About the Anglo-Italian Society
The Society was founded in 1945. (Although it may not have been initially called so )
Through educational and social evenings it aims to promote a greater understanding of Italian language and culture.
This includes the opportunity to learn and improve your Italian through regular classes at all levels.
Social evenings (Feste) are arranged to give everyone the chance to share their interest of all things Italian. Anglo-Italian friendship is encouraged and we welcome all those who have connections with Italy through friends or families. For more about our history see:
About Us History
The Society was founded in 1945. (Although it may not have been initially called so )
Through educational and social evenings it aims to promote a greater understanding of Italian language and culture.
This includes the opportunity to learn and improve your Italian through regular classes at all levels.
Social evenings (Feste) are arranged to give everyone the chance to share their interest of all things Italian. Anglo-Italian friendship is encouraged and we welcome all those who have connections with Italy through friends or families. For more about our history see:
About Us History
Please follow us on Facebook and contact us via email jpietrangelo7@gmail.com
Tuesday 5th November 19.30 - Lessons as usual
Next Festa: Tuesday 19th November
"The Baroque Rome of Bernini and Borromini" an illustrated talk by Giovanni Pietrangelo
Tuesday 22nd October 19.30 was our "Italian Wine Festa"
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Our great Italian Wine Tasting indulgence gave us a wonderful evening full of delicious wines, splendid company and a beautiful atmosphere. Everyone seemed to enjoy the company of fellow members and to appreciate the occasion. The wines were on the whole liked by the majority of the guests, as reflected by the fairly high scores given to the wines. Many thanks to all the committee members who worked hard in organising the evening and to everyone who helped with the wines and the nibbles. You can see the list of the wines sampled and their descriptions, as well as the average scores given Wine Festa |
Changes to our venue's name: The AECC University College where we hold all our meetings on Tuesday, has expanded it's range of courses and has changed name. It is now called Health Sciences University. We think that nothing will change for us, so all the instructions regarding the venue are still valid. We have been given a copy of their Safety and Fire regulations and you would be adviced to familiarize youself with them. HSU Fire procedures
If you want to know more about the University, their website is https://www.hsu.ac.uk/
If you want to know more about the University, their website is https://www.hsu.ac.uk/
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To join the Society and start classes:
Please contact Jessica, the membership secretary: Tel. 01202 670904 or email jpietrangelo7@gmail.com To register your interest please fill in the Contact Form below |
A provisional Programme
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Classes
We have four Italian classes, from absolute beginners to conversation levels. Members can decide which class suits them best and are free to move to another class if the chosen one is not the right one. Attending the Open Evening in September and talking to the teachers can help students decide which class is best for them.
Below is a brief summary of what each classes aims to teach.
Click on the links for more detail.
Beginners This class is for absolute beginners or those who have learned some Italian in the past and would
like to start again from the beginning. Classes.
Improvers This class is for those who want to improve on the language skills obtained at Beginners's level or
equivalent. Classes.
Intermediate The intermediate class is for those students of Italian that have an interest in furthering their
knowledge of the Italian language above Improvers level. Classes.
Conversation Members are offered the opportunity to practice speaking Italian. There is no level of oral
competency required and members are supported and enabled to participate at their own level. Classes.
Please see our Programme for full details of the Society's activities.
We meet at the Health Sciences University (includes the AECC Chiropractice College), 13 Parkwood Road Boscombe BH5 2DF
Find all directions in Venue Directions
See below for full details of Fees and Feste
This is the venue for our Classes and Feste
We meet in the main historical building now used by the Health Sciences University , 13 Parkwood Road, BH5 2DF, Boscombe.
Important: The building does not have lifts. Only the Improvers class is on the ground floor while the other 3 classes are on the first and second floors. The stairs are however very wide and and easy to climb.
We meet in the main historical building now used by the Health Sciences University , 13 Parkwood Road, BH5 2DF, Boscombe.
Important: The building does not have lifts. Only the Improvers class is on the ground floor while the other 3 classes are on the first and second floors. The stairs are however very wide and and easy to climb.
This is the entrance used by the Anglo-Italian Society.
Please park in this car park and knock at the big door when you arrive.
A committee member will be there to open the door until 19.30.
Below is the map of the site.
