well as instructional articles from intermediate to advanced standard, such as Don Lord's excellent 'Ĉiutaga Esperanto'. Any really important announcements could appear in both periodicals (i.e. in English and Esperanto).
All members of EAB would receive both periodicals, so that beginners get some stimulus to improve their ability to read Esperanto. It goes without saying that both periodicals should be made as attractive as finances permit, with good quality illustrations and photographs. If members wish to subscribe also to other magazines such as 'La Ondo', they should be encouraged to do so, but that is not the direct concern of EAB.
Yours sincerely, Wilf Atkinson
Dear Eric, ... Although EAB Update! looks less professional than Brita Esperantisto, I find its content of greater interest. When the most recent number arrived a week or so ago I sat down and read it from cover to cover in one go; I could never read BE in the same, way. Why? Frankly, I found BE maybe a bit too elitist and intellectual, and that with the probably undue emphasis given to poetry it was a little beyond the reach of many ordinary Esperantists - and I say that despite being a language graduate myself with (in a few days' time) 40 years of Esperanto experience behind me. But being an editor is no easy task, and I think William Auld did a remarkable job over the years and achieved a high standard.
The one feature of BE I really used to look forward to was 'Ĉiutaga Esperanto', which I am delighted to see now incorporated into EAB Update! And (wounded national pride apart) I think that, whilst not ideal, the temporary solution of resorting to La Ondo de Esperanto until we in Britain can get our act together is a clever one with several advantages - a good example of lateral thinking...
Yours sincerely, Name & address supplied
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 8]
Dear Editor, Why don't you have pictures of nude women in your magazine?
Anon of Wakefield
Dear Eric, Our committee discussed your latest EAB-Update at our last meeting and I was asked to write to you to say how much we appreciate it. It was full of interest and thought provocation - particularly the first article by yourself!
The article by Don Lord is a very welcome contribution from La Brita Esperantisto - long may it continue.
The minutes of the Management Committee and news from other areas are very encouraging.
The contribution by Sylvan Zaft was very interesting, again adding the 'flavour' of L.B.E.
We would be glad to receive any further information about group travel to Zagreb.
Again, many thanks and congratulations for your labours on our behalf.
Amike via, Eric Fowden, Sec. North Wales Asocio
Editor's comments: The letters which you have read are all the letters received so far on this topic. Perhaps the reading of them will stimulate those who so far have not written to now do so. Here follows my personal opinion of how this decision making progress should go.
1. The debate in Update continues, there will be a February and a March issue in which further letters can appear.
2. At the A.G.M. on March 31st, further discussion could continue.
3. All these contributions could be considered at the first meeting of the Management Committee after then and a selection of options prepared.
4. All members could be sent a list of the different options and asked to mark them in order of preference and return to the office.
5. At the next committee meeting this 'straw vote' would be considered and decisions made taking them into account as well as the financial and labour costs involved. At least that is how I see it. I have not had time to present this idea to my fellow committee members and so it is very unofficial.
Eric Walker
"Ĉu vi trovas, ke la demando estas malfacila?"
"Ne, sinjoro, ne la demando, sed la respondo."
(La litero m)
Dear Editor
My dad left school when he was twelve. He had little formal education, but he read voraciously and became a deeply cultured man. But he knew only English, and he felt humiliated when he struggled to read books spattered with esoteric foreign expressions. "I'm reading in English", he would say: "why on earth can't they write in English?".
I agree with him. Using a phrase like "ben trovato" in an English text is simply bad manners. The author is saying "If you aren't fluent in Italian (and half a dozen other languages), my elegant writing is not for the likes of you". I think such intellectual arrogance is vulgar and profoundly offensive.
The legal profession used to employ a lot of dog- Latin expressions like "subpoena duces tecum". But last year the Lord Chancellor ordered them to abandon Latin and use English instead, and now legal documents make a lot more sense to laymen (and indeed, to lawyers as well). And if lawyers can break themselves of the habit of using baffling foreign tags, so can other writers.
Kate Hall says that "only hoi polloi" would object to phrases like "ben trovato". By "hoi polloi" she means "ignorant oiks who aren't cultured polyglots". But I'm on the side of the hoi polloi, and I think they should need only two languages - their mother tongue and Esperanto. That's what Esperanto is all about.
Dermod Quirke
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 9]
Sir,
No question of 'snobbishness' among those who retain the 'strong feeling that at all committee meetings Esperanto must be used' (EAB Update! Issue 8). Some of us enjoy Esperanto and - surprise, surprise - like to give it an airing. Speaking English with esperantists is like drinking tonic water in a distillery - a wasted opportunity.
I suspect others share this view. I recall the sigh of relief in Appleby when Stephen Thompson began speaking Esperanto after the annual meeting (conducted in English). I interpreted the sigh to mean: 'Look. We paid good money to come to Appleby and hear and speak Esperanto. Thanks very much - but we can have English free at home.'
Teachers know that a language needs regular practice. 'Use it or lose if applies as much to Esperanto as to local rail services, libraries or the corner shop. Those who currently wrestle with the problems of EAB deserve support and gratitude from EAB members - but to brand as snobs people who enjoy Esperanto and who - shock, horror - might wish to use it at meetings is a curious way to attempt to regenerate Esperanto in this country.
Paul Gubbins
To my mind, there is a considerable difference between a "konversacia rondo" and a committee meeting at which extremely important decisions, are made, resulting in the spending of large sums of money or deciding a strategy for the next five or ten years. To make such decisions we really need as deep a thought as possible. Also, Paul does not address the problem that his proposal freezes out new blood which can often offer a completely fresh and up-to-date viewpoint. The 'sigh of relief ' which Paul refers to, is a commonly heard thing at A.G.M.s of all persuasions!
E.W.
Note: For this issue I have put in almost all letters received in full, but some are too long and in future I may find it necessary to do a bit more editing!
E.W.
Olwen in Kroscienko. Poland.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my holidays in southern Poland. The countryside is truly beautiful, just made for walking and sightseeing. My last visit was soon after breaking my leg and I had to wear a large splint. This meant that I usually had to take the "easy" options from the varied programme of events. On all walks and bus excursions we had our own Esperanto-speaking guides.
The hotels that I have stayed in were very basic but clean, with comfy beds and lots of hot water. The food was plain but mostly plentiful. Delicious home-made soups, fresh fruit and vegetables but small helpings of meat. We only got fancy sweet cakes when there was a party.
In small towns there is not much to do in the evening but usually something was arranged in the hotel lounge - Esperanto lectures, videos, singing or dancing, etc. We were free to join in, or not, just as we wished. The British seemed to be the only ones who expected to go out in the evenings. Most esperantists are friendly, interesting and sociable.
Unfortunately the bus journeys do not get any shorter with familiarity. But travelling as a group does help a lot. The bus drivers cannot or will not speak any English and there is not always a courier and he or she may not speak much English. Travelling by air is great - if there is someone to meet you at the airport of arrival. Each time I make the bus journey I say "Never again", but I do and I hope that I will do so again!.
Olwen Melling, Isle of Man.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 10]
Paul and Veronica tour in France.
We decided earlier this year to pay a return visit to the Vendée in France.
The first thing we did after making the decision was to send an email to Henri Masson the secretary of Esperanto Vendée to let him know the dates.
He replied immediately saying that he had informed his members of our visit but rather cryptically added "reserve the 15th of July for a special event".
