High Lane Logo Back to WHAT WE DO
German Group in 2008
Munich in April
Forchheim in June
German Group Archive
German Group

THE GERMAN GROUP
 
The German Group was one of the first to be formed when High Lane U3A was started in 2001.   Five of the original members attend and there are a regular 10 members at each meeting. Despite different degrees of knowledge, ranging from absolute beginners to former A level students, we all manage to learn something at every session.  We have worked through a course but now generally concentrate on conversational German, studying articles from newspapers and magazines and discussing topics that arise and anything that is of interest to the group. We meet most Fridays.  Anyone interested in joining us can contact me at w.brookes1@ntlworld.com

An important part of what we learn is what the Germans call "Landeskunde" - knowledge of the country. This was enhanced in May 2005 when a group of 10, including some partners, went on a 5 day trip to Berlin
It was such a success that we arranged a trip to Hamburg at the end of August 2006.

Germany 2005 Germany 2005

Members of the group also have the opportunity to take part in an exchange trip to Forchheim in Bavaria every two years when they really get an opportunity to practise their language skills while staying with German families. This was an exchange I started while still working at Ridge Danyers College and most of those taking part are members of the U3A in other parts of Stockport.
In July 2006 nine members of High Lane U3A participated, some of whom had hosted guests in 2005.


We had a trip to Cologne for 5 days in April 2007.

Several members of the German group have had a visit to Munich and Salzburg between the 23rd and 29th April. Whilst there we viewed the sights of this very vibrant city, ventured into the Bavarian Alps and managed to find a zoo. Visit report
 
For those members of the U3A in general who wish to take part in the exchange with Forchheim:-
I have not yet been able to book flights but have asked Air Berlin for a  group quote for the period 20th-30th June. During that period we should be able to experience the Old Town Festival and possibly a Well Festival in a nearby region.

The German group continues to meet at 
Marlene Brookes' house on most Fridays.  The group has now reached 12 in number so, reluctantly, I will have to restrict membership, at least until the autumn. (The conservatory is rather full at the moment!)

This is a very friendly group which enjoys socialising so we make sure we have regular meals out, especially at Christmas and Easter. Whenever I have German visitors, the group has an opportunity to meet them and find out a little more about life in Germany.

Group Leader: Marlene Brookes
  • 14 of us enjoyed an excellent pre-Christmas meal at the Wycliffe Hotel at the end of November. We had our last meeting on the 12th December with Gluhwein, Stollen and mince pies accompanied by music and a Christmas story. Members of the group will be informed by phone or email of our next meeting in January.
 Marlene Brookes
Top of Page