Dunhuang and the Mogao Caves: Joseph Needham on the Silk Road, Online talk by Frances Wood
When SACU founder Joseph Needham led an expedition to Gansu in 1943, he intended to stay for a couple of days at the Mogao caves near Dunhuang. The breakdown of a lorry and the difficulty of obtaining spare parts meant that he spent several weeks there, making drawings and taking photographs of the caves, adding considerably to knowledge of this wonderful site. The history of the caves and their exploitation by early 20th century explorers forms a background to Needham's visit. Speaker information: Frances Wood Dr Frances Wood, one of SACU's vice presidents, studied Chinese at Cambridge and Peking universities […]
London Book Fair – Launch of books by two SACU authors
Olympia Exhibition Centre Hammersmith Road, London, United KingdomThe event is part of our George Hogg110 and SACU60 activities. During the event, SACU authors Mark Thomas and Andrew Hicks will unveil their new books (Chinese editions) Blades of Grass: The Story of George Hogg and Jack Jones: A True Friend to China: The Lost Writings of A Heroic Nobody. Co-hosts: SACU and Renmin Publishing House (publisher of Blades of Grass, Chinese edition) are co-hosting this book launch event. Members who are interested in participating can book their LBF tickets at https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb/get-tickets.html The ticket is not cheap, but people can get a discount and signed book and enjoy the whole book fair […]
Joseph Needham – Triumph over Confusion, Online Talk by Rob Stallard
Introduction In this talk, Robert Stallard will give an overview of the extraordinary life of an extraordinary man. Joseph Needham began as a leading pioneer in biochemistry and then went on to become the world authority on the history of Chinese science and civilization. His work truly revolutionised the appreciation of the Chinese contribution to science, engineering, medicine and mathematics. In spite of all his other commitments, he found considerable time to devote to bringing about the foundation of SACU sixty years ago. Free online talk - reserve your place on Eventbrite here A Zoom link will be sent shortly […]
FAU: The Friends Ambulance Unit and the Shandan Bailie School, online talk by Andrew Hicks
In the early nineteen-forties China was in desperate need, struggling to defend itself against the Japanese invaders. In Europe and North Africa, the allied war effort was on the back foot and there was little the UK could do to give practical support to its key ally, China. An important gesture was to send a motley bunch of a few hundred school leavers who had signed up as members of the Friends Ambulance Unit China Convoy to do medical relief work in China. These were pacifists who had been exempted from military service as conscientious objectors, the FAU being the […]
In the Footsteps of George Hogg: SACU China Tour April 2025
The Legacy of George Hogg In the Footsteps of George Hogg: SACU Tour 2-18 April 2025 (with Beijing extension to 24 April 2025) 2025 is SACU's 60th anniversary (founded in 1965). We are also commemorating the 110th anniversary of the birth of George Hogg, legendary British figure in north west China. SACU has teamed with WildChina Travel Company to offer this epic tour for SACU members. See WildChina's George Hogg Online Briefing for the full itinerary including Shanghai, Nanjing, Xian, Baoji, Shuangshipu, Tianshui, Lanzhou & Dunhuang, with Beijing extension. The tour is nearly full but if anyone wants […]
A Wise and Noble Friend of China: George Hogg (1915-1945)
Welcome to our online event celebrating A wise and noble friend of China! George Hogg’s nephew and biographer tells about his uncle who became a legendary hero in China as an inspirational educator and co-operative leader during the war-torn 1930s and 40s. Hogg’s legacy is being celebrated in China this year, being the 110th anniversary of his birth and the 80th anniversary of his tragic, all too early, death. Speaker: Mark Aylwin Thomas, nephew of George Aylwin Hogg (1915-1945) and author of Hogg’s definitive biography, Blades of Grass. The biography has now been translated into Mandarin and published in Beijing […]
SACU Social to Celebrate our 60th Anniversary
Shanghai Family Restaurant 40 New Oxford Street, London, United KingdomWe are excited to invite our members, old and new, to an informal social event in London to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of SACU on Saturday, 31 May 2025! This is a special in-person event for all members. We will start with a delicious lunch at Shanghai Family Restaurant (shanghaifamily.co.uk) at 12:00pm. After lunch, for those who are free and interested, we will visit the British Museum for a tour of the Chinese collections led by Dr Frances Wood, SACU Vice President. Event Details: 📍 Lunch: Shanghai Family Restaurant, 12:00pm (Attendees will bear their own costs for lunch, […]
Classical Music in China, through the eyes of five composers: Online talk by Dr Ben Lunn
Classical music in China has gone through a fascinating process of evolution which followed the shape of the society and its continuous changes. Despite its fascinating history, full of lessons for many the world over, large elements of this music are unknown to many in the Western world. In this session, Dr Ben Lunn will discuss the circumstances that influenced five particularly significant composers - Xian Xinghai, Jian'er Zhu, Tan Dun, Wenchen Qin, Sel Nkbayar - drawing out how they adapted to the changing world around them. SACU is delighted to host this talk by member Dr Ben Lunn, composer […]