Subsequently we received various invitations as you will see. We sailed from Portsmouth on 29th June and arrived in Montaigu (20 km south of Nantes) later that day. After a day of relaxation we took up our first invitation to meet a group of Esperantists in the village of St Pompain (near Niort). All are "Naturamikoj" and we enjoyed an excellent meal: 4 hours at the table - followed by a walk around the village with a dozen Esperantists. Highlights were visiting the home of George Menossi who, on retirement as a scientific officer with the Paris Police, purchased a chateau which he spent almost 5 years rebuilding. An incredible labour of love.
We also visited the restored farmhouse home of Monique Assailly, who had spent many years teaching in the village school. St Pompain, a village with 800 residents can even boast "La Place de L'Esperanto".
The formation of this group was very interesting. George had learned a little Esperanto as a young man in Paris. On retirement he moved to the countryside and as a member of "Les Amis de la Nature" took part in a discussion about languages. Remembering Esperanto he suggested it as a solution. He obviously spoke very eloquently because a proposal was made that an Esperanto section be formed with George as leader. Before the group could begin to function George had to relearn and extend his knowledge of Esperanto. Result: a thriving and most hospitable group. Two of its members are listed in L'Amikeca Reto and can arrange accommodation for individuals or even quite sizeable groups in the local Naturamikoj house which they look after.
The Naturamikoj have over 1000 properties in Europe and an official Esperanto section with its enjoyable magazine La Migranto (An A5 sae to me will ensure you see a copy). Why hasn't this admirable organisation really taken off in Britain?
On other days we visited Henri Masson in his wonderful old farmhouse, Henri and Huguette Mennard in Le Pallet, where they are both official guides for the Muscadet Museum. A personal guided tour of the museum followed by a visit to a local wine producer who had been a pupil of Henri's when he had been head of the local primary school.
We also visited Marc and Anick Gallard who live on the banks of the Sèvre in a wonderful old house which has a self-contained flat for the use of members of La Pasporta Servo.
Henri Chaisnot, near Angers welcomed us most hospitably. Henri is a French radio amateur who I have spoken to many times in the last few years.
We had an excellent picnic on the banks of the Maine at St Fiacre and met Esperanto speakers from Nantes and other parts of the region.
What about July 15th? This was a fascinating day: the departure of a young French couple Rachel Prual and David Cholet who were setting off from the regional capital La Roche-sur-Yon, on a two year hitchhiking trip around the world visiting 45 countries. Between them they speak English, German, Spanish and Latin but had decided to add Esperanto to help them make contact with residents of the countries to be visited. On the 15th the local Esperanto speakers organised a picnic for them followed by their official departure which started at the traffic roundabout in the town -"Le Rondpoint Dr Zamenhof'.
Present were representatives of the regional council, the press and television plus about 70 well-wishers. During the event we renewed acquaintances with considerable numbers of Esperantists from the region which was a great pleasure and enjoyed singing and dancing in the open air to the accordion, beautifully played by a blind Esperantist.
Anyone who would like to plot the progress of Rachel and David should check their web site http://mondepouce.ctw.net. (Naturally the site has information in Esperanto but much of the information is also in French as it is aimed at keeping French schools informed of their progress. If you know any teachers of French recommend it to them. Not only will they read information about Esperanto but they may well find it useful as an interesting source of material for their pupils.)
Long distance travel is almost a tradition among the local Esperanto speakers. Bruno and Maryvonne Robineau completed an 8 year trip around the world (see their book "Ili Vivis Sur La Tero") and another young couple are at present in their 4th year of travel around Europe in a Romany caravan.
All have used Esperanto as a key to access other people and cultures.
I became very aware during our 3 week stay in France that even if I could speak French fluently it would not have allowed us to experience France and the French as we did. Esperanto really can reach the parts which other languages can't reach.
Esperanto took us to places we would never have visited and met people we would never have met if we had been ordinary tourists.
We met nothing but kindness and generosity wherever we went.
When travelling abroad never hesitate to contact the local Esperanto speakers. Check in the year book of UEA, La Pasporta Servo, L'Amikeca Reto for local contacts. You will never regret it and Esperanto comes alive when it is used for the purpose for which it was created.
Paul Hewitt
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 11]
In early August this summer, 25 young people from 9 different countries came together to a small village in the Highlands of Scotland to take part in the 'Skota Semajno'.
The venue was a ski-lodge in the middle of mountains, forest and rivers. The weather, despite a promising start, was typically Scottish - cloudy and showery, though that didn't stop the participants having long and short walks in the beautiful scenery around, and enjoying the occasional bout of sunshine. We even managed to swim in a nearby river.
We had to supply our own sleeping bags, and help a little with the preparation of food, but the atmosphere and setting more than made up for these.
The programme was varied - other than walks most mornings, there were a number of talks - on Japanese, China and karate, as well as courses on bread-making and Scottish (and other) dancing. One day we had an excursion (by car and train) to the town of Oban, on the west coast of Scotland. There we ate, visited a distillery, took a short boat trip to see seals basking on nearby rocks, and climbed up to a tower above the town. Some also visited a castle, and others checked their email at an internet cafe.
The evening programme ranged from massage to a theatre evening where everyone took part, an evening of Scottish dance and music, games, singing, and just sitting and chatting round the log fire.
The week was a success - the participants enjoyed themselves, and a small profit was made, in spite of Ĵomart and Nataŝa (two musicians from Sweden/Kazakhstan) not being able to come because of visa problems.
Let's hope this is the sign of JEB reviving - this is the first international youth Esperanto event organised in Britain to my knowledge for a fair number of years.
Duncan Thomson
After some years of relative inactivity, an attempt is being made to revive JEB (Junularo Esperantista Brita). If you are between the ages of 16 and 26 or you have younger members of your family who come within that age range, please let the office have their details. We will pass on their details to JEB and will also arrange for a youth Esperanto magazine to be received. Details of children below 16 will also be welcome and will be passed on to Angela Tellier who organises events for this age range. Also, we will arrange for them to receive the excellent magazine: Juna Amiko
E.W.
We have received some leaflets about this. If you want a copy, please send an s.a.e. to the office. This looks like a worthwhile holiday and I (Eric Walker) may make an effort to get to it. It takes place in St. Andreasberg, Germany. This is in the Hartz Mountains about 50 miles south east of Hannover. The dates are 9-16 April 2001. Last year about 160 took part and it is a holiday for the whole family. The German Youth Esperanto Ass. takes part and so it will be good for teenagers as well. Also, very important, there are courses for beginners, in fact for all levels, plus a lot of excursions and entertainment. The theme this year is "Europe without Language Barriers?"
Costs range from £60 for 4-10 year olds, to £152 for over 25 year olds. That is in twin bedded rooms, single rooms are more. There is much more information in the leaflet, so, if a little interested, send an s.a.e.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 12]
Iu juda amiko avertis min - "Ne iru al Tel Avivo dum julio - vi fandiĝos!". Sed alia amiko, kiu estas denaske Israelano, invitis min gastiĝi ĉe li. Do, mi iris, kaj, kvankam mi trovi la varmecon malfacile tolerebla, mi ne bedaŭris la travivaĵon.
Mi atingis Tel Aviv-on la 21-an de julio, kaj la sekvantan tagon Eli veturigis min tra la loka pejzaĝo, kie mi vidis kiel la Israelanoj "florigis la deserton", kaj mi komprenis, ke tio estas giganta tasko. Grava problemo estas manko da akvo, sed la oranĝ-boskoj estas mirinde verdaj.
La U.K. mem estis tre ĝuinda; ĉie en la kongresejo troviĝis akvujoj, kaj ni sekvis la konsilon de la L.K.K.-anoj - trinku ofte. Principe dum la ekskurso al Jerusalemo kaj Betlehemo ni trinkadis, kaj la akvo-vendistoj en la urbego bone komercis.
