Barbara enjoys lunch break in the garden Season’s Greetings

English Language Learn the Individual Way

Dear FriendsNewsletter 2009

This year has been a busy one for Kate and her family, with lots of trips away. But clients have continued to come to St Albans and she has enjoyed their visits.

Jose drove from Spain – a very long journey, but he enjoyed the freedom to see more of England independently during his three week stay. Kate and Natalie both enjoyed his enthusiasm for learning and Eileen and Tony welcomed him as they had many of his colleagues before. Jose also used some walking opportunities to get to know the area - physical exercise and social conversation practice at the same time. Experienced local walkers guide residents and visitors around the parks and footpaths of the city and district every week for an hour, or two. This healthy option gives confidence to people who are on their own or unsure of where to walk, and several of our visitors have been made welcome this way.

Another open air opportunity is the U3A country walking group to which Kate belongs. Having reached that certain age, Kate now enjoys the programmes offered by the University of the Third Age (U3A). Most English towns have branches of this international movement. It offers self help opportunities for learning. Informal groups to study history, music, languages and a host of other subjects, with a volunteer leader. A walking group explores the local countryside; members choose the routes, and offer local knowledge on topography, wildlife etc. Esther came along while she was here, and explored the rolling Hertfordshire countryside.

Barbara came to gain confidence for job applications when she moves from Italy to be with partner Philippe in the Netherlands. Evidence of good English skills will be required. Her hard work on our course gave her a very good grade in the IELTS exam. We have prepared many clients for this popular qualification. It gives equal weight to Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading skills. Barbara also benefited from the hospitality offered by Anna Marie and her family, who have started hosting for us in the last year or two.

Christine spent the summer acting in a repertory season in Norfolk, offering more of Ayckbourn’s comedy series Intimate Exchanges. She also played in Noel Coward’s Private Lives. She will be back after Christmas.

Kate visited Germany, Austria, Hungary and Denmark this year. Especially pleasing was to meet those friends made long years ago in Nyireghaza, Eastern Hungary, St Albans twin town. Julia, and Pal were both at the reception the Friends of St Albans there held so we could exchange ideas. One thought was how we could support by providing native English speaking teachers on short visits there. Kate hopes to visit Hungary again in the Spring when her second grandchild is expected there.

All good wishes for a splendid festive season and a prosperous New Year

Highlights of the Year

Outings this year included a walk with the U3A walking group starting from the pub in Great Offley in North Hertfordshire. Esther improved her countryside vocabulary – walking on public footpaths and bridleways, passing a haha in front of a small manor house, and passing over or through stiles and kissing gates. The 5 mile walk ended at the pub again for a traditional lunch before driving home again for the afternoon lesson.

Summer brought the usual use of Kate’s garden for both lessons and social events. One evening, Eileen and Tony, hosting Jose, joined Kate, David and Markus for a barbecue. Kate had some Manx kippers, found on the fish stall in St Albans Saturday market. They are best barbecued in the garden since the smell of the smoked herring remains for a long time if they are grilled indoors.

Especially pleasing was to meet them informally to renew old and make new acquaintances. Pal, who translates, and teaches English privately there, always encourages students to take advantage of the active links and friendship between the towns.

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