Please use Car Park 1 for staff and visitors
Fees
The Annual subscription is £50.00
(Pro-rata fees will be charged to anyone joining at later dates)
Payable to Richard, our treasurer, after the first week, preferably by direct bank transfer. Richard will help you with the details.
The fees cover: lessons, after class refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) and Feste with a glass of wine and nibbles, (unless it is a Festa involving food to share, when you bring your own drinks). For the Wine Tasting festa, we ask a £3.00 contribution towards the cost of wines.
The Annual subscription is £50.00
(Pro-rata fees will be charged to anyone joining at later dates)
Payable to Richard, our treasurer, after the first week, preferably by direct bank transfer. Richard will help you with the details.
The fees cover: lessons, after class refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) and Feste with a glass of wine and nibbles, (unless it is a Festa involving food to share, when you bring your own drinks). For the Wine Tasting festa, we ask a £3.00 contribution towards the cost of wines.
Feste
Feste (Festa singular) are our social events held monthly. The subjects vary from illustrated talks on Italian topics, to social evenings involving food and drink or sometimes music.
We also occasionally show Italian movies.
The HSU allows us to use their state of the art Lecture Theatre and their Refectory for our Feste.
They are always a very enjoyable occasion.
You can see below details of some of the events we have held in the past or go to Events
Feste (Festa singular) are our social events held monthly. The subjects vary from illustrated talks on Italian topics, to social evenings involving food and drink or sometimes music.
We also occasionally show Italian movies.
The HSU allows us to use their state of the art Lecture Theatre and their Refectory for our Feste.
They are always a very enjoyable occasion.
You can see below details of some of the events we have held in the past or go to Events
September 2024 – May 2025 Programme
Tuesday 24th September 19.30 Open Night
Welcome to new members: Introduction to the Society and short taster lessons
Tue 1st October Lesson
Tue 8th October Lesson
Tue 15th October Lesson
Tue 22nd October Festa: Italian Wine tasting – Our lighthearted indulgence in the wines of Italy
Tue 29th October Lesson
Tue 5th November Lesson
Tue 12th November Lesson
Tue 19th November Festa: Speaker TBC (Giovanni on ?Borromini/Bernini/Baroque Rome)
Tue 26th November Lesson
Tue 3rd December Lesson
Tue 10th December Lesson
Tue 17th December – Christmas Festa. Food to share and Carol singing
Tuesday 24th and 31st December – Christmas Break
2025
Tue 7th January Lesson
Tue 14th January Lesson
Tue 21st January Lesson
Tue 28th January Festa: TBC (Illustrated talk by ?Sarah Sex)
Tue 4th February Lesson
Tue 11th February Lesson
Tue 18th February Lesson
Tue 25th February Festa: Festa di Carnevale – Food Music and Masks
Tue 4th March Lesson
Tue 11th March Lesson
Tue 18th March Lesson
Tue 25th March Festa: Speaker TBC
Tue 1st April Lesson
Tue 8th April Lesson
Tue 15th April Lesson – (Easter food and Prosecco after lesson)
Tuesday 22nd and Tuesday 29th April – Easter Break
Tue 6th May Lesson
Tue 13th May Lesson
Tue 20thMay Lesson
Tue 27th May - End of Year festa: Food to share, Raffle and Italian Quiz
Classes: Beginners, Improvers, Intermediate and Conversation
Fees: £50 includes all lessons, after class refreshments and Feste .