Dum nia juneco ni aŭdis pri la Sankta Lando, kaj tio ŝajnis tute nereala, kvazaŭ parto de alia mondo. Sed, iri persone al tiu lando, kaj vidi per la propraj okuloj tiujn lokojn, kie okazis la eventoj de la Biblio, estas vere mirinda travivaĵo.
La kvalito de la prelegoj estis ege alta, kaj la amikeca etoso ĉie sentiĝis. (Bedaŭrinde, neniu el la arabaj landoj ĉeestis). Estas arabaj kvartaloj en la urbego, kaj ili estas, plejparte, deprimitaj, ĉar la araboj kutime plenumas la malpli agrablajn taskojn. Mi eĉ vidis du homojn kiuj kuŝis, verŝajne mortaj, sur la trotuaro. Ĉu ili vere estis mortaj, aŭ nur ebriaj, mi ne sciis. Frateca amo ankoraŭ ŝajnas ne ofta inter la araba kaj la juda gentoj.
Bernice Scott
Enclosed with this issue of Update you will find a registration form. When completed, please send this direct to U.E.A. at Rotterdam. Translate the cost into £s and send an ordinary cheque with your form.
Package Flight and Accommodation
We have been obtaining quotes for this and it appears that a return flight London to Zagreb plus bed and breakfast accommodation in Zagreb at Hotel Dubrovnik, will cost £600. If you are interested to join a group, please ask the Office to send you a detailed leaflet.
The Buddy System
It can be a scary business to go to the Universala Kongreso on your own and for the first time. It would help a lot if some people who have been before and are going again, would be prepared to take a newcomer under their wing and take them around for the first couple of days and introduce them to other people and thus make them feel at home. Would anyone who is going to Zagreb, and is prepared to undertake this important and valuable task, please contact Eric Walker?
Universala Kongreso
Ni havas kelkajn ekzemplerojn de la 'Unua Bulteno'. Sendu afrankitan kaj memadresitan koverton se vi desiras ricevi.
My personal feeling is that this is not a suitable event for beginners.
E. W.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 13]
Jen bildo de Horace Barks. Mi nomis ĝin "aŭtobiografio" ĉar ĝi ĉefe konsistas el liaj propraj vortoj. Iuj el vi memoras lin. La du karakterizaĵoj kiujn mi precipe memoras estas unue, lia humuro; li estis en gaja humoro post kongreso en Barcelono kie li insistis al lokaj Esperantistoj, ke liaj antaŭuloj loĝis en Barkselono! La dua karakterizaĵo estas lia speciala intereso pri infanoj kaj gejunuloj. Kiam ni estis en Brazilo, ekzemple, antaŭ la komenco de la Universala Kongreso en Brazilio, grupo de junaj Esperantistoj tuj kolektiĝis ĉirkaŭ Horace. Li ŝajnigis surprizon pro tio, ke ili neniam aŭdis pri lia tre grava urbego, Stoke-on-Trent, kaj li diris: "Stoke-on-Trent eĉ havas 'Esperanto-kvartalon kie troviĝas trinkejo - la sola en la mondo kiu portas la nomon 'La Verda Stelo'; kaj estas stratoj tie kiuj nomiĝas laŭ la vortoj 'Esperanto' kaj 'Zamenhof. Tiuj estas faktoj," li diris, "Jen estas fantazio: Unu vesperon, tre malfrue, du ebriuloj eliris el 'La Verda Stelo', kaj unu diris al la alia: 'Rigardu la sunon, kiel ĝi brilas!' Kaj lia amiko respondis: 'Stultulo! Tio ne estas la suno; ĝi estas la luno'. Kaj ili argumentis pri la afero. Tiam tria viro eliris el la trinkejo kaj la du demandis al li: 'Ĉu ĝi estas la suno aŭ la luno?' Kaj la tria viro respondis: 'Mi ne scias; mi ne estas Stoke-on-Trent-ano!'" La gejunuloj tre amuziĝis; por la unua fojo, mi konstatis, ke humuro povus esti internacia. En la Solena Inaŭguro junulinoj petis aŭtografon de Horace.
Jes, multe ĝenis Horace vidi tiom da gemaljunuloj en la movado kaj li ĉiam subtenis kaj instigis membrojn de TEJO. Mi ĝojis, ke, post la morto de Horace en 1983, gejunuloj plenigis aŭtobuson de Swanwick, kie okazis la 40-a Interaacia Junulara Kongreso, por viziti la ĉiujaran ceremonion ĉe La Verda Stelo. Ili ĉeestis ne nur por honori la kreinton de nia lingvo, sed ankaŭ por honori Horace. Inter ili troviĝis tri junulinoj, kiujn li instruis.
Horace loĝis apud Hanley dum pli ol sesdek jaroj kaj lia adreso iĝis konata al Esperantistoj en multaj partoj de la mondo.
Li estis elstara civitano de la urbego kaj komencis sian duonjarcentan membrecon de la konsilantaro de Stoke-on-Trent en 1926. Li ĉefe sin donis al la laborado de la edukad-komitato kaj la komitato por bibliotekoj kaj muzeoj. Malgraŭ humila fono - li devis ĉesi viziti lemejon je la aĝo de 13 jaroj por komenci sian 50-jaran laboradon kiel fervojisto - li fariĝis "honora libercivitano" de la urbego, kaj, en 1951, ricevis la britan ordenon, O.B.E. Ankaŭ en tiu jaro li estis tre sukcesa kaj populara lord-urbestro.
La nomo de la "Horace Barks Referenca Biblioteko" en la urbocentro rememorigas nin pri lia elstara laborado por la kultura vivo de la regiono. Liaj kolegoj starigis ŝildon tie. Sur la ŝildo, Horace portas la insignon de Esperanto. Sub tiu ŝildo oni povas legi la vortojn: "Patro de la bibliotekoj kaj muzeoj de la urbego."
Poste li persvadis la urbegon komisii Barbara Tribe el Aŭstralio skulpti belan buston de Zamenhof. Oni povas vidi ĝin en la "Muzeo kaj art-galerio de la ceramikejaro".
Malgraŭ liaj konsiderindaj kontribuaĵoj al la loka komunumo, tro multnombraj mencii, Horace estis plej konata loke, nacie kaj alilande, pro sia laborado en la Esperanto Movado. Li konstante uzis la lokajn radion kaj ĵurnalojn por propaganda nian aferon. Li dufoje organizis internaciajn kongresojn por fervojistoj. En 1963 li persvadis lokan ceramikejon fabriki taŭgan porcelanan insignon por ĉiu kongresano - en la formo de la 18a jarcenta 'Portland' vazo de Joŝ Wedgwood.
Horace denove organizis IFEF kongreson en 1977 kaj oni donacis al li medalon kaj ateston: "Federacio Internacia de Societoj Artaj kaj Kulturaj de Fervojistoj honorigas Sinjoron Horace Barks per arĝenta medalo pro longjara meritplena agado."
Super ĉio, al li ni ŝuldas la kursojn ĉe Barlastono. Li jam instigis lemejestrojn enkonduki nian lingvon: ekzemple en Bucknall, Meir kaj Normacot. Li vizitis la lastan kiel Lord Urbestro kaj oni donacis al li libron - Fundamenta Rrestomatio - kaj en la ŝirmopaĝo troviĝas la vortoj: "Donacita al Sinjoro H. Barks, Urbestro de Stoke-on- Trent, je la 26a de junio, 1951 de la lernejantoj kaj instruistoj de Queensberry Lefnejo, kiel rememorigaĵo de lia vizito". En tiu tempo venis en la kapon de Horace, ke oni bezonus instruistojn - tial, Barlastono.
