About Us

The German YMCA in London (Young Men's Christian Association) was founded in 1860. It is one of the oldest YMCAs in London and a member of YMCA England. In 2010 we celebrate our 150th Anniversary.

As a Christian movement we stand for respect and freedom for all, tolerance and understanding between people of different opinion, religion and ethnic background. In several practical ways we serve the needs of the community. We welcome people of different Christian traditions, other religious faiths and of none.

Motto: We will serve the Lord for he is our God. (Joshua 24:18)

We provide cultural and leisure-time activities, as well as advice, support and help for German-speaking people, their international friends, and the local community. We also run an au pair service and a parent-toddler group.

Members support the Association and pay an annual membership fee of £10. All events are published in a printed bi-monthly programme and here in these pages.

Our doors are open to members and non-members alike. We offer the following activities and services:

• Accommodation
  Our "Lancaster Hall Hotel" has 100 bedrooms and lecture, seminar and conference facilities.
• Anglo-German Circle
  Every Thursday evening, featuring a variety of events.
• Au Pair Services
  Au pair placement service for London families in partnership with the German charitable organisation IN VIA.
• Chaplain Services
  Visits to older people in their homes; Holy Communion is offered on request. Contact: Udo Bauer.
• Conversation & Culture Classes
  Held during term-time on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Feierabend Club
  Day-time activities for senior citizens, twice a month on Tuesday afternoons.
• Fundraising Events
  To support other charities and international aid organisations; our main fundraising event is the German Christmas Market with traditional German foods, drinks and handicrafts.
• Lo-Co London Connection
  For young people who are living, studying and/or working in London.
• Members' Luncheon Club
  Lunch once a month before Feierabend Club.
• Music Events
  Peter's Music on Wednesday afternoons and concerts of the Schubert Society; Schubertiade concerts provide young artists with the chance to perform in London.
• Parent-Toddler Group "Struwwelpeter"
  German-speaking group for parents with children up to three years of age, twice a month on Wednesday mornings.
• St James Pre-School
  For families who live in the Bayswater area.
• Tea Morning
  Get-together for German au pairs and their international friends on Thursday mornings.
• Telephone Contact in German
  Conversations by phone for German-speakers.
• Volunteer Placement Services
  Placing young volunteers from Germany into Community Projects in Britain and vice versa.

We also arrange trips and sightseeing tours in and around London and coach tours to places of special interest around the country.

Annual Review 2008
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