Saturday, November 08, 2008

Paris break

We spent a few days in Paris last week and had a lovely time, although it was rather cold! Paris has always been one of my favourite cities and it was lovely to be back.
As well as the usual Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, we also saw the great views from the Arc de Triomphe and visited the most important building in Paris for me, the Pantheon.
I have a hotel recommendation - the Hotel Flor Rivoli - not the biggest or most luxurious hotel, but very conveniently situated with a great breakfast.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Young Enterprise

Last week, I took part in two 'Our World' programmes with Young Enterprise: a morning at Chruch Lane School in Sleaford, and an afternoon at Winchelsea School in Ruskington.
Children from several schools took part and learned a lot about International Trade. I know I enjoyed it and I think the children did too. They were certainly very enthusiastic about the tasks they had to undertake.
HS Language Services is sponsoring a competition, the winner of which will receive a set of French readers, and some French games for their school.

French Readers

At the moment, the Book People (google it!) have several French reader sets on offer at a very reduced price. The hide and speak books are particularly good.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

European Day of Languages

Schools and workplaces in over 40 countries celebrated European Day of Languages yesterday. The intiative was set up in 2001 in order to create an awareness for languages and language skills.
I had another stint on the radio. Judy Theobold invited me onto her show to talk about languages and to teach her some useful phrases in French and German, and I also pre-recorded an interview with Lincs FM.
The schools we visit all received posters, stickers and balloons, and we were also involved in the Languages for lunch sessions organised by the Regional Language Network in the East Midlands.
I have noticed a definite increase in awareness of EDL over the last 2 years, and I hope this is spreading awareness and interest in languages and language learning. I certainly had a great discussion with the year 5/6 group I was with on Friday morning about why languages are useful to us.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Young Enterprise Volunteer

This week, HS Language Services became a volunteer for Young Enterprise. I will be going into Primary Schools to help with their programmes. I am very much looking forward to it, having been a 'Young Enterpriser' in the past, and I also very much agree with their 'Learning by Doing' approach.

Language Classes

Well, the language classes got off to an excellent start this week. The French Conversation classes have been the most popular, but I am delighted to say that we also have learners on the Italian, Spanish and German courses.
I will be organising January's classes next week, so watch out for changes on the website.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

On the radio again - Friday 5th September

I was a sofa guest on Rod Whiting's breakfast show (BBC Radio Lincs) in May, I have been invited onto Judy Theobold's show on Friday to talk about languages.
I'm sure I will enjoy it, and I hope it brings the business some good coverage.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Ranked in a language blog list!

This blog has been ranked in the top 250 of language blogs! I was delighted to read this, and also to look at other blogs to do with languages.
The list is here:http://www.lexiophiles.com/ I hope you enjoy reading them!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Starting a language course

As we have increased the amount of languages and classes we will providing, there will be more nervous language learners awaiting their first session with trepidation!!
It is nerve wracking starting something new - particularly if that something new involves speaking a foreign language.
How should you prepare yourself?
Rest assured that all of our tutors are very friendly, and experienced tutors. We also use a lot of games, ice breakers and fun activities to help you to relax. The more you enjoy the session, the more you will learn.
You can do a little preparation by looking at some of the language websites (see links page on the website), even (or especially) the ones for Primary children.
And make sure you arrive with a smile on your face!

Free language taster courses for Business in the East Midlands

Copied from the RLN flyer.
I have a copy of the flyer - please let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

"To celebrate European Day of Languages, the Regional
Language Network is offering East Midlands businesses the
chance to participate in a free language taster session.
The session, held at your premises during lunchtime, can be in
the language of your choice and promises to teach you some
basic words and phrases to make that next business trip or
holiday even more rewarding.
You choose the language and the focus of the session, it could
be:
• Business - sample the language and culture of your
• customers.
• Team building - spend a fun-filled hour bonding with your
• work colleagues.
• Leisure - learn a few basic phrases to make your holiday go
• more smoothly.
Your session will be led by one of our quality-assured providers
and will last for approximately one hour.
With no strings attached and no obligation to continue with
any language learning this is the perfect way to say
‘bienvenue’ ‘willkommen’ ‘witamy’ (welcome) to the weekend.
So join us on Friday 26 September 2008 and make this
European Day of Languages a day to remember.
Book early to avoid disappointment!
If you are interested in taking part, please contact:
Suzannah Hutton on 01332 826432 or at
suzannah.hutton@rln-eastmidlands.com stating what
language you would like to learn and where you are based."

3 years!

HS Language Services celebrates its third year in business this month. From being a one man band in August 2005, we have grown to include a strong team. This means that we are able to provide more languages to many more people, including businesses and the 20 language classes to be run in September.
I'm very excited about the coming year, and the new opportunities opening up for languages in our area.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

ALL London Event

Yesterday I spent a very pleasant and informative day at the Goethe Institute organised by ALL London. I attended last year and found it extremely useful, and was pleased to see some familiar faces.
The sessions covered using short films in language learning, which was very inspiring, and the new KS3 curriculum. The most useful part of the day is always networking and sharing ideas. I was also very pleased to meet some of the members of the Talkabout Primary MFL forum.

