How it all began

In summer 1997, I had the idea of founding a conversation group for English speaking people in Kempten. In my hometown of Plymouth, there had been a very successful „German Round Table“ and I felt an „English Round Table“ might possibly be well received in Kempten.

Since settling here in 1976, Kempten had given me a great deal and I felt here was the ideal opportunity to give something back to my new of more than 21 years.  hometown.

Accordingly, in September 1997 a „Nebenzimmer“ was reserved in the „Korbinian“ restaurant in Kempten, which incidentally at that time had an English landlord, Mr. John Palmer from Birmingham in England.

Shortly prior to this, an article concerning the founding of „Sir Anthony’s Round Table“, (as it had been decided to christen the new venture)  had been written and forwarded to the „Allgaeur Zeitung“, giving location, date and time of the first meeting.

The „AZ“very kindly printed the article and on the following Wednesday in question,  although only perhaps a small number of guests were expected,  to my great surprise a very large number of people appeared , including a lady photo – journalist from the „AZ“ !

I had been hoping that many  „Native Speakers“would come to our meeting,  in actual fact although a few did show up,  the majority of the guests were of German nationality.

The lady from the „AZ“ conducted an extensive interview,  however she seemed to be mainly interested in hearing the views of Kempten’s small British community on the death of Lady Diana, who had been fatally injured in Paris a few days beforehand.

A photograph of the group together with a British flag subsequently appeared together with a second article in the local newspaper shortly afterwards.

That was the very first meeting of „Sir Anthony’s Round Table“, which a few years later changed its name to „The English Conversation Club“.

It was decided to meet on a fortnightly basis on alternate Wednesday evenings, this practice continues to the present day almost 30 years later !

As the years went by, the group continued to flourish and enjoyed great popülarity. A great number of very interesting people took part in the meetings and many new friendships were formed.

We had a long friendship with the German – American society in Memmingen and were able to join them on their various activities.

The US Independence celebration Bar-B-Q and garden party on each 4th of July and the yearly Thanksgiving Festival in November featuring roast Turkey with Pumpkin Pie etc. to name just two activities in which we were privileged to paticipate.

We also held regular evening dinners featuring many exotic meals including original  Fish & Chips,  Mexican Burritos, and original Cajun specialities from New Orleans.

After a few years, I was pleased to hand over the organisation to Mr. Hans Peter Selk who has done a really wonderful job in continuing the „ECC“.

In conclusion,  I would just like to say how pleased and proud I am to see the club still continues to exist, as it approaches its 30th Anniversary.

Peter Metters