Alliance Française
de Newcastle upon Tyne

Faire connaître et aimer la France et la langue française, afin de resserrer
les divers liens d’amitié qui unissent la France au Royaume Uni et aux autres peuples.

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ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE

Alliance Française Worldwide

The Alliance Française, founded in Paris in 1883, is an internationally known, non-profitmaking organisation, with its headquarters in Paris.

The different national Fédérations, such as the British Federation of Alliance Française, have a large measure of local autonomy, but benefit from much central support and organisational help from Paris. The British Federation owes its continuing existence to the profits of the London Teaching Alliance, whom we must thank for their support.

The Alliance Française is recognised by the French government as an important arm of the French cultural presence overseas, consisting of 1215 centres in 135 countries. The number of students following French classes in 'Alliances enseignantes' in 2005 was 10,605.

As part of its cultural and social activities, based on furthering knowledge of and interest in France and the French, it is the largest French language teaching organisation in the world.

The Newcastle branch was founded in 1941, as a means, through talks and meetings, to unite the British and Free French war effort in the region and to spread an understanding of the French position after the defeat of 1940.

It benefits from support, in the form of grants and central administrative support and links to a national network of speakers, from the British Federation of Alliance française and the Alliance Française de Londres, whom we must thank for their support.

The local Alliance now organises a monthly talk in French, sometimes by visiting speakers from France, and a number of social events. The talks, on a wide variety of topics, are normally held at the Literary and Philosophical Society, Westgate Road, but, when the Lit&Phil is not available, may also be held at Newcastle University. Audiences vary in number from 25 to 50 people from around the north east region. Membership is rising and covers all levels of ability in French, from beginners to native French speakers. All are welcome. Three or so social events are organised each year (see the Current Programme).

An Annual Sixth Form lecture was inaugurated in 1991 for member schools and their students, and on demand we may be able to organise talks in local schools. The Newcastle Alliance also awards an annual Sixth Form French Essay Prize, deadline around Easter. The prize is in honour of the late Ray White, our former President.

From time to time the Cinema Group meets to visit the Tyneside Cinema for a French film, Alliance members benefiting from a discount. The film is generally advertised a couple of weeks in advance on the Home Page of this site. It is usually an early evening screening in mid-week.

A Reading Group/Club de lecture has occasionally met when there has been sufficient demand.

AWARDS: The Newcastle 'cercle' received two awards at the 2003 British Federation AGM: for the best collaborative event, the University Public Lecture, and the most informative website among the non-teaching Alliances.