More about the Association of Estonians in Great Britain

The Association of Estonians in Great Britain acts as a central co-ordinating committee, trying to keep alive the culture and language of Estonia in Great Britain, both among the older generation who came here as refugees after the second world war and more recent arrivals. We are a voluntary organisation and we cannot help with regard to accommodation and employment, nor with funding, grants or finance.

The Estonian community has three main centres where there are Estonian houses/clubs - London, Leicester and Bradford. There are smaller communities in other places - Nottingham, Bolton/Manchester, Scotland and some in Cardiff, as well as many persons of Estonian descent scattered far and wide.

The Bradford Club (Bradfordi Eesti Kodu) is open regularly Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

The Leicester Estonian House is open at weekends and for special events.

In London, where there is the largest Estonian community, the London Estonian Society and other groups organise activities. ‘Younger’ Estonians in London meet at the “Earl of Lonsdale” pub, on the corner of Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove, on the second Tuesday evening every month. The nearest underground station is Notting Hill Gate – District, Circle and Central lines. Unfortunately what is known as the ‘London Estonian House’ is a misnomer. It was originally purchased in 1957 by hard-working exiled Estonians for use by Estonians, but nowadays the principle activity is the letting of the apartments in the house. The house, however, has probably the best hall and stage facilities of the three houses. Visitors should not go unannounced, as the house is only open for pre-booked events.

Events and functions are organised in the main centres (details from main menu) – including

Celebration of Estonian Independence on 24th February (at all venues)

Mothers' Day on the second Sunday in May

Mid-summer celebrations (Jaanipäev and Võidupüha) – this is especially good at Bradford with a large bonfire and in London

Children's Summer Camp towards the end of August, in English and Estonian, at Catthorpe with an enjoyable final day (Rahvapidu) involving everyone.

The 2008 Rahvapidu – the main Estonian event of the year in this country – is held in conjunction with the finale to the children’s' summer camp. The 2008 event will be held on Saturday 23^rd August 2007. Book it in your diary now.

Christmas functions and more

Should you want to know more, or if you have something to tell us please contact (kas või eesti või inglise keeles). If you have any news please let me know. I can post messages on this website if you wish.

ojasoo @ talktalk.net

Inglismaa Eestlaste Ühing – 60. a. juubel!

Inglismaa Eestlaste Ühing asutati novembri kuus 1947. a. Esimine esimees oli dr. Jaak Taul, kes suri varem sel aastal tema 102el eluaastal. Asutaja liikmetest ikka elab Kanadas, Endel Aruja.

IEÜ pühitses juubelit Leicesteri Eesti Majas 24. novembril koos sõdurite õhtuga algusega kell 5.00 p.l..

The Association of Estonians in Great Britain held their inaugural meeting in November 1947. The first Chairman was Jaak Taul, who died earlier this year in his 102nd year. The sole surviving member of the first committee is Endel Aruja who lives in Canada. (We have to report that since this article was written Endel Aruja died in February 2008)

A celebratory event took place at the Leicester Estonian Club on Saturday 24th November. This was in conjunction with the ’Old Soldiers’ evening.