In early August, some eighty choristers and partners journeyed to the continent to remember our war veterans and celebrate 25 years of friendship with our twinned choir, Mannerchor 1868 at Witzhausen in Germany. The tour included overnight sightseeing stops at Antwerp, Dusseldorf, Hanover and Bruges.

Our first concert was held at Trills, near Dusseldorf, the venue of the fate of a bomber in 1944. Before the concert a video presentation and unveiling of a memorial to the fallen and escaped airmen with close connections to the city of Bristol was solemnly carried out.

Some 400 people filled the hall to enjoy a joint concert with the local men's choir and gave a standing ovation with rapturous applause.

The second concert was preceded by a visit to the Mayor's Parlour in Hanover with a welcome from the deputy Mayor who related Hanover's close contacts with Bristol directly after the war years. A letter of greetings from the Lord Mayor of Bristol was presented by Town Crier of Bristol, Allen Bills. The audience filled the church and enjoyed the singing of a children's group, a gospel choir and Bristol Male Voice Choir, showing their appreciation with continued applause.

On arrival at Witzenhausen, regular visitors were heartily welcomed by their hosts like long lost relatives, whilst first-time choristers were introduced to new hosts. One of our first acts was to remember the passing away of our members since our last meeting two years ago. This involved the simple ceremony of gathering round a dedicated tree and singing a couple of appropriate tunes after a period prayer and silence.

The evening concert involved three other Witzenhausen choirs - men's, ladies and gospel and with a full programme of twenty-seven tunes, the audience were held enraptured. The lasting applause reflected their enjoyment of the outstanding singing.

Once again, the tour proved to be most successful with ample sightseeing and the renewing and strengthening our relationships with our friends in Germany.

Here's to the next time!

George Greenow