EVANGELISCH-LUTHERISCHE KIRCHE DEUTSCHER SPRACHE IN EAST ANGLIA
The German-speaking Lutheran Church in East Anglia holds regular services and a range of other events in Norwich, Bury St. Edmund’s, Ipswich and Cambridge. A German pastor is regularly sent to East Anglia by the German Protestant Church (EKD). This position is currently held by Pastorin Kerstin Othmer. They are based in the Church House in Cambridge. For more information on local congregations, service times and forthcoming events, visit their website.
Deutscher Stammtisch
Since 2001, this German Stammtisch has been meeting regularly once a week on a Friday to chat over a pub meal. The mixed group consists of native and non-native German speakers of all ages and different backgrounds. The group regularly meets in pubs in and around Norwich and their annual highlight is the traditional Christmas Stammtisch with German carol singing and traditional games. Please contact Marion Broughton for more information.
German Conversation Group in Norwich
If you are looking for an free informal German conversation group, pop into The Merchant’s House in Norwich. The group meet every Friday from 3-5pm, and all levels are welcome. You can also find the German Conversation Group on Facebook.
‘Hänsel & Gretel’ - German Playgroup in Norwich
Once a month this group of German-speaking children and their families meet in Norwich to sing, play, read and do some arts and crafts together. The sessions are usually themed according to the season and range from carnival and Easter activities to summer fêtes and picnics in the park. Highlights are the annual lantern walk in Norwich in November as well as the children’s Christmas celebration. The group is always looking for new families in the area, native or non-native speakers. Please check on Facebook for more information and upcoming events.
UEA German Society
The UEA German society is for people (including exchange students) who are interested in the German, Austrian and Swiss culture, customs and traditions. Part of their programme is a weekly “Kaffeestunde” on Friday afternoon in the Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts. The society is open to everyone, regardless of whether they speak German or not, as long as there is an interest. Contact them via their website.
TWINNING IN NORFOLK
The Norwich & Norfolk Friendship Association (Koblenz-Norwich twinning)
Ever since the first twinning documents were signed in April 1978, a wide range of links on educational, cultural, sporting and many other levels has developed, all of which have served to deepen friendship and understanding between the two cities and regions. For further information, please email the Association’s chairman, Bob Young: NNKFA2017@gmail.com
FURTHER TWINNING ACROSS THE REGION
Cromer / Nidda, Germany
King’s Lynn / Emmerich, Germany -
North Walsham / Friesenried, Germany
Sheringham / Otterndorf, Germany
Swaffham / Hemmor, Germany
Thetford / Hürth, Germany
Watton / Weeze, Germany
HANSEATIC CITY OF KING’S LYNN
The original mediaeval “Hanseatic League” comprised a group merchants from towns around the Baltic and the North Sea and was an extremely influential trading association with its. King’s Lynn was Great Britain’s first member of the Hanseatic League. German merchants from Lübeck, Hamburg and Bremen secured trading privileges at Lynn and were regular visitors from the 13th century. When visiting King’s Lynn today, you can discover the fascinating Hanseatic history on foot with the Hanseatic Trail. Every May, the town also celebrates the annual International Hanse Day.