The theme for this year’s visit to Betzdorf was beer, from drinking it, to see it being made when members of the Ross-on-Wye - Betzdorf Twinning Association made another memorable visit to their twin town, in the Westerwald Region of Germany during the weekend of May 12th to 17th.

The first beer of the weekend was consumed during a planned stopover in Belgium. After dinner, the party took the tram into Ghent, found a bar and more beer was sampled in a very convivial atmosphere.

The journey to Betzdorf continued the following morning with a stop in the pretty town of Leuven, famous for being the place where Stella Artois beer is brewed. Leuven boasts ‘the longest bar in the world’. The Oude Markt is full with over 40 cafés and bars all selling – beer. One café offers a choice of 2000 different beers and provides a large catalogue on each table to help make the choice.

The Burgermeister and Town Council of Betzdorf welcomed the Ross visitors at the Civic Reception in the Rathaus (Town Hall) on Saturday morning. In a moving speech the Burgermeister, Herr Berndt Brato, welcomed the Ross visitors and said how important Twinning visits like these are in helping to promote and cement understanding and friendship between nations. The Mayor of Ross, Councillor David Ravenscroft, was unable to make the journey and was very ably represented by Councillor Phil Cutter. He read letters from the Mayor and the Leader of Herefordshire Council. He concluded, to considerable applause by saying that no matter what the outcome of the EU Referendum, we would still all be friends.

All the Twinners then visited the nearby town of Hachenburg. This is a pretty town with two interesting churches and some fine old half-timbered buildings and, believe it or not, a brewery. The members of both Associations were taken on a tour of the brewery, during which the beers were sampled in the free glass provided. Then everyone met in the restaurant where a fine example of German potato soup was enjoyed, accompanied by numerous glasses of the various beers made at the brewery; a wonderful combination.

Sunday was a free day then everyone gathered at the Stadthalle (Community Centre) for an evening dinner. The evening began with a recital by a group of five musicians playing Alpen Horns which together produced a lovely mellow, rather melancholy sound; the players would like to come to Ross next year.

The dinner this year was of particular significance as it marked the 35th Anniversary of the signing of the Twinning Charter between the two Associations. Sadly, no founding members of the Ross Association could be present but six founding Betzdorf members were presented to the audience to thunderous applause. The honoured guests included Dr Gerhard Hermann who, for many years, was Chairman of the Btzdorf Association.

The current Chair of the Betzdorf Association, Frau Birgitt Wichmann spoke of the warmth of friendship that exists between members of the two Associations. The Ross Chair, Mrs Maggie Kilcar, welcomed the strengthening of the bonds between the people of the two towns.

Those who wished to, could then dip into the “Dressing up box” and have their photograph taken. Some of the results were truly hilarious.

Monday was another free day to spend with host families and small parties explored the locality, some as far as Cologne, where the fantastic cathedral was admired, as was the beer for which Cologne is famous, Kölsch. Others visited the amazing cold water geyser at Anderlacht and still others went to Koblenz.

After the, now traditional, rendering of “Auld Lang Syne”. the Ross contingent began the long journey home to Ross.

This visit was another extremely successful one and the five members who had not visited Betzdorf before were bowled over by the friendliness, generosity and hospitality of their German hosts and, of course, the beer.

The Ross Association’s review meeting and AGM will be held on Thursday, June 9th at 7pm for 7-30pm at the Conservative Club. Anyone interested in joining in the fun or just finding out more about Twinning will be welcome. Please contact the Secretary, Sam Phillips, on 01989 563874.