This year we were joined by delegations from our twin towns in France and Germany. Unfortunately, Deputy Mayor of Neunkirchen-Seelscheid Hans-Jürgen Parpart was unable to attend due to a last minute illness. Sadly, our friends from Czernichów were also unable to come due to having to deal with the after effects of the disastrous Autumn flooding in southwestern Poland.
The weekend began on the Friday evening with the arrivals in good spirits after their long journeys. We welcomed them to a fine evening meal at Val and Brian Pearce’s home and spent the evening reminiscing with old acquaintances and getting to know those we had not met before.
Saturday’s programme included a visit to Worcester College in Oxford, where we had lunch in the hall at the High Table followed by a short guided tour of the College and grounds. Afterwards, our guests went their separate ways with their hosts to explore the town, since some of them had never been to Oxford before. Debbie Pickford provided an excellent home-cooked dinner and a social gathering back in Bicester in the evening.
On Sunday, the official Remembrance Ceremonies took place. Here, everyone gathered in the market square for the parade and wreath-laying. From there, the gathering went on to St. Edburg’s Church, where a service was held. After the service, lunch was served in the Bicester Garrison Officers’ Mess with official dignitaries including Damien Maguire, the Mayor of Bicester, Miranda Markham, deputy lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and Calum Miller, the local MP, as well as our guests from France and Germany, along with their hosts. A total of 75 people were present. Each of the Mayor, the Commander of the Garrison and Yohann Jobard for Essarts-en-Bocage had the opportunity to offer a few words of remembrance and thanks. Hans-Jürgen Parpart’s speech from Neunkirchen-Seelscheid was delivered by Kerstin Schuck on his behalf.
In the evening, guests and hosts were invited to a final social gathering at the home of Sandra Nicholson and Krys Kazmierczak. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to everyone there and our guests began their journey home on Monday morning.
This weekend will remain in our memories for a long time, as it was a weekend full of warmth, hospitality and lively exchanges. We hope to continue the friendship we experienced on this occasion and look forward to seeing our friends from Europe again.