Guernsey Newsletter, March 2014
Dear Friends,
It is the time of year again, where I put pen to paper and report on the GFBA activities over the past 12 months.
As usual, I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to come to our AGM on Wednesday, 23rd April 2014 at 12.00 noon at the Peninsula Hotel.
German Language Course
As every year, there will be a week’s German Language Course from 12th to 19th July 2014 for young people. It is advertised from 18 upwards, but younger students are also welcome as long as they have their parents permission. The course and accommodation with host families is free, so the only expense is the cost of travel and pocket money. Please get in touch with me if you know of someone who might be interested. Or e-mail directly to Sabine Engelhardt S. [email protected]
Details of the course are also found on our website www.guernseybiberach.com
Choir Visit from Biberach
More than 40 choir members of the Protestant Kantorei from Biberach visited the Island from 8th to 13th May 2013 to perform at St James together with the local Choral and Orchestral Society. I quote from a newspaper article that reported on the visit in the Biberach local press: “The combined performance of the Verdi Requiem was the highlight of a busy trip. Both choirs numbering over 120 singers, soloists and a big orchestra were brought together as one. The group shared in an unforgettable experience for all participants and for the audience.” During their stay in the Island they also took part in our Liberation Day celebrations, had a Vin d’Honneur with the Bailiff, joined in the Liberation Day dinner organised by the Channel Island Occupation Society, visited Herm and generally explored around the Island.
Visit of Choral Society to Biberach
From 10th to 17th July 2013 41 members of the Choral Society visited Biberach. They joined in the celebrations there for Schȕtzenfest Week and took part in two concerts at St Martins Church, again joining up with the Protestant Kantorei that they had sung with in St James for Liberation Day. During their stay they also visited the former Camp Lindele, had an official reception with the Burgermeister and were able to take part in several excursions into the surrounding area. Since that visit a lot more local people seem to be aware of our special links with Biberach.
Planned visit of Bailiff to Biberach
At the moment I don’t have any details of this planned visit, but as Biberach now has a new Mayor, Norbert Zeidler, and our Bailiff Richard Collas has not yet been to Biberach, it is hoped they can meet before the 70th anniversary of the Liberation in May 2015.
Elizabeth College Summer Orchestra Course
Every year students from Biberach are invited to take part in this Orchestra Course and this coming summer already 3 students have booked in and two more are thinking about taking part.
Visit from Biberach for Liberation Day 2015
Another visit from Biberach is being planned for Liberation Day 2015, which will be the 70th anniversary of the Liberation. Many people from Biberach would like to stay in host families when they visit and we are always desperately short of hosts. So please get in touch with me if you are prepared to offer accommodation for visitors from Biberach.
Guernsey Week in Biberach October 2015
At the moment we are starting to prepare for the Guernsey Week which will take place in Biberach during the October Half Term Holiday at the end of October 2015 (24th October to 1st Nov 2015). A similar event took place in October 2009 where many people from Guernsey took part in a varied programme. If you know of any group such as choirs, musicians etc. who would like to travel to Biberach please get in touch.
Our AGM will be followed by the Guernsey Deportees Association annual St George’s Day luncheon at 12.30 for 13.00. Please telephone Tom Remfrey on Tel. 254185 if you would like to come.
I am looking forward to seeing you on 23rd April at the AGM or the luncheon.
With best wishes,
Irene Harvey
Secretary, GFBA
