Bebra
King James's School has
now had links with the Bruder-Grimm Schule in Bebra since
1969, with annual exchange visits still a highlight of the
school year.
Since 1974 more than 1000 students have benefited from the
experience of visiting Germany or England respectively and
learning how their counterparts live, work and play.
Arnold Kellett recalled the exchanges in his book, King
James's School Knaresborough 1616-2003:
"..
in May 1974...The German party made the journey to
Knaresborough, hosted by local families and spending
some time with us during the school day. Organised
by Alan Hemsworth, Head of German, this was the first
of the many exchange visits, alternating between trips
to Knaresborough and trips to Bebra, which have been
a mainstay of town-twinning - thanks especially to
the efficiency and enthusiasm of the English teacher,
Herr Jochen Haase. In 1971 German had been taught only
from the fourth year upwards, but now it was expanding
to become an important second language to French, thanks
partly to the Bebra link. This was well supported by
language teachers such as Mrs Pauline Sibson, and most
remarkably by Linda Baxter, who regularly led or accompanied
visits to Bebra and hosted German teachers over more
than 25 years. Like Mr Hemsworth, her contribution
was recognised by the award of a gold medal by Bebra
Town Council." |
February 2004 saw the thirtieth anniversary of the exchange
programme and special celebrations in Bebra.
The highlight of the week was the presentation of a certificate
of honour to Mr Hemsworth, the highest recognition
given by the county of Hessen, for his services to the community
in instigating and being involved with the exchange visits
through the 30 years.
Furthermore Mr Hemsworth and Miss
Baxter received special twinning umbrellas from
Hans-Jurgen Hoffmeister who was representing the Bebra-Knaresborough
Twinning Association. The students were
each given a commemorative mug and welcomed into Bebra's
council chamber.
The celebrations received
press coverage both locally and in Germany and Mr Mitchell reported
about the event in KJS's magazine, The Chaloner 2004
..
"As
has always been the case, an army of fresh-faced
and enthusiastic students, and four shall, we say,
less fresh-faced staff, ventured out to the far-flung
depths of the former German frontiersland in anticipation
of an extravaganza of history, culture and a 'right
good time'.
As
a group, we were treated to the delights of German
hospitality, fine and copious cuisine and visits
jam-packed with cultural and historical interest.
I believe the younger members of the party were invited
to the odd party, as well.
Day
trips to Weimar, home to giants of German literature
such as Goethe and Schiller, and Eisnach, renowned
for its castle (the Wartburg) and some funny-looking
two-stroke engine cars, now unfortunately nigh-on
defunct, whetted the appetite, with a half-day visit
to the solemn memorial at Buchenwald, a Nazi labour
camp high on a bitterly-cold hillside and scene some
sixty years ago to the might of wartime brutality,
adding to the educational dimension of the trip.
The
visit this year was made all the more moving in a
special ceremony held at the Town Hall during which
Mr Alan Hemsworth, the father of the exchange, was
rewarded for his continued hard work over a period
of 30 years, in the form of the freedom of the State
of Hessen, an honour rarely bestowed upon foreigners,
and one of the highest forms of recognition in Germany.
Congratulations to Alan for all his endeavours past
and present.
A
truly remarkable achievement!
All
in all, a wonderful trip, with many friendships made
and indeed,
renewed. Long may the spirit of Freundschaft continue!" |
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