The archaeological site at Wheathampstead offers rich finds such as these. Newsletter 2005/2006

Season’s Greetings   English Language Learn the Individual Way

Dear Friends

Although 2005 began in a quiet way, it turned out to be possibly our busiest year yet. Both residential and local courses have kept us busy right up to Christmas. We were pleased that the range of countries represented by students was as wide ranging as ever, although, in fact, Spain really took the lead. From Madrid, Valencia, Navarre and the Canary Islands, we enjoyed their company and learned a great deal. They too really enjoyed their outings and activities in the area alongside their language learning. Two whole days spent at Cannons Fitness Club by our three schoolgirls used up their spare physical energy in between lessons there. And a visit to Woburn Safari Park completed a very varied stay in Hertfordshire. They visited London for the theatre, as did Luis Miguel, despite the terrible activities of extremists that very month. And indeed, life continues in London as ever, in a normal way. Kate had spent a week touring the historic cities of the Spanish central plains (where it doesn't rain!) in the Spring, so there has been much fruitful discussion about Spanish history and customs all summer. In July Yutaka was able to visit the recently discovered archaeological site at Wheathampstead, near St Albans and meet the archaeologists. His special interest for archaeology was well met here, as he was also able to attend the opening of the new building in Verulamium Park which protects the only remaining visible Roman villa on that site.

Kate introduced a literature appreciation class for advanced students this year, which was interesting. It will only be successful however if a few more students can come to make the discussion more varied. St Albans School of Languages also continues to thrive - providing language support classes for the ever growing number of foreign speakers resident here. Fernando from Spain, brought his wife, who joined a class at the school, while he sweated over his intensive course with Kate. So St Albans now offers great flexibility for English learning. Antonio returned this year, bringing 13 year old Nacho to get a taste of the English way of life. A great culture shock for the young Spaniard, but he enjoyed the outings nevertheless - Oxford in the rain was something else!

October and November brought opportunities to think about winter celebrations. 2005 is the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot in London. The need to be vigilant for political extremists has not changed in all those years. In 1605, Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the King in Parliament at Westminster. He failed, and since then, the English have celebrated his failure with community bonfires and fireworks. In many countries such public, outdoor celebrations take place at Midsummer. We prefer to use the warmth and excitement of the occasion to brighten up our winter scene. For our Japanese friends, the experience here was interesting. Our firework displays are full of action, contrary to those in Japan. For them the beauty of the display is paramount. For Wakako and her young son the quickfire displays that took place around Harpenden and St Albans this year were fascinating and novel. With all good wishes for 2006 from St Albans. Do keep in touch. . Kate

Highlights of the past year

*How many plums are needed to make a plum pudding and when can one eat it? (see below for the answer)

Oxford is a worthwhile day's outing from St Albans, but it is not easy to travel there by public transport. However, a car is no asset in the city centre in Oxford, as parking is a nightmare and many of the streets are closed to vehicular traffic. On the day Antonio and Nacho visited, Kate had to buy an umbrella and they experienced a picnic in the rain! Oxford is about an hour's drive from St Albans.

Kate and Nacho visit Oxford University's Natural History Museum in July

Kate led the promised return visit to Germany in August. A group of 15 medieval residents of St Albans attended the Burgfest at Trifels including Simon West, the field archaeologist from the St Albans Museum Service, dressed as Richard the Lionheart. His splendid costume attracted great interest and he was much photographed. The group cemented the already close relations between Worms and its region with St Albans and Hertfordshire. In 2007 the Golden Jubilee, or 50th anniversary of the twinning will be celebrated. In those 50 years there have been exchanges and visits of all types, official, educational, informal and sporting. There have also been many musical events and the St Albans Chamber Choir continues to exchange with the Wormser Kantorei every other year.

In sunnier circumstances, Natalie teaches Fernando in Kate's garden

Answer: None. Plum pudding is the name of the traditional British Christmas dessert. It contains dried fruit, nuts, apples, breadcrumbs, eggs and alcohol, but no plums. It is made several weeks before Christmas and steamed for several hours before being left to mature.

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