Please aim to arrive by 19.20, so that classes can commence on time, thank you
Welcome to new members: Introduction to the Society and short taster lessons
Tue 1st October Lesson
Tue 8th October Lesson
Tue 15th October Lesson
Tue 22nd October Festa: Italian Wine tasting – Our lighthearted indulgence in the wines of Italy
Tue 29th October Lesson
Tue 5th November Lesson
Tue 12th November Lesson
Tue 19th November Festa: Speaker TBC (Giovanni on ?Borromini/Bernini/Baroque Rome)
Tue 26th November Lesson
Tue 3rd December Lesson
Tue 10th December Lesson
Tue 17th December – Christmas Festa. Food to share and Carol singing
Tuesday 24th and 31st December – Christmas Break
2025
Tue 7th January Lesson
Tue 14th January Lesson
Tue 21st January Lesson
Tue 28th January Festa: TBC (Illustrated talk by ?Sarah Sex)
Tue 4th February Lesson
Tue 11th February Lesson
Tue 18th February Lesson
Tue 25th February Festa: Festa di Carnevale – Food Music and Masks
Tue 4th March Lesson
Tue 11th March Lesson
Tue 18th March Lesson
Tue 25th March Festa: Speaker TBC
Tue 1st April Lesson
Tue 8th April Lesson
Tue 15th April Lesson – (Easter food and Prosecco after lesson)
Tuesday 22nd and Tuesday 29th April – Easter Break
Tue 6th May Lesson
Tue 13th May Lesson
Tue 20thMay Lesson
Tue 27th May - End of Year festa: Food to share, Raffle and Italian Quiz
Classes: Beginners, Improvers, Intermediate and Conversation
Fees: £50 includes all lessons, after class refreshments and Feste .
Please aim to arrive by 19.20, so that classes can commence on time, thank you
Here are some examples of Feste and the variety of events we hold
The Anglo-Italian Society
2024 Picnic at Highcliffe Castle
on Wednesday 24th July was lovely!
Thank you to everyone who came and thanks to the weather that was so kind to us. It was a chance to catch up with fellow members two months after the end of lessons in such a beautiful setting. We now wish everyone a buona vacanza and hope to see everyone in September for the start of another wonderful Anglo-Italian year!
2024 Picnic at Highcliffe Castle
on Wednesday 24th July was lovely!
Thank you to everyone who came and thanks to the weather that was so kind to us. It was a chance to catch up with fellow members two months after the end of lessons in such a beautiful setting. We now wish everyone a buona vacanza and hope to see everyone in September for the start of another wonderful Anglo-Italian year!
End of Year Festa 2024
Our last Festa, on Tuesday 28th May was a joyous affair, with enough members to make it a good party. We sat around tables, set restaurant style, and our knowledge of things Italian was tested by Jane's quiz that was won by Sarah, of the Intermediate class. Many thanks to Jane.
The food was incredible! Many thanks to all the aspiring master chefs! The free raffle had 4 prizes offered by the society with Frances's contribution. We all enjoyed a good long chat to our friends while eating and drinking.
A very good way to end another successful year!
Our last Festa, on Tuesday 28th May was a joyous affair, with enough members to make it a good party. We sat around tables, set restaurant style, and our knowledge of things Italian was tested by Jane's quiz that was won by Sarah, of the Intermediate class. Many thanks to Jane.
The food was incredible! Many thanks to all the aspiring master chefs! The free raffle had 4 prizes offered by the society with Frances's contribution. We all enjoyed a good long chat to our friends while eating and drinking.
A very good way to end another successful year!
Festa on Tuesday 16th April 2024
"The Rise and Fall of Sandro Botticelli"
The presentation on this much-loved Renaissance Florentine artist, beautifully illustrated with all the relevant photographs, was given by Dr Jack Wotherspoon, who kindly agreed to give his wonderful talk to our society.
Jack is an accomplished art historian and a clear and erudite speaker. He held the audience spellbound with his insightful and well researched account of the fascinating life of this great artist that was so highly regarded by his patrons, the Medici and the Popes. The talk generated a very good response from the audience, who continued to ask questions about the Florentine Master and his interesting life, a testimony of how well the talk was received.
We thank Dr Wotherspoon and we hope that he will be back for another talk in the future.
The refreshments were much appreciated, so, many thanks to the committee members that helped with the food and drinks and the clearing up. It was another great Festa!
Jack is an accomplished art historian and a clear and erudite speaker. He held the audience spellbound with his insightful and well researched account of the fascinating life of this great artist that was so highly regarded by his patrons, the Medici and the Popes. The talk generated a very good response from the audience, who continued to ask questions about the Florentine Master and his interesting life, a testimony of how well the talk was received.
We thank Dr Wotherspoon and we hope that he will be back for another talk in the future.
The refreshments were much appreciated, so, many thanks to the committee members that helped with the food and drinks and the clearing up. It was another great Festa!
