London Basque Society - Euskal Elkartea

Updates March 2010

We have been busy these last few weeks planning and organising several events for the near future. Some of them have already been arranged and some others are on the process of being completed. We are also working on some updates regarding the Society and the steps we need to take in order to increase our activities and improve our services. We will soon let you know about all this. For now, we can confirm the following:

• 
  Aberri Eguna Bazkaria on Sunday, April 4th…We will be celebrating it with a lunch in Oxford house. There will be music and it will be a great chance to get together to enjoy this important day for all Basques and friends alike.

   

   

• 
  “Keu” concert on Saturday, April 17th…Keu is a Basque guitarist singer/songwriter, sings in Euskara, and will be performing an acoustic set. We will be providing food and drinks as well. Check out Keu following this link:

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCcNaFua4I8

   

   

• 
  “Mikel Markez” on Saturday, May 15th…We are finalising some details to organise a Cultural Week – Aste Kulturala in May. There will be several events throughout it, still working on some of them, but we can confirm a bazkari - lunch again in Oxford House’s Theatre, in which Mikel Markez will be performing some more music for us. Check Mikel out following this link:

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffQaevvDQsM

  
  

We have got some more artists lined up for the next few months, but we are still dealing with them to finalise the details and checking their availability. Needless to say, we are thrilled to have Keu Agirretxea and Mikel Markez coming to London and we would invite you all to join us in the Oxford House’s Theatre.

Besides all this, we have been considering organising a Mus Txapelketa, as many of us miss playing this really beautiful, intelligent and demanding card-game. Mus is really a Basque thing…although is played in many other places.
Of course, absolutely everyone is invited to join this contest and we will provide both the rules we will follow, there are several approaches towards these, and maybe a quick tutorial so everyone can join the fun. We did organise some Mus Txapelketak in the past and they went really well, so we are hoping this one will be equally as successful. To find out more about the “Mus” card-game, and maybe get a few tips and tricks, which you will surely be needing, follow this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus_%28card_game%29

The Euskara – Basque lessons are still going as ever and if you want to find out more about them just send us an email.

Finally, we are considering at the moment going back to having an open monthly meeting. This was a regular a few years back, and for many years too, and it is a really interesting thing we’d like to bring back.

We will update further details and more information on this website as we get it. We will also contact you all in our mailing list. If you want to join our mailing list so as to get further information about the Society’s activities, please do contact us.

Meanwhile, ongi izan eta laister arte!!!

Updates February 2010

Txalaparta Tailera - Txalaparta Workshop...Next Saturday, February 20th, a new txalaparta workshop is starting at 11.00 am in Oxford House on a weekly basis. The first lesson will be for free, so don't miss out on this opportunity to have a go!! The following Saturdays the fee will be £5 per lesson, with the Society members paying £3. Jabi and Iñaki will be in charge of the workshop. Please contact us for more info, to sign up or just turn up there. The workshop will be largely held in Spanish. See you there!!!

Hurrengo larunbatean, otsailak 20, txalaparta ikastaro berri bati ekingo diogu goizeko 11etan Oxford Housen, astero egitekoa. Lehenengo klasea dohainik izango da, eta ez zazula galdu, falta gabe probatu!! Bestela, 5 pound izango da prezioa eta bazkideek, berriz, 3 pound. Jabi eta Iñaki izango ditugu tutore-lanetan. Mesedez jarri gurekin harremanetan helbide honetan inforako, izena emateko; besterik gabe han agertzea ere badaukazu. Klaseak gehienean gaztelaniaz izango dira. Jaso agur bero bat

Updates November 2009

Piano concert-kontzertua...We were contacted recently by the Aristizabal – Barandiaran Piano Duet and we did gladly agree to organise a Piano concert for them late this month in London, as they are touring around Europe at the moment. They are currently working on the interesting study and performance of the repertoire of Basque authors written for piano duets.  They have recovered a large part of the work of Aita Madina (1907-1972) and have recorded the four hand piano piece of Aita Donostia (1886-1956).

The concert will be on Saturday November 28th in Oxford House's Theatre, which we have already booked for this event. It will be starting at 3.30 pm till around 6.00 pm. There will be food and snacks included with the price of the ticket. We enclose below some information about the Aristizabal – Barandiaran Piano Duet and a summary of the details of this event. Needless to say, we would ask you all to come and support these renowned Basque artists.

Aristizabal – Barandiaran Duet: Curriculum and reviews (English)

Aristizabal – Barandiaran Duet: Curriculum and reviews (Euskara)

Egitaraua-Program

Date & place: Saturday, November 28th in Oxford House (The Theatre). Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG. (Bethnal Green underground station - Central Line).

Entrance: £10 (£5 concessions. For concessions, please do contact us beforehand). The price includes food. We will soon provide more details about this.

