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enjoyingenglish® Archive & CONTINUING RESOURCE FOR CHINA & SOUTH Welcome to Enjoying English...Visitors 2010 Dedication, motivation and perseverance... 'Always a pleasure...never a chore!' Welcome to… Address: 4 Saxon Terrace, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England. TN32.5AF. Telephone: + 44 07531219108 (mobile 24 hrs & expensive). &
Housu Village, Changxinzhang Guangshan, Xinyang City, Henan Province, China. T elephone: +86 1589199830 (mobile 24 hrs & expensive) i * Welcome! * Latest Up date * Mission Statement * Alan Cooper & Wang Bo * Enjoying English Limited * Recent Updates * News letters * Specal Feature ~ * Alternative Education: Earn As You Learn * Tell a friend * Enjoying English Proposed Projects & Initiatives 2009 - Copy of letter to Central Government P R o China, Beijing * Update: 06.02.2010. Apologies... we are experiencing problems with the Internet# and updating material. We hope the matter to be resolved shortly. Meanwhile, please accept our apologies and keep your messages and comments coming.
We have experienced an astonishing surge of activity over the past month, not least on this 'Archive', where the number of visitors has rocketed. We have added around 80 new features, on 'Info website' + a number of articles on 'World News'. Some are of humanitarian importance - such as the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti. Others are of more general interest, like the severe weather which has affected most of the northern hemisphere, except Israel. The laborious Iraq Inquiry, particularly affecting the British Government, is slowly dragging to a close and has been moved to 'Focus UK'.
On the brighter side, we have found numerous exceptional images on various subjects, which appear on 'Space & Astronomy' (which is under review as we had problems with that page), 'World Images' and others.
With the on-going flood of activity with job applications amongst students, we have revised 'Student Life'.
'Teacher's Info' on 'Info' has been under scrutiny for some time, in the search for new resources. Although it is very time consuming, as everything has to be checked for suitability, we are pleased with the results. We are pledged to develop more resources for students and teachers.
A full update appears below.
Keep sending contributions and comments.
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo.
Directors.
Latest additions this week on the Archive: Around China 2 (Tibet Gorge) * Changing China * China Images (Silk Road of the Sea) * China Today * Interest+ * Student Life * World News+ + have been trnasferred from 'Info' www.enjoyingenglish.info - Archaeology * Art * Education * Education * Environment * Europe * Fashion * Festivals * Focus UK * Food & Health * Interest * Job Applications * Natural World * Science & Technology * Space & Astronomy (under reconstruction) * Special Features * Students Info * Teachers Info * Viewpoint * World Images * World News *
Special Reports this month: Copenhagen Climate Summit - Environment. Iraq War - World News. Special New Year Photo Feature on World Images and 'Our dazzling galaxy' on Space & Astronomy New pages last month: Fashion. Focus UK. Food & Health. Job Applications. Speak & Listen. Words. World Wat 2 *
Mission Statement: Our aim is to make comprehensive and varied learning experiences free and accessible to young people and teachers of English as a second language, throughout the world, in a way that is interesting, vibrant and entertaining; that it may enhance their educational and career opportunities. Alan Cooper & Wang Bo.
1st October, 2006 --------------------0--------------------  Name: Alan Cooper.
Creator of 'Enjoying English Group'
Executive Director: Enjoying English Limited
About Me
I was born in January, 1949 on the eve of the Chinese Spring Festival, in Hastings, England. It is a small seaside fishing town and holiday resort on the south coast of England. Brought up with my sister in a small village 80km south-east of London, my mother looked after our home, and my father was a primary school teacher. Life in the countryside provided rich and varied experiences, which have influenced me to this day. In Bexhill-on-sea, a neighbouring seaside resort, I was educated at a Technical and Grammar school, I moved to Newton Park College, Bath and Bristol University from 1968 - 1972, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Education and Teaching Diploma, with distinction. I also obtained qualifications in Secondary School Management and a Diploma in Special Education, amongst other things. My early career was concentrated in the West of England, mostly in Comprehensive education, (the equivalent of middle school education in China). However, I also taught adult students at The City of Bath Technical College, which is now part of Bath University. Between 1974 - 1978, I was an examiner for the South West Examinations Board. At the same time, I was asked to set up and present courses for a nation-wide Adult Literacy Programme, in co-operation with the Government and BBC, as there were, and probably still are, a significant number of adults in England & Wales who were unable to read and write properly. Throughout my career, I have worked on a number of projects for radio and television, both in the UK and China. My one outstanding ambition is to produce a VCD in China to help young people with English, that they may achieve their future dreams. The purpose of this website, is to help and encourage Chinese students and Chinese Teachers of English (CTE's) cope with the problems of learning to speak or teach natural English. The information it contains has been selected by an experienced team of people, and relates to the difficulties students and CTE's face, dealing with English as a second language. There are also other related topics which, I hope, will be of general interest. I hope that you find it useful and enjoy browsing it's pages. Your comments and suggestions are welcome through the help-line contact address; e-mail eeenquiries@ymail.com Answers will appear on the website . Your confidentiality is assured. Nothing which identifies you as an individual will be published. The Game of Life is a great and rewarding experience, through good times and bad. So, who knows what lies ahead? For me, working with students and teachers in China is... 'Always a pleasure...never a chore!'