The Festa on Tuesday 27th February,
"Dangerous characters: Internment of Italians during Second World War", was an illustrated talk by Giovanna Thornton, in which she told us about the adventurous life of her Italian father, Giovanni Baldelli.
The poignant and extraordinary story of the Italians interned at the beginning of WW2 and, in some cases sent to Canada or Australia in confinement. She told us about their inhuman treatment and the tragedy of the sinking of the Arandora Star on its way to Canada, in which more than 450 Italian internees perished. Giovanni Baldelli was on board, but survived for then being sent to Australia.
We were all fascinated by the story, beautifully told and illustrated by Giovanna, who also brought many documents and books written by her father, for us to look at.
The talk was followed by refreshments and greatly enjoyed by a good number of members. Thank you to Giovanna and David and to everyone who helped with the foods and drinks. A wonderful evening.
At the Festa on 30th January we were delighted by a very interesting talk by Hazel Dinelli of the Ringwood Anglo-Italian Society. Hazel's talk, about "Unusual places in Italy",
certainly lived up to its title.
Illustrated by some wonderful photos, it took us to many little known places up and down the Italian peninsula, from a remote Alpine lake to a picturesque but isolated hamlet in Sicily.
It really made us want to spend more time exploring the lesser known corners of Italy!
Thank you to Hazel and Renzo and to all who contributed to the refreshments.
Our Festa di Natale di Martedì 12 dicembre 2023 was well attended and a great success. The food was really delicious and we all enjoyed its variety, quality and quantity.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the wonderful spread and to those who helped organise, set up and clear up.
We hope to see everyone back in the New Year.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the wonderful spread and to those who helped organise, set up and clear up.
We hope to see everyone back in the New Year.
Stemma del Comune di Genova
Tuesday 14th November 2023
“Genova’s Historic Centre; a maze of unexpected beauty”
Annalisa Pesce's wonderful illustrated talk, gave us a special insight into her native city's fascinating secrets.
Her intelligent talk was attended by a good number of members, who were very appreciative of the quality of the presentation and of the beautiful photos.
Many thanks to Annalisa and to all the committee for the great organisation and lovely refreshments.
Festa del Vino Italiano
Our light hearted wine tasting indulgence on Tuesday 17th October 2023 was very good fun. Everybody enjoyed the good humoured and friendly atmosphere, and the wines of course!
For List of Wines, wine note and prices see Wine Festa 2023
Our light hearted wine tasting indulgence on Tuesday 17th October 2023 was very good fun. Everybody enjoyed the good humoured and friendly atmosphere, and the wines of course!
For List of Wines, wine note and prices see Wine Festa 2023
Picnic at Highcliffe Castle
The Anglo-Italian Society 2023 Picnic at Highcliffe Castle on Wednesday 5th July was a lovely occasion enjoyed by about 20 members.
The weather was good, and thanks to a gentle breeze, we were able to sit in the sun. Now we wish everyone a good Summer and see you on the 19th September for the start of the new Season.
Buone Vacanze a tutti!!
The weather was good, and thanks to a gentle breeze, we were able to sit in the sun. Now we wish everyone a good Summer and see you on the 19th September for the start of the new Season.
Buone Vacanze a tutti!!
The "End of the Year Festa" Tuesday 30th May 2023 was a wonderful occasion. Between 30 to 40 people enjoyed some fantastic food after being challenged by Jane's Italian Quiz (won by Frances ). The free raffle completed the evening. Thank you to all the people who contributed to the lovely food spread and created a very special, friendly atmosphere.
Tuesday 28th March 19.30
was our March Festa, with an illustrated talk by Giuseppe Simonini.
"It Started in Tuscany"
Taking samples from his book of memoires, Giuseppe Simonini, former Director of the prestigious Chewton Glen Hotel, talked about his upbringing in his native small village in northern Tuscany, near Lucca. Illustrated with charming old photos, the talk was extremely interesting and charming.
As usual, the talk was followed by refreshments in the Refectory and was enjoyed by a small but enthusiastic group of members and guests.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the refreshments!
was our March Festa, with an illustrated talk by Giuseppe Simonini.
"It Started in Tuscany"
Taking samples from his book of memoires, Giuseppe Simonini, former Director of the prestigious Chewton Glen Hotel, talked about his upbringing in his native small village in northern Tuscany, near Lucca. Illustrated with charming old photos, the talk was extremely interesting and charming.
