The inauguration of a new civic and cultural association for local German speaking residents has been announced by its founder and president, Mrs. Muriel Urech Tsamis of Hersonissos.

Called Deutschsprachige Gemeinschaft Kretas (The German Speaking Community of Crete), the group, which currently has about 30 members, is, initially, seeking additional members from towns and villages from Gouves to Aghios Nikolaos.

"We feel it's important for people from German speaking countries, who now live in Crete, to remain in touch with their homeland and culture," Mrs. Tsamis said. "And it's especially important for the children, born here of German and Greek parents, to learn their second mother tongue."

Currently, the group is holding regular monthly membership meetings and weekly meetings with mothers and their children. Also, they have offered a first aid course and have sponsored children's parties.

"Most people are busy now, but in September we will offer a language class, starting with children six years of age," Mrs. Tsamis said. "Also in September, we will offer a play school for kids aged three to five."

Among its many other goals, the group will sponsor monthly activities and plans to start a day-care centre for mothers.

While most members of the association are natives of the four countries with German as the mother tongue (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Lichtenstein), Mrs. Stephanie Fischer, the group's secretary, said it is also seeking people of all nationalities simply interested in learning the German language and culture.

Further information about Deutschsprachige Gemeinschaft Kretas is available by contacting Mrs. Tsamis at 6972-722896 or Mrs. Fischer at 6942-877941.    

Mrs. Tsamis (left), president) and Mrs. Fischer, secretary