Congratulations to ESB’s former Vice-President, Merriel Halsall-Williams who takes up her position as Honorary Life President.
ESB’s previous Honorary Life President, Jocelyn Bell sadly passed away in 2020 and we celebrated her life’s work and immense contribution to the organisation at her service of remembrance.
Jocelyn’s contribution is also remembered through ESB’s prestigious Burniston Bell Award, named in honour of our founder, Christabel Burniston and Jocelyn. The award ensures the continuation of their legacy and recognises the exceptional work of ESB teachers who are keeping Christabel and Jocelyn’s vision alive today.
Says ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, “I would like to congratulate Merriel on her appointment as Honorary Life President and thank her for her remarkable and on-going contribution to ESB. Merriel’s enduring relationship with ESB International began in 1953, when as a 15-year-old schoolgirl she met ESB’s founder Christabel Burniston. From that very moment, Merriel has made it her lifetime mission to champion the power of the spoken word. Her impact on public speaking is simply unique and immeasurable.
“Merriel was a dear friend of Jocelyn’s, and they shared many memories together. We are hopeful that Jocelyn would be happy knowing that such a talented lady as Merriel would be the one to act as stand-in for the role of ESB’s Honorary Life President.”
Says Merriel on her appointment: “I first met Christabel and Jocelyn when I enrolled as a student at Christabel’s Northwest School of Speech and Drama in Southport. Both Christabel and Jocelyn were truly inspirational teachers and role models, and I am so honoured to follow in their footsteps as ESB’s Honorary Life President. Since ESB’s inception, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact and value that its assessments have on individuals, equipping them with the speaking and listening skills to last them a lifetime”.
ESB is currently in the run up to its 70th anniversary next year and the organisation is planning a number of anniversary celebratory events, as well as promoting its 70/70 campaign, which aims to find and financially support, 70 centres where their learners, children, young people or community members face disadvantage and would be supported in their aspirations if they could achieve an ESB qualification.
