by John Clarke

Over the past few years the Barossa German Language Association has been very active. It has established a Spielgruppe (play group), where pre-school children learn a little German as they play. It has encouraged the study of German for older children and adults in more formal classes. It has formed a Singkreis (singing circle), a group who enjoy singing German songs and who have given public performances. It has started regular visits to Barossa Village, where elderly residents experience the joy of conversing in the language of their childhood.

And the Barossa German Language Association has become prominent in community events. This year it entered a float in the Vintage Festival Parade, and in the SBS television programme Where Are You Really From? which aired early this year the Association and its members featured significantly. With its Laternenlauf (lantern walk) it is even creating a new Barossa tradition.

But where it has failed is in reaching those who are at work during the week. Its monthly Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) meetings are well attended, but as those meetings are held on a Monday afternoon members are mainly retirees. So it was decided that the November meeting would be held on a Sunday afternoon when it was hoped that weekday workers and families could attend. A finger food lunch will be provided, there will be a guest speaker who will speak briefly, and there will be conducted tours of places of German heritage interest. And, of course, there will be conversation over coffee and cake.

The meeting will be held on Sunday, 24 November at the Langmeil Centre, 7 Maria Street, Tanunda, starting at 12.30. The cost is $10 per family. For catering purposes those wishing to attend should call or text Reto Gasser on 0466 430 803.