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.
26.03.2025, Reading time: 3 minutes
This year’s general meeting of the Association for the Promotion of International Relations (VzFiB) took place on 26 March 2025 in the small hall of the Bürgerhaus Neu-Anspach. In addition to a review of an eventful 2024, the course was also set for upcoming projects – including board elections and an outlook on upcoming events.
After a minute’s silence in memory of a deceased member, Chairwoman Helga Feller reported on the numerous activities of the past year, which was centred around the theme of “Changing perspectives in Europe” and in which the Board, members and supporters demonstrated flexibility and resilience in many areas. Highlights included
the tri-national youth project and the citizens’ meeting in Neu-Anspach,
participation in Europe Day in Schmitten,
the popular boules tournament,
an excursion to Dillenburg,
and the trip to Thalgau for the anniversary.
The organisation’s finances are in a solid position. The cash report was unanimously approved and the actions of the Executive Board were ratified.
At the regular election, the following persons were elected to the Board of Directors or confirmed in office:
Jürgen Strempel, who was warmly thanked at this point for his commitment – not only for this evening, but also for his many years of support for the association as head of international relations, particularly in connection with the partnership with Thalgau.
In his welcoming address, Mayor Birger Strutz emphasised the importance of town twinning for Neu-Anspach. Especially in times when structures – such as the French committee – are dissolving, the voluntary commitment of the VzFiB is all the more valuable in order to continue to enable encounters across borders.
A central topic of the evening was the upcoming citizens’ meeting in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, which will take place from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June 2025.
Image generated with AI
The association also has a lot planned. The plans include
The Executive Board would like to thank all members, supporters and partners for their trust, support and enthusiasm for Europe.
Europe lives through encounters – and through people who make them possible.
Every year since 2009, 48 young people from the three twin towns of Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, Sentjur and Neu-Anspach have come together to spend a week experiencing Europe, getting to know other cultures, working together in workshops and having fun.
Financially supported by sponsors such as Mainova, ErasmusPlus, the twin towns and local companies, the participants only incur low costs. Thanks to the voluntary work of the members of the Association for the Promotion of International Relations (VzFiB), the town twinning committees in Sentjur and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, the co-operating schools Adolf-Reichwein-Schule, Collège Voltaire and in Sentjur with Osnovna šola Dramlje, Osnovna sola Hrusevec and Osnovna sola Slivnica, the municipalities and the students themselves, a great programme is created, organised, carried out and evaluated every year.
The highlights from 2024 are available here to browse through in the digital photo book
And if you would like to hold the book in your hands in printed form or give it as a gift, you can order it at cost price of €35. Simply send a short email to vorstand@vzfib-neu-anspach.de.
A colourful and varied overview of the projects and highlights of Encounter 2024 – just click on the button and enjoy…A colourful and varied overview of the projects and highlights of Encounter 2024 – just click on the button and enjoy…
05.05.2024, Reading time 2 minutes
NEW: With detailed programme in D, F, SLO. It’s time again – Neu-Anspach invites you to an exciting town meeting under the inspiring motto “Changing Perspectives in Europe”. This time we welcome the citizens of our twin towns Saint-Florent-sur-Cher in France and Sentjur in Slovenia. Together we want to look beyond our own backyards and exchange views on the diversity of European cultures and perspectives.
The programme for this meeting promises to be a rich and enriching experience for guests and hosts alike. We start with an ecumenical travelling blessing and a drink where we can celebrate the reunion with our friends and have initial discussions.
The next day, we head to Europe’s largest cold-water geyser in Andernach. Firstly, we visit the modern and interactive museum. This is followed by a short boat trip on the Rhine, which takes us to this extraordinary natural spectacle.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, we will be hosting an information stand at the Bürgerhaus Neu-Anspach to provide information about the European elections on 9 June. With a wheel of fortune, quizzes, prizes and numerous brochures for all ages, there will be plenty of new things to discover. The highlight of the meeting will be the closing evening, where we will celebrate the diversity of our home countries.
This citizens’ meeting is the perfect opportunity to strengthen our partnerships, gain new perspectives and strengthen our ties as European citizens. We look forward to warmly welcoming our guests from France and Slovenia and sharing unforgettable moments together.
01.04.2024, reading time 3 minutes
NEW: programme in GERMAN, FRENCH AND SLOVENIAN.
On 5 May 2024, it’s off again! 48 young people from Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, Sentjur and Neu-Anspach will come together for 6 days to learn, have fun, see further than the end of their noses, communicate with their hands and feet, discover their love of the forest, feel the power of water, cross borders and boundaries through sport, games and art, and experience Europe at first hand.