Horace tre fieris pri la stratoj kaj trink-bufedo en Smallthorne kaj la granda ardeza stelo kiu honoras la kreinton de la universala lingvo. Horace ĉiam esperis, ke "La Verda Stelo" estus centro por lerni la lingvon. La fama verkisto, Raymond Schwarz, -humuristo kaj satiristo - verkis poemon por celebri la inaŭguron de la trinkejo, kaj jen estas du el la ses strofoj:
"La Verda Stelo, amsimbol",
ĉi tie trafis en pokalon,
kaj konsekvence la popol'
trinkante trinkas ... idealon!
Loka ĵurnalo, La Sentinel, aperigis tiujn ĉi vortojn en 1951: Li ne akumuligis grandan riĉecon, sed oni konvinkiĝas, ke, jen estas iu, kiu estas farinta plej bonan, estas atinginta feliĉecon sen konscie serĉi ĝin.
Pri politiko kaj publikaj aferoj li parolas malkaŝe sed ne faras malamikojn; li estas ofte sprita sed neniam malica ... kiel lord-urbestro, li estas digna sed senparada, kaj lia intereso pri la homoj kiujn li renkontas estas sincera. Iu kiu tiom sukcesas je la arto de vivado ne povas malsukcesi kiel lord-urbestro."
W.H. Simcock
[Continued in Issue No. 10]
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 14]
Tiel komenciĝis artikolo en la ĵurnalo Leicester Mercury la 16an aŭgusto 2000 super fotografaĵo de pentristo Rudolf Hahlbohm tenanta desegnaĵon de sia pentraĵo.
La historio komenciĝis kun malgranda anonco en la marta EAB Update. Rudolf Hahlbohm, 90 jara, nun loĝanta en Berlino, estis militkaptito ĉe Evington. Leicestershire, antaŭ pli ol kvindek jaroj. Tie li pentris triptikon kaj tien li volas reveni kaj serĉi spurojn de sia pasinteco.
Mi skribis al li. Li akceptis mian inviton kaj sendis al mi pli da informo. En la militkaptejo li laboris tuttage kiel pentristo. Li verkis freskojn ĉe la oficiroklubo, portretojn, kaj la triptikon, grandan oleopentraĵon 2 metrojn x 4 metrojn. Li kredis ke ĝi estis por la preĝejo en Evington. Ankaŭ li faris linoleumajn gravuraĵojn, li improvizis presmaŝinon kaj presis ĵurnalon por la militkaptitoj en la regiono, kaj konstruis pupoteatron. Dum la libera tempo li pentris akvopentraĵojn de la pejzaĝo. Dimanĉe li estris artgrupon de siaj kunuloj. Li amikiĝis kun angla Esperantisto kaj post la reiro en Germanio ili korespondis dum kelkaj jaroj.
Antaŭ la vizito ni petis informon per la loka ĵurnalo kaj radio pri la militkaptejo, la pentraĵoj kaj la korespondanto, kiu nomiĝis Ray Dawson. La rezulto estis sufiĉe kontentiga kaj ni estis pretaj bonvenigi niajn gastojn.
Rudolf kaj la nepino, 17 jara Katharina alvenis al la flughaveno de Birmingham la 9an de aŭgusto. Dum la sekvantaj tagoj ni renkontis multajn homojn - historiiston, artspertulon, Esperantistojn, ĵurnalistojn. Ni parolis per la radio kaj televido. Ni vizitis kaj fotografis la lokojn, kie li pentris la bildojn antaŭ duanjarcento. Ray Dawson, la esperantista amiko de Rudolf, mortis antaŭ ses jaroj, sed la familio Dawson volonte renkontis nin. Kaj Rudolf kaj la familio Dawson alportis leterojn kaj bildojn, kiujn ili zorge konservis detempe de 1945, memorigiloj de amikeco. Ni interparolis esperante, angle kaj germane. Esperanto surprizis kelkajn amikojn, kiuj antaŭe ne opiniis, ke ĝi estas tia utila lingvo. La televida kameristo opiniis, ke ni parolis itale!
Finfine, Rudolf kaj Katharina reiris hejmen, tute kontentaj, post varma adiaŭo. Ili donis al ni presitan bildon de Zamenhof, farita de Rudolf, kiun ni sendas al Barlaston. Kvankam ni ne trovis la triptikon ni interkonsentis, ke ni trovis anglan-germanan amikecon. Ankaŭ ni montris, ke Esperanto vere kunvenigas homojn.
John and Sheila Pearson
Act now! (or wait until next Autumn). Esperanto Tulip bulbs are now available from Jacques Armand. Freephone 0800 028 5924 Quote reference T8005 (for Esperanto tulips) £6.95 for 10 or £32.95 for 50. They are deep china rose flamed with green and white. Foliage is marked with a silver white stripe. There is a display of them at Barlaston near the Esperanto sculpture. Only visible, of course, during the flowering season.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 15]
Dankojn pro la tradukoj de la teksto, kiun mi proponis por la unua konkurso. Mi ricevis sep solvojn: mi esperas, ke estontece pli da legantoj partoprenos. Premieto al Alwyn Kind. Jen mia mozaiko:
Notes
- "Scuttle": I prefer to leave the name of the newspaper in English. The sense is probably "coal-scuttle" (karbujo - AK), but there may be a hint of scuttling a ship.
- "Corruption": several of you used "malvirto", which has a more general sense.
- "Headlines": "rubrikoj" or "fraplinioj". I have opted for the second of these because it seems to me to fit better with the informal tone of the text.
- "Will have discovered": a tricky but typically English idiom, with a flavour of the conditional, but applying to an imagined past action. I was tempted to use "eltrovintus" - but not all esperantists would accept that form of the verb.
- "Trading stamps": a variety of solutions. I think "aĉetmarkoj", "aĉetkuponoj" and "komerc(o)markoj" would all be acceptable.
- "Wholesome": "nutra" (DF) seems to me preferable to "saniga", which most of you chose.
- "Girl": "junulino" or "fraŭlino" - I don't think there's the under-age connotation of "knabino".
- "After all": most of you rightly avoided "post".
Sekvas la teksto por la dua konkurso. Bonvolu sendi solvojn antaŭ la fino de novembro al Michael Cayley, 13 Grove Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9JS.
Bonvolu Esperantigi 2
"What's that you're making?" he asked. Flora knew that he hoped it was a pair of knickers. She composedly shook out the folds of the petticoat and replied that it was an afternoon tea-cloth.
"Aye.... Woman's nonsense," said Seth, softly. (Flora wondered why he had seen fit to drop his voice by half an octave.) "Women are all alike - ay fussin' over their fallals and bedazin' a man's eyes, when all they really want is man's blood and his heart out of his body and his soul and his pride...."
"Really?" said Flora, looking in her work-box for her scissors.
[From Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons]
Bradford Group
A very attractive programme has come from the Bradford group which meets fortnightly at Bradford Central Library and at the home of Audrey Duerden. (Hopefully you also cater for beginners, Audrey?).
Eastern Federation - Felixstowe Ferry Weekend: 'Felixstowe and the Sea: 2000 years of defence'
Places are still available for this excellent, but reasonably priced, weekend course in a beautiful setting at Felixstowe. The leaders for this year's groups be Anna Lowenstein, from Italy, for the experts and Esperanto speakers, and Roy Threadgold, from Braintree for the beginners and those making progress. Besides enjoying the Esperanto atmosphere and activities, you will have a chance to make a thrown pot, thanks to Martin Howard, and to play handbells, thanks to Roy. Don't risk missing it.