Managing Director: Enjoying English Group; Executive Director: Enjoying English (China) Wang Bo: b.1983 Henan Province, graduated from a college in Shijiazhuang with qualifications in Business, Economics and Trade (2007) and Industry (2009). He is a Director of Enjoying English Limited and the Red Dragon International Partnership. I am immensely proud that we have been able to work together with the development of our projects, and with the 2008 Olympic Volunteers Programme in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympics and Paralympics. We have moved our business in China to Guangzhou, where he manages our activities, to be able to pursue our various interests, and work for the benefit of college and university students. It is... 'Always a pleasure...never a chore!' Enjoying English (International) Limited® Company No: 6654907. During the coming weeks, we will be up-loading hundreds of articles, features and information in time for the new school year, through to 2009. We apologise for the delay, and hope that you will understand our position. Above is our Mission Statement; the things in which we believe, and the reason behind our decision to make this source of information free for the use of students and their teachers of English as a second language. It is free of copyright restrictions for most items and has access to a huge range of information which affects your daily lives, from our supporters and sponsors via their websites. At the top is a menu of pages relating to many aspects of student's lives; Problems with English, Business English, Job Hunting, Money Management, as well as features of Cultural and General Interest. Each has a number of 'drop-down' pages on related subjects. World Wide Webs is a source of websites for general interest. Ed Webs is specifically focused on websites of Educational interest to students and teachers, including matters relating to the Internet. Between them, there are more than 1,500 website addresses, which increases and is updated regularly. At the head of this page, you will find recent 'News' and Updated material. Our website is regularly updated. We welcome your contributions; comments, suggestions, and articles. Please send information to the appropriate e-mail address. You'll find all the information you need on other pages and in Contact Us. We hope to have a group of correspondents around the world, giving regular input about what is happening in their lives, and in their regions. You'll find all the details on respective pages and on Contact Us. To put it simply, if you are unable to find the information you need, get in touch with us. Alan Cooper & Wang Bo. Revised: October, 2009. -------------------------0-------------------------
Recent Updates. Update: 2010.01.23. Three, or so weeks ahead of normality before other celebrations kick off in other parts of the world. There's always a period of intensive pressure after a long holiday period, none so than after Christmas and the New Year in the west, and the forth-coming Lunar Festival in China and south-east Asia. Most of our efforts have been concentrated on finding new features and answering problems. We have put the third of our 4 part series 'China Voices' on 'Changing China', and there are new articles relating to China on 'World News'. An update of new features appears below. We are concentrating efforts on a review of 'Student Life' and resources for teachers this week. More news will follow as it breaks. Keep your e-mails coming. Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo There's always a period of intensive pressure after a long holiday period, none so than after Christmas and the New Year in the west, and the forth-coming Lunar Festival in China and south-east Asia. Most of our efforts have been concentrated on finding new features and answering problems. An update of new features appears below, and more news will follow as it breaks. Keep your e-mails coming. Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo A Happy & Prosperous 2010  Welcomce back. The New Year is getting off to a good start, with improvements to our services for students and teachers, and changes to our presentation of information, with our new International website: www.enjoyingenglish.info We have been pursuing Grants through
Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo. Directors. New Year Update: 2010  Welcome to Enjoying English 2010. We are looking forward to a progressive year ahead, and hope you have the same. The past year has been year of mixed fortunes worldwide; scientific achievements, a focus on Climate Change, terrible natural disasters, political scandals and embarrassments, US and UK bankers who have irresponsibly brought the world’s economies to the brink of collapse. Have they taken responsibility for their actions... of course not! For us it has been an upbeat year. We have had a meteoric increase in visitors to this website; more than half a million since the beginning of the year. This website is now an ‘Archive’ for articles, features and information removed from our new International website: www.enjoyingenglish.info . For your convenience, both websites are inter-linked through links at the top of most pages. During the past month or so, we have been pursuing Grants through It’s a personal disappointment that we have been away from making ‘Live’ Presentations' to students, except for one or two in We remain committed to pursuing our Aims & Objectives; promoting support, cooperation, harmony and understanding between young people across the world. All it remains now, is for us to ask you to keep a regular eye on our websites. And, of course, wherever you are and whatever your circumstances, we wish you… ‘A Happy & Prosperous New Year’ Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo Directors. Christmas & New Year Update: 2009