This is only possible thanks to the town of Neu-Anspach, our cooperation partner – the Adolf-Reichwein School – and the donors and sponsors who contribute financially and provide ideas, suggestions and creative solutions.
Many thanks to the organisers, the schools, the committees and the municipalities of Sentjur and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher!
We would like to make a special mention of the Klaus-Tschira Foundation, which is giving its strong support and encouragement to our project.
11.02.2024, Lesezeit 3 Minuten
Neu-Anspach invites you from Ascension Thursday, 9 May to Sunday, 12 May to the civic meeting with our French and Slovenian friends and to the trinational youth project from 5 to 12 May 2024.
This year’s motto “A change of perspective in Europe” is also the programme in which participants from different generations will discuss issues relating to environmental protection and nature conservation, the responsible use of resources and the associated European dimension.
So here’s another appeal: Be a host with an (international) heart!
Open your doors and let us deepen the enriching contacts with our French and Slovenian friends together.
Register now as a host. You will find the contact form below. Simply click on the green button, download it, fill it in and send it by email or post to the board email or postal address. Of course we can also answer your questions in advance by phone or e-mail.
Good to know – Here’s an overview of how the weekend went:
The guests are expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon (9 May 2024). There will be an optional guest welcome in Neu-Anspach together with the hosts in the Catholic community centre. This will be followed by dinner in the host families.
On Friday, 10 May 2024, the guests will go on a full-day excursion, which will also include lunch.
The Saturday morning is either at leisure with the guests – there may be an optional event in Neu-Anspach.
In the evening, the closing evening takes place in the community centre in Neu-Anspach for guests and hosts.
As in previous years, the Slovenian guests are expected to return home at midnight. The French guests will depart at around 9 a.m. on Sunday, 12 May 2024.
You still need a few arguments in favour of your commitment? Then simply take a look at the “Association” section of this website. In the Frequently Asked Questions section you will find 5 good reasons to take part in town twinning meetings. Enjoy reading!
22.01.2023
Šentjur in Slovenia is hosting our tri-national citizens´ meeting this year.
Traditionally, the meeting takes place on Ascension weekend. On Thursday, May 18, we will leave early in the morning by bus from Ohly & Weber, Neu-Anspach. The return is on Sunday evening, May 21, 2023. Those who want to go by their own car are also welcome to participate.
Our recommendation: Register right now using the contact form, which you can download below. This way you will make it easier for our Slovenian friends to organize the accommodation, which will be as usual in private accommodations.
Please send your signed registration by April 14, 2023 by mail to unterbringung@vzfib-neu-anspach.de or by mail to Verein zur Förderung internationaler Beziehungen, Helga Feller, Hans-Böckler-Str. 16, 61267 Neu-Anspach. Do you have any questions about Šentjur, about the trip, about accommodation? Then contact us by mail (see above) or phone (0160-78 39 272).
More information about the Slovenian town, which is twinned with Neu-Anspach and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher since 2017, you can also find here on the website in the section twin town https://www.vzfib-neu-anspach.de/en/unsere-partnerstaedte-en/ .
| One more note on language and communication: Many Slovenians speak good English, some also German, so you can quickly get into contact with your hosts. If you want to learn a few words already, here are the most important vocabulary words to help you prepare for your trip: |
| SLOVENIAN TRAVEL VOCABULARY Yes = Dà No = Nè Hello = Zdravo Bye = čao Good morning = Dôbro jútro Good day = Dóber dán Good evening = Dóber večer Good night = Láhko nóč Goodbye = Nasvídenje Thank you = Hvála Please = Prósim Excuse me = Opravičílo Help = Na pomóč I am (…) = (Jaz) sem How are you doing = Kako gre? Very good = Zelódôbro Cheers = Na zdrávje |
Very easy, isn´t it?
Well, come with us to Slovenia, the green heart of Europe! We are looking forward to your participation!
