When the Evesham and District u3a was established in November 2001 the German Conversation Group started at the same time.
It has been a great privilege to be able to lead the group from the beginning and it is now in its twenty fifth year. It was a very humble start and I wondered whether anybody would be interested in furthering their knowledge of the German language. All beginnings are slow but after a while, when message got round that I am a German citizen, more and more people joined and as the group expanded, we had to split it into two and later on into four groups.
Why German?
Why do folks want to trouble themselves with this terrible German language, which Mark Twain said? There are many valid reasons. Some people have learnt the language many moons ago, some worked for German companies, some relatives have moved to Germany and some people simply like to go on holiday to enjoy the way of life or the history of Germany; to have a knowledge of the language gives one a greater depth and insight into the richness and diversity of the country.
So what do we talk about?
In order to keep the conversation flowing, prior to the meeting, various subjects will be suggested, either by the leaders or members themselves can bring their own subject matter to the meeting. I.e. social, literature, history, science, art, engineering, gardening, holiday, sport, the past, the present or future, politics; the discussions are endless and often we run out of time. For the beginners we use a very old fashioned book, called Heute Abend: German Course Bk. 1 (by Magda Kelber), which senior members prefer.
It is great that members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from their professions and so we are the benefactors.
It has given me great pleasure and encouragement that through the u3a I have met such lovely dedicated people and that during the last 25 years we have been able to share the diversity of its country and life and also made lots of friends. Long may it last!
Annual Garden Party
Each year we hold a German Garden Party, which has been a long standing event for many years, weather permitting, This is a very enjoyable occasion when all members of the group can meet and enjoy each others company sharing food and wine and German conversation.