The International Christmas Tree ; Designed by Mike Cassle from: www.thegallerycollection.co.uk Christmas has arrived again, and the birth of a New Year is only a few days away. The holiday is a long, drawn out affair in the west, because the main Festival is sometimes celebrated on different days in different countries. 2009 has been year of mixed fortunes worldwide; scientific achievements, a focus on Climate Change, terrible natural disasters, political scandals and embarrassments, US and UK bankers who have irresponsibly brought the world?s economies to the brink of collapse. Have they taken responsibility for their actions... of course not!and consolidated our presentations During the past month or so, we have been pursuing Grants through It?s a personal disappointment that we have been away from making ?Live? presentations to students, except for one or two in We remain committed to pursuing our Aims & Objectives, and promoting cooperation, harmony and understanding between young people across the world. All it remains now, is for us to ask you to keep a regular eye on our developments. And, of course, wherever you are and whatever your circumstances, we wish you? 'A very pleasant Holiday Season & Prosperous New Year' Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo Directors. Update: 2009.12.19. Christmas approaches... We hope you enjoy our new International website, providing free resources, information and advice for students and teachers in the developing world. For us, it has been another busy week with applications for funding, a number of meetings, and work to improve the appearance of our websites. Our original website, www.enjoyingenglish2008.org is now an 'Archive' for older features as this facility is improved and revised. It will remain a resource for students and teachers in China & South-East Asia. As Christmas and the New Year approaches, many people's sights are focused away from studies and work commitments; travelling home, meeting family and friends and deciding how they are going to spend the holiday. Comments and contributions from visitors are welcome, because it is that which keeps us in touch with reality. E-mail: enjoyingenglishinfo@yahoo.com Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo From The Directors of Enjoying English (International) Limited http://www.enjoyingenglish.info Introducing our new International website, providing free resources, information and advice for students and teachers in the developing world. This website, www.enjoyingenglish2008.org will remain a resource for students and teachers in China & South-East Asia, and will act as An ‘Archive’ for features removed from the new website as it is improved and revised. We remain committed to our original Aims & Objectives of providing quality services at no cost to our visitors. A campaign has been launched for financial support from Government Agencies, International Business & Industry. Comments and contributions from visitors are welcome, because it is that which keeps us in touch with reality. E-mail: enjoyingenglishinfo@yahoo.com Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo
Next week, with the support of our excellent Accountants and Bankers, we will be able to make a major announcement of the development of The Enjoying English Group, and the support we will be able to offer visitors from developing countries.
Please note that the e-mail address for all enquiries has changed to: enjoyingenglishinfo@yahoo.com
It is more important than ever we receive your comments and ideas, that we may offer services most relevant to you, and of the highest possible standard.
Keep in touch... and keep watching!
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo. Directors.
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo
Directors. Updated 2009.10.17 & 25. 'Enjoying English Limited' With approaching half a million visitors during the past year, we have to expand our business in a sensible and sustainable manner.
The situation with our Company is that our bankers and Accountants say that, to maintain services to students and teachers, we need to move to more permanent accommodation, and replace equipment which is now 6 years old. Full details of recent developments will be publeished here, next week. An update of our 'Strategies for Development from 2009' has been published with a short 'Report & Forecast of Expenditure 2010 - 2011' on 'About Us'. A full report entitled 'An Over~view', appears on this website - under the 'Red Dragon' page.
It is hoped that sufficient income will be forth-coming to achieve that aim, and for us to launch the countryside initiatives as a Pilot Scheme during the financial year - 2010 / 11.
We have applied to The Charities Commission for Charitable status. This gives us significant tax advantages:
- we would be exempt from paying VAT on donations - in some instances, we would receive an additional 25% tax bonus. We are launching an appeal for donations or sponsorship to Government Authorities, Business & Industry, throughout Europe and Asia between now and December 31st.
Other news: The Environment: In the UK and throughout the northern hemmisphere the season is Autumn (Fall). Spectcular changes in colour of trees, bird migrations, deer mating - and much more. Check out what's happening over the next few weeks on : http://bbc.co.uk/autumnwatch
Don't forget, if you have something to say, or wish to make contributions, contact us on the e-mail link at the top of each age. We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo
Directors. Update: 2009.10.10. 'Enjoying English Limited'
The situation with our Company is that our bankers and Accountants say that, to maintain services to students and teachers, we need to move to more permanent accommodation, and replace equipment which is now 6 years old.
An update of our 'Strategies for Development from 2009' has been published with a short 'Report & Forecast of Expenditure 2010 - 2011' on 'About Us'. A full report entitled 'An Over~view', appears on this website - under the 'Red Dragon' page.
It is hoped that sufficient income will be forth-coming to achieve that aim, and for us to launch the countryside initiatives as a Pilot Scheme during the financial year - 2010 / 11.
We have applied to The Charities Commission for Charitable status. This gives us significant tax advantages:
- we would be exempt from paying VAT on donations - in some instances, we would receive an additional 25% tax bonus. We are launching an appeal for donations or sponsorship to Government Authorities, Business & Industry, throughout Europe and Asia between now and December 31st.
Other news: Links to some videos e.g. Environment, are no longer functioning as copyright has expired. It is advisable where you may be interested in new material, to view links at the earliest opportunity. Other information is unaffected.
Pages with new information are listed on the Index. There are updated videos on 'China Today' and 'China 1911 - 1979', and coverage of the recent disasters in South East Asia on 'World News'. 'Environment' carries a Special Feature on World Natural Disasters with links from 'The Guardian'. The Environment: In the UK and throughout the northern hemmisphere the season is Autumn (Fall). Spectcular changes in colour of trees, bird migrations, deer mating - and much more. Check out what's happening over the next few weeks on : http://bbc.co.uk/autumnwatch Don't forget, if you have something to say, or wish to make contributions, contact us on the e-mail link at the top of each age. We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo
Directors. Update: 2009.10.03. Including 60th Anniversary of PRC - National Day - October 1st.
