In a significant event last weekend, the Isle of Wight welcomed a delegation of over 30 guests from Coburg, Bavaria, Germany.
This visit was organised by the Isle of Wight German Twinning Association and the main purpose was to celebrate the notable 40th anniversary of the official twinning between the Isle of Wight and Coburg.
Reception at the Museum of Island History
Councillor Claire Critchison, the chair of the Isle of Wight council, and Kate Collins, the Deputy Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, stood out among the hosts at a reception was held in the Museum of Island History located in Newport’s historic Guildhall.
Commemorative display
This museum had put up a special commemorative display for this occasion.
The display showcased the town of Coburg, beautifully situated on the Itz river in the Upper Franconia region of Bavaria.
It also depicted the numerous gifts that have been exchanged between the two communities over the decades of association.
Tea and cake
In a distinctly British style, the group, under the leadership of Maria Krumm, was treated to morning tea.
A selection of cakes was provided, including a particularly British marmalade drizzle cake.
Very special marmalade
After the tea, the group was presented with a special gift of a jar of marmalade, but not just any marmalade. This marmalade was created by a prize-winning maker, who happens to be just 11 years old.
Flora Rider was the star of the day, charming the delegation with her award-winning marmalade.
Brewery visit
But it wasn’t just tea and marmalade. On Saturday a delegation from Coburg also visited Sandown’s microbrewery, Boojum and Snark.
Apprentice Harri Jones-Evans spoke about the brewing process and shared samples of his Kolsch style beer.
Meanwhile Tracy Mikich – co-founder of Boojum&Snark – talked about the Boojum regeneration project as a way to inspire revival in Sandown.
