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Archive for the ‘Stammtisch’ Category

Oktoberfest, German Winds & Humboldt

Posted in Books, Languages & Communications, Networking, Stammtisch on October 1, 2019| 2 Comments »

I would like to invite you to our next Stammtisch to coincide with ‘Oktoberfest’ week held at the Broad Chare at Newcastle’s Quayside. I have reserved a table on Tuesday, 8 October from 7pm – click here for a link to the Broad Chare and food options on the day. Please let me know if you would like to join us as I need to give the Broad Chare numbers by the weekend.

This Friday – 4 October – there is also a joint UK-German concert in the St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle’s city centre. German Winds, which is led by Sven Hellinghausen, is visiting the North East and Scotland for a series of three concerts.

50 musicians are travelling over from Germany (they will even bring along three alpine horns) to perform with a further 30 musicians of the Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band. The evening programme will include a varied repertoire of music including Classical, Pop and Swing. Tickets cost £10/person, with the proceeds going to North Northumberland Hospice, which has wellbeing centres in Alnwick and Berwick.

Last month, Germany but also many other countries around the world celebrated 250th birthday of Alexander von Humboldt. Germany even issued a new stamp in his honour. If you do not know much about this explorer, polymath, scientist, adventurer, communications expert (actually hard to find a description for him), then I can recommend Andrea Wulf‘s book ‘Alexander von Humboldt & The Invention of Nature’/’Erfindung der Natur‘. And if you rather watch and follow his footsteps, there’s a new DW documentary on his travels in the Americas on YouTube. Another older documentary entitled ‘Natural Traveller‘ features Christopher Eccleston, with contributions for example from David Attenborough.

UK German Connections is currently inviting applications for Cultural Exchange Ambassadors. So if you are/know either a Language Assistant in Germany or the UK – then check out this website. This initiative aims to enhance Language Assistantship and for participants to gain valuable project management skills, to lead bicultural projects and create connections between UK & German schools. Deadline for applications is Thursday, 17 October 2019.

I wish you a good week and maybe see you at one of the forthcoming events!

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BBQ, Dolphins, Munich Flights & More

Posted in Books, Events organised by Others, Film, Jobs, Networking, Stammtisch, Travel on June 21, 2019| Leave a Comment »

Dear Stammtisch Friends

We’re currently planning a few events here in the region and maybe there are some you would like to join in:

On Sunday, 30 June 2019, the Martin Luther Kirche is organising its annual Grillfest in Shieldfield, Newcastle. There is a family service from 3pm to 4pm, the bbq starts at 4pm to 7pm. Entrance donation is £1 per person (children under 10 are free) with the proceeds going to the North of England Child Cancer Research and the German Church. To get tickets – please call Oliver on: 07811 109 312

You may heard of the numerous sightings of dolphins at our coastline. I recently also met a lady through my consular work, who made me aware of the Dolphin Watch Association in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. The next Dolphin Watch event will take place on Saturday, 6 July and I thought this may be good for a Stammtisch get-together at 11am at Church Point in Newbiggin. There is plenty of car parking next to the Marine Centre, where we can later head for refreshments. There is also the Newbiggin Dolphin Watch Group on Facebook, where you can follow the sightings, photos and videos. This event is open to all ages and if you have binoculars, bring them along! Please let me know if you’re planning to come so that I get an idea of numbers.

Other events I am currently considering are:

– ‘Vera’ Tour: to visit some of the film locations for this detective series
– ‘Project Auckland’: I was recently invited to a visit to this market town in County Durham and it is very impressive what is being developed there
– A Bavarian Movie with a short ‘language’ class

You may have also seen the news that Lufthansa has announced a new flight from Newcastle to Munich, not only connecting our region with the Bavarian capital, but also to a hub to another 140 destinations in 46 countries. You can already book the Munich flights now, which will commence in February 2020. Lufthansa will fly six days a week, leaving the North East at 1.40pm and arriving in Munich at 4.40pm. The inbound flight departs in Munich at 11.50am and arrives in Newcastle at 12:55. The German market is particularly important for business travellers as it’s the largest trading partner for the UK after the US.