 This week we continue to turn our attention to China on the 60th Anniversary of the PRC, and those who fought in the Sino-Japanese War (1937 - 1945).The links below appear on the page 'China 1911 - 1949', where there are new features on the war; A Synopsis, and a more detailed account of events between 1937 - 1945.
Special Report: 60th Anniversary of PRC | 60 Years ~ 1949 - 2009. (Links to 25 videos)
 Milestone events (1949 - 1954)Click image to start slide-show. See more on 'China 1911 - 1979'.
This year's National Day holiday season, which started on October 1, includes the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, which falls on October 3. The holiday season will be the longest ever. Our business: The situation with Enjoying English is that, to maintain services to students and teachers, we need to move to more permanent accomodation, and replace equipment. An update of our 'Strategies for Development from 2009' has been published with a short 'Report & Forecast of Expenditure 2010 - 2011' on 'About Us', 'Accounts' and 'Red Dragon'.
We have applied to The Charities Commission for Charitable status. This gives us significant tax advantages:
- we would be exempt from paying VAT (tax) on donations - in some instances, we would receive an additional 25% tax bonus. A donation of £100 becomes £125. We are launching an appeal for donations or sponsorship to Business & Industry, Government Authorities and individuals between now and November 1st.
Don't forget, if you have something to say, or wish to make contributions, contact us on the e-mail link at the top of each age. We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo
Directors. Update: 2009.10.01. Including 60th Anniversary of PRC - National Day - October 1st. Last week we paid tribute to those in the west who played a part in World War Two. This week we turn our attention to China on the 60th Anniversary of the PRC, and those who fought in the Sino-Japanese War (1937 - 1945).
The links below appear on the page 'China 1911 - 1949', where there are new features on the war; A Synopsis, and a more detailed account of events between 1937 - 1945.
Special Report: 60th Anniversary of PRC | 60 Years ~ 1949 - 2009. (Links to 25 videos)
Milestone events (1949 - 1954)Click image to start slide-show. See more on 'China 1911 - 1979'.
This year's National Day holiday season, which starts on October 1, includes the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, which falls on October 3. The holiday season will be the longest ever. The situation with Enjoying English is that, to maintain services to students and teachers, we need to move to more permanent accomodation, and replace equipment. An update of our 'Strategies for Development from 2009' has been published with a short 'Report & Forecast of Expenditure 2010 - 2011' on 'About Us', 'Accounts' and 'Red Dragon'.
We have applied to The Charities Commission for Charitable status. This gives us significant tax advantages:
- we would be exempt from paying VAT (tax) on donations - in some instances, we would receive an additional 25% tax bonus. A donation of £100 becomes £125. We are launching an appeal for donations or sponsorship to Business & Industry, Government Authorities and individuals between now and November 1st.
Don't forget, if you have something to say, or wish to make contributions, contact us on the e-mail link at the top of each age. We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo
Directors. Update: 2009.09.19. Apologies for delays this week, Internet connections have been very poor, with many interruptions. However, of importance during September, 2009 is the 70th Anniversary of the start of World War Two. Not a celebration exactly, but it is important to recognise the effect that it had on World History during the second half of the 20th Century. In recognition of that, and as a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for thr beliefs, we have opened a new page, 'WW II'. We welcome comment and further contributions through the e-mail link above. We've got some great new features which we think will interest you. First is s a slide-show of photographs of China between 1949 - 1954 to be found on 'China 1911 -1979'. On 'China Today', you'll find a light-show link to rehearsals for the forthcoming October Anniversary ~ it's pretty impressive. Environmental issues are always popular. We have links to some brilliant video links on 'Environment' from 'The Guardian' (UK) ~ and there are more to come! The new Educational year is now well underway. Relevant info for students continuing with higher education, or begining a new career is to be found on 'Advice~line'. General information can be found on Recent Updates below.
To be able to improve our services to you, we want to hear from students and teachers with your views as to what you think is important, useful or interesting, for visitors to our websites. Use any of the e-mail contact addresses . Your comments will be treated very seriously.
Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo Update: 2009.09.12. We've got some great new features which we think will interest you. First is s a slide-show of photographs of China between 1949 - 1954 to be found on 'China 1911 -1979'. On 'China Today', you'll find a light-show link to rehearsals for the forthcoming October Anniversary ~ it's pretty impressive.
Environmental issues are always popular. We have links to some brilliant video links on 'Environment' from 'The Guardian' (UK) ~ and there are more to come!
The new Educational year is now well underway. Relevant info for students continuing with higher education, or begining a new career, is to be found on 'Advice~line'. General information can be found on Recent Updates below.
We still want to hear from students and teachers with your views as to what you think is important, useful or interesting, for visitors to our websites. Use any of the e-mail contact addresses . Your comments will be treated very seriously.
Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo Update: 2009.09.06. More students are taking the option of deciding to improve their opportunities by entering or continuing their education. However, an increasing number are graduating at 19, or at the end of their college / university education, and are finding there is increasing pressure in the job market. We are continuing to maintain the latest informaition for students faced with having to make decisions about their future. We have consolidated all the available information on 'Advice~line'. See also, links for further information on 'EdWebs'. If you have specific enquiries which we have not addressed, please write to any of the CONTACT US addresses. Write 'Careers' in the subject box and they will be treated as a priority until the end of October.
