NEWS FROM THE BRIDGWATER/HOMBERG-LINK SOCIETY
20 Members of the Society travelled to Homberg/Efze in September and were home hosted as is usual A varied programme awaited us from Birthday and Anniversary celebrations to shoe shopping at the Rohde factory in Ziegenhain, to meeting the Mayor of Homberg/Efze, enjoying “Kaffee und Kuchen” and taking in the atmosphere on the picturesque Market Place whilst listening to an open air Jazz concert We were also invited to the Anniversary celebrations of the “Kulturring”, were wined and dined and entertained with Jazz and choir music.
The highlight of this year’s visit was the 4 day trip to the Harz mountains, some two hours north of Homberg. We stayed in a hotel in Halberstadt which was almost totally destroyed in the war by the Americans but the largest Cathedral Treasure in the whole of Germany, dating as far back as the 11. Century, could be saved and is there to be seen in the magnificent Cathedral.
Goslar and Quedlinburg, both steeped in ancient history where the medieval Emperors held Court and where the visitor can admire so many old buildings and stunning Town Halls, gave us a chance to step back in time and listen to the erudite accounts of the guides. Those who preferred to go shopping or to sample the local beers and cuisine had ample opportunity.
Wernigerode is not only another township full of History but also the Terminal for the Brocken train. The Brocken being the highest mountain in Northern Germany with its 1142m. You can enjoy a comfortable and ever climbing ride through woods. Unfortunately, the mountain top was shrouded in thick fog and rain, a common occurrence due to the harsh climate.
Here the witches dance, particularly on the eve of the 1.May. Evil spirits are fought off to make room for the pure month of May with its fresh greens and blossoms.
We thank our German hosts for their hospitality and organisation of this year’s exchange visit!
NEWS FROM THE BURNHAM-ON-SEA / HIGHBRIDGE / FRITZLAR SOCIETY
Visit from Fritzlar July 2010
We welcomed 37 people from Fritzlar, including younger members and instructors from their Karate club, on the Monday evening, after they had visited the Cotswolds and Hidcote en-route from Stanstead airport.
Tuesday was spent seeing our countryside with host families and members of our society, followed by an evening of skittles at the Oak Tree Arena.
Wednesday, the main party went to Buckfast Abbey, Dartmoor and had a guided tour of Plymouth in German, followed by a wonderful cream tea and supper at the Huntspill Arms. The karate group saw Clifton and the Suspension bridge, Bristol, a static display of England in times gone by, and lunch, also visits to nearby seaside resorts and Cheddar.
Weston proved popular next day, with tide right in, shops and walks.
The Farewell evening meal was delicious, planned entertainment by Irish Folk dancers was applauded, as was an impromptu performance by the German karate group, showing us moves they had learnt on Wednesday evening with the Burnham and Highbridge club at King Alfred School.
We bade them farewell on Friday morning and look forward to our visit there next summer.
EVENTS
The Bridgwater/Homberg Link Society meet at the Podger Room (Vestry) of St. Mary’s Church in Bridgwater at 7.30pm on every second Tuesday in the month unless otherwise stated.. Everyone is welcome.