In order to help us with the preparations, we would appreciate if you tell us in advance, although it is not strictly necessary (posta elek. e-mail) if you are thinking of coming to this event. Also, please do tell anyone you think might be interested in joining us. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us as well.

Updates August 2009

Euskara Klaseak - Basque Lessons 2009-2010...Badator 2009-2010eko ikasturte berria!, eta hemen da Euskal Etxeko EUSKARA IKASTAROA urtero bezala hasiberrientzat eta honezkero euskaraz hizketan moldatzen direnentzat. Urte osoko ikastaroa da, hiru hiruhilekotan banatua, eta irail bukaeran da hastekoa, asterobi klase-ordu dituela; aldiz, egunak oraindik zehazteke dauzkagu. Dagoeneko hainbat pertsonak agertu digute interesa, eta mesedez bidal egiguzue lehenbailehen mezu bat helbide honetara zuen izena eta hizkuntza-maila adieraziz. Halaxe ba, aurten gure artean izango zaituztegulakoan, jaso agur bero bat!

Here comes the 2009-2010 academic year! And as usual the Basque Society is arranging BASQUE LANGUAGE LESSONS both for beginners and for those who are able to hold conversations by now. The course extends the whole year round divided into three terms, with the lessons starting in late September, to be held two hours a week, while the lesson days’ schedule remains to be fixed up. We are glad to see that a fair amount of people has showed an interest so far. Now you can apply for the course by sending us an email to this address, detailing your name and language level. We look forward to your attendance to the course. See you there!

Updates June 2009

Trip to Ivinghoe Beacon...Wonderful day in Beachy Head last time despite the gloomy weather outlook - which proved wrong for the most part. After Beachy Head, the Basque Society is arranging a summer kick-off day trip to Ivinghoe Beacon in Hertfordshire on July 5th, Sunday. It consists of a 7 mile/13 km long circular route (some 3h30) with panoramic views, clear trails, art works, gentle slopes and model aeroplanes taking off on ramps by the path.

We will be leaving by car in the morning from London, ideally do the whole walk round and come back to London by roughly 6 pm. As pointed out on the previous trip, Basque "mintza praktika" (conversation) for Basque students will be included. In order to sign up, email us, and we will contact you. Jaso agur bero bat...

Scholarship for members of the Basque Diaspora...We have been contacted by Eusko Ikaskuntzaren Asmoz Fundazioa. They are letting us know about these grants/scholarships available for members of the Basque Diaspora (Basque citizens or their descendants living away from the Basque Country). We enclose the original message below. Contact us if you are interested but you are having problems understanding this information.

"Eusko Ikaskuntzaren Asmoz Fundaziotik zuregana zuzentzen naiz, Hezkuntzarako Unibertsitate Nazionalak (UNED-ak) eta Euskal Herriko Unibertsitateak (UPV/EHU-ak) antolatutako Eusko Ikasgaietan Aditua: Zientzia Gizatiarrak, Gizatartekoak eta Naturalak Graduondokoaren berri emateko eta informazio hau lehendakari zaren Euskal Etxeko Web-orrialdean argitaratzeko eskaera egiteko...." Gehiago irakurri...

"Me dirijo a usted desde la Fundación Asmoz de Eusko Ikaskuntza con el fin de darle a conocer el Postgrado de Estudios Vascos: Ciencias Humanas, Sociales y Naturales organizado conjuntamente por la Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) y la Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), así como para solicitarle publique esta información en la página Web del Centro Vasco que preside..." Leer más...

We have also been contacted regarding these two seminars soon to come in London. We thought they might be of interest to many of you.

The Basque Country and Northern Ireland: Self-Determination, Proscription and Human Rights in the EU

They have been organised by CAMPACC, Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers, Statewatch and Basque Solidarity Campaign. The details of these seminars are:

• Seminar 1: The Right to Self Determination and Conflict Resolution in the EU
  Thursday June 25th, 6.30-8.30pm. Room SGO1, College of Law, 14 Store Street WC1 (Goodge St.station).

  Speakers: Bill Bowring (Professor or Law, Birkbeck College ), Urko Aiartza (Attorney and a member of Eskubideak, the Basque Lawyers Association), Séanna Walsh (Head of Cultural Department, Sinn Fein)

• Seminar 2: Proscription and Human Rights in the EU
  Thursday July 9th, 6.30-8.30pm, Birkbeck College, Clore Building, Torrington Square, WC1 (Russell Square station).

  Speakers: Ben Hayes (Associate Director, Statewatch), Julen Arzuaga (Behatokia Human Rights Observatory, Basque Country), Alex Fitch (Peace in Kurdistan Campaign & CAMPACC).

Entrance is free! All welcome!