We want to hear from students and teachers with your views as to what you think is important, useful or interesting. We look forward to receiving your personal opinions on ways we can help, information about you, your country, your life - anything which is of interest to you, or other visitors to this site. Use any of the e-mail contact addresses above. Your comments will be treated very seriously.
For interest see the new slide-show on developing China from 1949 - 1953 on 'China 1911 - 1979'. Work with Enjoying English Europne® is progressing well...we will be concentrating on developing the new site for the new school year; editing and updating the 2008.org website. E-mail us on: eu38@ymail.com with your suggestions and comments.
An introduction for the proposed Asian site will be found on: www.enjoyingenglish.me.uk
E -mail: asia76@ymail.com Kind regards Alan Cooper & Wang Bo NEWS LETTERS
Newsletter: March, 2009. Hello everyone ... time for another update, particularly for those I have not kept in touch with during the past months. Time seems in such short supply, and everyone is so busy doing their own thing as economies tighten across the world.
In a few weeks, I will have been back in the UK for one year. It's not a situation that I am very comfortable with, or pleased about. However, it has enabled me to take more care of my mother as she approaches 90 years old. Although she is in pretty good health for her age, she is very forgetful, but the doctor says that she still has all her faculties and isn't suffering from dementia or Altziemers - you might have to look that one up, but basically, it is loss of control, often associated with old age.
Sadly, she has had to endure a lengthy legal battle over an inheritance which was left to her almost 4 years ago, and isn't resolved due to her negligent lawyers, who seem to see her as an easy way to make money. That is now somewhat under control, but I have had to make complaints to the former Law Society, who are responsible for the behaviour of solicitors.
My sister too, has caused her considerable anxiety, as she has been seriously ill for more than two years. It makes life very difficult at times.
Enough of my worries. As I am confined to a home-base, I have been able to spend a great deal of time with the website: www.enjoyingenglish2008.org , and developing the business in the UK. The website has been completely revised and contains masses of information. It is light on English topics at the moment, as all the prepared info remains in China. I hope that if I am able to return to China on the right terms during the early summer, we can transfer operations to China, retaining the UK operation as a base.
Interest from sponsors is hotting-up, with pledges during the next financial year... ie., from April, 2009 and beyond. Most of that will be directed towards funding our initiatives in rural China. However, due to the economic turndown and drop in the value of £ (GBP) against RMB, we had to revise our plans. Instead of a 5 year plan, we have had to increase it through to 2016 or 17. Details are outlined on 'An Over~view' on RED DRAGON.
More on our Aims & Objective. To improve the educational and career opportunities for students in the countryside, we have contacted the Leaders of Henan Province and representatives from the Ministry of Education in London. Agreement and co-operation with them would solve the visa / work and residency problems.
We feel it would be an important development for the future of students, particularly as the world economic position is so serious, and is likely to remain so for several years. Details are summarised in a feature entitled 'An Over~view' on the RED DRAGON page, and we will keep you informed as discussions progress. A positive point of my exile from China, is that I have seen all 4 seasons flourish and die, as nature moves though the year. In some ways, it has been quite nostalgic, re-lighting memories of the past, but it doesn't dampen my longing to return to work in China. Primroses and bluebells carpeted the woods and roadside verges when I returned in May, 2008. They are now returning, as trees display a pale green glimmer, threatening to burst into leaf. Ancient woodland, which in some places dates back a thousand years, is blanketed in wild anemones, a small, delicate, pale cream fairy-like flower which looks like Tinkerbell's hat. The recent sunshine and warm temperatures have caused the countryside to awaken, following a long, damp, cold and miserable winter, broken only by a few bursts of cold sunny days during January and early February. Our seasons, unlike many parts of the world, are roughly the same length. It doesn't follow, however, that our weather is predictable. Far from it. We can have gloriously warm days as late as November, and be showered with snow in June. I suppose we should be grateful that we don't normally suffer the extremes of many other countries; - earthquakes, floods or famine. I do, however, appreciate the closeness of the sea, with it's varied moods. Sometimes, blue, quiet and mirror-like, with the suns rays glistening, bouncing on the gentle waves, with dolphins playing in the shallows shortly after dawn or before dusk from April to September. At other times, it can be grey, dark-green and menacing. Thundering waves crashing onto the shore, throwing tons of pebbles across the promenade, as if in a furious, rebellious temper. I feel like that sometimes, and it makes me relax. I walk along the 5km sea front at Hastings, my hometown, three times a week from St Leonards-on-Sea, where 100+ years ago a designer had dreams of creating an exotic, spacious new town in a grand style. Only a magnificent Square was ever completed due to economic problems. It has been re-furbished, but most of the 120+, 3 floor magnificent town houses with basement and servant's quarters in the roof, have been converted into more affordable apartments. Five kilometres to the east, past crumbling Victorian seaside terraced villas, is the ancient fishing harbour and old town. Fishing boats, small trawlers line the beach with net drying houses the design of which has changed little over 1,200 years, since the times of the Vikings, stand ominously blacked with tar on the shoreline, above the high water mark.
