Aims and Objectives
As suggested in the previous paragraph, the original aim was one of reconciliation but with the passage of time and the understanding that followed, the wish to learn about another country became the aim.
From the very beginning, this was achieved by the annual “exchange” between the societies with visits alternating each year. Costs incurred for entertaining etc. are always covered by the host society with accommodation provided by the members.
In Rochdale we have been lucky in the past few years to receive money from RMBC but now this has been withdrawn. The remainder of the money has been found internally by fund raising but like many societies, our falling membership is making this increasingly difficult.
It is not necessary to be able to speak German as many of the hosts speak English but the society does have native German speakers and those who wish to improve their German.
We do not have a regular meeting pattern but organise events in the hope of raising money and more importantly, interest and perhaps new members.