English Conversation Group
ARRC SOCIAL CLUB ( ASC )
English Conversation Group
Selma Berkhout
My name is Selma Berkhout . I started the English Conversation group after the Summer . I grew up in Rome and attended St . Georges English School until our family moved back to The Netherlands . I never expected to move as much as I did after marrying my Dutch husband . This is our 4th move to an English speaking country and we are still enjoying every second of it . We moved to Gloucester in April this year . I decided it was time to assess where I could be of help within this wonderful International group . Since I worked as a Dutch teacher in Bethesda ( Maryland ) USA , I hoped to do something similar here . When the idea was out in the open there was a lot of enthusiasm . The ASC ’ s Facebook page helped people to sign up . I started with one group on Wednesdays and created a second group on Tuesdays since more women wanted to join . It is a very simple concept , we start at 10.00 , drink a cup of tea or coffee together and chat . If anybody wants to work on certain topics or typical English sayings , I will make sure to work on that the next English Conversation . We typically end between 11.30 and 12.00 . We use our EC WhatsApp group to set dates and to confirm who is
joining . I sometimes send YouTube video ’ s or useful information to make the language more clear .
The ladies have been so appreciative , they brought a box of chocolates & cookies , baked a cake to share and one of them even made a lovely keychain to thank me . Not at all necessary of course but very kind of them to do so .
It really works both ways and I am happy it worked out like I wanted it to .
Learn English Book Club
Patrizia Mancuso
The “ Learn English ” book club with Holly takes place once a week , on Monday , from 11:00 to 12:30 ( there are other groups at different times ) but often overruns as we get caught up in the chatter . We are greeted with a good cup of tea or coffee and some cookies then we start each appointment informally by recounting our week and then delving into the story . The groups are usually composed of a maximum of 5 people , so that each of us has the necessary space . The assigned tasks may vary from summary to culture collector , passage person , word master ; all this allows me to do a real English lesson accompanied , however , by the pleasure of reading a good book . My favourite book was Wuthering Heights ... I loved it ! My next appointment will be on Monday with Sherlock Holmes and I can ’ t wait !
WELFARE EVENT
With the deployment of the members of HQ ARRC & Imjin Bks on Ex STEADFAST JUPITER 23 , the decision was made to arrange a couple of social events for the families , under the stewardship of Mrs Lorren Foster and with the support of members of the Rear Operations Group . The events comprised one family entertainment activity and an afternoon of luxury for the parents .
Movie Matinee
Following a flyer drop and advertisement on community Facebook Pages , there was significant interest for attendance to a Movie Matinee held at the Imjin Briefing Centre on the morning of Saturday 14th October 2023 . The movie shown was the new Disney Movie ‘ Elemental ’ released on 9th October , the very same week as the matinee . The children were provided jungle themed boxes to fill with a large variety of snacks and treats including popcorn , crisps , fruit and sweets to name but a few . And for the adults there were hot beverages along with biscuits and shortbread . A huge success which resulted in nearly double the anticipated numbers attending .
Afternoon Tea
The second event was Afternoon Tea at the exquisite De Vere Tortworth Court Hotel later the same day . The building itself is steeped in history with its grand reception , huge sweeping staircases and eloquently painted ceilings . There was a wonderful mix of nationalities from across the UK and Participating Nations who all enjoyed conversations in a mixture of languages . The food was sublime with a mixture of sandwiches , fruit scones with conserve and clotted cream , a selection of miniature cakes including red velvet cake and heavenly macaroons .
The feedback received was hugely complimentary with many requesting similar events to be held in the future . A huge thank you must go out to Lorren and her small team of volunteers for laying on both events .
24 WINTER 2023 the imjin