Wieder zurück aus Brentwood

Wir sind zurück aus Brentwood. Voller unvergesslicher Eindrücke und überwältigt von der Gastfreundschaft. Bei den endlosen Rundflügen über München durften wir auch die Gewitterwolken von oben betrachten. Aber wir sind sicher gelandet und am Mittwochmorgen gegen 3 Uhr zu Hause angekommen.

Auf der Internetseite der News des Landratsamtes kann man bereits eine Zusammenfassung unseres Aufenthaltes in Brentwood lesen.

https://www.landratsamt-roth.de/news/brentwood-2024

An English version of the "Landratsamt Report" for our Brentwood friends:

Five days in Brentwood

Visiting the twin town
Status: 17/08/2024

At first glance, it was ‘just’ a world-famous excursion destination, but for the visitors from the district of Roth it was a great gesture of English hospitality: without Franconia, Blenheim Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Oxford, would probably not exist.

However, the trip to the partner district of Brentwood was about much more than sightseeing and joint excursions. Once again, the friendship between the administrative units and, above all, the people took centre stage. And how! There was a big hello right from the welcome and even those who were taking part for the first time were carried away.

The youngest among them, 17-year-old Alina, is currently undergoing training at the district administration office. She reports on her wonderful experiences with the group: ‘I was able to learn many new things and also learn a lot about the culture.’ Ursula Böhm can only agree with this. She is the district's Brentwood representative and speaks of a spirit of optimism. ‘The people are all super motivated,’ she says of the protagonists on the English and German sides. A good sign, as the younger generations (also) need to be enthused about the partnership.

Just how deeply rooted this is was demonstrated by the fact that older Brentwoode residents, who can no longer be host parents, did not miss the opportunity to take part in excursions or get-togethers. ‘The bond was palpable in many moments,’ emphasises Ursula Böhm. Her personal highlight: the guests were allowed to try out beekeeping - including making beeswax candles. This culminated in a picnic. ‘That was just lovely,’ she says.

Back to the castle, where none other than Winston Churchill was born. Tony Sleep from the English twinning committee had chosen it deliberately, as it links German and British history. ‘It's great that he picked something that connects our countries,’ says Ursula Böhm. While Bavaria had sided with the French in the war against the English, the Franconian and Swabian imperial districts joined the British, who were later victorious, in the early years of the 18th century. The decisive battle took place on Bavarian soil.

Other joint excursion destinations were Cambridge and a brewery. Many used the free day in and with the host families for a trip to London or simply to spend time together - the added bonus to great experiences anyway.

Among the Brentwood drivers led by organiser and Friendship Circle Chairwoman Anne Klier were Deputy District Administrator Ursula Klobe and District Councillor Christoph Raithel. Gareth Barrett, last year's mayor of Brentwood (the honorary position changes every year), had organised a visit to Brentwood Town Hall for them and Ursula Böhm. This gave the trio an insight into the work and structure. Surprising realisation: the Borough (district) of Brentwood (like all others) has a representative of the royal family.

The five ‘very varied’ days also came to a historic end: the final evening with speeches took place in the listed building ‘Ingatestone Hall’. And it was ‘typically English’ with fish & chips and a jazz band.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Vielen Dank an alle Helfer, die diesen wunderbaren Aufenthalt in Brentwood organisiert und ermöglicht haben.