18.012025, reading time 5 minutes
The association kicked off the new year on 18 January 2025 with great enthusiasm and a lively exchange of ideas. Around 50 participants – members, interested parties, friends and supporters – gathered in the parish hall of the Protestant church in the old town centre to look back on the past year together and take a look at the exciting programme for 2025.
The association was particularly pleased with the participants and guests from politics and (town twinning) associations who had accepted the invitation:
– Birger Strutz, Mayor of Neu-Anspach, emphasised the importance of town twinning for the town
– Holger Bellino, head of the city council, member of the state parliament and member of the association since the VzFiB was founded, enriched the discussion with his comments, in particular on the more than 40-year relationship with Saint-Florent-sur-Cher
– Jürgen Strempel, City Councillor
– Hildegard Klär, Chairwoman of the Europa-Union Hochtaunuskreis
– Helmut Egler, Chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Town Twinning in Oberursel, and Marion Benzing from the Schmitten Town Twinning Association shared their experiences of twinning work.
– Thomas Pauli, former mayor, came accompanied by his wife, and Evelyn Kreutz represented the local press
The afternoon centred on a review of the past association year, which was held under the motto “Change of perspective”. This leitmotif will also determine the work of the association in 2025, as it encourages us to adopt new perspectives, whether in European cooperation or in personal dialogue.
One important topic was the future of the jumelage between Neu-Anspach, Saint-Florent-sur-Cher (France) and Šentjur (Slovenia). Although the plans for a citizens’ meeting on Ascension Day 2025 have not yet been finalised, there was unanimous agreement that the long-standing friendships that exist between many citizens here and there should be further cultivated and deepened.
The international spirit of the association was also reflected in the food: in addition to coffee, tea, cake and snacks, there was a speciality from the Austrian twin town of Thalgau – chilli marilli, a warming hot and fruity drink, excellently prepared by Manfred Bletz, member of the board and the town’s international relations officer, which was very popular with the guests.
The year 2025 promises many exciting events that should already be marked in your diary:
– 26 March 2025: General meeting at 8 p.m. in the Neu-Anspach community centre
– 10 May 2025: Europe Day of the Hochtaunus district in Glashütten-Schloßborn – a festival for encounters and exchange.
– 30 August 2025: Boules tournament on the boules court “Am Festplatz” – a wonderful opportunity to be active in a convivial atmosphere.
– 21 September 2025: Political cabaret with Sebastian Schnoy, who takes a humorous and critical look at the topics of Europe and democracy.
Commitment and community in focus
The annual kick-off event was impressive proof of the vibrancy of the association and the strong community that supports it.
With a varied programme, a great deal of personal commitment and the joy of international cooperation, the association is optimistic about the coming year.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the organisation and its work is welcome to take part in the events or contact the Executive Board directly. Together we can overcome borders, overcome challenges and strengthen friendships – locally and internationally!
