Potters Bar Town Twinning Assocaition

Twinned with Viernheim & Franconville

Bar B Q Weekend in Viernheim 30th June - 3 July 2006

On Friday the 30th of June nine of us set off from Potters Bar to go to Viernheim via Stanstead – Baden Baden. The journey was fine helped by an excellent drive to the Airport.

After a very hot drive from the Airport we arrived in Viernheim. What a welcome awaited us, Germany had just won their match in the world cup. As we waited for our hosts outside the Bergerhaus – the noise of hooters, music, and shouting was amazing.

Off for an evening with our hosts, we were all prepared for our trip to the vineyards the next day. We certainly had our fill of train rides – none less than three to get to the village of MussBach. After eight tastes of the local wine and a hot dog we went for a gentle walk through the village passing the vineyards on the way (my was it hot!!!)

We arrived at the Gimmeldingen restaurant for coffee and the local rhubarb crumble cake (by the time we got ours – rhubarb had changed to apple!)

By this time England were playing Portugal in the World Cup. People kept coming and saying nil nil!! Then we heard Rooney was sent off and Beckham injured – our hopes were dashed.

We had supper at the restaurant and then returned to Viernheim via three more trains!

Sunday was spent in Viernheim’s museum to take part in the festival to celebrate 40 years of Franconville and 35 years of Potters Bar twinning with Viernheim. It was lovely to look at lots of pictures of times gone by – happy memories. We met old friends - not the least was Edward Hanff. (Yorkshire Ted) who despite having lots of health problems remembered me and my Eddie!

The weather was gorgeous, the people lovely, and it was just great to be in Viernheim again.

We finally arrived back early evening where I had a great time with Brigitta’s daughter and son Yannick (I am now an adopted ‘Omar Ann’ to Yannick!)

Monday saw us returning home. It was once again a great weekend and many thanks are due to Elaine for the phone calls and hours spent on the Internet

Ann Daniell