Contact Angela Tellier, 10 Marina Gardens, Felixstowe, IP11 2HW for details and an application form.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 16]
Conversation Challenge! Helping "Children in Need"
Rise to the challenge and join us in the Eastern Federation for a day, speaking ONLY Esperanto. For £10.00 you will receive two meals, endless cups of tea and coffee to revive you, and 4 teaching sessions. Table leaders: Terry Page, Roy Threadgold, Anica Page and Vito Espite. Participants will rotate around the hall visiting the four tables in turn for 45 minute conversation sessions. Tables will be grouped according to ability, and the day is suitable for beginners and advanced speakers alike. All participants are asked to speak only Esperanto in the hall to maintain the atmosphere and encourage participation, but we'll leave the door open in case you need to escape for a quick crocodile outside. Unfortunate slips of the English tongue will be punished by 10p in a "crocodile-box"! All proceeds from the "crocodile- box" will be donated to "Children in Need", and the Eastern Fed. will add to the sum collected. We hope to gain publicity from the media for the "unusualness" of our fund-raising, and would like to have as many people participate as possible, so enter into the spirit of the day, come and join us, and support two worthy causes at one go! Saturday 18th November 10.30 - 5.00. Colchester, Essex.
Info: Angela Tellier, 10 Marina Gardens, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 2HW.
South East Federation - S.E.F. Weekend
As has happened for many years, an agreeable long weekend (Friday to Monday) was spent at 'The Friars' in Aylesford near Maidstone in Kent. The location in this old and large friary is splendid. I found the accommodation and food (vegetarian for me) extremely good. There were not so many people this year as normal (we varied between 15 and 19), but the atmosphere was most pleasant. The main theme of this year's event was 'Do it Yourself Poetry', but it was not always serious and I must share one item with you.
We were given a limerick in English and asked to translate the meaning into Esperanto. As the meaning was not given in actual words, there was plenty of scope for inventive minds.
The text was:
Some of the translations were:
Konstatis fraŭlin', "Jen domaĝo! -
La ventro! - Laŭ monta pejzaĝo!"
Al ŝi diris monaĥo;
Estas pli sub stomako
Ol iris tra via vizago!"
Fraŭlino sin lavis per duŝo
Ĉar ventro ŝveliĝis (pro fuŝo),
Al ŝi diris doktoro
Estas pli sub la koro
Ol iam eniris tra buŝo!"
Rendevuis fraŭlin' kun studento,
Kaj sekvis al ŝi - korpulento!
La patrino al ŝi
Diris, "Ŝajnas al mi,
Ke vi ne gajnis tion per dento!"
La ventro de in' el den Hago
Ŝveliĝis - (ne estis imago)
Al ŝi diris amiko
"Tion post umbiliko
Ne akiris vi tra ezofago!"
Estis junulino tre bel'
Kies formo komencis ja ŝvel'
Nekonata la kaŭzo,
Ĉar si mangis sen paŭzo
Aŭ ĉu estis sankta anĝel'
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 17]
Nord-Okcidenta Federado - Nordulo inter norduloj
Kunvenis en Chester komence de oktobro membroj de la Nord-Okcidenta Esperanto- Federado. La gastparoladon memore al Antonia Rostron van Es eldiris juna norvego, Baard Hekland, studente) pri politiko ĉe la universitato de Keele.
S-ro Hekland, 25-jaraĝa, prezentis efektive du paroladojn: unu pri travivaĵoj en Rusujo kaj la alia pri la lingva situado en Norvegujo. Lerninte Esperanton antaŭ nur tri jaroj, s-ro Hekland en perfekta Esperanto skizis la vivon en nuna Rusujo, lando de gasiamo, malaltaj salajroj kaj junaj, kompetentegaj Esperantistoj. En Rusujo, diris s-ro Hekland, li konstatis, ke - malgraŭ diferencoj - homoj tamen samas.
Interesis federacianojn priskribo pri la lingva situacio en Norvegujo, inkluzive de la statuso de la samea lingvo. Ankaŭ la rolo de samea parlamento, ĉefe konsila, kaptis la atenton. La sorto tamen de la norvega iom pensigas: laŭ s-ro Hekland, baldaŭ pro la influo de la angla ne plu estos uzata la norvega kiel scienca lingvo.
Post la prelego eblis ne nur aŭskulti al rusa muziko sed ankaŭ partopreni en konversacia rondo. Dankojn oni ŝuldas al Ian Mac Dowall, kiu aranĝis la kunvenon.
The 'festival' weekend in Barlaston is a unique opportunity for various Esperanto groups to get together and - as it were - to do their own thing. The idea is that interest groups, federations or perhaps the 'estraro' of a particular 'asocio' arrange their own programmes but share meals, trips to the pub and a 'distra vespero' with everyone else.
It must be said that up to now few groups have availed themselves of this opportunity. Regular attendees are Esperanto teachers and what might loosely be termed an 'am-dram' group - people interested in Esperanto theatre. It would be splendid if other organisations would contact Wedgwood Memorial College, request a communal meeting room and an appropriate number of bedrooms, and bring their people along. The more participants, the more 'festive' the weekend. Generally it is possible to switch from the programme of one group to another although not, of course, if an 'estraro' is conducting a private, business meeting.
The next 'festival' weekend takes place between the 19th and 21st of January, 2001. The 'am-dram' group has already arranged a (loose) programme and Ann Morse-Brown will run a beginners' Esperanto course. It is hoped this course will help participants feed into the more advanced Esperanto summer school (11th - 17th August, 2001). To book a study or activity room / bedrooms and to receive details of those groups already participating contact Wedgwood Memorial College, Station Road, Barlaston, ST12 9DG
We look forward to seeing you in Barlaston!
PPG
Semajnfino 'Ni Festivalu!'
A leaflet and application form for this entertaining weekend is enclosed.
Vizitanto: "Kie estas via patro?"
Knabeto: "En la porkejo"
"En la porkejo?"
"Jes, sed vi facile distingos lin. Li surhavas capelon"
[Out-dated announcement "Pen Friends Wanted"]
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 18]
As in any organisation that relies heavily on volunteers, we have to keep track of who has been asked to do what, to check that their efforts are not overlapping unnecessarily, and to make sure that all the important tasks have been assigned to a named individual. To help with this, our minutes secretary Bill Walker maintains a list of the various roles and assignments in EAB. This list is always changing, but we thought that members might like to see what is being done, and by whom, within EAB at the moment. If you would like to help with any of the activities below, or if you would like to volunteer your help in areas not addressed in this list, please contact Eric Walker at the central office at 201 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, 1P3 9BJ.
If you have suggestions or views on particular activities listed below, then the individuals and subcommittees can be contacted via the central office at the above address. The management committee and the sub-committees welcome written communications from EAB members and give them careful consideration.
This version of the list was last updated on 7th Oct 2000.
Committees, Sub-committees and Task Forces
Management Committee "ManCom": David Bisset, Joyce Bunting, Edmund Grimley-Evans, Paul Hewitt, Grazyna Mitchener, Frank Spilsbury, Derek Tatton, Bill Walker, Eric Walker, Fennel Waters. Role: Manage the charity, as its trustees. (See below for specific roles within ManCom).
Finance Sub-Committee "FinCom". Joyce Bunting (lead), Paul Hewitt, Eric Walker, Fennel Waters. Role: Address budget, expenditure and investment.