As usual, the talk was followed by refreshments in the Refectory and was enjoyed by a small but enthusiastic group of members and guests.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the refreshments!
"Vigevano: La città ideale di Leonardo"
a talk by George Wirgman that was itself due on the 28th March.
We thank George for stepping in at such short notice and for giving an extremely interesting and personal talk about the town of his birth.
a talk by George Wirgman that was itself due on the 28th March.
We thank George for stepping in at such short notice and for giving an extremely interesting and personal talk about the town of his birth.
Bournemouth Anglo-Italian Society
75th Anniversary
The festa to celebrate our (delayed) 75th Anniversary at the AECC University college, was a memorable occasion enjoyed by around 70 enthusiastic people. The college bar was transformed into a roudy Italian Piazza, crowded with society's members and their guests, supplied with a lovely finger buffet, wines and soft drinks, and entertained by a wonderful pair of Neapolitan musicians.
Their music created a very happy atmosphere, where people enjoyed each other's company, the food, the drinks, meeting up old friends, and even joined in with some of the Italian songs!
Read more....
See images and video on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/angloitaliansociety.bournemouth
Past Events
End of Year Festa: Tuesday 31st May 2022 - Food to Share and Italian Quiz. Thank you to all those who came and brought some very delicious food. Jane ran a very interesting Italian Quiz that was won by Elizabeth, who was also presented with a bouquet of flowers and a present to thank her for the many years she has taught the Improvers class. We are very grateful to have had such an enthusiastic and hard working teacher. Elizabeth will continue to be part of the Committee and was given a lifelong membership of the society. We hope to see many people in July for the Picnic. See the announcement. Arrivederci to 27th September for the start of next season. (See below) Have a wonderful Summer! 
Tuedsay 5th April 2022 - FESTA - 19.30
Change of programme Unfortunately, due to Covid, Hazel Dinelli was not able to give us her presentation on Lucchese Villas. Giovanni Pietrangelo replaced Hazel with an illustrated talk inspired by memories of his last summer visit to his town in Italy. "Italy June 2019" |
OnTuesday 15th November we had our monthy Festa on "Lucchese villas", A tour of some Historic Ville around Lucca. The wonderful illustrated talk was given by Hazel Dinelli from the Ringwood Anglo-Italian Society and was attended by a good size audience. We all marvelled at the number and beauty of the Villas within a few miles of the historic town of Lucca, North West tuscany.
The talk was followed by refreshments in the refectory> A great chance to exchange views on the talk and catch up with other members and friends. Thank you very much to Hazel and to all who helped with the catering. P.S. The talk was abruptely interrupted at the very end by the College's timed shut down of all computers. Fortunately Hazel has kindly sent the last three photos of the splendid alcove in Villa Mansi.
Summer Picnic July 6th 2022 
The Picnic at Highcliffe Castle on Wednesday 6th July was blessed by glorious weather. Thank you to all the members and friends that came to this wonderful place. We all had a very friendly and enjoyable afternoon, and it was a good opportunity to catch up with old friends and keep in contact with new members. We look forward to the new season starting 27th September and wish everyone a very good Summer. |
Tuesday 1st March - Festa Italian Film Night
Italian film with English subtitles followed by refreshments in the Refectory.
"Pranzo di Ferragosto"
A film by Gianni di Gregorio. Set in central Rome on a hot 15th August, the most important bank holiday in Italy, when everyone who can, leaves the city to enjoy a family big meal somewhere cool.
But not Gianni, who has to look after his impoverished but aristocratic mother. Another three old ladies will join her for the big day, putting to the test Gianni's immense patience and resourcefulness. The result is a gentle, intelligent comedy, made with a very low budget using non professional actors, starring Gianni di Gregorio himself. The film won the favour of the Italian public and of the critics.
Italian film with English subtitles followed by refreshments in the Refectory.
"Pranzo di Ferragosto"
A film by Gianni di Gregorio. Set in central Rome on a hot 15th August, the most important bank holiday in Italy, when everyone who can, leaves the city to enjoy a family big meal somewhere cool.
