Kirkton members strengthen twinning partnership in trip to Germany

Kirkton Brass Bathgate has returned from a week in Germany where members were guests of the Fanfaren-Korps Neheim-Hüsten.  A twinning agreement between Kirkton and the Fanfaren-Korps was signed in 1989 and since then, both bands have enjoyed many exchange visits.

The Fanfaren-Korps band is based in Neheim, Arnsberg, in the region of Hochsauerland which has been twinned with West Lothian for over 50 years.

Kirkton members with their musical director Paul McKelvie OBE flew to Germany on Saturday 12 July while their instruments were transported by van and ferry. A warm welcome awaited the group at the airport from several members of the Fanfaren-Korps. 

Staying and rehearsing at the Mohnesee Youth Hostel, the players also took time out to explore the local area, swim in the lake, visit the Mohne Dam, climb the Möhnesee Tower and enjoy the delights of the Fort Fun Theme Park and Warsteiner World.

The band was honoured to perform at three events during the week where appreciative audiences were treated to a wide selection of music from the world of pop, original brass band compositions and traditional Scottish tunes.

Kirkton members took part in the Schützenverein Altenhundem and were also delighted to perform a concert in the beautiful Sauerland Museum in Arnsberg. The week ended with a concert and social evening in the Fanfaren-Korps bandhall with invited friends and family.

Both bands were pleased to welcome the Deputy Mayor of Arnsberg, Peter Blume, as well as Sebastian Schuttler and Dr Michael Schultz from the West Lothian Twinning Association. After the concert, gifts were exchanged and speeches made by Kirkton president Karen Heenan and vice-president Aileen Downs.

Paul McKelvie commented: “The Germany trip was hugely enjoyable and rewarding, both musically and socially.

“The band entered fully into the spirit of the trip, with hard work and focus the order of the day during rehearsals, and laughter and camaraderie liberally sprinkled throughout the trip.”

He added: “The Fanfaren-Korps Neheim-Hüsten were fantastic hosts and the band and I are hugely grateful for their help and friendship. We are now very much looking forward to the Fanfaren-Korps Neheim-Hüsten visiting Scotland next year.”