22.02.2023, reading time: 2 min.
After an interruption of 2 years, the traditional start of the year took place again on 21 January 2023. Even the sky welcomed this with extensive snowfall…
Another novelty was the venue in the dance centre of the Tanzsport-Club Grün-Gelb in Westerfeld. A bright and spacious hall with a fantastic view of the snow-covered surroundings provided a great backdrop – many thanks go to the colleagues from Grün-Gelb for their hospitality.
Preparation
Already in the morning, a hard-working group of helpers decorated the hall and prepared tables and chairs for a good 40 visitors. More tables were also needed for the numerous delicious cake donations, the book display – which included the recently published work by Christophe Braouet “Deutschland und Frankreich schaffen das” (Germany and France can do it) – and, of course, the diverse association documents such as photo books, flyers, tourist information and citizens’ meeting registration forms. In addition, a screen for the automatic slide show with impressions of the partnerships since 1982 adorned the middle of the front of the hall.
Review & outlook
After the arrival of the guests and a first exchange – the reunion joy of the guests was great – Helga Feller invited to a review with many pictures of the past association year. The audience enjoyed coffee, tea and cake.
A short and crisp quiz followed. The prize question was related to a current Franco-German event. Of course, it was the 60th anniversary of the Elysee Contract. Roland Munkelt, a long-time member of the association, was the first to know the answer and won a copy of the new cookery book “So schmeckt Europa” (“This is what europe tastes like”), by Europe direct Düsseldorf, hot off the press.
We continued with the outlook on the currently planned activities:
In 2024, a trip to Brussels will follow, also as a cooperation event with the Europa Union.
The extensive programme was received with interest by the audience. The first registration forms for the citizens’ meeting in Šentjur were filled out and some participants decided on the spot to join the association! A good start into the new association year!
In between, our member Andrea Braum invited us to a lecture she will give on 14 February 2023 at 19:30 in the Community Centre of the Catholic Church, Hans-Böckler-Str. 1-3. She will report on her 15-month mission for “Doctors without Borders” in Bangladesh. More information can be found on the church website: https://neu-anspach.franziskus-klara.de/beitrag/im-einsatz-fuer-aerzte-ohne-grenzen-in-bangladesch/