T. S. Eliot International Summer School 2013

The Institute of English Studies, University of London is hosting the fifth annual T. S. Eliot International Summer School (6-14 July). Anyone with an interest in writings of the best-known of all modernist poets is welcome to participate in this week-long celebration of Eliot's life and work led by some of the most eminent scholars, poets and teachers.

In addition to the academic programme and visits to Little Gidding, Burnt Norton and East Coker, there will also be a series of social activities, including poetry readings, discussion groups, and late afternoon walking tours of T.S. Eliot’s London and literary Bloomsbury.

Bursaries [scholarships] are available to deserving students.

For enquiries, registration and programme information, please see the Institute's website or email them.

The Eliot Society has received an update from Joe Coles, Chairman of the East Coker Preservation Trust. Mr. Coles writes:

The local Council have now approved a plan to build a small town (of 2,500+ houses) joining East Coker to Yeovil. The plan not only would destroy Eliot's sunken lanes but would destroy the village of East Coker: the village is scheduled to become a suburb of the sprawling town of Yeovil. The motivation of the council for the development (they have admitted this) is to obtain £150m in central government grants. The community has been fighting the plans but the council have voted (down party lines) to approve the development and they will be making a submission to the national Planning Inspector in October 2012.

The East Coker Preservation Trust will be making representation to the Planning Inspector in October, and if we fail to get the plan thrown out then will make a submission for a judicial review. The East Coker Preservation Trust has been set up by the village to organise and fund the representation to the Planning Inspector, which is likely to cost £10,000, and the judicial review, which is likely to cost £100,000. The trust is non-profit making and the members of the trust are all unpaid.

The Trust would welcome any financial contributions from Eliot Society members. Please send a check, made payable to East Coker Preservation Trust, to the Treasurer:

For further information about the battle to preserve East Coker, or about how to contribute to the cause by direct deposit-- or if you are able to contribute in some way other than financially--please email Mr. Coles or write to him: