Minutes from previous meetings of the Odenwald Association are published below. If you have any queries, please contact the Association.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association held on 12th November, 2019 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Gray Allan (Chair), Walter Simms (Vice-Chair), Anne Simms (Secretary), Charlie Tibbles (Treasurer), Andy and Myra Christie, Terry Hunter, Rod Aird, Isabella Allan, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hanlon, Edgar Liddle (West Lothian Twinning ), Linda Conway and Neil McDonald (Linlithgow Twinning Association), Alex Burt, Renate Wolf
Apologies: Emma Gillanders. Jean Tait, Neil Clark, Kathryn Grainger, Christine Webster, Mark Allison, Fiona Aird, Lynda Kenna, Greg McCarra, Roz McCulloch, George Williams
1. Welcome
Gray welcomed everyone to the meeting, extending a special welcome to Edgar, Linda and Neil, from two local twinning organisations.
2. Speaker
Alison Strauss, Arts Development Officer (Film and Media), Falkirk Community Trust, and Director of the Hippodrome Silent Film Festival, spoke to the meeting about the relationship with the Goethe Institute which has enabled several German films to be shown at HippFest, and for German musicians to come to Bo’ness to play for many of the films. A more comprehensive account of her talk can be found on the OA website:-
The meeting then paused for refreshments and raffle. The business part of the meeting then commenced and Gray intimated the death of Bob Gallacher, one of our long-standing members, suddenly after a short illness.
3. Minutes of last meeting (8.10.19)
Proposed as a true record by Terry Hunter and seconded by Andy Christie.
4. Matters Arising
Dr. Reuter of the Schottland Vereinigung had asked Gray to find out if Forth Valley College would be interested in a link with thr Berufliches Schulzentrum Odenwaldkreis. Gray has now received an email to say that they would be interested.
Nothing further has been heard from Provost Buchanan about the proposed exhibition of paintings from Castle Rankine Camp. Contact will be made if there is nothing in the next couple of weeks.
5. Secretary’s Report
Anne asked if anyone would be interested in going to the Burns Supper in Beerfelden next February. She also asked if anyone interested in attending the Annual Dinner at the Cladhan in January could write their names on the list on the table. An email will be sent about these two events to anyone not at the meeting.
Dr. Michael Reuter has sent a letter accompanying three lovely Odenwald calendars. He was very touched by the card OA members signed and the gifts Detlef was given to hand over to him and Christa. His illness has been diagnosed as labyrinthitis. He would like to come over to Falkirk in the spring and will be in contact before Christmas to arrange this.
The new German Consul General, Mrs. Quick, has been pencilled in for our March meeting.
6. Treasurer’s Report
The balance sheet for the Schottische Nacht fundraising and trip has not yet been finalised as the final cheque from the Gaelic Choir has only just been received. There is currently a balance of £1,899.43 in OA funds which includes the raffle money and membership fees from this meeting.
7. A.O.B.
There was a short discussion about the amount of a donation to HippFest. £50 was agreed, and that it should go towards supporting one of the German films, with the possibility of the OA being mentioned in the Programme.
8. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting, the Annual Dinner, would be held on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020 at 6.30 for 7 p.m. in the Cladhan Hotel, Falkirk.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on 8th October, 2019 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present:
Gray Allan (Chair), Walter Simms (Vice-Chair), Anne Simms (Secretary), Charlie Tibbles (Treasurer), Andy and Myra Christie, Jean Tait, Kathryn Grainger, Terry Hunter, Mark Allison, Lynda Kenna, Greg McCarra, Rod and Fiona Aird, Isabella Allan, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Detlef Kuhn and Claudia Herth (Schottland Vereinigung), Robyn McKenzie, Natalie Burns and Lorna Duke (Falirk Junior Gaelic Choir), Roz McCulloch and George Williams, (new members) Barry Fraser.
Apologies
Emma Gillanders. Neil Clark, Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hanlon, Christine Webster
1. Welcome
Gray welcomed everyone to the Open Evening, the first meeting of the new session, extending a special welcome to the many new faces, and to Detlef Kuhn, representing both the Schottland Vereinigung and OREG, the Odenwald regional development organisation, and his partner, Claudia. Detlef and Claudia were in Scotland as part of a Wissmuller tour, unfortunately Dr. Michael Reuter who should also have been on the tour, was taken ill beforehand and he and his wife had to cancel.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 12th March, 2019 was approved as a correct record, proposed by Lynda Kenna and seconded by Jean Tait, after one amendment, that the date of the next meeting should have read April instead of March.
3. Matters Arising
Most of the matters arising would be covered in the Secretary’s report. Gray reported briefly on OA participation in Airth Highland Games. OA members manned the gates and were pleased to welcome many foreign visitors, including several from Germany. The Bottle Stall made around £200, down from last year, this being partly due to the atrocious weather. Jean handed over a cheque for £150 on behalf of the Airth Games Committee to thank the OA for manning the gates.
Dr. Reuter has asked if the OA can facilitate a link between the Berufliches Schulzentrum Odenwaldkreis and Forth Valley College. Gray has written to enquire about this.
4. Secretary’s Report
Anne gave a brief overview of everything else that had happened over the summer. Two students, Saskia and Anne, came in June and July for four week’s work experience with the Council, the Trust, and the Libraries. Members took them for days out around the area, and they visited Edinburgh and Glasgow as well. Both girls came along to the Schottische Nacht concert with their families.
The 50th anniversary trip to the Odenwald, with 94 members, performers, families and friends taking part, was a great success, though not without some minor problems. It was generally thought that the link between the two regions had been strengthened by this visit, with the Landrat, Frank Matiaske, being particularly enthusiastic. A more comprehensive report will be available shortly on the OA website. Meanwhile, a slideshow of photos from the trip was being projected onto the wall.
There has been a flurry of emails to the website, as a result of which four OA members met up with two new SLV members, Bernhard Wagner and partner, for dinner in Edinburgh, and contact has been made with the principal teacher of languages at Larbert High School and a German language assistant from the Odenwald. Through this contact, an exchange has been arranged between a Larbert High S5 pupil and a boy from Berlin, at the request of two potential new members who live in Polmont.
At Andy’s suggestion after correspondence with the Falkirk Camera Club, Anne has asked Franziska to contact the Bad König camera club to see if they are still interested in a link between the two clubs.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Charlie reported that the bank balance stands at £4,202.36, before the £150 Airth cheque is added. The payment for the hostel is still to be made, however, which will take the balance down to £1,608.36.
6. Programme for this session
The speaker for November will be Alison Strauss, Film Development Officer for Falkirk Community Trust, who will talk about ‘Hippfest: the German connection’ – there are often German films shown at the Silent Film Festival, with German musicians accompanying other films, and sponsorship from the Goethe Institute.
There will be no meeting in December, then in January, there will be the Annual Dinner at the Cladhan. In February, International Rescue Corps will talk about their work in the disaster zones around the world. There is no speaker booked for March, although a previous speaker, Christine Simm, could do a slideshow of one of her exotic holidays.
April will be the AGM, then in May Provost Billy Buchanan is provisionally booked to talk to the meeting about his work with some drawings done by a German POW at Castle Rankine Camp near Denny, who actually came from Erbach. There is the possibility of taking an exhibition of these drawings (currently at the Smith Art Gallery, Stirling) over to Erbach, maybe in September of next year. This could coincide with the Winzerfest which is usually around 15th September.
For the last two or three years, the May meeting has been a trip somewhere e.g. on the canal, or to the West Brewery. Anne suggested this could now be done in June if people were interested.
7. Gray invited Detlef Kuhn to say a few words to the meeting. Detlef passed on Rüdiger Holschuh’s (Chair, SLV) best wishes and explained that the SLV meet to discuss business, but also hold information evenings on different themes and book readings, as well as organising events like Schottische Nacht and the Burns Supper. Next year’s Burns Supper will be held on 1st February and they (the SLV) would be delighted if any OA members could go across. Should the Provost’s exhibition go ahead, and coincide with the Winzerfest, OA members could be part of the procession. Detlef concluded by saying how much he and Claudia had enjoyed attending the meeting, and the Civic Reception in the morning, and that he was confident that both the Landrat and the Provost would now be amenable to working closely together.
8. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday, November 12th at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk.
Refreshments (which included several bottles of Vinum Autmundis wine kindly donated by Detlef) were then enjoyed while a fund-raising raffle was held which raised over £40.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on 12th March 2019 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present:
Walter Simms (Chair), Gray Allan (Vice-Chair), Charles Tibbles (Treasurer), Anne Simms (Secretary), Andy Christie, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Isabella Allan, Mark Allison, Jean Tait, Emma Gillanders, Fiona Aird, Lynda Kenna, Roz McCulloch (Falkirk Folk Club).
Apologies
Neil Clark, Kathryn Grainger, Laura Jenkins, Terry Hunter, Christine Webster, Myra Christie, Greg McCarra, Rod Aird.
1. Welcome
Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting, and introduced members of the Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir. Mary McCleod, who has been conductor for over 30 years, gave a brief history of the choir since it began in 1961. As well as travelling to Germany for Schottische Nacht, they will be competing again in this year’s Mod in Glasgow and hoping to win more prizes. They sang 3 songs, and the youngest member recited a Scots poem.
A more comprehensive account can be found on the OA website.
The business part of the evening then commenced.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 12th February 2019 was approved as a correct record, proposed by Andy Christie and seconded by Jean Tait.
3. Matters Arising/ Chairman’s Report/ Secretary’s Report
Walter and Anne proceeded to bring everyone up to date with the latest developments in planning the Schottische Nacht trip, the fundraising concert, and the German flute and percussion orchestra’s visit.
Schottische Nacht – travel plans are now almost in place, with lists available of everyone’s ages, and cabin allocations. These will be forwarded to the coach company.
There will be another meeting to finalise arrangements for the concert at Grangemouth Town Hall. Posters (hard copy and email) and tickets will soon be available, and everyone will be asked to promote and publicise this. There was a short discussion about the ticket price of £10 with £5 for concessions. Helpers will be needed and Anne asked people to add their names to the list.
The Schottische Nacht concert will now take place in the courtyard of Schloss Erbach, and there will be no second performance.
There has been an application made to the Odenwald Trust Fund. There is some confusion as to how this will be handled as it is several years since anything has happened with this Fund. Anne read out an email exchange between Cllr. Pat Reid and Colin Moodie, Chief Governance Officer, Falkirk Council, which suggests that the application is ‘sensible’ and could be considered on paper without calling a meeting. In the past, a representative from the OA has been present at meetings, so it was agreed that a further enquiry should be made to determine progress.
While on the subject of funding, Anne reported that the Council Twinning Budget may be halved to £5,500, though no confirmation has been received. Most of this will be already earmarked for visits from Poland and China.
Orchestra visit – this will take place during the Falkirk Tryst Festival, so the concert the OA has organised for them on Friday May 17th will be in the Festival programme. This will be a free concert with donations to the Schottische Nacht trip. Helpers will again be needed, and everyone can help publicise it. The orchestra will spend Friday in Falkirk and Gray and Walter will act as guides. Some of the party would like to attend a whisky tasting and it may be possible to arrange something at the Station Hotel in Larbert which has a good selection and is also close to the hotel they are staying in.
There is also a social evening arranged for them on the Saturday at the Torphichen Inn with soup and stovies. It is proposed that the OA should bear the cost of the Germans food (£5 a head). This may be a musical evening or just food and chat.
There is also chance to promote this event in the Howgate on Saturday April 6th at a Tryst publicity day. Helpers will be needed to man a stall. This has been added to ‘Dates for your Diary’ and Anne made new copies of this available.
The German consul, Herr Voss, has been invited to both concerts but is not sure if he can attend as he retires in June and is busy with a farewell tour and packing to return to Germany. Falkirk Delivers has also been invited but have made no reply. The Provost should be invited as well. Anne will pursue this, and also contact the Press.
Anne asked for people’s thoughts on presents to take over for the SLV board members and the Odenwaldkreis. It was thought that an official present should be given to the Odenwaldkreis by Falkirk Council (assuming they are invited over).
4. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that there is £1,784.59 in the funds.
5. Any Other Business
The next meeting will be the AGM. Anne asked that items to be included on the agenda should be forwarded to her two weeks before the meeting.
May meeting – last time Anne looked, the 2019 timetable for the Maid of the Forth was not yet available. Anne will check again and contact members with details.