How to Eat: A Confucian Guide to Dining Together
How to Eat: A Confucian Guide to Dining Together - Lecture for SACU Are table manners important? Confucius once said: “Exemplary persons do not take leave of their authoritative conduct even for the space of a meal.” Even during a meal, one’s consideration for the comfort of fellow diners provide pertinent opportunity to cultivate consummate conduct (ren 仁). Beyond avoiding a faux pas, eating together compels us to bring out the better part of ourselves with every mouthful. The Analects of Confucius, trans. Roger T. Ames and Henry Rosemont Jr. (New York: Ballantine Books, 1998), 90. This lecture is one […]
SACU Annual General Meeting – 21 June 2025 (Online)
SACU members are warmly invited to SACU’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place online on Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (BST). AGM papers and Zoom link have been circulated to all members. Call for Council Nominations As part of the AGM, nominations for SACU Council members are invited. This year, we particularly need to appoint two officers for the key roles of: Chair Treasurer We are also seeking members who can contribute their expertise in the following areas: Zoom Management Social Media Promotions If you are interested in standing for election, or would […]
Anglo-Chinese Relations in an Upended World
Anglo-Chinese Relations in an Upended World: Free online talk for SACU by Andrew K P Leung, SBS, FRSA Introduction: The liberal, value-and rules-based world order led by the United States since the end of the Second World War has now been upended by President Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) rules-of-the-jungle iconoclasm, rattling relations with the entire world, traditional allies not exempted. Many nations including EU Member States are recalibrating relationships with other regions and nations with growth potential, especially China, as the world's second largest economy, ideological and other risks regardless. As home to Adam Smith and the world's […]
How to Entertain: A Confucian Guide to Being the Host or Guest
How to Entertain: A Confucian Guide to Being the Host or Guest - Lecture for SACU The essence of propriety is to “be humble and respect others,” according to the Chinese classic on ritual. This dual sentiment is manifestly lived out in the interaction between host and guest, which can range from a casual visit to a friend to meeting parents-in-law for the first time. Through various situations, we examine how Confucian thought esteems adaptability to the context in these complementary roles. This lecture is one of a series: A Practical Guide for Every Day - The Art of Living […]
The Lisbon Maru: Chinese and British Friendships Forged
THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. The Lisbon Maru: Chinese and British Friendships Forged “In the Flames of War” and Developed in Times of Peace – Online Talk by Brian Finch Brief Introduction/ Background to the Topic Background to the speaker’s interest; how Fang Li came across the story and developed a passion for the subject – at very considerable personal cost; the significance of the story; the success of the film; the connection with President Xi Jinping; the memorials in both the UK and China and the relationship between Ambassador Zheng Zeguang and the […]
Echoes of War, Visions of Peace – Invitation to SACU members
Bluecoat Gallery 8 School Lane, Liverpool, United KingdomSACU is co-host with CMG and CGTN and all SACU members are cordially invited to attend. Event: "Echoes of War, Visions of Peace", to mark the end of World War II Day/Time: Tuesday 26 August, 6.00-9.00pm Venue: Bluecoat Gallery, 8 School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX Programme: Panel of world experts to discuss the crucial but often forgotten role of China in World War II. Witness to War – The Story of George Hogg, documentary film screening The film will incorporate footage recorded during our April SACU "Footsteps of George Hogg" Tour Dr Frances Wood, SACU Vice President, will be on […]
What China Taught me about my country and its culture
Huge’s latest book is on a subject that matters to every thinking Briton: WHO ARE WE, and how will we survive in the Age of Asia? "I first went to China in the 1970s when even a youngster such as I could see that both China and the UK were in dire straits. In the subsequent 15 years, remarkable leaders of both countries arose to tackle what they saw as the disintegration of their societies. Although both countries changed, thanks to their guidance, it has become apparent that China has been much more successful in escaping from those straits. Our […]
SACU’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
King's College London, Strand Campus Strand, London, United KingdomJoin us for our Celebration Day on 20th September when we will commemorate both SACU’s 60th Anniversary and George Hogg’s 110th Anniversary. Speakers include: Professor Michael Wood, SACU President Professor Kerry Brown, LAU China Institute KCL Mark Aylwin Thomas, author of George Hogg’s biography Professor Sun Hua, Peking University and co-sponsor of the SACU/PKU Essay-Art Competition. We are also honoured to have a Senior Representative from the Chinese Embassy. The President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Deputy Director of FAO Gansu Provincial Government will attend with delegations from China. 友 Speeches […]