A lifeboat station stands on The Stade. Now fully modernised, and an important contribution to Coastguard Rescue services, it is on 24 hour call-out, 365 days of the year. My mother's family have been associated with Lifeboats for generations. It is the Charity which first introduced me to fund-raising activities. That's it for the moment. I hope this find you well, prospering and contented. I hope to see you soon. Best wishes Alan. March, 2009. ------------------------------0------------------------------ Christmas Newsletter, 2008.
from Alan Cooper (UK) Hi everyone...
I hope this finds you fit and well.
I have resorted to the PC for this brief encounter, as I'm very busy with work on the website, looking for sponsors, and keeping an eye on my mother who, although now well into her late eighties, is reasonable fit, but terribly forgetful at times. It's sad to watch her sometimes, and I think that she often regrets that she can't do the things she used to.
I'm still in the UK and hope to return to China to prepare for the summer season of lectures and other courses in late February. I'm still waiting for information from the Chinese Embassy in London as to what I will and won't be able to do.
Locally, in the small village where my mother lives, our local government representatives, forge ahead with their own objectives, for their own interests, and with little consideration for the needs of local people.
We are blessed with another scourge on the District Council - Cllr Sue Prochak, nee Davies or Hardy (married name). An unattractive woman, burdened with a craggy face, large eyes and lank, straight greying hair, reminiscent of an ageing floor-mop.
On December 5th, the village staged an rather un-inspiring 'Christmas Capers', with a grand Parade of 'Act-lets' - kids dressed up as reindeer, with flashing horns of eco-friendly blue flashing fairy lights. Have you ever seen reindeer with blue flashing horns, for heaven's for sake? Better they had been polar bears on an iceberg in the Channel off Hastings.
 AC at the SaRLAP Info Presentation. Anyway, back to Mrs, Miss, Ms H / D / P. I was manning the SaRLAP - Salehurst and Robertsbridge Local Action Plan information table in the United Reform Church. It's a somewhat ineffective committee composed of Community conscious individuals who harp on constantly about the pressure they suffer by being on committees. So, naturally, they form another Committee to solve the problem.
The District Councillor arrived, suitably dressed in a long red skirt, and matching red coat, and fetching Santa hat, with an un-eco-friendly brim with flashing lights - I guessed she a must have been masquerading as Mary Christmas! Ha..ha! Her festive outfit was topped with a bright yellow day glow jacket with the words 'Rother District Council' emblazoned on a fluorescent white strip on the back. How we laughed!
Better she ride on a refuse collection truck in the back of a 747 with no gas! My God! Have you ever seen Santa dressed in a day glow jacket?
It has been good to be able to spend time with a couple of old friends... friendships which go back years - since we were only 4 or 5 years old in one case. We meet for a couple of hours every other Tuesday for a drink in one of the oldest pubs in the country.
'The Seven Stars' in the village High Street dates back to about 1380. This year we are launching our first ever, Annual Revolutionary Dinner on December 29th.. a carvery with various meats including; turkey, beef and gammon (pig - cooked with French mustard, honey and fruit-apricots), and half a dozen different vegetables. We'll wash it down with a couple of glasses of Santas Ale - a locally specially produced traditional .beer..
The proposed presentation next year is 'Enjoying English - The Experience!' A riotous 150 minute romp through the problems students have learning to speak English naturally. I hope that we will be on the road from Mid May to October. With 6 / 7 songs and a Kentucky Line dance, it resembles a seaside summer show, crossed pantomime. It's a new presentation , as a development of previous work. I love doing presentations and courses with students or business. Although very tiring, it's great fun and goes down a storm.
Plans are still underway to produce a DVD for the late Autumn or Christmas / New Year 2009 / 10. We are aso thinking of doing something with 'YOU TUBE'. It'll make a change from the usual stuff DVD companies and the BBC drag up every year for their Christmas offings!
A usual comment is 'We expected something a little more conventional.' Well... forget that! Business with 'Enjoying English' is fine and we are getting support from some influential sponsors. In response to visitors to the site, we have undergone a major re-construction during the past month or so, in an effort to make the website simpler and more user-friendly. We are now receiving between 5 - 7,000 hits a week, which is very encouraging, and the reaction from visitors is very positive. Please take time to take a brief look when you have time, and send feedback.
You'll find loads of information, but take a look at the Activities Album on the drop down menu under 'HOME & News', and the contrasting information between the UK and China under their respective headings.
I have to get on with other things, and need to catch up with friends on a personal note over the next week to 10 days. Whatever you are doing , and wherever you are, I send my best wishes for Chrismas and the New Year, and hope that you have a productive and prosperous 2009.
Merry Christmas
Alan.
-------------------------0------------------------- Hello everyone
News Letter - February 2008.
2007 was a year of mixed blessings with some very pleasant high points interlaced with rather more than our fair share of frustrations and delays.
Red Dragon International Partnership and 'Enjoying English' are established and registered but there were problems at the beginning of the year establishing the website as the guy in the UK who was setting up the website suddenly ceased functioning without any explanation. He failed to send the information necessary to be able to continue with that work.