Anne’s lists for volunteers included one for taking the German students on work experience round and about in June/July.
6. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting (the AGM) would be held on Tuesday 9th April at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on 12th February 2019 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present:
Walter Simms (Chair), Gray Allan (Vice-Chair), Charles Tibbles (Treasurer), Anne Simms (Secretary), Andy Christie, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Terry Hunter, Isabella Allan, Jean Tait, Cllr. Pat Reid, Kathryn Grainger, and John Tait
Apologies
Emma Gillanders, Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hara, Christine Webster, Mark Allison
1. Welcome
Walter thanked everyone for attending the meeting, and extended a warm welcome to John Tait, who had come along after seeing the notice in the Falkirk Herald.
2. Minute of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 13th November 2018 was approved as a correct record, after a minor change, proposed by Andy Christie and seconded by Gray Allan.
3. Matters Arising/Secretary’s Report
Anne handed out copies of ‘Dates for your Diary’, then ran through some of the events listed thereon. The Joint Quiz has been postponed to either 14th or 21st of March or the end of April (to avoid the Easter holidays). The ‘Little Odenwald A – Z’ has now been received and copies are available to buy, price £6. The May meeting has not yet been finalised as the timetable for the Maid of the Forth has not yet been published on the website, though it should go on in the next week or two. Joe Detlaff has asked if the OA wish to have a stall at the Airth Highland Games again. Members agreed to do this as it is a good fundraiser, and Anne asked people to add their names to a list if they are willing to help. The visit of the two German students is now arranged. Christine Gannon has booked their accommodation and will do the airport transfers. They will be working at Falkirk libraries for one week and at Callendar House for three weeks on the Roman exhibition. Anne asked for volunteers to take them round and about on their days off (another list). There is a possibility that a party of Odenwalders may come over in October as part of a coach trip organised by Wissmuller tours. This is not yet confirmed.
4. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that there is currently £1,721.24 in the bank account with the invoice for ‘Little Odenwald A – Z’ still to be paid.
5. Chairman’s Report
Spielmannszug FF
This 30 piece flute and percussion orchestra and 20 guests will arrive on Wednesday 15th May for a short trip, returning on the 19th May. They will visit Falkirk on Friday the 17th and visit some of the tourist attractions. Gray has offered to be tour guide, with help from Walter. More help would be welcome. Suggested sites are The Kelpies, The Wheel and Callendar House, with a lunch stop somewhere. The Orchestra will have to be at the Trinity Church for 5pm.
The orchestra, as part of their visit, asked the OA to organise a concert and any funds raised would go towards the trip in August. The orchestra are now booked to perform a free concert at Falkirk Trinity Church on Friday 17th at 7pm as part of the Falkirk Tryst Festival which is happening that week. There will be a cafe/bar.
The OA Banner can be displayed together with a donations box and explanatory poster of the trip in August. Two members should be with them to answer enquiries from the audience when they arrive. (Anne had another list for volunteers’ names for this event).
Major promotion will be needed for this and Walter has produced a poster for printing and sending by email. The Tryst Festival will feature it in their programme and publicity. As the OA Scottish Night Fund Raiser is the following week there is an opportunity to promote both where relevant and maybe sell tickets at the Trinity Church as well. Kathryn can share the poster with the Falkirk Tryst Orchestra, and on their Facebook page. The cost of hiring the church is £265.
The orchestra has asked for the loan of some larger instruments as they are flying to Edinburgh. Thanks to Andy Christie’s education connections, contact has been made with someone who can help, and they should soon say what they can offer. There is a hire company that can also supply instruments if necessary.
There will also be a social evening at the Torphichen Inn on the Saturday, their last day. It is suggested that the Inn does a Scotch Broth and Stovies Supper. A stage could be set up for entertainment, essentially an open stage so the orchestra can do turns as well. Cost is £5 per head and it is proposed the OA pay for the visitors.
Fundraising concert – May 25th
It is time to start thinking about this event and publicising it. A meeting will be organised soon with the Jenkin’s Dancers and the Gaelic Choir. As mentioned already, this can be publicised along with the Orchestra concert. A poster and ticket will be required for printing. A ticket price needs to be agreed and there will also be a raffle, with good prizes, so raffle tickets could maybe priced a bit higher (to be discussed). A poster will be produced by Walter.
Stewarding help will be needed with selling raffle tickets, collecting and selling tickets on the night. (Another list from Anne). All members, performers will be asked to spread the word and help to sell tickets. Guests to be considered: Provost, German Consul etc. Gray suggested inviting Town Centre Management and Falkirk Delivers. Anne to send out invitations.
There will be a bar run by an outside company. There is no charge for this, the company make their money on the drinks sold.
Charlie has done an initial programme for Germany and this can be looked at again for Grangemouth. A PA will be needed for sound and set up.
Schottische Nacht trip update
There was not a lot to report. Anne will pursue hotel booking with Franziska. The bus and ferry bookings are now confirmed along with the cost. The OA have paid the £840 deposit for the coaches but no more deposit is required. Final payment is due 14 days before travel: all money will be required beforehand so that the treasurer can be ready to pay this. Cost per head: based on 97 confirmed in the group to date this will be £215.50p. Total cost for travel is £20,900.
Assuming the fundraising is for the performers and teachers, the target would be £11,206 for 52 persons. This has still to be discussed.
It was suggested that the deposit of £840 could be the OA’s contribution to the travel either just for the performers or for the whole party. No decision was taken so this will be discussed at the next Executive Meeting.
Both twinning groups are looking into funding. The SLV have booked accommodation for most of the performers and some guests in the hostel in Erbach. They were asked to consider paying for the performers and also a performance fee for the Glenbervie Folk Duo and The Tonkerers. There was an indication that the Odenwaldkreis may fund part of the travel. This is not confirmed yet. The OA’s contribution would come from the profit from the May 25th concert, and the Provost has also been approached to ask if funds from the Council twinning budget would be available. Anne asked Cllr. Pat Reid to confirm that there will be no twinning budget in the next financial year due to budget cuts. Charlie has, however, identified another possible source of funds: there is an Odenwald Trust Fund which was set up several years ago to facilitate twinning activities with the Odenwald. An approach has been made to the Director of Finance about this, and an application is in the process of being drawn up.