Further information: www.campacc.org.uk or estella24@tiscali.co.uk
Tel: 020 7586 5892 www.haldane.org / www.statewatch.org
Basque Solidarity Campaign askida.net@googlemail.com

Trip to Beachy Head - Sunday, June 7th... The Basque Society is arranging a day trip to Beachy Head (Eastbourne) on June 7, Sunday. Breathtaking scenery with high white cliffs overlooking the sea and a beautiful walk along beaten paths and rolling hills. Not a demanding route, while a short stretch leading to the beach may be quite steep (optional). Basque learning individuals are all invited too, Basque conversation or mintza-praktika will be included in the package. We are to leave from London in the morning in cars, get to Eastbourne, do the walk, have a casual lunch and back in the afternoon. Please sign up for the trip by emailing us, and let us know your area in London. Further details will be provided. See you there, jaso agur bero bat!

3rd six-side football tournament "Amistad Latina"... We are looking for a eight football players to take part in the 3rd six-side tournament "Amistad Latina". The tournament is organised by "Los Siempre Secos", a chilean-peruvian colective in London, with the intention of promoting fraternity between all nations, specially between Chile and Peru. All the benefits of the tournament go to the Victor Jara's Festival in Wales.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/4706799.stm

http://www.elsuenoexiste.com/esefestival.html

Saturday, June 27th 11 AM
Ferndale Community Sport Centre
Nursery Road, Brixton, SW9 8PB

After the tournament, we will meet with the other teams, in the pub, for a public linch of the referee(s).

If you want to participate, please, contact: askida.net@gmail.com

Come along to see the Euskal Etxea Football Team in action. Bring friends, food and drinks. We will make a party of the day.

"A Canterbury tale..." On Sunday the 26th of April, the Euskara ikasleak were invited to Canterbury by their spiritual leader. No, not the Archbishop of Canterbury, but our own St Gorka of Roman, phd. During the pilgrimage to his shrine (home), the ikasleak were treated to a tour of all the sites of that marvellous and wonderful medieval city (the cathedral, canals, chocolate box tudor buildings, etc). Of course, the ikasleak did their very best throughout the day to speak the one and true language, in order to please St Gorka. Later on in the day, as he was pleased with their herculean efforts, he honoured them with his superb barbequing skills. They all feasted and drunk merrily until they were all stuffed and very drunk! Well, maybe not very drunk but definitely very merry! As the day drew to an end, St Gorka decided to drive his flock and his trusted and faithful friend (Elur, the blond mastiff) to the beautiful Kentish seaside resort of Whitstable. There, everybody relaxed and stretched their wary legs on the pebbly beach, whilst taking in the healthy yet chilly North sea air. All in all, it was a joyous day out and all the ikasleak would like to wish Gorka and Iratxe a safe journey back home to Euskalherria and a very happy future. See you both in August!*

*Note by the administrator: The Euskara students will be visiting Euskal Herria this summer on a trip organised by them and the Society's teacher...

More photos of this trip: http://picasaweb.google.com/karregi18/Canterbury2009#

Football 5-A-SIDE, London...Well, it might have been due to this recent Cup final, but we have been contacted about organising a 5-A-SIDE football team. As some of you might know, we used to have a football team playing a London official league quite a few years ago, so it seems to us a great idea to take on that again and help to organise either a 5-A-SIDE team or a full team (11 players), as we used to have back then. Depending on the response, we will see what and where we play.

We are at the moment gathering all the information about this, so If you are interested in getting together with some other people from the Society, or just some friends of ours, to play in a team some local league, please do contact us. Please make the subject of your message "football team" for quick identification.

Summer-time euskara "mintza praktikak"...Now that the academic year is coming to an end, the Euskara students have shown their interest in keeping up with their practicing speaking Euskara, so we have thought of organising some mintza praktikak throughout the summer. There are some ideas being developed at the moment, but it would be interesting to know if any of our Basque people/speakers staying in London would be able and willing to give us all a hand by coming and helping the students to practice with conversation. We all know how hard it is practicing Euskara in London, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Please contact the Society if you can help us organise this an afternoon every 2 weeks or so...

Membership renewal...now open!!! You can help the Society by becoming a member. Absolutely anyone supporting the goals of the Society can become a member and we will be, indeed, glad to have you with us. We are working hard on overcoming the latest problems the Society has been facing and we want to thank you all for your support. Remember, this Society is open to collaborations and we are always ready to work with you...Click here to become a member now!!!

Message board...send us a message so we can publish it on this website!!!...click here to access the message board

Previous updates

Update May 2009 - 2

Update May 2009 - 1

Update March 2009 - 1

Update March 2009 - 2

Update February 2009

Update Winter 2008

Screening of Nomadak TX in Bethnal Green - Nomadak TX-en filme-emanaldia Bethnal Greenen

On December 13th, 2008, a screening of the acclaimed Nomadak TX was held at the Scott Room in Oxford House to good acclaim of the punters despite a slight delay on the scheduled time... click here to learn more

Basque lessons - Euskara klaseak 2008-2009 now on!!!...click to learn more