June 17, 2025 · Reading time: 3 minutes
In turbulent times, when headlines are dominated by crises and conflict, Europe needs one thing above all: encounters that connect. That’s exactly what came to life at the 2025 citizens’ meeting in our French partner town Saint-Florent-sur-Cher – with guests from Neu-Anspach, Šentjur, and the host community.
Although the local twinning committee was dissolved, the town council – led by Mayor Marie-Line Cirre – took the initiative and organized the event with great dedication. The result was a weekend full of hospitality, exchange, activity, and community – European in the best sense.
A special moment was the planting of a friendship tree in the château park: representatives from all three towns planted a Nordmann fir – a living symbol of enduring connections.
With a life expectancy of over 500 years and the ability to grow deep, strong roots, these trees are emblematic of what town twinnings stand for: resilience, depth, and enduring ties that withstand even the strongest storms.
The delegations from Neu-Anspach and Šentjur each took a tree back home – as a visible sign of continued friendship. Three towns, three trees – and a shared commitment to cross-border friendship.
Representing Neu-Anspach were Helga Feller, chair of the international relations association (VzFiB), and First Deputy Mayor Jürgen Strempel, standing in for Mayor Birger Strutz, who was unable to attend due to professional obligations related to the town swimming pool renovation. The Slovenian delegation was led by Robert Gajšek, chair of Šentjur’s twinning committee, together with Alenka Testanière.
Whether over breakfast at the château, on guided tours, or during the conference on the European Capital of Culture 2028 – people talked, laughed, listened, and shared ideas.
A special role was played by Sabine Tscherner, a teacher at Adolf-Reichwein-School Neu-Anspach and leader of the school’s Europe group. She participated as an ambassador for youth engagement in Europe.
“Even though my hosts and I met for the first time, it felt as if we had known each other for years.”
“Suddenly it didn’t matter that we spoke different languages – long-forgotten vocabulary resurfaced, and buried knowledge returned.”
On Saturday, the participants met on Île Soubiran for games of pétanque, tennis, and pickleball. In multinational teams, the spirit of camaraderie grew with each match.
A shared picnic rounded off the morning – once again showing how easily and warmly European togetherness can work.
The closing evening at Espace Robinson provided a relaxed, friendly finale. Over giant paella and live music by the band Kristy Bell, the mood was easy-going – the perfect setting for good conversations and new connections.
There was dancing, laughter, and celebration – and plenty of space for meaningful intercultural encounters.
During the night, the Slovenian delegation departed – taking with them their own friendship tree to be planted in Šentjur, and also a heartfelt invitation to the next gathering.
Robert Gajšek and Alenka Testanière have already set the dates: from May 14 to 17, 2026 (Ascension weekend), the spirit of Europe will continue and deepen in Slovenia.
Despite all the joy, Saturday also included a moment of quiet reflection: in neighboring Villeneuve-sur-Cher, the funeral service for Jean-Pierre Poincelet took place.
He was a co-founder of the town twinning and a long-time member of the Saint-Florent committee. A small delegation from Neu-Anspach attended the service, expressed condolences to his widow Marie-Françoise Poincelet and family, and laid a bouquet on behalf of all friends from Neu-Anspach.
We will remember Jean-Pierre Poincelet with deep respect and gratitude.
