Julie:
Could I speak to Mr. John Girdlestone, please?
Julie:
My name is Julie Bloom.
Julie:
I'm studying here in the UK for a year, and a friend told me you organise an international club where people of different nationalities can meet up?
John:
The club was founded over 50 years ago, and at present we've got members from approximately 30 countries.
John:
What's the name of your friend?
Julie:
She's back in the States now.
John:
So, are you from the States too, Julie?
Julie:
Yes, from California.
John:
Well, let's see what I can tell you about the club.
John:
It doesn't cost a lot to become a member.
John:
You can join for two months for £2.50, or it's £8.50 for 12 months.
Julie:
And is it only for university students?
John:
No, we're open to anyone.
John:
We have quite a few members from the language schools in town, and also local people who are interested in meeting people from other countries.
Julie:
So, what sorts of things do you do?
John:
Well, one thing we organize on a regular basis is dancing.
John:
That's a great way to get to know people.
Julie:
Do you mean like disco?
John:
No, we don't do disco.
John:
We do folk dances, some from Europe, but some from further afield.
John:
Everyone really enjoys them.
John:
We meet on Monday evenings at 8.30. Do you know the University Centre?
John:
We meet there, in the main hall.
John:
Don't get confused with the old hall, where there's a ballroom dancing group.
John:
They're nothing to do with us.
Julie:
And can I just show up?
John:
Sure, everyone's welcome.
John:
And do I need to come along with a partner for the dancing?
John:
You don't have to, though you can if you want to.
John:
I'm sure you'll have a good time.
John:
We have live music for some sessions.
John:
I don't suppose you play a musical instrument, do you?
Julie:
I play the violin, but I'm not very good.
John:
Well, we're looking for some people to join the band.
John:
If you're interested, why don't you call Mike?
John:
His number's 01356 890674.
John:
Then we also have a meal together regularly.
John:
That's once a month, and it's always on a Sunday, the second one of the month.
Julie:
Oh, so that'll be this coming Sunday.
Julie:
And where's that held?
John:
In the university centre again, in the canteen.
John:
We used to have it in the restaurant on the ground floor, but that's closed at weekends now, unfortunately, so we're up on the top floor.
John:
They do very reasonably priced meals, things like baked potatoes and pizza.
Julie:
And can I just show up there?
John:
Then we have some special summer events too.
John:
On July the 2nd, we're going to a place called Great Hampton, about half an hour's drive away, to take part in the carnival they hold there every year.
John:
It's always a good day out, especially if it's a sunny day.
Julie:
Oh, Louise said she went on that last year.
Julie:
She said it was really good, and it'd be nice to go somewhere out of town.
John:
Well, in that case, you might be interested in our event on July the 16th.
John:
That's a walk in the Stannard Hills.
John:
We do about 15 kilometres, so it's a decent walk, and it's for charity.
Julie:
Sounds a pretty long way.
John:
Then on August the 7th, we're having a garden party at the home of one of our organisers.
John:
She has an outdoor pool, so if the weather's warm enough, you'll be able to go swimming.
Julie:
Hard to imagine that today.
John:
Well, the summer hasn't really started yet.
John:
Then our last summer events on September the 4th.
John:
Last year, we went to a castle, but this year, we're going to the theatre.
John:
We do ask members to let us know in advance for that, so we can book.
Julie:
Well, I'd definitely like to join.