But not Gianni, who has to look after his impoverished but aristocratic mother. Another three old ladies will join her for the big day, putting to the test Gianni's immense patience and resourcefulness. The result is a gentle, intelligent comedy, made with a very low budget using non professional actors, starring Gianni di Gregorio himself. The film won the favour of the Italian public and of the critics.
"Pranzo di Ferragosto"
This delightful Italian film, shown at our March Festa, was enjoyed by a good
number of members, that were afterward treated to a generous amount of "chiacchiere", famous fried pastry typical of the Italian Carnevale. They were home made and kindly donated by Giovanna, one of our members, together with some delicious chocolates, also home made by her. The "chiacchiere" were also enjoyed by a few Chiropractic students who were there playing billiards and that, in return, put on some old Italian music through the speakers! A real party atmosphere, very appropriate for a Martedì Grasso, the last day of carnevale!
Thank you to everyone who came and helped with the wine, the food, and the clearing up.
Chiacchiere Cioccolatini Lemon drizzle cake
Christmas Festa
On Tuesday 14th December at 19.30 our Christmas Festa took place, as usual, in the College Refectory. Although low in numbers because of the worsening Covid situation, it was high in spirit.
Thank you to all who came and for providing so much delicious food. Our thanks go to Jane, for organising and presenting a short quiz about Italian Christmas traditions, to George for providing a suitable Italian music background, and to everyone who helped with the setting up and the clearing up.
Let us hope now that we can meet again in the New Year and fill the classes with enthusiastic students of Italian.
Buone feste e Arrivederci al 2022
On Tuesday 14th December at 19.30 our Christmas Festa took place, as usual, in the College Refectory. Although low in numbers because of the worsening Covid situation, it was high in spirit.
Thank you to all who came and for providing so much delicious food. Our thanks go to Jane, for organising and presenting a short quiz about Italian Christmas traditions, to George for providing a suitable Italian music background, and to everyone who helped with the setting up and the clearing up.
Let us hope now that we can meet again in the New Year and fill the classes with enthusiastic students of Italian.
Buone feste e Arrivederci al 2022
Tuesday 9th November 2021
We started with an Introduction and a welcome to new and old members.
Thank you to all who came to this much awaited event.
Thank you to everyone for diligently respecting the College's guidelines regarding Covid safety.
The evening was very successful and we did not find the Covid restrictions too difficult to respect.
We think that everyone enjoyed the short film about the wonderful La Mortella gardens in Ischia and the glass of wine that followed in the refectory.
Our thanks go to Giovanna for providing una sorpresa in the form of a wonderful cake that she kindly shared with everyone.
We started with an Introduction and a welcome to new and old members.
Thank you to all who came to this much awaited event.
Thank you to everyone for diligently respecting the College's guidelines regarding Covid safety.
The evening was very successful and we did not find the Covid restrictions too difficult to respect.
We think that everyone enjoyed the short film about the wonderful La Mortella gardens in Ischia and the glass of wine that followed in the refectory.
Our thanks go to Giovanna for providing una sorpresa in the form of a wonderful cake that she kindly shared with everyone.
Anglo-Italian Society 2021 Picnic
at Highcliffe Castle
on Wednesday 14th July
The picnic at Highcliffe Castle was a joyous occasion, blessed by splendid weather, in the magnificent surroundings of the Castle, with wonderful views of the sea and the isle of Wight.
Thank you to all the members who attended this special event that, we hope, marks the start of a new beginning.
It was really lovely to see so many of you face to face and not on a computer screen; you do look better in person!
Grazie a tutti per questa bella gita e speriamo di rivederci presto!
Vi auguriamo a tutti una felice estate!
Thank you to all the members who attended this special event that, we hope, marks the start of a new beginning.
It was really lovely to see so many of you face to face and not on a computer screen; you do look better in person!
Grazie a tutti per questa bella gita e speriamo di rivederci presto!
Vi auguriamo a tutti una felice estate!
One of our famous Festa feasts!
End of the year Festa
food to share!
What a spread!
Gwen Chapman 12th February 1926 - 9th December 2020
Latest news: Gwen's nephews, Tim and Andy, have arranged some refreshments to celebrate their dear aunt's life on the 26th June. Any Society's member who remembers Gwen and would like to participate, please contact Giovanni or Jessica, who will be happy to give you all the details about the event.
