GERMAN LANGUAGE - March 2007

Our German group started in 1994 and has grown from just 3 students to the current number of 20. We used to meet in each other's houses but as numbers grew had to find premises to accommodate everyone. To ensure everyone received the maximum benefit, lessons at different levels were provided and we now have two groups: beginners/improvers meet in Anneliese's flat, and the more advanced students in Bilton Youth Centre, in each location for two hours every Monday morning during term time. We try not to turn anyone away but as the groups progress, we cannot cater for absolute beginners.
With the help of textbooks the beginners learn vocabulary, read short pieces, translate and talk about them, thus getting the feel of the language as they go along.
The more advanced group continue to study grammar, read, translate and discuss modern German novels. They have a good understanding of the spoken language and can make themselves understood, in class and also during visits to Germany.
I am very pleased to have been joined by Siggie Mattison who shares the instruction and leads the Group on alternate Mondays.
Members of the group, some with spouses, have already sampled Fasching in München and the following year we saw just a small part of Berlin. The year after, we visited Lindau on Lake Constance where we met students of the Volkshochschule studying the English language, for meals and outings. Some have remained in contact. Last year we paid a short visit to Düsseldorf, a very interesting city, and made a day trip to Aachen which "went down very well".
We are now finalising arrangements for this year's visit to Dresden which promises to be a most enjoyable taste of everything that the elegant "Florenz of the North" and the surrounding area has to offer.
Hildegard Kendall - Group Leader