The ferry service from Amsterdam to North Shields also brings many visitors to our region and hence DFDS Seaways are currently recruiting bi-lingual (German & English) travel advisors for their contact centre here at the Port of Tyne in North Shields.

I just returned from Germany and it is now my young nephews who keep me up to date of what’s going on there. This time I was introduced to Die Känguru-Chroniken (it was popular with my 10-year old nephew, but also the grown ups in the family). You can either buy a book, the audio book or watch some short YouTube videos. The author, Marc-Uwe Kling, who also reads the short stories, is a song-writer and comedian. It is difficult to explain, but it’s about Marc-Uwe sharing his Berlin flat with a very opinionated kangaroo. Here is a link to the episode ‘Theorie & Praxis’.

Make the most of the longest day of the year!

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Oktoberfest 2018 & More

Posted in Business, Events organised by Others, German Embassy & Consular Offices, Restaurants, Stammtisch on September 22, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Dear Stammtisch Friends

There are quite a few events happening, which you might fancy:

This Saturday, 22 September will see the launch of THE INNER EYE at the Side Gallery in Newcastle. This exhibition explores the narrative of documentary photography in the German Democratic Republic, featuring over 250 images by 13 of the key photographers.

On Sunday, 23 September there will be another ‘Kaffeeklatsch’ in the Kaffeehaus Amadeus in Lanchester. If you want to come along between 3 – 5pm, please let Bernhard know, just email him: servus@kaffeehaus-amadeus.co.uk.

Europe Direct North East England will host two more Brexit events here in the region:

Brexit, Business & Trade: Tuesday, 30 October from 08:30am – 10am in the Stadium of Light Sunderland – click here to register
Brexit & Higher Education: Thursday, 1 November from 6pm – 7:30pm in the Calman Centre, Durham University – click here to register

The German Embassy has also recently updated the FAQs for German Citizens in the UK. It may be worthwhile to check out this site from time to time if you want check what advice there is.

It appears that ‘The Oktoberfest‘ has become another successful German ‘export’:

The Broad Chare will go all Bavarian between 29th September to 6th October – click here for further information. I have booked a table for the Stammtisch on the ‘Tag der Deutschen Einheit‘ – on Wednesday, 3 October 2018 for 7pm. If you would like to join us on the day, please email me as places are limited.

The Tyneside Bar Cafe is also celebrating with German beers & food from Friday, 12 October to Sunday, 14 October – click here for further information

From 25 – 28 October, there will be another Oktoberfest in Times Square in Newcastle.

And if you have missed Comedian Henning Wehn’s ‘Get on with it’ show – he has added another date to his stay at the Whitley Bay Playhouse: 21 February 2019.

Enjoy the start of autumn!

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Oktoberfest, Kaffeeklatsch, Jazz & More

Posted in Books, Events organised by Others, Food & Drink, Music, Stammtisch on September 29, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Dear Stammtisch Friends

We have plenty of autumn events taking place and maybe you will be able to join one or two?

It’s again ‘Oktoberfest Time’ and I would like to invite you to our next Stammtisch on Monday, 9 October 2017 in the Broad Chare in Newcastle for 7pm. I have already reserved two larger tables, so please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to join us. This year the Broad Chare celebrate the Oktoberfest from Thursday, 5 October to Friday, 13 October and if you’d like to have a peek beforehand what’s on offer, here’s the menu.

If you’re still looking for things to do this weekend, here are two suggestions:
– 6 mile Culture Crawl tonight in Newcastle in aid of Maggies Centre.
– Tynemouth Beer Festival on Friday & Saturday

The Tyneside Cinema will present its ninth season of live satellite opera broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. On Saturday, 14 October you can experience Mozart’s irresistible fantasy Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) in all its glory in an enchanting production with a cast of rising young stars, conducted by Met Music Director Emeritus James Levine.