Unfortunately, because of the Covid restrictions in force throughout 2021, the above never took place.
A few days before Christmas we received a letter with the sad news that our friend Gwen Chapman had passed away peacefully on the 9th of December at her care home in Poole.
Gwen was 94 years old. Apart for the last couple of years in Canford Chase care home and a period in London while training to become a teacher, she has lived in Poole town in the same house where she was born.
Gwen had many interests in her life: photography, gardening and rambling to name but a few, but Italy, Italian language, opera and Italian holidays were her great passions. She shared the love for Italy with her life-long friend Elaine. They became friends at infant school when they were five years old, both qualified as teachers and remained best friends all their lives. Together, for decades, they were the backbone of the Anglo-Italian Society, having been involved from the early 1950s. Gwen provided help to Elaine in running the beginners class and was later the Chairperson
of the society and finally, she almost single-handedly prepared and assisted the refreshments in the refectory at the end of lessons.
Gwen, together with Elaine, several times gave fascinating illustrated talks on their favourite subjects, from Thomas Hardy's Dorset to the Italian opera houses.
A special memory remains of Gwen and Elaine's incredible picnics. Gwen used to drive a little Nissan car that was used to accomplish the amazing logistic feat of providing a summer picnic for all members and friends, packing it with tables and chairs and all kind of food and drinks. It was a really miraculous enterprise that everyone looked forward to at the end of the summer term............
Read more on Gwen's page
Latest news: Gwen's nephews, Tim and Andy, have arranged some refreshments to celebrate their dear aunt's life on the 26th June. Any Society's member who remembers Gwen and would like to participate, please contact Giovanni or Jessica, who will be happy to give you all the details about the event.
Unfortunately, because of the Covid restrictions in force throughout 2021, the above never took place.
A few days before Christmas we received a letter with the sad news that our friend Gwen Chapman had passed away peacefully on the 9th of December at her care home in Poole.
Gwen was 94 years old. Apart for the last couple of years in Canford Chase care home and a period in London while training to become a teacher, she has lived in Poole town in the same house where she was born.
Gwen had many interests in her life: photography, gardening and rambling to name but a few, but Italy, Italian language, opera and Italian holidays were her great passions. She shared the love for Italy with her life-long friend Elaine. They became friends at infant school when they were five years old, both qualified as teachers and remained best friends all their lives. Together, for decades, they were the backbone of the Anglo-Italian Society, having been involved from the early 1950s. Gwen provided help to Elaine in running the beginners class and was later the Chairperson
of the society and finally, she almost single-handedly prepared and assisted the refreshments in the refectory at the end of lessons.
Gwen, together with Elaine, several times gave fascinating illustrated talks on their favourite subjects, from Thomas Hardy's Dorset to the Italian opera houses.
A special memory remains of Gwen and Elaine's incredible picnics. Gwen used to drive a little Nissan car that was used to accomplish the amazing logistic feat of providing a summer picnic for all members and friends, packing it with tables and chairs and all kind of food and drinks. It was a really miraculous enterprise that everyone looked forward to at the end of the summer term............
Read more on Gwen's page
Suggested Italian websites with resources and activities to continue learning
How can we continue to improve our Italian while we wait for this enforced isolation to end?
One way, of course, is to go back to your notes, handouts and textbooks and do a bit of revision. You can, if you wish, contact your teacher at the e-mail addresses given above.
You must be aware that there are many other methods to continue learning a language using the internet. Many of them are free.
Below are just a few suggestions; websites that offer a variety of methods and levels, from very beginners to fluentconversation.
Duolingo Italian can be found on Duolingo.com/learn A fun way that encourages progress through achievement of rewards. Very practical and intuitive. It can be addictive!
