Joyce Bunting: Honorary Member

On the day of EAB's half-century, we're delighted to announce that the Trustees have appointed Joyce Bunting an honorary member of the Esperanto Association of Britain.

Joyce Bunting in her garden in 2019.

She had heard about Esperanto as a girl guide but learned it long afterwards, when she participated, alongside her 17-year-old daughter, in a “Summer University” at Loughborough University. Where the daughter chose an art course, Joyce picked an Esperanto class, which gave her 18 hours of tuition.

There followed self-study via Teach Yourself Esperanto and distance-learning per EAB's Free Postal Course. Joyce soon joined the London Esperanto Club and its Choir, and was President of the South Midlands Esperanto Federation, until the deaths of its ageing membership inevitably caused it to close.

Joyce Bunting with Anica Page and Kimie Markarian in 2012.

In 1991 Joyce was appointed a Director of the British Esperanto Association, and became EAB's Treasurer in 1997, staying in post until replaced in 2011 by EAB's current Treasurer, Clare Hunter. She had been an invaluable steward of EAB's finances, and a diligent administrator in keeping the Charity well run over the course of her many years of involvement.

With great pleasure and immense gratitude, we celebrate our jubilee by thanking one of the chief contributors to the Esperanto Association of Britain during its life. Thank you, Joyce!