Circolo Italiano di Wellington
Category: Website
| Title | Circolo Italiano di Wellington |
|---|---|
| Author | Circolo Italiano di Wellington |
| Year | 1949 |
| Language | English |
| Geographic reference | Wellington |
| Time reference | 1949 to present |
| Topic | Italian associations, Italian clubs, Italian language classes, Italian schools, italiani in Nuova Zelanda, War brides, |
The Circolo Italiano di Wellington was founded in Wellington, New Zealand in 1949 and is affiliated to the Società Dante Alighieri in Rome. It is one of two 'Italian Clubs' in Wellington, the other being Club Garibaldi. The Circolo's original members were people from all walks of life, most of whom lived in Wellington or nearby. All the members spoke Italian language and they founded Circolo Italiano so that they could continue to practice their language skills and foster the Italian culture.
Many members were Italian women who joined because they were unable to become members of Club Garibaldi (the first female members were admitted to Club Garibaldi in 1992). Some of these women had married NZ servicemen who were stationed in Italy during World War II.
The Circolo Italiano became well-known in the Wellington area and for many years there was an Italian radio programme broadcast regularly with all information compiled by Cav. Laura Bargiacchi and Cav. Giovanni Mersi. They also hosted the programmes.
In 1988 it was decided that Italian Language classes be re-commenced and on the first enrolment night, 72 prospective students arrived!!! Initially Cav. Jack Ball and Cav. Giovanni Mersi tutored the students and for some years Cav. Jack Ball continued on his own.
In 1992 the Circolo Italiano began leasing the premises of Club Garibaldi and this was the beginning of a huge increase in the number of members, most of them interested in Language classes. Regular monthly social meetings gave the members the opportunity to enjoy presentations with an Italian "flavour" and learn more about the culture of Italy.
The Circolo Italiano di Wellington has a formal constitution and is administered by an elected Committee of unpaid volunteers.