Coffebreak Italian Beginners/Intermediate. Podcasts are free to listen to. Italian site at www.radiolingua.com
Parliamo Italiano offers a variety of resources, readings, exercises at all levels. Some grammar too. The site is free and is found at www.parliamoitaliano.altervista.org
One world Italiano Its a dedicated website that provides lots of resources and offers courses, some are free. www.oneworlditaliano.com
OnlineItalianClub.com a very professional mostly free website, very useful and easy to use.
onlineitalianclub.com/ This site has a great wealth of free learning activities at all levels, including podcasts.
learn Italian.net is a website that promotes Italian courses in Italy, but it has a lot of resourses and free learning activities. http://www.ilearnitalian.net/learn-italian-online/learn-italian-online-italian-lessons-with-experienced-teacher-and-native-italian-speaker/
It has a link to the Italian Culture Institute of London. https://iiclondra.esteri.it/iic_londra/it/
Visiting the Italian media provides many good opportunities to listen and watch programmes in Italian or to read articles from Italian newspapers. Here are just a few examples:
rai.it The Italian state television has many educational videos as well as the continuous news updates in rainews24
Repubblica is one of the best newspapers. Articles and videos at www.repubblica.it
Corriere della sera arguably the most prestigious Italian newspaper at www.corriere.it
You can have a go at reading the little stories in Pagine Italiane
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Memories from a distant past!
Our Last Festa, that distant Tuesday 3rd March
"Introduction to Italian Opera"
Presented by George (Mitchell) Robertson,
The presentation was incredibly well received by all. Mitchell's passion for Italian opera was infectious and gave us a wonderful insight to the world of Puccini and La Bohéme. We watched some of the best interpretations of the principal characters from different periods, coupled with the knowledgeable and interesting comments from Mitchell, who entertained us with his anecdotes from a lifetime experience of Opera loving.
Thank you to all that came and and to those who helped with the refreshments.
Our Last Festa, that distant Tuesday 3rd March
"Introduction to Italian Opera"
Presented by George (Mitchell) Robertson,
The presentation was incredibly well received by all. Mitchell's passion for Italian opera was infectious and gave us a wonderful insight to the world of Puccini and La Bohéme. We watched some of the best interpretations of the principal characters from different periods, coupled with the knowledgeable and interesting comments from Mitchell, who entertained us with his anecdotes from a lifetime experience of Opera loving.
Thank you to all that came and and to those who helped with the refreshments.
Past Events
Tuesday 28th January's Festa: Italian Film Night -
We showed a 2000 film titled "Pani e Tulipani" (see Past Events)
Here are some of our past social events:
- Shakespeare in Verdi - A selection of arias from Verdi's Macbeth, Othello and Falstaff.
- Galileo Galilei - An illustrated talk by Steve Elder on the famous Italian Scientist
- Wine tasting evening - A yearly event for sampling some known and lesser known Italian wines
- The history and design of playing cards - A fascinating illustrated talk by Roger Williams
- Festa di Carnevale - An illustrated talk on the Commedia dell'arte by Giovanni, followed by delicious dolci di Carnevale and a desplay of masks.
- Barford Farm Picnic and Ice cream - A chance to enjoy a summer picnic in the lovely gardens of Barford Farm and sample their delicious ice creams.
- 70th Anniversary Festa - In January 2016 the Society celebrated it's 70th year with a series of talks and some wonderful food and drink.
- Musical Evening with the Spectrum Palm Court Trio - An evening of light hearted classical music by three talented musicians
- Paestum, Piranesi and Soane - An illustrated talk on the great 18th Century architect John Soane by John Soane (collaterally related to the original)
- Italian Film Night - Showing of the film "Benvenuti al Sud" a very entertaining film on the sometimes comical differences between Italy's North and South.
- An Evening in Honour of Gwen and Elaine - "Favourite Choruses of Italian Opera" a musical evening to mark the stepping down of two of the most important members of the society.
- Festa at "Lovitaly" - An evening meal at this excellent Italian venue in Ringwood. Wonderful Sardinian delicacies and wines
- End of the Year Festa - Every year in May we finish with a celebration of Italian food and wine and celebrate another successful year of learning, making friends and having fun.
- Feste di Natale - Another annual event in which we celebrate the Christmas Holidays with wonderfully prepared foods to share, drinks, a raffle and carol singing.
Fotografie da Past Events.......You can see all the Photos page Photos
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Festa di Carnevale 2015
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The poster for Benvenuti al Sud. A wonderfully funny movie
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The Big Easter Raffle Winners
Enjoying the ice cream in the farm's garden
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The Annual Wine Festa
Some wonderful food to share at the Christmas Festa
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