Here in Alnwick, you’ll be able to attend the European Music Show on Tuesday, 24 October. This is a European Partnership in Education, facilitated and funded by Erasmus. For the past two years, Lindisfarne Middle School students have been collaborating with schools from Paris, Boblingen, Algarrobo and Palermo towards creating an original musical. The story, dialogue in five languages, choreography, music and costumes are all created by middle school students under the supervision of their project coordinators and parent volunteers. They even got the voluntary help of a professional movie director, Luc Porta, from Paris.

Then at the end of next month, Bernhard will host another ‘Kaffeeklatsch‘ in the Kaffeehaus Amadeus in Lanchester – here’s your diary date: Sunday, 29 October from 2.30pm. As usual, please register directly. The Kaffeehaus Amadeus is also planning a Christmas Special on Sunday, 17th December 2017.

On 3 November from 9pm, Newcastle based Jazz Cafe will host Nautilus, a prominent contemporary jazz quartet from Germany. This is one of only three performances that they will be giving in the UK. Nautilus are Leipzig- based drummer and bassist Phillip Scholz and Robert Lucaciu, Cologne-based pianist Jurgen Friedrich and saxophonist Hayden Chisholm from New Zealand. Their brief, three-date UK tour is to promote their album ‘Infrablue,’ released by the London-based label Two Rivers Records.

There are probably various things that you may miss from Germany. InterNations recently put a few ideas together. What do you think about these ‘10 Things the UK needs to adopt from Germany‘? Do you have any other suggestions?

You may have heard of the South African tv host & comedian Trevor Noah. What you may not be aware of is that his father is Swiss and he therefore has been trying to tackle our language – in this YouTube clip he explains more. I can also highly recommend Trevor Noah’s book ‘Born a Crime‘, which describes him growing up in South Africa under Apartheid.

I wish you a lovely weekend!

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Spring Events, Jobs & Brexit

Posted in Events organised by Others, German Embassy & Consular Offices, Jobs, Networking, Stammtisch on March 1, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Dear Stammtisch Friends

The fifth season has now come to an end and I assume you all enjoyed some ‘Krapfen’ or pancakes yesterday (fried, microwaved, or added to soup?).

So if you’re looking for some events in the next couple of weeks, here are some suggestions:

The last of the winter walks in Northumberland National Park will be this Sunday, 5th March between 10:30am and 3:30pm. This month’s 8 mile walk will focus on Tarsetdale and give you the chance to explore one of the lesser known areas of Northumberland National Park. This requires a reasonable level of fitness and starts in Greenhaugh just a few miles out from Bellingham. Click here to register.

InterNations Newcastle Group will then meet next week on Thursday, 9th March from 6pm in the Redhouse at Newcastle’s Quayside. To find out who’s going and register, simply go directly to the InterNations site.

Bernhard is also tempting you with with some Austrian cakes & coffee on Sunday, 12th March  from 2.30pm for another German Stammtisch in the Kaffeehaus Amadeus in Lanchester. Please RSVP him directly so he can make sure he’s got enough spaces as I think it’s always a very popular event. And Lanchester is also very nice for a little spring walk: servus@kaffeehaus-amadeus.co.uk.

Honeywell in Newcastle have also been in contact about vacancies for German speakers in both Newcastle and Motherwell. The customer services roles – such as a customer services administrator or a customer care specialist. Honeywell’s core businesses are Aerospace, Home and Building Technologies, Safety and Productivity Solutions, and Performance Materials and Technologies. If you would like to find out more about these opportunities at Honeywell, please contact Małgorzata Rdest directly by email and she will be able to provide you with a lot more information.

Another request has come in from Med con team GmbH, who provide global medical services and travel safety. They are a partner, for example, of TUI Cruises GmbH and AIDA Cruises and support passengers that have fallen ill.