Office and Administration Sub-committee "OffCom". Joyce Bunting, Paul Hewitt, Eric Walker (lead). Role: Formulate and oversee office and administration operating procedures and staffing.
Publicity Sub-Committee "PubCom": Core Committee David Bisset (president), Jean Bisset (finance), Paul Hewitt, Geoff Wood. Advisors Hilary Chapman (press panel), Paul Gubbins, John Hoyne (DTP and graphic design), Colin Turner (Web site technical advisor). Role: communicate a general and positive knowledge of Esperanto, and encourage people to learn the language. Budget £1000 p.a. for small campaigns and expenditure; £7000 p.a. for major projects (a plan is agreed by the Trustees; PubCom and the Treasurer decide when expenditure from this budget requires discussion/approval from ManCom.)
Federation Liaison "FedCom": Frank Spilsbury (south-of-Trent), Fennel Waters (north-of-Trent). Role: solicit and chase content for the 'Federation News ' page of EAB update, provide recognition and encouragement for local initiatives, highlight and share "best practice" in promoting Esperanto at a local level.
Library Sub-Committee "LibCom": David Bisset (lead), Edmund Grimley-Evans, Geoffrey King, Derek Tatton, Grazyna Mitchener. Role: formulate a library policy, oversee the establishment and operation of the Butler library in the new building (including acquisitions policy).
Constitution Review Sub-Committee "ConCom": Edmund Grimley-Evans (lead), Paul Hewitt, Bill Walker, Eric Walker, plus some experienced former trustees of the association invited as members or consultants. Role: review the association's constitution, aims and regularo, and propose necessary amendments.
Education Sub-Committee "EdCom": This is in abeyance following its consolidation with ETA a few years ago. A decision on any resurrection may be considered as part of the EAB Education Strategy (see below).
Director-of-Development Recruitment Taskforce: Paul Hewitt, Derek Tatton. Role: Define the post of Director of Development, recruit to that post.
Roles
Mancom Offices: President: Edmund Grimley-Evans, Vice President: David Bisset, Honorary Treasurer: Joyce Bunting, Honorary Secretary: Eric Walker, Minutes Secretary: Bill Walker.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 19]
AGM coordinator: Jean Bisset Task arrange venue and surrounding event(s) for 2001 AGM in London
EAB Congress Liaison: Terry Page assisted by Hilary Chapman. Role: Advise LKKs and report back to ManCom, maintain Kongresa Konsillibro.
UK lecture tours coordinator (a PubCom activity); Jean Bisset. Role: Coordinate visiting lecturers on round tours of UK groups and clubs.
EAB Webmaster (a PubCom activity): David Bisset. Role: Maintain and update the EAB website.
EAB Education Strategy: TBA. Role: formulate and steer EAB education strategy.
Free Postal Course co-ordinator: Grazyna Mitchener assisted by Bill Walker (lesson text DTP). Role: Coordinate and accredit FPC tutors, compile statistics and measures, administer/authorise the tutor expenses payments, allocate students to tutors.
Paid EAB Correspondence Courses co-ordinator: Arnold Pitt. Role: Coordinate and accredit paid course tutors, compile statistics and measures, administer/authorise the tutor expenses payments, allocate students to tutors.
EAB Examination Administration: Rosalind Walter. Role: Administer EAB examinations, coordinate markers, compile statistics and measures.
EAB course preparation: delegated to ETA (children's courses) and TBA (youth and adult courses). Role: Review and update, revise or generate new Esperanto educational material. Budget: EAB will "treat sympathetically" any requests from Angela Tellier regarding financial support for Urso-Kurso and young children's Esperanto events.
Afrika Agado liaison: Rosalind Walter assisted by Irene Bennet and Douglas Kershaw. Role: Support promotion of Esperanto in Africa, coordinate and channel support from Britain.
JEB liaison: Gavan Fantom. Role: Keep JEB and ManCom in touch, communicate advice and requests.
Editor of Handbook for Trustees: Paul Hewitt. Role: Maintain and update the Handbook for Trustees, initiate internal audit.
Book Service Supervision: Paul Hewitt. Role: Supervise stock purchase decisions and methods, write the book column for EAB Update
Solicitor Liaison: Bill Walker. Role: coordinate communication with Kerseys (solicitors) over lease of the premises at Barlaston.
Magazine Subscriptions: Note: Apart from the membership packages, EAB does not offer a subscriptions service. Enquirers are referred to Paul Hewitt (who, in a personal capacity, acts as agent for many international Esperanto magazines and journals).
Editor of La Brita Esperantisto: TBA. Role: Edit and produce the journal of the association (role under review pending debate and review of publications policy).
Editor of EAB Update: Eric Walker. Role: Edit and produce the newsletter of the association.
EU liaison: TBA. Role: develop, foster, exploit and support EEU contacts Parliament liaison: TBA. Note: EAB is not politically active (our charitable status forbids it) but, on a non-partisan basis, informs MPs about Esperanto and the language problem and encourages their support.
E-mail sifting: Landa Agado to Michael Cayley, Heroldo to David Curtis, European e-groups to Mike Smith, UEA Press Releases direct to UK press (using address list provided by PubCom). Role: Sift received newsgroup e-mails, identify and forward or action those (few) which are actually relevant or beneficial.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 20]
16th September 2000 (Saturday) 11:30 to 17:15 at Quaker International Centre, London
We discussed the proposal to invest part of our capital in a (charity-commission approved) property fund. JB has received professional advice from two sources who recommend that 5 to 10% of investable capital should be in property; 10% of such capital is £80,000 and we agreed to invest this sum in the proposed Charities Property Fund managed by Mayflower Management Company Ltd.
CONGRESSES and AGMs
The 2001 AGM will be at on Saturday March 31st at the Friendship Centre, Bloomsbury Baptist Church, London. DB reported that the facilities seem good and the prices are reasonable; a room to seat 120 people has been booked, costing £220. We agreed that EAB will bear this cost and that we will not charge admission to the AGM or the lecture beforehand. A nearby café will do catering at reasonable prices.
The provisional programme is:
10:00 Arrival and coffee
10:45 Lecture by Rainer Kurtz, president of German Esperanto Association
11:45 Lunch
13:00 AGM
15:00 Tea
15:30 Fakkunvenoj
16:15 ManCom
17:00 Building Closes
Residential Halls details: If you want to stay overnight in close proximity to both the LEK & AGM locations, book into the London School of Economics' Residential Halls.
JEB and YOUTH ACTIVITY
Gavan Fantom joined us, representing JEB. The committee of JEB wish to focus on organising Esperanto activities for young (16+) people and do not currently see a benefit in being an "association" or "section" with a "membership". They also feel constrained by the possible legal obligations of being tied to a registered charity.
We reviewed the previous agreement (of 1990) making JEB a subsection of EAB, concluded that it was out of date, and agreed to JEB's request to dissolve it. We will review this decision in 12 to 18 months. Thus JEB becomes an organisation independent of EAB. Nevertheless EAB recognises the importance of youth activity. We will welcome regular dialogue with JEB, and we invite requests for grants to support Esperanto events and initiatives aimed at young people. Any such grants will require costed proposals, and regular reports of progress and outcome. We agreed to top up JEB funds to £300 (using Patrono funds) to assist with JEB's set- up and administration expenses.
EAB still aims to cater for young people through the Junior (under 18) membership category; for £10 p.a. such members receive EAB Update and a young person's journal, such as Juna Amiko.
