News & Events

This organisation has been in existence for 27 years, run by Neil McDonald. Every year Neil finds places in England, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Austria and Upper Italy (Sued Tirol) where walking enthusiasts can meet in comfortable, well-catered small hotels to spend a week in the company of native German- and English-speakers. It is a great opportunity for learners of these languages to practise, exchange ideas and make new friends while spending a week walking in beautiful and interesting countryside, ably led and guided by Neil. Many people come singly, but couples and even dogs are very welcome to join.

I have recently returned from a walk on the English/Welsh border, exploring part of the Offa’s Dyke Trail and the surrounding area. The walks ranged between 10 and 15 miles and, depending on the terrain, were moderate to easy. We set off from different places, using public transport, taxis or shared personal cars, but always returned to our family-run lodgings for a delicious evening meal and the option of joining in social activities (quiz, readings, songs, presentations, depending on the spirit and interests of the participants) in both languages before retiring for a welcome, restorative sleep.

This is my fourth year walking with Neil and it is interesting how many people come back year after year, so that I was able to meet three “old” friends and make several new ones, who also plan to join another walk next year. My other walks were along Hadrian’s Wall, in the Forest of
  Dean and on the Island of Ruegen, in Northern Germany.

I am looking forward to walking in Sued Tirol, the Elbe Sandsteingebirge and the Trossachs. If you think this is something that would interest you, I include Neil’s email so that you can request the programme for next year, which usually gets sent out around Christmas:

anglo-german-walks@cc-email.co.uk

Maybe I will meet some of you fellow-Austrians next time!

Heidrun Speedy

This new website will be of interest to many of our members. It includes calendar listings of many German/Austrian/Swiss culture events alongside business and language subjects, blogs etc.

www.glgn.org.uk

Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1

www.modernlanguages.sas.as.uk

For further details of events contact:

www.acflondon.org

The Chiltern Stammtisch held it’s Fasching event on Saturday 22nd February 2020 at The Gate Pub in Bryants Bottom. Most people had made the effort to come in ‘fancy dress’ or a funny hat and the atmosphere was heightened by ‘Hansl’, our wonderful musician. The event was all the more special as the Chairman of the Anglo-Austrian Society, Dame Janet Ritterman attended and awarded the prices for the best three costumes.