Sunday, June 08, 2008

September Courses

I'm just putting the finishing touches to the courses for September. I have organised our Lincoln venue to be the Priory Centre, which is a great venue, and even has parking. We are running several courses there, both during the daytime and in the evening and I hope that they are successful.
Of course, we are continuing with the Red Lion in Digby for some of our courses, as well as Welton Village Hall. In addition, we will be using the Billinghay Community Rooms as a venue this year.
I hope to see you at at least one of the courses!

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Business Women's Link - Garden Party

Yesterday, 3rd June 2008, I went to my first event with WBL, and had a thoroughly lovely time. I was slightly dubious about the emphasis on Women in Business, and the exclusion of men, but actually can see how it could be very useful.
The event was at Doddington Hall, which is a stunning venue, and I would highly recommend a visit. The food was delicious too.

More radio coverage!

After my interview on the radio last week, two of our tutors have been asked to appear on the Breakfast show as a part of the European football this week.
I will be listening avidly to Lilla (Poland) tomorrow morning, 5th June 2008 and Romana (Austria) on Friday morning, 6th June 2008.
It's nice to bring languages more into the open in Lincolnshire.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

On the radio - Thursday 29th May

I've been invited onto the Breakfast Show as a sofa guest with Rod Whiting on Thursday morning.
I'm very much looking forward to it and hope that as many people who can will listen in.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Floatation Therapy and Accelerated Learning

I had a very interesting meeting with Graham Brown last week, who runs the Sea of Dreams in Lincolnshire. We were discussing the possibilities for Floatation Therapy and language learning.
My mind is still working on all of this information, but if you are interested in giving it a go, have a look here and contact either one of us about the possibilities.

The Apprentice

I meant to have this rant last week, but didn't find the time, so here we go!
I find it excuciatingly awful every year when they are inevitably sent to a foreign country for their tasks, that these so-called intelligent business people fail to understand that they are much more likely to get a favourable outcome if they at least attempt to communicate in the language of the person they are negotiating with!!!!
I have been rather unimpressed by this year's candidates, who seem to have very little common sense.
I also question the motives for applying of these people. I run a successful business, and there is nothing that would persuade me working for somebody else is a better otion, even if it did mean earning more money.
Saying all this, I'll still be watching next week!

Monday, May 05, 2008

What's On in May

6th May 19.00 - French Conversation Course, The Red Lion, Digby

7th May 10.30 - French Conversation Course, Welton Village Hall
7th May 19.00 - Holiday Spanish Course, The Red Lion, Digby

14th May 10.30 - French Conversation Course, Welton Village Hall
14th May 19.00 - Holiday Spanish Course, The Red Lion, Digby

20th May 19.00 - French Conversation Course, The Red Lion, Digby

21st May 10.30 - French Conversation Course, Welton Village Hall
21st May 19.00 - Holiday Spanish Course, The Red Lion, Digby

27th May 19.00 - French Conversation Course, The Red Lion, Digby

28th May 10.30 - French Conversation Course, Welton Village Hall
28th May 19.00 - Holiday Spanish Course, The Red Lion, Digby

28th May - Twinning Federation of Lincolnshire AGM

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

What's On in April

29th April 19.00 - French Conversation Course starts, The Red Lion, Digby

30th April 09.00 - Holiday French Course starts, Welton Village Hall
30th April 10.30 - French Conversation Course starts, Welton Village Hall

30th April 19.00 - Holiday Spanish Course starts, The Red Lion, Digby

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

New look newsletters

Our first e-newsletters should go out today, using 'your mailing list provider'. I hope to be able to send a newsletter each month to update on news and special offers.
To view the newsletter online, visit here .








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Sunday, February 17, 2008

Online Tuition

The wide availability of the internet is opening up huge opportunities in language learning. You can have a language lesson, or speak to someone who is a completely different country.
We had an enquiry last month about Dutch tuition. Now, it's very difficult to find a Dutch tutor in Lincolnshire, but I happen to know a lady in Holland who tutors Dutch and English over there. A couple of emails later, and Grantham and Holland are talking to each other, having a Dutch lesson whilst hundreds of miles away.
Online lessons are available to everyone, even those living in the same town, but we can now offer our services to a wider audience. I, for one, am very excited about this!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

What's On in March

1st March 10.00 - ALL London French Event
4th March 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
5th March 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
5th March 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall
7th March 19.30 - Race Night, Scopwick Village Hall (we are sponsoring a race again)

11th March 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
12th March 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
12th March 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall

18th March 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
19th March 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
19th March 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall

25th March 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
26th March 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall

What's On in February

5th February 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
6th February 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
6th February 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall

12th February 10.30 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby

19th February 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
20th February 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
20th February 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall

26th February 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
27th February 08.30 - Blogging for Business event
27th February 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
27th February 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall
29th February 07.00 - Lincoln Business Club

Sunday, January 20, 2008

What's On in January

15th January 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
16th January 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
16th January 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall

22nd January 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
23rd January 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
23rd January 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall

25th January 07.00 - Lincoln Business Club

29th January 19.00 - French Conversation Class, The Red Lion, Digby
30th January 10.30 - French Conversation Class, Welton Village Hall
30th January 19.30 - Spanish Class, Dunston Village Hall