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Ancient Greek
We have polished off the rust from our brains, the dust from our grammar books, and we are now into the literature, currently translating Euripides’ tragicomedy Alcestis, with plans to move on to Aristophanes’ comedy, The Frogs, highlighting an amusing literary contest between Aeschylus and Euripides. This group is suitable for ex A level and university students with a nostalgic desire to refresh their Greek for enjoyment, having pursued non classical careers. Passages are selected for preparation in advance, but those who have not done their homework can just listen in. This is not school so cribs are encouraged! We are all learning as we go, and difficult passages are freely discussed. If there is time, relevant background articles are read out in English. Newcomers are welcome to attend actively or listen passively for as long as it takes to refresh their memories. Group Leader - Martin French Advanced Grammar This course is for those who studied French at school up to GCE or A-Level standard but have not used it since. Grammar is revisited and conversations are held in easy French to gain confidence in speaking the language when visiting France. Group Leader - Marilyn French Conversation Our French conversation group, which used to meet in Pinner or Northwood is currently taking place on Zoom. We still meet fortnightly on a Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock and during this difficult time have got to know each other even better. Some members of the group have worked in French-speaking countries while others are keen to refresh the knowledge they have from school or to follow up on recent courses. Some members of the group like to prepare a short presentation about what they have been doing since the last meeting - or indeed on any other topic they wish - while others are happy to contribute on the spot. Often the short talk gives rise to questions or comments from others or triggers memories that lead to further contributions. Sometimes there is general chat about topical issues - like, for example, Covid or other issues in the news. We are a friendly group and welcome new members who would like to join us. Group Leader - Rosemary French Conversation (Advanced) This is a very informal group which meets fortnightly in Harrow on the Hill and has been described by a member as "coffee mornings, but in French". Members chat for just over an hour about anything and everything - the news, holidays, books, films, TV, etc and then take turns to read a French book. Group Leader - Anne Teatime French Teatime French is an afternoon conversation group held on alternate Mondays from 4pm to approximately 5.30. We have recently been meeting face to face and group members volunteer to host the sessions. It’s basically sharing news and tea with cake or biscuits in French. We sometimes discuss various topics of interest. You should be able to communicate reasonably well in French but nobody is expecting Académie Française level. Group Leader - Helena |