Besuche unserer Freunde in Königslutter
2012
From the Taunton Deane Borough Council Newsletter:
Per E-Mail von Mary Hayward
Visit to twin town
Mayor and Mayoress of Taunton Deane Councillor Terry Hall and Mrs Ann Hall joined the Friends of Königslutter (FOK) on a visit to Taunton's German twin town.
The hosts had put together a busy programme; a tour of the Einbeck ‘blue cloth’ print works, and the Einbecker Brewery, a tour of the pretty town of Tangermünde and a boat trip along the River Elbe. A particularly interesting visit was made to the Walsrode Birdpark, with a live bird show that included pelicans and a condor flying over the audience.
A civic reception was given at the Königslutter Rathaus, when Bürgermeister Alexander Hoppe noted that this is the 20th anniversary of the signing of the ‘official’ twinning agreement. He paid tribute to Shan Bigwood who in 1972, began working with Herms Wolf to lay the foundations of the twinning links between Taunton and Königslutter. He said that the idea of ‘coming together in friendship’ has not lost its significance, and pointed out the recent London Olympics as a worthy example of people from all nations working together in unity. He urged Councillors to support the twinning and to encourage more youngsters to join.
Taunton Mayor, Terry Hall, offered his thanks to the Bürgermeister and the Friends of Taunton Committee members – in German as reported in the local newspaper.
The 20th anniversary celebrations continued with a service in the Königslutter Cathedral, the Kaiserdome. The visit ended in a party at the Stadtkirche Community Centre. Guests were entertained before being treated to a dinner of traditional dishes, served with plenty of traditional beer.
The Taunton Group headed for home, ready to start work on a programme for next year's visit.
Von der Homepage der Friends of Königslutter
German Twinning Visit: 18th – 26th August 2012:
The Friends of Königslutter (FOK) have returned from what was, at times, a hot and sticky visit to our Twin Town.
Our hosts had put together a busy programme; a tour of the Einbeck ‘blue cloth’ Print works, and the Einbecker Brewery – very popular with menfolk!, - a tour of the pretty town of Tangermünde and a boat trip along the river Elbe. A particularly interesting visit was made to the Walsrode Birdpark, with a live Bird Show that included pelicans and a Condor flying over the audience.
A Civic Reception was given at the Königslutter Rathaus, Wednesday 22nd August. 13 year old pianist, Alex Martius entertained everyone before the official speeches. Bürgermeister Alexander Hoppe noted that this is the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the ‘Official’ Twinning Agreement. He paid tribute to Shan Bigwood who in 1972, began working with Herms Wolf to lay the foundations of the twinning links between Taunton Königslutter. He said that the idea of ‘coming together in friendship’ has not lost its' significance, and pointed out the recent London Olympics as a worthy example of people from all nations working together in unity. He urged Councillors to support the Twinning and to encourage more youngsters to join. Taunton Mayor, Terry Hall, offered his thanks to the Bürgermeister and the Friends of Taunton Committee members – in German, as reported in the local newspaper.
The 20th Anniversary Celebrations continued with a Service in the Königslutter Cathedral, the Kaiserdome. The theme of the Service was ‘The Good Samaritan’. The Minister reflected on the value of twinning, not as a means of friends of former enemies, but helping to make sure that we never become enemies again.
The visit ended in a Party on Friday night at the Stadtkirche Community Centre. Guests were invited to listening to the band and watch the parade, outside the Rathaus, as the Königslutter ‘Schützenfest’ got under way, before being treated to a dinner of traditional dishes, served with plenty of traditional beer, with entertainment provided by a troupe of Line Dancers.
The Taunton Group headed for home on Saturday 25th August, ready to start work on a programme for next year's visit when Taunton will be hosting friends from Königslutter. The Twinning will be ‘coming of age’. There are plans to host a 21st Birthday Party!