We meet on the last Friday of the month at 10.30am at the Nazarene Theological College.

We’re a small group, of varying abilities, and always welcome new members. There’s no teaching or lessons, we just bring along a topic to chat about, and help each other out if we get stuck.

In the year we’ve been established, we’ve talked about all kinds; from books we’ve found interesting to our recent holidays, from German film and TV programmes which we’ve seen, from the rise of the political party, AfD, and from the importance of sheds and allotments in Germany to a singer who rivals Taylor Swift in popularity (but only in German-speaking countries). Eclectic!

We meet on the last Friday of each month – but obviously our December date wasn’t possible, so we decided to have a New Year social instead (see photo above). On 10^th January, most of us were able to meet at House of Books and Friends in the city centre for coffee and chat (mostly in English, but often about our experiences in German-speaking countries). It’s a lovely café/book shop with tasty food, friendly staff and a nice selection of books. Some of us just couldn’t resist picking up something new to read!

We’re always happy to welcome new people to the group. You may not have spoken German for a while, but you’d be surprised how much you understand just by listening to others conversing. Once your confidence is up, you’ll be joining in before too long!

Speaking a foreign language is great for keeping the mind active, and what’s the saying? “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” I often hear people say “I’ve forgotten everything I ever learned in [insert foreign language here]” but it’s not forgotten. It’s just sitting in a little-used corner waiting to be revitalised.

Our New Year Social event at The House of Books and Friends in Manchester (January 2025)