If passengers need to leave at the Port of Tyne, they would like for German speakers to support them in such a case of need (for example with interpreting, organisation of a taxi or hotel, hospital visit etc). There is a day rate of around €80 (variable, dependent on intensity of the care) and on average requires around 1 1/2 hours per day. Med con team expect around 1 – 3 cases per year, but expect this to increase. If this is of interest to you, please contact Heike Dorn for further information.

Businesses in the North East are also asked to complete a short survey about EU support for business. This gives you also a chance to win a three course meal for FOUR at Finbarr’s, Durham with wine AND champagne.

Europe Direct North East England is undertaking this piece of work on behalf of the European Commission to share news about European Investment Bank funding initiatives for business. They will organise a half day seminar later in the year but a first step is to better understand knowledge of existing projects and programmes.

The prize will be awarded to the first name drawn on 17 March 2017. All respondents will be notified of the outcome by email and agree to Europe Direct forwarding further information about European Investment Bank funding opportunities. Recipients of news updates can unsubscribe from the mailing at any time.

The German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DIHK) has just published its latest newsletter re Brexit. Click here for a copy of the German language newsletter..

And on the issue of Brexit – you all are probably aware that Jo Chexal is the Honorary German Consul here in the North East & Cumbria and assists German nationals with a number of different tasks, such as passport renewals. Obviously it is always important, but even more today to check that your current passport is still valid, even if you’re not planning to travel in the near future. When renewing your passport, you also need a number of key documents, such as your birth certificates. You then should allow between 6 to 8 weeks to receive your new German passport.

If you are thinking of applying for UK residence/citizenship, the British authorities insist that your German passport is in your married name (if that is what you go by). If you haven’t changed it yet, you need to do a married name declaration (under German law, if you were married after 1986). The married name declaration and new passport together can take around 4 to 6 months.

And while you are checking your passport, you may also want to check your UK driving licence. If you have a photo UK licence, they expire after 10 years (again check that you have your correct name & address on it). If you are driving on your German driving licence, the German Consulate website provides more information about legal requirements here in the UK and what you need to do.

Enjoy this lovely spring day & I look forward to seeing you soon!

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Kino Stammtisch

Posted in Events organised by Others, Film, Networking, Stammtisch on February 1, 2017| Leave a Comment »

I would like to invite you to a Kino Stammtisch next Wednesday, 8 February at 5.40pm. The Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle will show the Oscar nominated German comedy ‘Tony Erdmann‘ as part of its Language Cafe season. You can buy tickets online or simply at the Tyneside Cinema on the day. After the film there will be a get-together with other native speakers to chat about the film with anybody who is interested. It would be great to see you there!

On Thursday, 9 February from 6pm, there will also be another InterNations evening here in Newcastle, this time in Bonbar near the Central Station.

Have a very good week & maybe see you soon!

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Phoenix, Language Cafe & Comedy

Posted in Events organised by Others, Film, Food & Drink, Networking, Restaurants, Stammtisch on May 6, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Dear Stammtisch Friends

The Tyneside Cinema has now released the show times for the German film Phoenix, which starts this Friday. Maybe you would like to join our Stammtisch next week Thursday, 14th May to watch it together (8.15pm film start). If you could let me know that you’d like to go, then we can all meet maybe a little bit earlier in the cafe.

Sylwia made me aware of a new free Language Cafe in Newcastle: Tomorrow, Thursday, 7th the first free Language Cafe will be held at the Fluid Bar in Gallowgate for people who would like to practice their German, French or Spanish. There will be tables with the relevant flags and you can join each group between 7pm and 9pm.

Comedian Henning Wehn had an interesting programme on BBC Radio 4 recently entitled ‘This is me totally sausage‘ about the subtleties of the English language. If you want to see Henning live, tickets are now on sale for his show in the Whitley Bay Playhouse on Thursday, 8 October. We could organise this as a Stammtisch event, however, everybody would have to get their own tickets. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll put everybody in touch who fancies going. Again we can either meet up before or after the event.

