New North West network to strengthen German understanding

05 Mar 2015

University in initiative to build links and celebrate impact of Germany in region

A new group has been set up in the North West to promote all things German in the region.

The North West German Network is an initiative involving schools, colleges, universities and businesses.

The network is holding its launch event on next week (10 March) at the Manchester Central Library in St Peter’s Square,

Guests will include the Honorary Consul to the Federal Republic of Germany, Mark Green, and representatives from the German Embassy in London and the British Council.

Educational establishments involved in the project include The University of Manchester as well as Lancaster and Liverpool universities as well as Cardinal Newman College in Preston.

The launch will start with speeches and prize-giving for an inaugural writing and design competition, ‘What is German in the North West?’ which has received entries from students across the region.

Nine- to eighteen-year-olds have been taking part in the competition, which has been co-ordinated by the North West German Network to increase their knowledge of the links between Germany and the region.

They have been asked to design posters, write poems and newspaper articles, produce short films, create songs and design games.

The prize-giving will be followed by a drinks reception, music by pupils of Cardinal Newman College, Preston, and an opportunity to view the ‘Germans in Britain’ exhibition that opens in the library on Tuesday 10 March.

The pop-up exhibition, created by The Migration Museum Project and curated by Dr Cathy Ross, has been touring the country and is a chance for people to examine the rich and fascinating history of German migrants to Britain.

It is complemented in Manchester by an archive display on ‘Germans in Manchester’, focusing on the many German scientists, musicians, merchants and industrialists who settled in Manchester in the nineteenth century. It is curated by Margaret Littler, Professor of Contemporary German Culture at The University of Manchester and one of the organisers of the North West German Network.

Professor Littler said: “The Network’s website aims to raise the profile of all things German in the North West, from heritage, to study of the language and culture, industrial and commercial links, and cultural events taking place in the region. We hope also to strengthen the links that exist between this part of the UK and Germany.

“The exhibition shows the positive impact Germans have had on British life, and particularly how they have helped shape the city of Manchester.’ It runs from 10 March-9 April 2015.”