Carlisle Cafe Lingo celebrates 10 years in Carlisle

Carlisle Cafe Lingo celebrated its 10th anniversary on Thursday, April 25, after being initially launched in 2014 at Tullie House Museum by Polish and German teacher Anna Strycharcyzk, Spanish teacher Puerto Baker, and French teacher Marie Buttler. 

At the group's meetings, which are not recommended for beginners, attendees converse in several European languages, read European books, and develop their own language skills.

On Friday, September 20, Carlisle Cafe Lingo held one of its monthly meetings at the Crown and Mitre Hotel, with founding member Anna, and organiser Romana Cecchini on hand to discuss their delight at reaching the milestone which it has been celebrating throughout the year.

"I think it is a huge achievement because after 10 years it is still going," Romana said.

Romana Cecchini (Image: News & Star) "I think in Cumbria there is a need for a group like this as it is a place where people can have an opportunity to practice their language skills.

"People here have got a very high standard of the languages they are speaking and that has been really beautiful to hear over the 10 years we have been doing this."

Puerto Baker is also one of the club's founding members and described in more detail what Carlisle Cafe Lingo is all about.

She said: "Cafe Lingo is not a language class. People simply gather and talk about anything and everything as long as the conversation is in a foreign tongue.

"It's great to just be able to meet people with a similar interest, to chat, socialise, and practice the language you like. 

"Not everyone comes for the whole two hours but they stay as long as they wish.

"Many are frequent attenders but we also see totally new people every month from all over Cumbria."

(Image: News & Star) Carlisle Cafe Lingo regularly welcomes around 50 people to its monthly meetings, with these varying from locals looking to brush up on their language skills before going on holiday, native speakers, and budding linguists from schools who are looking to develop their interest in foreign languages.

Dave Collier was at the club's September meeting and has been attending Carlisle Cafe Lingo sessions since 2021 and explained why he believes it is so unique. 

He said: "I was in Winchester two weeks ago with a French group to practice my French before going to France but there is a different feel here, it is so unique.

"I think part of that is because of these different language groups that all talk to each other and it does not feel too intense."