We have been contacted by a few other companies with information on their products and services that may be of interest to you:

Our Stammtisch member Heidi Ranson is a designer of original lighting and artwork. She currently has an art sale at her Corbridge studio, which will be running until Saturday 16th May.

German Grocery supplies typical German food and drink and delivers here to the UK.

International House in Newcastle are also looking for local businesses that are willing to accept a voluntary international internship student. The placements are usually for a period between 4 to 20 weeks to enable the student to learn as much as possible about the British working environment in their specialist field. Prior to the placement, the student studies Business English at International House. If you have such an opportunity in your organisation, please contact IH directly – Jennifer on 0191 232 9551 or jennifer@ihnewcastle.com.

And if you’re travelling in Asia Pacific and fancy some German food & beer, we just got a tip from Marcus Lux. Brotzeit is a new chain of restaurants that you will find in China, Singapore, Hongkong, Australia etc.

See you soon!

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Easter Stammtisch, Tips & Jobs

Posted in Events organised by Others, Jobs, Languages & Communications, Stammtisch, Travel on March 20, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Dear Stammtisch Friends

We have another diary date for you for our next Stammtisch just after the Easter weekend on Sunday, 12 April. The Kaffeehaus Amadeus in Lanchester offered again to be our host for Kaffee & Kuchen between 3pm and 5pm. Could you please let me know if you’re coming by latest 9 April? Thanks!

I am currently searching for other venues in the North East where we could get German food – any recommendations that you may have would be much appreciated.

If you just fancy a drink and a bit of networking with people from all over the world, simply join the InterNations crowd on Wednesday, 25 March in the DatbAr in Newcastle from 6pm.

The travel and tourism world met earlier this month in Berlin. Over 10,000 exhibitors from 186 countries attracted 175,000 visitors to the ITB Berlin. So if you’re looking for holiday inspiration, next year’s event takes place between 9 and 13 March 2016.

Should your travels in 2015 take you to Germany, the German National Tourist Board compiled a list of the top 100 attractions voted for in 2014 and are now looking for your vote for 2015 – click here to particpate.

If you want to combine languages and holidays, why not explore the country while joining one of the many language schools. The University in Jena recently sent us information on their Summer School. If you’re not sure, which school – try the Langwhich website that gives you information on providers across the country.

And if you are already fluent and you’re looking for a career move, the website ‘Treffpunkt Fremdsprachen’ may also give you some ideas of jobs in Germany and abroad.

Nigel Wright Recruitment are currently working with a successful North East Manufacturing business to recruit a German speaking Export Sales Manager.  This is a newly created role within the business and creates an excellent opportunity for an experienced sales or key account manager to join a growing business.

The role will be focused on developing sales within Europe, mainly through Agents or the companies own sales offices.  The export sales manager will support agents in customer visits, train them on products and feed key market intelligence back into the UK based manufacturing site.

It is essential that candidates are:

  • Fluent in German and English.
    • Able to develop excellent relationships, both with agents and end customers.
    • Experienced in key account management.
    • Experienced in working within a manufacturing / industrial business.
    • Flexible in terms of regular European travel.

If you are interested in discussing this opportunity in further detail, please contact Elaine Tulip-Johnson on DL 0191 2690713 or at Elaine.tulip-johnson@nigelwright.com

A German company that has done extremely well exporting in many countries is Thomas Sabo. Established in 1984 in Lauf near Nuremberg, the jewellers now has 247 shops and 2,600 jewellery and retail partners worldwide. You may also be interested in a smaller German jewellery designer I recently came across in Saunders & Pughe in Corbridge. ManuSchmuck was founded by Hameln based Ilse & Horst Eber over 25 years ago and design sophisticated, modern silver and gold jewellery.

I look forward to seeing you again soon and until then enjoy the first spring days & the forthcoming Easter weekend.

