In March we entertained the German delegation from Schwalm-Eder-Kreis for the celebrations of 30 years successful twinning with Sedgemoor District Council.
In September it was our turn to be entertained. The English delegation was led by the District Chairman, Cllr Jane Morton.
Hotel Tanneck, nestled in the Knuellwald provided the necessary relaxation after days full of new and engaging impressions. A delegation from Finland were also present and included in all outings.
A varied and well chosen programme awaited us. We were taken to the Shoe Factory Rohde in Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain. Here we learnt “in English” shoes are still manufactured in Germany and a special department designs the latest fashions in comfort and durability. We had the chance to try out our newly found information and purchase shoes at factory prices. Particularly the ladies would have liked a longer stay in the factory shop.
We lunched at “Hephata”. This is a community for disabled and less able people of all ages. Here they learn, live, work and are cared for.
The actual twinning celebrations took place in the Wildlife Park Knuell with musical contributions from the School of Music and a superbly cooked meal choice of wild boar, venison and pork cooked on the spit and all that goes with it. The speeches were kept to a minimum. Only the leaders of each group were asked to address the guests.
The following day gave us a guided tour of Homberg/Efze, the District’s main town and Bridgwater’ twin town. Our guide surprised everyone with his fluent English. We also had an opportunity to go shopping for a little while until it was time for our lunch at “Starthilfe”. Here young school leavers who did not quite make the grade, are given a chance to learn all about the restaurant trade. We were impressed by the results and opportunities not only in this line of business.
On Homberg’s Market Square we experienced a “Festival of Nations”. Members of Nations who live in the community had prepared specialities from their homeland for all to taste. There was music and there were speeches.
Burghotel “Heiligenberg”, a short drive away located in a wooded and hilly area of outstanding beauty spoilt us with coffee and cakes, followed by a walk along the “Ars Natura”, where Artists were given the chance to design and build artefacts from natural resources.
In the evening we heard about alternative energy projects in SEK and were treated to yet another tasty supper prepared for us by the young Trainees.
The last outing took us to the Mining Museum in Borken, above ground. Again our guide spoke English and explained workings, machinery and the History of the museum. The ride on a little train- our leader, Cllr Morton, sat with the driver and was allowed to steer for a while-we did not go off the rails!- gave us an overview of the area and was a suitable finale to an impressive couple of hours.
We lunched at the museum, exchanged gifts and said our thanks.
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These few days were simply amazing, thrilling, interesting and so well arranged by our hosts. All participants who had never been to Schwalm-Eder-Kreis vowed to return at the earliest possible chance to do so.
Honorary Life Membership was granted by the Society to Mr and Mrs Don and Vera Lee and Mr and Mrs Alan and Stephanie Wynn in recognition of their very significant contributions to twinning over the years.
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.
The Bridgwater/Homberg Link Society
10th November - “Pubs of Bridgwater” by David Williams
8th December - Christmas Meal for members at the “White Cottage”, West Huntspill
January 2010 - no meeting
Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge/ Fritzlar Twinning Society
18th November - Monthl;y meeting at St. John’s Hall, Highbridge at 7.30pm. Speaker: “Wake up to Waste”
28th November - Mulled Wine and Mince Pies at Clive and Sue Hammond-Lovatt’ at 7.30pm