We congratulated JEB on the successful result of the Skota Semajno, attended by an international mix of twenty young people. Gavan summarised lessons learned, especially about attendees needing visas.
ETA and EDUCATION
We discussed and clarified earlier decisions on payments to tutors: the £5 payment to a tutor (on successful completion of the course by a student) is intended to defray the tutor's costs in coaching and motivating that student. It is available to tutors of both free and paid EAB courses.
We agreed to fund a "tutors' seminar" at Barlaston, to help them share good practice.
PUBLICITY
The minutes of PubCom were circulated beforehand. DB reported that the refund from the RAC (for failing to mount signs at Appleby) has finally been received. The small ads campaign is now coming to a close, and responses are being analysed. The website is ongoing and updated weekly, with 9000 hits since it was set up in its current format; members need to be encouraged to use it to find up to date news and events. Jean Bisset is co-ordinating three lecture tours; Rainer Kurtz (March 2001), the Robineau family (agreed in principle for 2001), and Aleksandr and Elena Danko (musical tour, provisionally in Spring 2001, subject to visas). Arrangements for the Bill Auld presentation in October have been made; Marjorie Boulton will attend as guest speaker and her travel arrangements have been amended to allow a stop-off to present to the Morecambe Bay group on the way.
The new brochure (adapted from Scottish material) is about to go to press.
PubCom has decided that we need an up-to-date informative document for the "top end" of the market (enquirers with some linguistic, academic or journalistic expertise); EGE has agreed to draft an update to the jubilee booklet "Esperanto, the time has come" (the final version may have a different title). DB & PH confirmed that the need, target audience and publication strategy have been thoroughly discussed within PubCom; (as with all literature) a small print-run is envisaged.
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 21]
FEDERATIONS
We acknowledged with sadness the demise of the North East Federation and expressed our hope that promotion and education of Esperantists will one day give a sufficient kernel of activists to support renewed activity.
We confirmed that EAB can no longer offer a mailing service to individual federations, because we are now using an external mailing house. Instead we will pay each federation an annual sum of £1 per EAB full member living in that federation's area (on receipt of an annual report), and we will print short federation announcements and reports in the "Federation and Group News" section of EAB Update.
AFRIKA AGADO
EAB has a fund to support Esperanto in Africa, currently at £535 (including money given in memory of Joan Dawson). We agreed to supply books for Afrika Agado at wholesale cost.
A.O.B.
Norah Brown had written with concerns that some "loose cannon" individuals write letters to public figures and these can cast the whole Esperanto movement in a bad light. While we cannot stop people writing letters, or even referring to themselves as "the Esperanto movement", we agreed that EAB will distance itself from such a letter if approached by the recipient.
Giorgio Silfer had offered us a group discount on Literatura Foiro should we decide to use it as a temporary or permanent replacement for LBE. We decided that La Ondo de Esperanto is a more suitable international journal for the bulk of our membership and decided to decline the offer.
Hilary Chapman has highlighted the European Year of Languages: 50% funding is available for specific projects advancing life- long language learning and multiculturalism. Although we do not see ourselves able to initiate a new project, perhaps some of our current activities or projects (e.g. the library at Barlaston) could be presented in a way that satisfies the application criteria: AP EW to apply for the application form.
The office is currently being run on a shoestring while our location is in limbo; administration tasks have been reduced to a minimum. E-mail sifting has been delegated thus: landa agado to Michael Cayley, Heroldo to David Curtis, European e-groups to Mike Smith, UEA Press Releases direct to UK press (using address list provided by PubCom). EW asked us to consider what other activities do not need to be done in the office and could be distributed to the membership.
New members
Mr Richard Cobley, Swansea
Mr S.D.J. Marsh, Battersea, London
Mr Michael Rose, Felixstowe, Suffolk
Mr Stockbridge, Westerham, Kent
New Supporters
Mr. G. O'Ceadagain, Eire
Mrs D. Newman Willesden, London
Mr Brendan O'Driscoll, Eire
Mr Eric Smith, Widness
Mr Stephen Miles, Stockport
EAB Publication dates
In order to give the editor two decent breaks in the year and to have greater frequency of publication in the months leading up to the A.G.M., the following schedule has been agreed.
[Out-dated schedule of future issues]
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 22]
Candidates for the Management Committee should be paid-up, full members and nominated by two other paid-up, full members. Nominations must be received at the office not later than 31st January 2001. (Candidates should be aware that as well as attending six meetings during the year, one of which will be a residential weekend, there is considerable discussion, mainly by e-mail, of matters currently before the committee). Candidates are requested to send in a concise biography of their work for Esperanto in the past, and their vision for the movement in Britain over the next 5 years. Not more than 200 words please.
Please complete the enclosed Gift Aid Declaration. This will enable us to claim back the tax that you have paid: 28p for each pound that you give us as your subscription and donation. With the form you should also receive an explanatory letter from Joyce Bunting, our Hon. Treasurer, and also a Business Reply envelope. If you are lacking any of these, please phone or let the office know.
[Postscript: The original grid and list of clues printed in Issue No.9 was "mixed up". What follows here is the corrected grid and list of clues, which was reprinted in Issue No.10]
(la solvo aperos en la venonta Update) [Postscript: the solution actually appeared in Issue No. 12.]
R = Uzu nur la radikon
HORIZONTALE
1 Ĉapelo por episkopoj. (4)(R)
3 Komenci batalon kontraŭ iu. (4)(R)
7 Muzikaĵo kun vigla kaj gaja movado. (5)(R)
8 Grandega mara mambesto. (5)(R)
10 La metala parto de razilo, kiu tondas. (5)(R)
12 Sufikso, kiu signifas doktrinon. (3)
14 Verbo, kiu esprimas la ekziston. (3)(R)
15 Speco de vipo. (6)
17 Prefikso, kiu montras ripeton. (2)
19 Sufikso de la pasiva futura participo. (2)
20 Satano loĝas tie! (5)(R)
22 La kunulo de tondro. (4)(R)
24 Prefikso, kiu signifas agon, kiu komenciĝas, (2)
25 Duoble kvar. (2)
26 Agis tiel same, kiel alia homo. (6)
VERTIKALE
1 Eligi lakton el bovino. (4)(R)
2 Osto en la kruro. (4)(R)
3 Avenuo. (3)(R)
4 Sporto, kiun oni ludas per pilkoj kaj rakedoj. (5)(R)
5 Funkcii, procedi, fari. (2)(R)
6 Pli grasa parto de lakto. (4)(R)
7 Verda, blua aŭ bruna planto, kiu vivas en akvo. (3)(R)
9 Fera ilo kun hokegoj por fiksi ŝipon. (4)(R)
11 Verda legomo en salato. (6) (R)
13 Fari linion per unu sola movo de krajono. (6)
14 Senlima periodo. (3) (R)
15 Komforta meblo, sur kiu unu, du aŭ tri homoj povas sidi. (4)
16 Singulara pronomo de la tria persono. (2)
18 Peceto, elemento. (2) (R)
21 Embrio en la utero. (3) (R)
23 Singulara pronomo de la unua persono. (2)
SOLVOJ de la antaŭa enigmo (Update 8)
Horizontale
l.Piz' 3.Ermit' 7. Et 9. Mi 10. Libroj 11. Ag' 12. Ran' 13. Ogr' 14. Bojis 16. Io 17. La 18. An' 20. Ami 22. Ibis' 24. Buŝ' 25. El 26. Tuj 27. Ŝtel'
Vertikale
1. Pelt' 2. Zebro 4. Raj' 5. Imagi 6. Tigroj 8. Trajn' 14. Bambu' 15. Sabat' 17. La 19. Ni 21. Iuj 23. Sel'
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 23]
J Fraser Dunbar was one of a small number of Esperantists whose tremendous work for the British Esperanto movement is rarely known and acknowledged.
