Twinning Events Coming to a City Near You!

 

If this month’s column is lacking in its usual pizzazz, it is because I am exhausted from all the twinning activity that has been going on here in Backnang! The last weekend in October is our annual Goose Market, a day of shopping and events designed to promote local clubs and institutions while offering retailers the rare opportunity to open their doors on a Sunday.

Chelmsford mayor Janette Potter was among the officials who opened this year’s ceremonies, accompanied by downy ballerinas from the local dance academy. Mrs. Potter and her consort, Gillian Smith, also distributed goose-shaped biscuits to the crowd while getting to know some of the newest members of the rapidly expanding Partnerschaftsverein Backnang-Chelmsford.

The highlight of the weekend, however, was undoubtedly the double concert featuring Backnang’s Städtisches Blasorchester and many members of Chelmsford’s Caprice. The two orchestras, which have been performing together since 1992, took an enthusiastic audience on a journey from the Pines of Rome to the flashing lights of the Moulin Rouge, and the warm atmosphere for the post-show party bore frothy testimony to the ties of friendship and partnership made possible by music.

            Come experience this kind of twinning magic in person next month on December 6^th and 7^th when members of Partnerschaftsverein (including yours truly) journey ourselves from Backnang to Chelmsford. We have a great line up of events prepared for you including a performance of electronic 80s music at the Swan Inn in Hatfield Peverel, a lecture on the history of Backnang for the Civic Society and a booth selling German beers and sundries at the Cathedral Christmas Market. Please stop by and introduce yourself, or contact me directly at backnangforyou@gmail.com for more details. Surely by that time, I’ll have rested up!