Esperanto is a planned language, intended as a universal second language to enable people all over the world to communicate. It was designed by Dr Zamenhof who introduced it in 1887 under the pseudonym of Doktoro Esperanto, meaning "One who hopes". It has had a steady following ever since. There is both original and translated literature and poetry in the language and the speakers are widely distributed throughout the globe. More information about its history and present day usage can be found at http://www.esperanto-gb.org/

Esperanto speakers are able to stay with others all over the world through the hospitality network Pasporta Servo http://www.tejo.org/eo/ps_lingv_en

Its grammar is relatively simple, which makes progress in learning it much faster than other languages. This Group is led by a teacher who has decades of experience as a correspondence-course instructor. Enquirers are advised to prepare to join the group by pursuing the free 12-lesson correspondence-course, available through the Group from our instructor, which the present members have now completed. They are welcome to drop in at any time in order to get the flavour of the language and to join us as a regular member when they feel that they are more able to take part or when they have completed the correspondence-course.

The present members have just completed the 12-lesson course and how they will continue is not decided at the present time (October 2010). Our teacher is seeking advice from the Esperanto Association of Britain (EAB). One possibility is to use the book “Teach Yourself Esperanto” by J. Cresswell and J. Hartley. Unfortunately it is now out of print but paperback editions are available second-hand for around £5 via Amazon. This book, one of the best Teach-Yourself langauge books available is highly recommended.