For a number of years Fraser pressed the local authorities in Ipswich to let him organise an annual week-end course at Belstead House, and to give financial support. Having got it, he steadily increased the number of tutors until eventually he had four. Mr Barbenall was warden for the first few years, and when he and his wife left, Ruth Castle took over as Manager.
During the twenty years the courses continued, Fraser got local publicity, and established very good working relationships with all concerned. He gave support to his tutors which was second to none. Only when the grants were withdrawn and the price rocketed did Fraser decide that the time had come to stop.
Fraser battled with increasing ill-health in the latter years, but nothing could quench his enthusiasm, or his activities. Finally, at the age of 74, he departed this life. He had been a lifetime Spiritualist and at one time had strongly supported the Bahai movement. In spite of his age and increasing illness, he worked hard and long in the small group of those concerned with the future of the E.A.B., especially during the movement out of London, and the relocation of the Esperanto office.
As one of the Belstead House tutors, I shall always treasure memories of his help, hospitality, and many kindnesses.
Don Lord
Looking back and remembering, it seems as if Fraser was always there for me. I remember him inviting me, when I was an Esperanto beginner, to local group meetings at his house in Ipswich, and me feeling too inexperienced and lacking in confidence to go. But Fraser had the patience to wait and encourage, and eventually I was persuaded, and the welcome I received from him and Doreen encouraged me to carry on going. So it was to him I went when I began to teach Esperanto to my - then - young children, and it was he who marked their correspondence courses sending back the answers in attractive little packages, so that they couldn't help but rush to do the next lesson. How many Esperantists are dotted around the country now because of Fraser's tutoring?
It was he who came at short notice to test them for their Scout and Guide Interpreter badges, and it was always Fraser who came with Eric - visiting foreign child Esperantist in tow - to encourage my children to experience at first hand the usefulness of the language. Fraser it was who was there with us when we were interviewed with a visiting Russian, because he did not fear radio interviews as we did.
And it was Fraser who tirelessly arranged the Belstead House weekends for twenty years and urged us to set up another to take its place when they had to stop because of ever increasing costs, and it was Fraser, of course, who was the first to accept a teaching role there to help make our weekend such a support in all of my Esperanto schemes, however daft some of them must have seemed!
Fraser it was who always sat to the right of me in the local group meetings later held at my house, popping outside occasionally for a quick smoke on the pipe, while we exchanged French novels and chatted about Spanish and German, which Fraser loved to study and read, waiting for the others to arrive. Having himself taught English as a foreign language, Fraser would teach me how to teach and show me how to learn - that it is okay to sit and listen and absorb and not to feel that everything must be understood, and that it is best to plough through foreign language books, to just keep on going, never mind the dictionary, to gain fluency and speed.
An active supporter of both local events and the National Association Fraser did, and didn't just talk; he lived Esperanto. Who amongst us does not remember his tireless organising of those Belstead House residential weekends? How many of you were there when Fraser organised the British Congress in Felixstowe in 1973, before my time, but the echoes still resound, and how many of us really realise what a massive contribution he has made most recently to the new EAB structure and office relocation?
It isn't easy to sit and remember because there is an inevitable welling up of pain in the feeling of loss, and all the better known large deeds merge into all the small phrases, looks and jokes, personal moments shared that just cannot be explained. As a family we have grown under Fraser's Esperanto care, and it was true caring.
I have cause to remember him with much love and gratitude.
Angela Tellier
(Reproduced from "La Esperanto Mevo", the Felixstowe and Ipswich local club bulletin.)
[EAB Update Issue No.9 Page 24]
"Vi aspektis tre okupite kiam mi preteriris vian domon."
"Mi pretigis la domon por la vintro. Evidente mi dungis (employed) la koncernajn homojn - mi ne plu entuziasmiĝas pri memfarado (DIY)."
"Ĉu tio multe kostos al vi?"
"Ne tro. Unue mi aranĝis, ke iu malobstrukcu (clear) la gutujojn (gutters). La strataj defluiloj (gutters) estas senobstrukcaj, ĉar dank' al Dio la magistrato (town council) estas tre efika tiorilate (in that respect)."
"Ĉu la purigisto trovis multajn obstruktaĵojn?"
"Vi ne kredos min, sed li trovis rubaĵon lasitan de la tegmentistoj (roofers), kiam oni konstruis la domon antaŭ ok jaroj."
"Nekredeble! Kaj ĉu la antaŭaj posedantoj de via domo neniam purigis ilin?"
"Evidente ne. La pluvo fluis bone tra la pluvtuboj, do ili suspektis nenion."
"Sed mi vidis grupon da laboristoj."
"Mi refarbigis la domon (was having the house repainted)."
"La domo aspektis bone (O.K.) al mi."
"Ne vere. La fenestrobretoj (windowsills) malantaŭ la domo estis diversloke (here and there) sen farbo, kie la suda suno feroce atakis ilin."
"Do kion faris la farbisto?"
"Li abradis (rubbed down) la malnovan farbon, kaj refarbis."
"Ĉu per speciala farbo?"
"Mi insistis pri jaĥta farbo (yacht paint) aŭ io simila, por ke ĝi longe rezistu la veteraĉon. Ĝi pli kostas ol la kutima farbo, sed oni ŝparas al si la koston de ĉiutrijare refarbado, do oni gajnas."
"Bona sugesto (tip)."
"Parto de la lignaĵo (woodwork) bezonis vernison (varnish), do, simile, mi insistis pri alta kvalito. La tegolojn (roof tiles) oni kontrolis (were checked), kaj troviĝis senfendaj."
"Evidente tio gravas, ĉar en la antaŭa epoko oni uzis durlignon (hardwood), sed nuntempe oni ne tion fatas, do la ligno facile putras (rots)."
"Oni diras, ke tio ne gravas, ĉar en la nuna epoko oni uzas tegmentan felton por protekti la ĉevronojn (rafters)."
"Mi gratulas vin."
"Negratulinde. Sed kiam la ŝtormo batos la fenestrojn, mi restos varma malantaŭ mia duobla vitraĵo (double glazing), kontenta (easy in my mind), ĉar la domo estos sekura."
Notes.
1. A gutter round the roof is a gutujo, but a gutter in the street is a defluilo.
2. Refarbi means to repaint, but refarbigi means to get someone else to repaint.
3. After aspekti, Zamenhof used -e.
4. Special: speciala means for a specific purpose: aparta means outstanding, different, separate.
5. Oni, like the French on, is often a good way to handle English passives.
Don Lord
Kio aperas dufoje en ĉiu momento, kaj unufoje en ĉiu minuto, tamen fute ne aperas en cent jaroj?
Pensu profunde kaj poste, regardu post la unua ŝerco.
Grava akcidento okazis al mi, F-ino Rakotolalao Onisoa Francine. Mi estas membro de Tana E. klubo. Adreso: Lot IAF 114-AAmbodiampanga, Ambohidrapeto - MG 103, Antananarivo, Malagasy Respubliko.
Mia domo estis tute forbruligita kaj ĉio (miaj E-libroj, revuoj, k.a.) cindriĝis. Ideojn viajn mi atendas de vi.
Se homoj volas helpi ĉi tiun kompatindan virinon, bv. sendi ĉekon al 'Konto Espero' je U.E.A. kaj mencii ŝian nomon.
Sendita de Renato Corsetti
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