Centres and Societies
The Friends of Germanic Studies were established to promote those activities which were beyond the means of the Institute's slender budget, and now directly support research in the languages, literatures, and cultures of the German-speaking countries. Since they were established in 1986, the Friends have sponsored lecture series, special publications, visiting fellowships as well as studentships in modern German literature.
The Library holds a special place in the Friends' affection: grants have been made not only for the purchase of new books, but also for the restoration of many older and important volumes which, now once more accessible to readers, would have had to be withdrawn from use.
The current climate in the study of modern foreign languages means that institutes rely increasingly on the goodwill of their members, and the very significant contribution made by their Friends, to maintain the services and facilities upon which researchers depend.
The Friends meet annually in the spring, the event combining a short lecture on a topic of general interest, usually with an exhibition of some of the Library's treasures, and an opportunity to renew social contacts. In appreciation of their support, Friends are invited to special events (the Bithell Memorial Lecture, author's readings and performances organised with the Globe Theatre, German Embassy and others), and receive complimentary copies of the annual Friends magazine and published lectures. Titles published in the Germanic publications series can be obtained, and conferences attended, at preferential rates.
You can join the Friends of Germanic Studies on an annual or lifetime basis:
Individuals may become Friends for as little as £20 per year; the student rate is only £10. Friends contributing £250 or more are styled Patrons.
Corporate Friendship starts at £250 per year. Corporate Friends making a single payment of £1,000 or more are styled Corporate Patrons.
Tax-effective Giving. If you pay tax in the UK, Gift Aid is an easy way to increase the value of your gift, enabling us to reclaim tax at the basic rate (currently 28%) on the amount paid, at no extra cost to the donor. Companies taxed in the UK can claim relief on their donations.
The University of London is an Exempt Charity within the meaning of Schedule 2 of the Charities Act 1993 and as such is a charity within the meaning of Section 506(1) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act (ICTA) 1988.
For further information, please contact the Friends Administrator at the Institute of Germanic & Romance Studies, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7862 8966
Chair: Lady Aldington, Dr phil
Administrator: Jane Lewin, BA
Wednesday, 4 May 2010 at 4 p.m.
Annual General Meeting
Mrs Joyce Crick (London):
Benjamin Britten's German Texts
By invitation. RSVP by 20 April to jane.lewin@sas.ac.uk
Venue: IGRS, Stewart House, University of London
Events of particular interest to Friends of Germanic Studies