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Adventszeit, Bierkeller & 2015

Posted in Events organised by Others, Food & Drink, Networking, Stammtisch on December 4, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Dear Stammtisch Friends

I hope you managed to survive the Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness and are relaxed looking forward to the Christmas holidays. We have already arranged our first get-together for 2015, this time a cosy coffee & cake afternoon in the Kaffeehaus Amadeus in Lanchester on Sunday, 11 January from 3pm to 5pm. It’s a lovely area to go for an afternoon walk and it would be very nice to see many of you. As always, simply let me know by latest Thursday, 8 January if you can join us.

On 21 December, the Kaffeehaus Amadeus also has a ‘Deutsche Weihnacht’ event (session 1 between 10:30 – 12:30 and session 2 between 14:00 and 16:00) at a cost of £15. Click here for further details. They also hold Kaffeehaus-Musik events and Coffee Workshops, simple visit the website for further info.

If you’re more interested in savoury dishes, Gunther and his ‘Memories of the Blackforest’ are in the region. This Saturday you will find his stall in Newcastle’s Princes Square and on Sunday at its regular spot in Tynemouth Market. You’ll find updates on Gunther’s Bratwurst, Curry Wurst & Spaetzle on Twitter @MOTBF.

InterNations is heading to the coast for their Festive Get-together on Thursday, 11 December. If you want to join people from all over the world, come along to Brown’s Salt House in Cullercoats from 6pm onwards.

Last week, a new Bavarian style Bier Keller opened in the Bigg Market – see Journal article. A couple of people mentioned this to me already – has anybody been and what did you think? Is it a good venue for a Stammtisch evening

This week also saw the launch of the North East German Network (NEGN), which is part of a nationwide ‘Think German’ network. It is led by Dr Elizabeth Andersen from the University of Newcastle. For further information, please click here.

Earlier this year I supported the second bi-lingual book project developed by James Parsons – Die Leipziger Abenteuer von Viktor & Noonoo (The Leipzig Adventures of Viktor & Noonoo). It was published last month and is available via Amazon or ICC Sprachinstitut – here’s a brief reading.

I would like to wish you a relaxing run up to the holiday season and in case we only see each other next year, a very merry Christmas & a great start to 2015!

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Oktoberfest-Stammtisch

Posted in Film, Food & Drink, Stammtisch on September 23, 2014| 1 Comment »

The The Broad Chare in Newcastle is again offering an Oktoberfest menu from 29 to 5 October. I have booked a table for 14 for next week Thursday (2nd October) from 7pm (meet in the bar from 6.30pm). If you would like to join us, let me know. If we have more guests, we’ll get another table. Please let me know if you’re coming as soon as you know.

If you are travelling a little further south, you may also want to pop into the Buck Inn in Chop Gate for a bit of ‘Buergerliche Kueche’. You’ll find the Buck Inn near Stokesley in North Yorkshire, ideal for cycling or walking and if you bring along your four legged friends, they’re also welcome.

The Kaffeehaus Amadeus in Lanchester has also expanded, with the upstairs Constanze Suite opening recently. A Kaffeehausmusik Series will launch soon on Sunday, 5 October. Click here for the new website, which offers more information on forthcoming events, etc.

Now that the new term has started, maybe you fancy learning a new language? Since the closure of the language courses at the University of Lifelong Learning, two companies have spun off that offer courses in popular languages. Check out Blah Blah Blah and The Language Centre for their new timetables.

I recently read online that there’s a new film out in German – ‘Die Biene Maja‘ – this may mean absolutely nothing to our British Stammtisch friends, but I’m sure many of you will  remember the programme from your childhood. And as it’s about bees, I thought I send you a few links to local honeymakers: there’s the Chainbridge Honey Farm in Berwick, which also features a visitor centre, Richmond’s Honey B Company, Honey Store in Ponteland or Tynemouth Honey -> check out stockists such as the Deli around the Corner in Tynemouth or Country Whey in Jesmond.

I look forward to seeing you next week!

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