The last meeting of the German speaking group Kaffee und Kuchen took place on Monday, 23 February, the first day of Basel’s annual carnival, known as Fasnacht, and the guest speaker was Basel resident Michèle Rahaman-Monnier and her topic Fasnacht.
A Necessary Myth?by John Clarke In defeat does there need to be a victory, some person or event that can be held up as a symbol of national pride? Anzac Cove was the site of an Australian military failure, but the Anzacs have become a symbol of national fortitude and courage. At the October meetingthe… Continue reading Recap: Kaffee und Kuchen October 2025
Does That Sound Right? by John Clarke Using a foreign language can be difficult. Once, in describing a charity event,The Advertiser gave the article the headline Giftfest in the Barossa, not knowing that the German word Gift means poison. At the last meeting of the German speaking group Kaffee und Kuchen the guest speaker was… Continue reading Recap: September Kaffee und Kuchen
Around Germany in Musicby John Clarke At the Barossa Konzert the audience was taken on a musical journey around Germany. The Barossa Konzert, arranged by the Barossa German Language Association for Adelaide German Week (the only event outside of the Adelaide region), featured the Tanunda Liedertafel and the Barossa Trio – Sarah Afshin Pour (piano),… Continue reading Barossa Konzert – Highlights
Calling Australia Home by John Clarke The post World War II years saw many thousands leave the devastation of Europe for a new home in far distant Australia. At the last meeting of the German speaking group Kaffee und Kuchen Steffi Traeger spoke of her own experience as a five year old, coming to a… Continue reading Recap: August Kaffee und Kuchen
A New Tradition Flourishing by John Clarke While the early German settlers in the Barossa Valley brought with them many of the customs of their homeland, they did not continue the age old practice of the Laternenlauf (Lantern Walk). The Lantern Walk was especially popular with children, who carried bright, shining lanterns through the dark… Continue reading Laternenlauf 2025: John’s article
Solving Problems, Clearing Mysteries by John Clarke What do you do when about to enter the German Autobahn you hear a crash, a loud scraping, and your hire car grinds to a halt? At the last meeting of the German speaking group the guest speaker was John Strehlow. An author, playwright and highly successful stage… Continue reading Recap: July Kaffee und Kuchen
Leaving the Familiar by John Clarke It is easy to relax into a routine and dwell in the comfort of the home environment, but new experiences need to be embraced, especially by the young. The guest speaker at the recent Kaffee und Kuchen meeting was Chelsey Start. Last year Chelsey had accompanied a group of… Continue reading Recap: June Kaffee und Kuchen
by John Clarke 175 Years of Song in the Valley The first reference to the Tanunda Liedertafel appeared in The South Australian newspaper on 10 January, 1851, indicating the formation of the all male choir took place in the previous year. At the last meeting of the German speaking group Kaffee und Kuchen the guest… Continue reading Recap: Kaffee und Kuchen May 2025
The past is not forgottenby John Clarke May is History Month, and the Barossa German Language Association, together with theGerman Heritage Group and Friends of the Lutheran Archives, presented the annualseminar day at the Langmeil Centre, this year entitled Finders, Keepers, Storytellers:Exploring SA German Histories. The past is in our memories. It’s in the landscape.… Continue reading Recap: History Seminar Day May 2025