6. It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday 12th March at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk. The guests will be the Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association held on 13th November 2018 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Walter Simms (Chair), Anne Simms (Secretary), Andy Christie, Myra Christie, Neil Durning, Rod Aird, Fiona Aird, Terry Hunter, Gray Allan, Isabella Allan, Neil Clark and Kathryn Grainger.
Apologies: Christine Webster, Charles Tibbles, Laura Jenkins. (received notification after meeting from Jean Tait, Emma Gillanders, Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hanlon, Mark Allison)
1. Welcome
Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting, then introduced the speakers for the evening, OA members Neil Clark and Kathryn Grainger, who gave a very interesting talk about their recent trip to the Falkland Islands where they met some of Neil’s online piping pupils, took part in musical workshops and concerts, and visited some of the memorial sites from the Falklands War. A more comprehensive account of the talk can be found on the Falkirk Twinning website.
Members then enjoyed German style refreshments while Isabella ran the raffle which raised £21 for OA funds, after which the business part of the meeting commenced.
2. Minute of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 10th October 2018 was approved as a correct record, proposed by Gray Allan and seconded by Rod Aird.
3. Matters Arising
Update on Schottische Nacht 2019 – a list of the number of rooms required for the hostel, and who will stay in them, has been forwarded to Franziska. Anne is still waiting to hear from a couple of people here and in Germany before provisionally booking hotel rooms.
Provost Buchanan has not yet responded to the request for a meeting to discuss possible funding. Gray will chase up Cllr. Allyson Black, and Walter will also approach the Provost, either direct or through Ewan McWilliams (Members’ Support). Rod Aird suggested contacting a councillor or two to see if they have funds available.
Programme for next year – the May meeting has still not been finalised. One suggestion is for a trip on the Maid of the Forth but the timetable for 2019 is not yet published.
German students on work experience – Beate has now written to the Provost and is awaiting a reply. This will be mentioned at the same time as the request for funding.
Anne has now heard from Elaine Mitchell about the proposed joint Quiz Night. This will now be sometime in January or February. She (Elaine) will organise this so all the OA has to do is sell some tickets and provide raffle prizes. It will be an opportunity to meet with members of the Falkirk and District Twinning Association, raise awareness of twinning, and hopefully raise some funds too.
4. Secretary’s Report
Andy has received a communication from Detlef Kuhn. The Odenwalders are proposing to come over to Falkirk in October (6th – 12th) 2019 travelling with Charlie Wissmuller’s company, so there would be both SLV members and the general public. They would like to have a Scottish-themed evening as part of their tour and Walter has made enquiries at the Torphichen Inn. A three-course meal with one drink would be £19.50, and OA members would provide the entertainment. That would also be the week of the OA Open Evening.
There will be no meeting in December so the next meeting will be the Annual Dinner at the Hotel Cladhan. Anne handed round a list so that everyone could sign up for this.
5. Treasurer’s Report
On behalf of the Treasurer, Anne reported that there is currently £1,724.64 in the bank account. Some members have not yet paid their subscription. Anne will remind everyone of this. Membership cards were then handed out to the members who had paid.
6. Any Other Business
There was no other business.
7. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting (the Annual Dinner) would be held on Tuesday 8th January at 6.30 for 7.00 p.m. in the Hotel Cladhan, Falkirk.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on 13th February 2018 at 7.00 p.m. in the Tolbooth Tavern, Falkirk
Present: Walter Simms (Chair), Charles Tibbles (Treasurer), Anne Simms (Secretary) Andy Christie, Christine Webster, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Terry Hunter, Gray Allan, Lorraine Russell and Rhona Smith (Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir).
Apologies Jean Tait, Christine Gannon and Joe O’Hanlon, Emma Gillanders, Joe Detlaff, Kathryn Grainger and Neil Clark.
1. Welcome
Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially the two representatives from the Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir, then introduced the evening’s speaker, Christine Bell from Cycling Without Age, who gave a very informative, emotive and uplifting talk about the work of this charitable project. A more detailed account can be found on the Falkirk Twinning website.
Members and guests then enjoyed sandwiches and cakes provided by the Tolbooth Tavern and held a raffle which raised £24 for Association funds.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 14th November 2017 was approved as a correct record, proposed by Andy Christie and seconded by Charles Tibbles.
3. Matters Arising
Anne began by thanking Charlie for organising the room and refreshments at short notice when the usual room was unavailable.
Nothing further has been heard from The Fire Brigade Orchestra about coming over in 2019. Anne will write again after the summer.
The ‘Language Lost and Found’ event held in the Howgate in November was successful in promoting the Association. Contact was made with the Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir who expressed an interest in twinning links with the Odenwald and Créteil, and two representatives were in attendance at the meeting. Anne thanked everyone who volunteered to help with the event.
17 people attended the dinner at the Cladhan in January.
Anne has finally managed to make contact with swimming clubs in Falkirk, and is just waiting for an email address so she can pass on details of the Michelstadt club.
Anne has now heard via Franziska that the tennis club in Michelstadt is interested in establishing a link with Falkirk District Lawn Tennis Association. She has passed their details on to Graeme Laurenson of the FDLTA. Franziska is still waiting to hear from the club in Erbach.
4. Secretary’s Report
There has been an email from our SLV contact Franziska – there are elections this year for the Landtag in Hessen so Rudiger and other members of the Board will be unable to come over to Falkirk this year. They would like to come in 2019 instead. This could be at the same time as the Fire Brigade Orchestra.
The Schottland Vereinigung will be celebrating their 40th anniversary on 8th September this year and they would like to welcome OA members over there to help them celebrate. There is a list for everyone interested to put their names down. This should be organised fairly early to get the best price for plane tickets.
Franziska and her family will be coming over privately in May and would like to meet up if possible – the date would be 19th May. The Fritsches are also coming over for a holiday sometime in July.
The OA is hoping to take part in the Tryst festival again this year, at the very least in the Opening Parade and the Quiz night. That is in May. Anne should know more by the next meeting.
Anne highlighted the amended date in July for the Airth Games. She got the wrong date somehow – it will be Saturday 28th July. The OA will have the usual bottle stall and will be buying a gazebo for this year, and for other events. Christine and Joe won’t be able to do the ticketing this year. Anne is looking for volunteers to take that on.
There is another list for names of people who would like to go the West Brewery in Glasgow in May. This will be the last meeting of the session. For anyone who hasn’t been, they brew their beer according to the German Purity Law of 1516 and serve dishes like Bayrischer Wurstsalat and Schnitzel.
Schottische Nacht 2019 – Anne has asked Franziska to confirm that it’s o.k. for the OA to go ahead with organising the entertainment for this, and to find out the date.
At a previous meeting, the possibility of getting together with other twinning organisations in the area to share ideas, etc., was discussed. The next stage is to decide on a date (possibly summer) and venue and to think about what structure this initial meeting will have. So there will need to be at least one meeting about the meeting. There is another list for anyone interested in helping organising this to put their names down on.
Finally, interest has been shown in the possibility of getting kilts made from the Falkirk Tartan. The cost could be quite high, possibly hundreds of pounds, as the cloth has to be woven specially. Anne wondered about getting more of the Odenwald T-shirts made as there have been several new members since the last lot were made. Anne produced another list for anyone interested in either kilts or T-shirts, or both. A suggestion was made that polo shirts or sweatshirts could be of more use in the Scottish climate.
5. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that there is £2,241.82 in the bank at present, without taking into consideration the raffle takings, and paying for the refreshments.
7. Twinning Website
Myra Christie no longer wishes to continue managing the website and Facebook page. Anne took the opportunity to thank her (via Andy) for all her hard work on setting these up and maintaining them. Fortunately, Charlie has agreed to take over the website and the Facebook page.
Still on the twinning website, there will be a meeting next week with Falkirk District Twinning Association about the future of the joint website.
Myra has put a news item on the website on which might interest people – it’s in the Facebook feed on the right of the Odenwald page – “Big changes have happened in the Odenwald with the fusion of villages to create the new area Stadt Oberzent. See the new Oberzent website and go sightseeing round the new area via the you tube post.” Several villages have got together and created a new town. There are links from the OA website for those who want to know more.
http://www.falkirktwinning.org/odenwald/
8. Any Other Business
Andy suggested that the representatives from the Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir might have some questions about their possible participation in Schottishe Nacht 2019. They had discussed this at their AGM and now need information about how many children they could take, the length of the visit, and the probable cost. When more is known, information will be passed along to them.
9. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday 13th March at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on 14th November 2017 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Walter Simms (Chair), Gray Allan (Vice-Chair), Charles Tibbles (Treasurer), Anne Simms (Secretary), Andy Christie, Christine Webster, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Terry Hunter, Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hanlon, Rod and Fiona Aird, Kathryn Grainger, Neil Durning, Isabella Allan, Renate Wolf, Councillor Pat Reid, Councillor Robert Spears, Gordon Connolly and Liz Liddle (West Lothian Twinning Association).
Apologies Jean Tait, Emma Gillanders, Joe Detlaff, Laura Jenkins, Lynda Kenna, Greg McCara, Laura Jenkins, Neil Clark, Mark Allison.
(The minute is missing from the archive.)
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on 10th October 2017 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Walter Simms (Chair), Gray Allan (Vice-Chair), Charles Tibbles (Treasurer), Anne Simms (Secretary), Andy Christie, Christine Webster, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Terry Hunter, Isabella Allan, and Provost Tom Coleman.
Apologies Jean Tait, Christine Gannon and Joe O’Hanlon, Laura Jenkins, Neil Clark, Kathryn Grainger, Rod and Fiona Aird, Lynda Kenna and Greg McCarra, and Joe Detlaff
1. Welcome
Walter welcomed everyone to the meeting, the first meeting of the new session, and extended a special welcome to Provost Coleman.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
There was one amendment to the Minute of the previous meeting held on 14th March 2017. In the item about the new Schottland Vereinigung Board, Detlef Kuhn is Vice-Chair, not Michael Reuter. The Minute was then approved as a correct record, proposed by Gray Allan and seconded by Charles Tibbles.
3. Matters Arising
Before passing onto matters arising from the previous minute, Andy asked that a note should be made of some significant dates coming up in the near future:-
2018 will be the 40th anniversary of the Schottland Vereinigung, and the 20th anniversary of the Falkirk Council twinning. 2019 will be the 50th aniversary of the twinning between Stirling County Council and Kreis Erbach.
Walter commented that matters arising would be covered in the Secretary’s report.
4. Secretary’s Report
Anne’s report covered all the events that Association members had been involved in over the summer. In May, the meeting took the form of a canal cruise with the Seagull Trust along the Forth and Clyde Canal. The next week was the Falkirk Tryst Festival and members took part in the Opening Parade and the Quiz Night, in which the OA team came 5th. In June, members enjoyed a discounted tour of the Kelpies. At the end of July, members assisted as usual at Airth Highland Games, manning the gates, and also manning the OA Bottle Stall where the amount of £345.20 was raised, despite the poor weather conditions. In August there were two unofficial visits to the Odenwald by members of the OA. Christine Gannon and Joe O’Hanlon went to Bad König and Alsace, while Gray and Isabella Allan, and Beth Henderson attended Schottische Nacht in Erbach. In September, eight OA members went on a semi-official visit, staying in Michelstadt, Beerfelden and Gross-Zimmern. During a packed weekend, visits included the Mathildenhöhe, Darmstadt, and the Kranichstein railway museum. They were invited by the SLV to an evening at the Daumsmühle, Mossautal, and spent an enjoyable day at the Winzerfest in Gross-Umstadt.
Several new possibilities for outings on the OA’s next visit to the Odenwald were identified – the Kochendorf Salt mine, the Grube Messel Pit, and the Bergstrasse, including Schloss Auerbach, the Felsenmeer, and the Staatspark Fürstenlager.
5. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that there was currently £2,197.80 in the bank, and that he had just received a cheque for £20, being the corporate membership for the Jenkins School. Membership fees should be paid soon.
6. Fire Brigade Orchestra
Walter told the meeting that he had now written to the Fire Brigade Orchestra about their proposed visit but had received no reply. It was decided that Anne should email Franziska Löw to see if her husband (who is in the Orchestra) could hurry them along.
7. Twinning Website
Photos and accounts of all the events over the summer have been uploaded to the website by Myra.
8. Any Other Business
(a) Schottische Nacht 2019 While in the Odenwald, committee members took the opportunity to discuss the idea of the OA organising the entertainment for 2019. The SLV were quite keen to implement this.
