BY LOIS HOLT

Special to The Pilot

Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years on the throne of Great Britain this year.

Members of the English-Speaking Union, Sandhills Branch, are preparing to lift their own glasses in recognition of the lasting bond between the two countries.

Lord Alan Watson, in an extended visit to the United States, will be the guest speaker at E-SU's first meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 3, for a Sandhills observance of "The Queen's Jubilee."

Watson, long associated with the organization founded in 1918 at the end of World War I, has served as chairman of the English-Speaking Union for six years and is now international chairman emeritus. He is currently chairman of the Council of Commonwealth Societies and a member of the Executive Committee of the Pilgrims.

Ninety percent of the world's nations (177) have enacted an official language. And, while more than 320 languages are spoken in the United States, 82 percent of the population claims English, inherited from British colonization and the most common official language on Earth, as the mother tongue.

With the London book launch of "The Queen and the U.S.A.," Watson, a member of the book team, will open the pages of a stunning pictorial tribute to Elizabeth II that honors her contributions in fostering the values that have bound the USA and the UK.

Throughout the 60 years of her reign, the queen has maintained close American ties with her many trips "across the pond" whether it be in regard to affairs of state or horse racing, her favorite personal passion.

Lord Alan Watson is a recipient of the Churchill Medal, which is awarded annually to those who have promoted the objectives of E-SU through their dedicated and distinctive commitment to the organization. The medal is awarded at the annual Churchill lecture, where the winner delivers the address.

Watson is now serving as a member of the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union and holds a range of visiting and honorary posts at universities in Britain and abroad.

The Sandhills Branch of the English-Speaking Union supports a mission that promotes a scholarship program for local educators, a high school Shakespeare competition and the middle school debate program.

The monthly dinner meetings are held at the Country Club of North Carolina, and membership is open to the public.

For membership and program information, contact Hope Price at (910) 692-7727, or at hopewp@AOL.com.

Contact Lois Holt at lholt79@nc.rr.com.