Wang Bo managed to side-step the problem by setting up a Blog to communicate important immediate information to students. It contains a fraction of the features which are prepared and stored or written and awaiting installation. You can sample some of the information on: http://enjoyingenglish.blog.163.com It will at least give you some indication of the direction we are heading, but the information is presented in a rather long list, rather than the itemised sections we had originally planned.
We have located someone locally who is prepared to establish a new website along the lines we had intended and hope that it will be on-line around April, 2008. That puts the operation approximately 12 months behind schedule. The Student Helpline is at least functioning satisfactorily.
'Enjoying English' publications. The first of 4 - 'Enjoying English - Problems Solved' is completed and with a number of publishers for consideration. Having spent a pleasant Spring Festival at Wang Bo's home in the mountains last year, in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, I was able to 75% complete the first draft of the second in the series, 'Enjoying English - Playing With Words', which as the title suggests deals with difficulties with vocabulary. As an amusement from my notes and enquiries from students, I doodled with a long article entitled 'Rude Word English', but I doubt that it will ever get into print, although I think it is very amusing. At least work on the publications is on schedule but publishers financial commitments will probably delay publication until the Spring of 2009 at the earliest.
Red Dragon's commitment to improving opportunities for students in the countryside is also experiencing some delays. We have backing from some major international organisations including CCTV 9, The Telegraph and Readers Digest. That softens the disappointment. Our lawyers are considering a direct appeal to the Ministry of Education, but we shall see.
A highlight during the summer, and a departure from my usual work with university students, was involvement with a new venture with middle school students. Although somewhat apprehensive at first, it proved to be a refreshing change, and an experience which was well received and one that I enjoyed. It seems likely that it will be regenerated during 2008 and that we will be involved. I am looking forward to that.
For the rest of the year, all the projects are on-going. I hope to take some time out for a long overdue visit back to the UK, sometime in the next couple of months. A new Special Presentation for university students which lasts a little over 2 hours has been prepared and tested at a couple of universities. Apart from the important information it contains, it is also very entertaining. It is very stimulating to have an audience in a lecture theatre of 300+ students, filled with laughter. The new 'show' is highly interactive and has been well received. I hope that it will be 'on the road' from May and throughout the summer.
As you know, we thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected work at the Core Volunteers Winter Training Session in Beijing. It would be an additional bonus, if we find that we can work on the project nearer the event; perhaps even during the Olympics themselves.
I apologise for the delay in writing. We spent the Spring Festival holiday at Wang Bo's home in the mountains. I was stricken with a fever and very high temperature during most of the holiday, with a re-currence when I arrived back in Shijiazhuang last week. You might remember, that the heal on my boots broke on the last day and we couldn't find a shop or repairer.
On arrival in Xinyang, we were confronted by slush (melting snow), and ice. 140km later, near Wang Bo's home we got stuck and had to walk the last distance through thick snow. I was frozen. However the good news is that the plum and cherry blossom are in bloom; so Spring is not so far away.
So many people I haven't seen recently due to mine and their commitments. I do however, think of you, and will make an effort to catch up, when time permits. In the meantime, best wishes and good luck during the Year of the Rat.
Alan Cooper.
February, 2008.
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Hello everyone
Sorry I have had to resort to a Newsletter again. I have managed to send personal messages to a number of friends, but after a three week break, a mountain of work demands my attention.
The Spring Festival. On the 12th of February, I left Shijiazhuang to spend the holiday with Wang Bo's family in the mountains to the south of Xinyang, 100km or so, north of Wuhan. We decided to take the bus, as trains were over-whelmingly crowded.
We soon left the expressway, heading for Xincai open country roads at a comfortable 50km / hour, surrounded assorted travelling friendly people; farmers and migrant workers and their families, going home for the holiday, with the floor covered with discarded sesame seed pods, cigarette ends, fruit peelings and spit. At least we had a seat.
At about 6.30pm, we stopped briefly to stretch our legs and for toilets. Some of the bushes were very prickly. At 10.30 we stopped again for dinner at a roadside farm, converted into a stop-over. Traditionally based on a square with a well in the centre, all the rooms except two, had been converted into dining areas, with low tables and benches. An adjacent room contained 8 bunk beds, and another, a kitchen. Flames from the cooking pans, flashed in the darkness. An ingenious use of empty plastic 5 ltr oil containers, had been converted into lampshades, giving cover to the otherwise bare lightbulbs strung around the yard.
The owners family must have been on to a good thing. Two long-distance busses were parked up in the yard, with more than 100 hungry travellers onboard. At 5RMB a throw, the expansive menu of noodles and steamed bread, or more noodles, must have made him a small fortune. As we left, another bus pulled in.
It was late morning before we arrived home. Although I had slept reasonably well on the journey, I slept for most of the afternoon and for 11 hours overnight.
Next morning, as dawn broke, in the early morning sunshine, I took an stroll across the valley. I was surprised how green everything was. The north and south facing valleys last October had been filled with the remnants of rice stubble after the harvest. Many now had been ploughed and were ready for planting. On the valley sides, small fields of lush green vegetables were visible, flanked by sweet smelling pine trees.
The holiday was approaching. On the 17th, the first day of the holiday, to my surprise, the local market in a village some 5km away, was in full swing, and very busy. There was a jovial atmosphere everywhere; people eating, chatting, playing pool, exchanging local gossip and smoking.
I rather liked the look of a striped shirt - it will make you look younger, they said! - some chance!!! I had my eye on a couple of ties, one of which was a 'dragon tie' in black and gold, which I wanted for forth-coming presentations. My Chinese name is Long Xiang Fu - commonly known as 'FuFu'. 'Long' means 'dragon'. But the shopkeeper, wouldn't negotiate the price. We eventually persuaded him to see reason after the holiday. They were right. I do look younger,especially when I take my glasses off.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year is quite a different experience for someone from another culture; family gatherings, dozens of visitors and visiting- family and neighbours on nearby farms, offering season's greetings, talking, eating, feasting, drinking and playing games.
It occurs to me that the commercialism of Christmas and the New Year in the west, coupled with the materialistic need to own houses, cars, fine homes, clothes and all the other fripperies of 21st century living, has destroyed the basic human instinct of family bonding, friendship and caring for other members of the community. I suppose progress will come to China sooner or later.
I have seen the phenominal displays for The Lantern Festival in major cities on television. I have experienced celebrations local to our home, and watched the night sky light up over Shijiazhuang from the balcony of our luxury pent-house. But nothing compares to the magic of the celebrations in the countryside.
Firecrackers and aerial bombs exploded from before dawn, continuing spasmodically throughout the day. From 6pm into the evening, the sky was ablaze across and round the valleys for miles. Explosions against the start-lit heavens, and against the backdrop of distant mountains, forests, reflected in the lakes and flooded rice-fields.
Our family display, with neighbouring relatives, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, was spectacular and ground-shakingly, ear-shatteringly noisy. Small fires in derelict buildings and in nearby undergrowth, flared. Firecrackers errupted like intermittent burst of machine gun fire from an ancient Mauser.
The sky above our heads was a canopy of stars, flashes, explosions of green, red and white, whizzing and twirling across the night sky, accompanied by streams of golden rain creating an umbrella 25 - 50 m across of 'flaming flowers'. On returning to the house, I sat for an hour on the roof watching in amazement, enjoying the spectacle surrounding me. I counted more than 200 different sources of celebration and gave up trying to count as more communities and families joined in.
That's my experiences of the holiday. A very memorable, happy occasion accompanied by far too much food. Back in Shijiazhuang now, it is time to sort out the website, finalise business arrangements and get things moving ahead of an expected very busy period running through into the autumn.
Thank you for your patience, friendship and support.
Best wishes, wherever you are and whatever you are doing
Alan.
March, 2007.
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DT male, aged 25 completed an advanced apprenticeship in Business Administration, whilst working for a large Corporation in northern England. He is now doing similar studies in Customer Services working as a Customer & Information Addministrator. He says that his studies had been tailored around his job, and hopes to go on to do a degee. 'I like the mix of work and study,' he said.
EE female, aged 26 is a Weapons Technician with the Royal Air Force. She took an advanced apprenticeship in Aerosystems Engineering. Her studies have taken 3 years, and she is now qualified to work on operations and abroad.
JN male, 19 was very well qualified at 16 when he left school. His school assumed that he would progress to university, but, 'I wanted to something more practical,' he said, 'and start earning money, without getting into student debt.' By next August, he will have compled a number of courses with an International Chemical Company. He says, 'Apprenticeships give you a real chance to show employers whaat you can do.'
In conclusion. There are clearly other roads to career success, other than through university. Large companies offer opportunities, although there may be an obligation to remain with the company for 2 or 3 years after graduation. Internationally, The Armed Forces of a country, offer ways of obtaining skills, whilst offering a salary, accommodation and comradeship.
Explore all your opportunities, and choose the one which best suits your circumstances.
Compiled from various sources including: Edge, Government & Education information, apprenticeships.org, Linda Whitney (Journalist) and agencies. AC. 2009.02.28. |
Name: Wang Bo. 
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Enjoying English Limited
4 Saxon Terrace, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, UK. TN32.5AF.
telephone: 00 + 44 + 07531219108
2009.03.30.
Minister Zhao Ji
Ministry of Education
Government of the People's Republc of China
27 Damucang Hutong
Xidan
Beijing. 100816
Dear Minister Zhao Ji
Enjoying English Limited. Website: www.enjoyingenglish2008.org
Our company is established in the UK and we hope to register in China during the summer of 2009.
Past experience tells us that The Chinese Government is making improvements in the countryside. Part of our business is to help improve educational and career opportunities for students in rural areas.
We would like to run a Pilot / Trial scheme in Henan Province from September, 2009.
Please visit: www.enjoyingenglish2008.org and refer to RED DRAGON page for full details outlined on 'An Over~view'.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Kind regards
Alan Cooper & Wang Bo..
Directors: Enjoying English.
c President Hu Jintao (personal)
Premier Wen Jia Bao (personal
Qi Pinwei - First Secretary to Minister of Education - London
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