(b) 2018 is the 40th anniversary of the SLV. If they are planning a celebration, members of the OA should support them by going over.
(c) Schools link – Christine Webster asked whether there was still an active link between Larbert High and Kinneil Primary. Anne will try to find out.
(d) Swimming link – Gray met up with Herr Wissmüller of the swimming club while in the Odenwald. As the Michelstadt baths are now re-opened, they are keen to start the link up again. Walter has written to ask them about this. When a reply is received, Anne will contact clubs in Falkirk to see if they are willing to participate.
(e) On Saturday, November 18th, there will be a Language Lost and Found Event, organised by Lorna McEwan, a teacher at Graeme High. The OA involvement would probably take the form of a display in the Howgate. Volunteers will be required.
(f) Programme for new session – Anne handed out ‘Dates for your Diary’ sheets, pointing out that the German Consul General was booked for the November meeting, and that the February speaker has yet to be confirmed.
(g) The raffle raised £29. Members then enjoyed pumpkin based refreshments, and a slideshow of photos of summer activities. The pumpkin carving competition was judged by Provost Coleman.
9. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday 14th November at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on 14th March 2017 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Andy Christie (Chair), Walter Simms (Vice-Chair), Charles Tibbles (Treasurer), Anne Simms (Secretary), Joe Detlaff, Willie Anderson, Christine Webster, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Terry Hunter, Gray Allan and Isabella Allan.
Apologies Jean Tait, Neil and Dolleen Durning, Emma Gillanders.
1. Welcome
The meeting started a little later than usual as a result of the traffic problems. Andy welcomed the evening’s speaker, Kayleigh Boardman, who many of the members know well. Kayleigh gave a very entertaining illustrated talk about her experiences volunteering with the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust in Malawi. A more comprehensive account of the talk can be found on the Falkirk Twinning website.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 14th February 2017 was approved as a correct record, proposed by Joe Detlaff and seconded by Charles Tibbles.
3. Matters Arising
Andy intimated that matters arising would be coverd in the Secretary’s report.
4. Secretary’s Report
Anne reported that Helen Morrison, volunteer co-ordinator for the Helix, had replied with answers to some of the questions raised by members at the last meeting. She handed out copies of the reply and will also send a copy by email to members. As the OA has had a speaker from the Helix, the group is eligible for a discount on the price of a group tour of the Kelpies. Anne will email members to see how many would be interested in this.
There are still a couple of places left on the Canal Trip in May, and payment (£10) is now due.
Volunteers are required for participation in the Tryst Festival in May and the Airth Highland Games in July. Andy reported that Joe O’Hanlon has kindly offered to organise the bottle stall at Airth.
A decision has still be made about this year’s trip to the Odenwald (August or September). A further email should be sent to members about this.
5. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that there is currently £1,870.66 in the bank account, before the evening’s raffle takings and cheque to the secretary for refreshments were taken into account.
The chairman had asked for suggestions for using the money in the bank and one suggestion had been received, that the money should be used to provide hospitality for visitors from the Odenwald. Andy pointed out that there are several significant anniversaries coming up in the next year.
6. Twinning Website
Anne asked Andy to pass on to Myra her thanks for keeping the website and Facebook page up to date. Andy reported that Myra had discovered a new Facebook page, Kulturamt Michelstadt, and asked whether members thought that we should link up with them. Members agreed that Myra should proceed with that.
7. Any Other Business
(a) Fire Brigade Orchestra Andy intimated that a visit from the FBO now looks likely for 2018. He has written to inform the Provost of this and to remind him that 2018 will be the 20th anniversary of the Falkirk Council and Odewaldkreis twinning. Andy has also met with Alex Fleming of Falkirk Delivers who has responded positively. There will be playing opportunities at the Emergency Services Day and Charities Day, possible funding opportunities, and possible involvement with Scottish Canals, Falkirk Community Trust, Falkirk Council, and Falkirk Fire Brigade. Falkirk Delivers may be able to help arrange accomodation. However, more information is needed as to number of visitors and mode of travel.
(b) Andy has now received confirmation of the new Schottland Vereinigung Board. The new chairman is Rüdiger Holschuh, vice-chair is Detlef Kuhn, treasurer is Rainer Müller, secretary is Hannelore Stuckert, and contact person is Franziska Löw.
(c) Gray reported that Karl-Heinz Loeb sends his regards to all members.
8. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting, the Annual General Meeting, would be held on Tuesday 11th April 2017 at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk.
Minutes of the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Odenwald Association held on Tuesday, 12th April 2016 in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Andy Christie (Chair), Walter Simms(Vice-Chair), Charlie Tibbles (Treasurer), Anne Simms (Secretary), Gray Allan, Isabella Allan, Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hanlon, Christine Webster, Elaine Wilson, Kathryn Grainger, Jean Tait, Emma Gillanders, Provost Pat Reid, Joe Detlaff, Rod Aird, Fiona Aird, Neil Durning, Lynda Kenna, Greg McCara, Terry Hunter
Apologies: Neil Clark, Laura Jenkins, Mark Allison, Myra Christie
Welcome
Andy Christie welcomed everyone to the meeting, commenting on the good turnout, and
announced that the meeting was quorate. He thanked everyone, members and friends of the Association, who had helped to make the 2015 – 2016 session, the Association’s 40th anniversary year, a success.
Minutes of the 39th Annual General Meeting
The minutes of the 39th Annual General Meeting were moved as a correct record by Lynda Kenna and seconded by Elaine Wilson and thereupon approved.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Secretary’s Report
Anne Simms handed out copies of her report and gave a quick resumé of the year’s events, including the three visits to the Odenwald, the 40th Anniversary celebrations, the participation in the Airth Highland Games, the social events, and the new website. She commented that, although we had gained some new members this session, we had lost two long-standing members, Sheila Simpson and Peter Lamont. The report was accepted by the meeting, moved by Gray Allan and seconded by Isabella Allan.
Treasurer’s Report
Charles Tibbles handed out copies of the Income and Expenditure Account for the year 2015 – 2016, and told the meeting that the accounts were currently with the auditor. He noted that significant expenses were incurred in connection with the 40th Anniversary celebrations and the development of the website, but pointed out that the Association now has promotional material and improved web presence to raise the Association’s profile. He informed the meeting that he had applied for grant funding but had been unsuccessful. Provost Pat Reid suggested applying to the Council’s twinning fund in future. Charles Tibbles thanked Neil Durning for his help over the year. The report was moved by Rod Aird, seconded by Fiona Aird, and thereupon approved.
Election of office bearers
Andy Christie informed the meeting that he had been hoping to stand down as Chairman but that, as there were no other candidates for the post, he would agree to take on the role for another year, on condition that it would be his last. The Constitution advises 3 years to be the maximum in post. Elaine Wilson suggested that, if anyone felt they might be able to take on the role next year, they could shadow Andy for this year, and that Andy could delegate more of his duties. Anyone interested in this should speak privately to Andy.
Office bearers
Chair Andy Christie moved by Greg McCarra, seconded by Gray Alan
Vice-Chair Walter Simms moved by Neil Durning, seconded by Joe O’Hanlon
Secretary Anne Simms moved by Joe Detlaff, seconded by Lynda Kenna
Treasurer Charles Tibbles moved by Lynda Kenna, seconded by Joe Detlaff
As there were no other nominations, all were duly elected.
Committee
Christine Gannon and Willie Anderson had previously informed Andy Christie that they wished to step down from the Committee.
Joe Detlaff moved by Gray Allan, seconded by Walter Simms
Gray Allan moved by Andy Christie, seconded by neil Durning
Lynda Kenna moved by Greg McCarra, seconded by Fiona Aird
Mark Allison moved by Anne Simms, seconded by Neil Durning
Emma Gillanders moved by Joe Detlaff, seconded by Elaine Wilson
Kathryn Grainger moved by Walter Simms, seconded by Andy Christie (Kathryn wished to consider before finally committing herself).
Membership Fees
Although this was not discussed at the last Executive Committee meeting, Andy Christie
suggested that the fees should remain the same at £10 or £5 for retired/unwaged for the next session and the meeting agreed. The membership fees are now due and the secretary will send an email to inform members of this.
Programme 2016 – 2017
Andy Christie asked for ideas for speakers for the November, February and March meetings. Members suggested the following:-
A speaker from the Créteil side of the Twinning Association
Kayleigh Boardman to talk about her trip to Africa
An update on the Helix and/or Falkirk tourism in general
Film night
Any Other Business
The Association has the chance to take part in the Tryst Festival in May, walking in the Parade on the Saturday and/or taking part in the Top of the Town Quiz. The secretary will ask if members are interested via email.
Airth Highland Games take place on Saturday 23rd July and volunteers are needed to man the gates, and the OA Bottle Stall which will run if there are enough people. (Final decision to be made at the May meeting). Some members have already come forward, and the secretary will ask for more volunteers via email. There will be visitors from the Schottland Vereinigung that weekend as they will be on a fact-finding mission ahead of their Anniversary Games in 2017.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on Tuesday, 14th February 2017 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Andy Christie (Chair), Walter Simms (Vice-Chair), Anne Simms (Secretary), Charlie Tibbles (Treasurer), Kathryn Grainger, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Gray Allan, Isabella Allan, Emma Gillanders, Joe Detlaff, Jean Tait, Lynda Kenna and Greg McCarra.
Apologies Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hanlon, Elaine Wilson, Pat Reid, Rod and Fiona Aird, Terry Hunter, Mark Allison, Neil Clark, Christine Webster, Neil and Dolleen Durning
1. Welcome and Speaker
Andy welcomed everyone to the meeting and extended a special welcome to the speaker for the evening, Keith Jones, a volunteer with the Helix park, and his wife. Keith gave an interesting and informative illustrated talk about the regeneration of this area of Falkirk. The Helix has been even more successful than its creators could have hoped for, winning awards and attracting visitors from the local area and from all corners of the globe. Gray Allan gave the vote of thanks. (A more comprehensive account can be found on the website).
The members then enjoyed refreshments and took part in the raffle which raised £46.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 11th November 2016 was approved as a correct record, proposed by Gray Allan and seconded by Jean Tait..
3. Matters Arising
Andy stated that most of the matters arising would be covered in the Secretary’s report.
4. Secretary’s Report
There are still gaps in the Association minutes which have to be identified and filled before a complete set can be handed over to Falkirk Council Archives.
Walter has now designed business cards and some were handed out to anyone who thought they might be useful.
There will be several opportunities to take part in the Tryst Festival in May, the parade, the quiz night, and a possible publicity event.
The May meeting will take the form of a canal trip with the Seagull Trust. There is only one place left, unless someone cancels, and Anne will be looking for the payment (£10) at the next two meetings.
The Association will be manning the entry gates again at the Airth Highland Games (22nd July) and also running a Bottle Stall. Volunteers are required and also a supply of bottles.
A decision still has to be made about the visit to the Odenwald, whether to go over for the Schottische Nacht in August, or the Winzerfest in September. Andy is hoping a final decision can be made by the March meeting.
The Secretary will send out an email to all members containing the above information and asking for volunteers, payments, etc
5. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that the bank balance stands at £1,875.77 before the evening’s raffle takings and a £25 donation to the Helix were taken into account. Andy asked members to think about ways in which the funds could be used.
6. Twinning Website
Anne and Myra are still struggling to upload the minutes to the website without losing all the formatting. There is now a report on the website of the visit by the two German students who came over last year.
7. Any Other Business
(a) Schottland Vereinigung Board No official notification has been received, but unofficially Andy has been told that the new chairman is Rüdiger Holschuh, vice-chair is Dr. Michael Reuter, and the treasurer is Rainer Müller.
(b) Andy has heard from the Fire Brigade Orchestra in the Odenwald. They are looking to come over in August 2018. Andy is pursuing inquiries with Falkirk Community Trust, Scottish Waterways, Falkirk Delivers and other interested parties. Nothing concrete (accommodation, hospitality, etc.) can be put in place until more information as to possible numbers is known.
8. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday 14th March at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk, and the speaker will be Kayleigh Boardman.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association
held on Tuesday, 8th November 2016 in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Andy Christie (Chair), Walter Simms (Vice-chair), Anne Simms (Secretary), Emma Gillanders, Jean Tait, Willie Anderson, Sylvia Koenig-Erich, Rod and Fiona Aird, Kathryn Clark, Neil Durning, John Richardson and Joe Witcombe (Antonine Guard), Christine Gannon and Joe O’Hanlon
Apologies: Elaine Mitchell Wilson, Joe Detlaff, Gray and Isabella Allan, Charlie Tibbles (Treasurer), Dolleen Durning, Neil Clark, Christine Webster
Welcome – Andy welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced John Richardson and Joe Witcombe from the Antonine Guard Roman History Society, who now wish to join the Association after attending Hanne Stuckert’s talk at Falkirk Library. Andy then explained that the evening’s speaker, Kayleigh Boardman, was unable to attend but hoped to give her talk at a future meeting.
Minute of last meeting 11/10/16 – this was proposed as a true record by Walter Simms and seconded by Jean Tait.
Matters arising –
Falkirk Tryst Festival – the Association was too late to take part this year (apart from the quiz) but Andy suggested the possibility of joining with the Créteil side of the Twinning Association to have a presence at next year’s Festival.
Airth Highland Games – Andy thanked Joe O’Hanlon for his organisation of the Bottle Stall and expressed the hope that enough volunteers would come forward to make next year’s Games equally successful. Next year’s Games will be on 22nd July.
Programme for this session – Anne handed out ‘Dates for your Diary’ to those people who had not received one, pointing out that the March meeting’s speaker could be Kayleigh Boardman instead of a speaker from the Créteil twinning.
Secretary’s report – Anne asked everyone to add their names to lists for the annual dinner at the Cladhan Hotel, the proposed canal cruise in May, and the August or September choice of visit to the Odenwald. She showed the meeting three copies of ‘Deutsche Schottland-Bilder’, a collection of essays by Germans about Scotland. These were donated by Renate Wolf for members of the Association. Sylvia borrowed one to read.
Treasurer’s report – in the absence of the Treasurer, Anne reported that the bank balance stands at £1,675.39, after paying for Odenwald Association business cards. Andy thanked Walter for designing and organising the printing of these. Membership cards were handed out to everyone who had already joined. Andy announced that he had just received a cheque for £150 from the Airth Highland Games Committee as a donation for the Association’s help with manning the gates.
Twinning website – Anne reported that there has been a slight hitch in uploading the approved minutes from the May meeting to the website. Anne and Myra are working to resolve this problem. The German students who were over here in July have not yet sent in their report. Christine Gannon will write to remind them.
Any other business – there were no new items raised.
Date of next meeting – Tuesday, January 10th 2017 which will be the Annual Dinner at the Cladhan.
Andy then invited John Richardson to tell the meeting a little bit about the Antonine Guard. John founded this in 1996 to interpret the history of Roman occupation of this area, particularly to schools and young people. They have been to Germany several times and are keen to explore the Roman heritage of the Odenwald region. John offered to promote the Odenwald Association via their website.
The meeting concluded with refreshments and a fundraising raffle which raised £30.
Minute of Meeting of Odenwald Association Open Evening held on 11th October 2016 at 7.00 p.m. in Municipal Buildings, Falkirk
Present: Walter Simms (Vice-Chair), Anne Simms (Secretary), Charlie Tibbles (Treasurer), Christine Gannon, Joe O’Hanlon, Jean Tait, Joe Detlaff, Emma Gillanders, Gray Allan, Isabella Allan, Sylvia Koenig-Erich.
Apologies Andy and Myra Christie, Terry Hunter, Neil and Kathryn Clark, Neil and Dolleen Durning, Elaine Wilson, Mark Allison, Laura Jenkins, Christine Webster.
1. Welcome
Walter welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the session, and extended a special welcome to Sylvia, who heard about the Association at Hanne Stuckert’s Limes talk at Falkirk Library.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minute of the previous meeting held on 10th May 2016 was approved as a correct record, proposed by Jean Tait and seconded by Charlie Tibbles
3. Matters Arising
(a) Falkirk Tryst Top of the Town Quiz – the Association fielded a team for this and came fifth overall after a most enjoyable contest.
(b) German students on Work Experience – Christine Gannon reported on the three week visit by two German girls in July. The girls worked at Municipal Buildings, in Falkirk libraries, Callendar House, and the Kelpies. In their free time, Association members took them to the Trossachs, St. Andrews, Airth, and Balloch Games. They were very well looked after at the new B and B. One of the girls will write a report for the website. Anne thanked Christine for her hard work in organising and co-ordinating the visit.
(c) Airth Highland Games – as usual, members took turns manning the gates, and helping on the Association Bottle Stall, which proved to be very popular and raised £408 for OA funds. Joe O’Hanlon was thanked for his hard work preparing the bottles for the stall. It had been hoped that visitors from the Odenwald would be attending but no-one was able to come over.
(d) Programme for this session – speakers are booked for November, February and March. There will be no meeting in December and the annual Dinner will be in January. The AGM will be in April. A canal trip is proposed for the May meeting. Anne handed out copies of ‘Dates for your Diary 2016 – 2017’.
(e) Big Roman Week – Hanne Stuckert came over from the Odenwald to give three talks about The Limes. The visit was organised by Friends of Kinneil and funding was arranged by Provost Pat Reid from the Twinning Fund. Association members entertained her in her free time, attended the talks, and took her to and from the airport. Thanks to everyone who helped with this.
4. Secretary’s Report
Anne reported that the last Executive Committee meeting had discussed the proposal to lodge Association minutes with Falkirk Council Archives but there were found to be some gaps. Gray Allan has some copies of minutes and will check once there is a comprehensive list of missing dates. Andy has heard from the Fire Brigade Orchestra who are interested in establishing a twinning link. They are hoping to come over in August 2018.
5. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that the current bank balance is £1,785.67. The Association currently has eight waged members, eleven unwaged and one corporate member. Anyone who has not paid will be contacted soon.
7. Twinning Website
As the minutes of the last meeting (10th May) have been approved, Anne can now upload them to the website. This will be standard practice from now on.
8. Any Other Business
(a) Canal trip/ visit to Germany – Anne asked members to put their names down if they are interested in the Canal trip in May, and to say whether they would prefer to visit the Odenwald for Schottische Nacht in August or for the Winzerfest in September. The lists will be made available at the November meeting as well.
(b) Raffle and Refreshments – the raffle raised £21. Provost Pat Reid was able to join us for refreshments at the end of the meeting.
9. Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Tuesday, November 8th at 7.00 p.m. in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk.
Falkirk Twinning 