Parlez Vous Francais?

Part-time adult courses and special themed events at East Sussex College Newhaven keep the language of love alive

It’s known as the ‘Gateway to France’, with its direct ferry route to Dieppe, and Newhaven is now becoming known for its closer ties to our French neighbours in the form of part-time language courses at East Sussex College’s Denton Island site.

For a number of years the college has been running courses for part-time learners, among them, the popular Cafe French Conversation, led by tutor Beatrice Cracosky. The class, as the name suggests, involves no books, grammar or exams. It’s an opportunity to practise speaking French with like-minded people.

For student Megan Maltby, the course has provided a great opportunity in promoting her work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

On Friday 8th November, Megan will lead a talk titled ‘Notre Travail Continue’, at East Sussex College Newhaven at 2pm.

“The talk is open to everyone but will be in French, the same as the Cafe French Conversation class,” Megan explains. “Cafe French Conversation gives me an opportunity to practise my French, as well as promote the work of the CWGC.”

Notre Travail Continue translates to ‘Our Work Continues’, and refers to the CWGC, which honours the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in World Wars I and II. They have an extensive database of war graves and memorials at 23,000 locations in over 150 countries.

“I spoke about my role in one of the classes and many people were interested in the work we do. This talk is also a chance to find out about our paid internship scheme which will be running from spring 2020 in Belgium and France. Applications for the apprenticeship open in November and are for people aged 18 and over.”

Other events include East Sussex College’s French cine club at Kingston Pavilion (near Lewes) on Tuesday 3rd December at 2pm, and a competition of the best French patisserie on Tuesday 10th December at 2pm, also at Kingston Pavilion.

For more information please contact beatrice.cracosky@sussexdowns.ac.uk.