Acting to live better together – this is the 2022 motto of the citizens’ meeting and the youth project.
| CITIZENS’ MEETING ASCENSION 2022 Acting to live better together – this is the 2022 motto of the citizens’ meeting and the youth project. Especially in 2022, we would like to join forces with our partner cities to show our attitude and conviction for a common, diverse, democratic and free Europe. Our citizens’ meeting and the international youth project are particularly visible and clear signs of this. 30 guests from Neu-Anspach and 20 guests from Šentjur – families and individuals – spent a long weekend from 26 to 29 May at the invitation of our friends in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher. The ecumenical travel blessing, accompanied musically by the Vicus Aureus choir, and a reception by Mayor Nicole Progin marked the start of the varied programme. After the first night in the host families, the group went first to Noirlac Monastery, a former Cistercian abbey, and then to the moated castle of Ainay-le-Vielle. Petanque, Viking chess and various historical board games were on the morning programme on Saturday. A Florentais marcCITIZENS’ MEETING ASCENSION 2022 Acting to live better together – this is the 2022 motto of the citizens’ meeting and the youth project. Especially in 2022, we would like to join forces with our partner cities to show our attitude and conviction for a common, diverse, democratic and free Europe. Our citizens’ meeting and the international youth project are particularly visible and clear signs of this. 30 guests from Neu-Anspach and 20 guests from Šentjur – families and individuals – spent a long weekend from 26 to 29 May at the invitation of our friends in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher. The ecumenical travel blessing, accompanied musically by the Vicus Aureus choir, and a reception by Mayor Nicole Progin marked the start of the varied programme. After the first night in the host families, the group went first to Noirlac Monastery, a former Cistercian abbey, and then to the mohing band and cool refreshments ensured a good atmosphere between guests and hosts. The afternoon was at leisure and was used by many host families for a short tour to the nearby département capital Bourges. The colourful evening was the highlight and at the same time the conclusion of the weekend. Here, the young people showed what they had worked on in different workshops. Shortly before midnight, the Slovenian friends had to say goodbye to each other to make the 1600 km journey home by Sunday evening. The Neu-Anspach group set off for home on Sunday morning, as the distance here is “only” nearly 800 km. |
Neu-Anspach, the young town for living!
Municipality of Neu-Anspach
| There is a lot to see around Neu-Anspach (State of Hesse) in the Taunus region. Many people know the Hessenpark (German, English), but there is more to discover. For example, the castles of Hesse (German, English) or the cultural tour („Kulturreise“) which covers more than gardens and manor houses (only in German). Quermania also offers a good overview (only in German) in the style of Wikipedia not only for Hesse but for the whole of Germany. Hessen’s state-owned castles offer many sights worth seeing, as does the website of the Hessen State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, which includes not only Bad Homburg, the administrative center of the Hochtaunus district). More information in English about Hesse and the Taunus region you will find on Hessen-Tourismus (in German and English). We found a good overview on the website Burgen.de, which lists castles in Germany and also throughout Europe. Unfortunately, the language is only German, but it can be translated with Google. Especially castles and palaces can be discovered in German at Burgen Schlösser Impressionen. If you have a recommendation for an interesting website that you think should definitely be included, just send us a message. We will be happy to take your suggestion on board. |
If travelling “in real life” is not possible, then here you go digitally to France’s most beautiful places.
WEBSITES, BLOGS AND MORE FOR FRANCE FANS AND LOVERS OF THE CHER REGION
| If you are town-twinned with Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, the reference to Bourges (German, English, Français) should not be missing from any travel advice. The city, whose main attraction is the Saint-Étienne Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site), has much more to offer. And in the surrounding countryside, there is an almost endless variety of cultural and natural highlights to discover. Interesting in every respect is the blog “Mein Frankreich” of the versatile journalist Hilke Maunder, which is excitingly available in many languages, such as German, English and en Français. A recommendation for the Berry, the name of the landscape that includes the departments of Cher and Indre, would certainly be incomplete without a reference to the great writer George Sand, whose house can be visited. Virtually, you can walk and marvel here in English as well as en Français. Asterix and Obelix were also on the move in the Berry, as you can see for yourself on the Creuse tourism site. The Abbaye Noïrlac (English, Français) is located 40 km south of Bourges, a stone’s throw from Saint Florent sur Cher by car. It offers everything a Cistercian monastery should: culture, pleasure and exercise in the unique monastery garden. With the Cher, we must also mention the Loire, which makes up not only the Berry but the whole of France. The Ladies’ Castle of Chenonceau (German, English, Français) is not only one of the most beautiful castles on the Loire, it was also the destination of a day trip during the partnership meeting. Garden lovers can find out more on the website of the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (German, English, Français). The fact that one day is not enough for gardening enthusiasts is shown by the website Gartenlandschaft, which also reveals a wide range of other ideas, only available in German, as is the trip along the Loire. Under the slogan “France from the sofa”, the website “Explore France” (German, English, Français) has the whole of France in view, including overseas – simply for dreaming. |
