THE CLUB
We are a multinational, non-profit-making group dedicated to sharing personal experiences and knowledge of the people, culture, traditions and language of Germany and German-speaking countries. We welcome anyone with an interest in Germany, Austria, Switzerland or the German language. We hold monthly meetings between September and June.
We feature high quality guest speakers covering a wide range of subjects with a German connection. Occasionally our own members are happy to speak. We also have a quiz night, meals out, a visit to the Leeds German Christmas Market, a Christmas Party, and a Summer Barbecue! Both German and English are spoken at all events, so no-one is left out.
We have good connections with other German groups in the Yorkshire region, including Wharfedale German Circle
We also have links with Neil McDonald, who organises Anglo-German walks: www.anglo-german-walks.com
Our meetings usually take place in Headingley, at St Columba's United Reformed Church Hall. Other venues are St Luke's Church House and, for the quiz, The Original Oak. Meetings start at 7:30 PM, with a standard admission charge of £2.50, which usually includes refreshments, and gives instant membership. The cost of meals out, the quiz, the Christmas Party, and the Barbecue will be announced nearer the times of these events.
The club is affiliated to The British German Association: www.britishgermanassociation.org
We are also affiliated to The Anglo-Austrian Society
ER & GE (UK) are the club's sponsors: www.erge.co.uk
HISTORY
The Club was formed in Autumn 1996. Trudi Kaiser had been running her own group at Swarthmore. When Trudi retired, Dorrit Pinder was invited to take over. She stepped in and organised meetings at Swarthmore on Saturday afternoons, where she was joined by about seven others. Some of them are still members! Games and conversation evenings (sometimes hard work!) were organised and various venues/pubs etc. were tried. Weekday evenings soon replaced Saturdays. When, some eighteen months later, it was felt that different activities were needed, Dorrit began to invite speakers, St. Luke's Church House in Headingley became the regular venue, and events like the Christmas party and the summer meal (then held at The Berghof in Todmorden) were established.
The club's membership (and also the committee!) grew as time went on and, by the 2001/2002 season, larger premises were needed, resulting in a gradual move to St. Columba's and the Leeds Anglo German Club as it is today.
OUR INVITATION
We cordially invite anyone with an interest in Germany, Austria, Switzerland or the German language to our events. We welcome students and ex-students of German who would like the opportunity to listen to and speak the language in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Members of other German groups are always welcome.
PROGRAMME 2009/2010 (Click to view)
PROGRAMME 2010/2011
Monday September 6th 2010
BURGEN AM RHEIN
Kurt Berlet, former Teacher of German
Kurt, a committee member and an "eingeborener Kölner" will take us on a tour of the Romantic Rhineland's landmark castles.
Illustrated talk (PP) in German and English.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Tuesday October 5th 2010
DIE HANSE UND DER STAHLHOF IN LONDON
Bärbel Grayson, former Teacher of German
Bärbel will tell us about the Hanseatic League and the significance of the Steelyard (Stalhof) in London.
Talk in German and English.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Monday November 1st 2010
QUIZABEND
We return to The Original Oak for our popular German and general knowledge quiz. Questions for all ages, plus frankfurters, potato salad and prizes. Enjoy a drink or two!
Questions in German and English. Students most welcome! Come in teams of three or four people, or just come on your own and join in!
Please contact the secretary by October 29th if you would like to come.
The Original Oak, Headingley
7:30 - 10:00
Wednesday November 24th 2010
SCHUBERTIADE
Professor Kenneth Whitton, Emeritus Professor, Bradford University
Our good friend Kenneth Whitton will talk to us about the composer Franz Schubert and his music, and will perhaps include some personal reminiscences.
Talk in German and English, with music.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Saturday December 4th 2010
WEIHNACHTSFEIER
A German Christmas Party, with good company, music, great food and Glühwein. A lovely, festive occasion. You will receive a warm welcome!
Please contact the secretary by December 1st, if you would like to come.
The Old Stables, Back Church Lane, Adel, LS16 8DW
7:30 - late
Monday January 10th 2011
KURT TUCHOLSKY 1890 - 1935
Ricarda Zöllner, Lecturer in German, Leeds Metropolitan University
We welcome back Ricarda, who will speak to us about the controversial Weimar Republic journalist, prolific author, pacifist, believer in democracy, satirist, outstanding literary critic etc., giving plenty of examples of his thought-provoking observations and clever witticisms.
Illustrated talk in German and English.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Tuesday February 1st 2011
Mark Green, Honorary German Consul
We look forward to Mark returning to give us another talk. He will announce his topic later.
Talk in German and English.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Wednesday March 9th 2011
AGM AND REFRESHMENTS
Our AGMs are OK! Please bring your suggestions and ideas. A short meeting followed by pizza, wine and a chance to socialise!
St Luke's Church House
7:30 - 9:30
Wednesday April 6th 2011
GERMAN CIRCLES' ANNUAL DINNER
We are invited to join our friends from the Huddersfield, Calderdale, Bradford and Wharfedale German Circles for this special occasion, which is always very enjoyable. Huddersfield are this year's organisers. Don't miss an excellent meal (good value) and the chance to meet our friends in the region.
Please contact the secretary by March 30th, if you would like to come.
Sandal Farm Restaurant, Thornton, Bradford, BD13 3SS
7:30 for 8:00
Monday April 11th 2011
JENA GESTERN UND HEUTE
Eddie Lawler, Open University Lecturer in German
This German city has a great deal of history - but does it have a future?
Illustrated talk (PP) in German and English.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Tuesday May 17th 2011
DAS SALZ DER ERDE: DER REICHTUM DER HALLSTATTER KELTEN
Peter Gieler, General Secretary, Anglo-Austrian Society
Peter will tell us about the Celts of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region of Austria and their "white gold".
Illustrated talk (PP) in German and English.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Wednesday June 22nd 2011
INTERNATIONALER KONGRESS ZUM EUROPÄISCHEN MITTELALTER
Axel Müller, Director, Leeds International Medieval Congress
The Leeds International Medieval Congress, held each year in July, is a major university event. Axel Müller, the director, will tell us about the congress and its past and future themes, linking it with the area that is now Germany and looking at a modern approach to this period in history.
Illustrated talk (PP) in German and English.
St Columba's URC
7:30 - 9:30
Saturday June 25th 2011
SOMMERFEST
You are invited once again to join us and friends from other German Circles for our summer meal. Venue and further details later.
Please contact the secretary by June 18th, if you would like to come.
July 2011
GRILLPARTY bei Max und Sheana
Date and details later.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
St Andrew's URC in Roundhay are holding their own Oktoberfest.
The Anglo-Austrian Society will be holding an Austrian weekend early in 2011 and a zither concert in May 2011.
