Issue 26
Summer 2007
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STRAY NEWS
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French for Fun
On a German trip
The receptionist at the Jungendherberge(Youth Hostel) in Aachen said that they had a few vacancies but I would have to share a room. She called out after me in English; 'Herr Graham, perhaps I should warn you; the man who is sharing your room is slightly mentally unstable.' I tried to look unconcerned; I had just motorcycled through France and across Belgium so didn’t feel like looking elsewhere that evening.
I had to push hard to gain access as the man inside was sitting on a stool against the door. He had two enormous plastic bags of the type used by market traders and car booters to carry their goods. They must each have weighed about 60lbs.
Realising that I was English, he launched into a tirade over the failure of the English football team in the World Cup and then, with mounting fervour he reserved his utter disgust for the performance of the German team. As I couldn’t translate the fine detail and not knowing much about either, I thought it prudent to agree.
Attempting to divert him, I leant that he was there for just the one night and had travelled that morning by train from Cologne. I could only contain my curiosity for so long. 'What is in the bags?' I asked. ‘Eine Sammlung von Flaschen' (.... a collection of bottles) he replied and went to bed.
Later as I retired, he rose, washed, shaved and dressed and went out noisily dragging one of the bags; 'people leave them in the woods' he offered as he went. I was very alert when he returned at 5 am quietly singing an oompah song. He was still sleeping as I left him with his remaining bag.
I was now convinced that he was bonkers. The receptionist had understated the situation and I recognised a touch of GSOH and Schadenfreude on her part.
With the safety of a hundred miles from Aachen I was free to take a more charitable view. Germany has kept the sensible practice of having a deposit on beer bottles. However a large number of bottles are left where they are emptied. My room mate collected the bottles and used the automatic refund machines in supermarkets to pay for his night out. No doubt the second bag paid for his fare and accommodation. He was an eco-warrior; we need more people like him…but not sharing with me!
Brian Graham
Writing Group
It is said that each of us has a book in us. Whilst we wait for the great moment when that ambition becomes reality, a group of us meet once a month to present our work, exchange positive criticism and pass a stimulating afternoon.
We have collected a short selection of our favourite pieces into an Anthology, available for sale at the AGM priced at £1.50 per copy, proceeds to charity.
Learning Bridge
We have successfully finished another year of Bridge lessons. Our beginners will become improvers and we will be very happy to welcome people to the Bridge experience as part of a new beginners group which will start in September.
Unfortunately we cannot accept any more improvers as our group is filled to capacity, but we can invite players to a bridge tournament which will be held every Friday afternoon.
Contact Juliet Fabbi
Unless otherwise shown address all enquiries to Harrogate U3A by email at