Newsletter #2 – General meeting 2025

On 25 March 2025 the annual general meeting of the Groß-Umstadt Twinning Committee took place in the historic setting of the Pfälzer Schloss. Over 40 dedicated members came together to look back on the past year, discuss new plans and bring fresh air to the boards of the various sections.

Lived friendship with Saint-Péray

The French section looked back on an eventful year. Reinhold Schmidgall reported on a varied programme that, in addition to traditional events such as the winter hike and ten well-attended regulars’ tables, included numerous encounters with the partner town of Saint-Péray. Particularly worth mentioning were the visit of French exchange students to Groß-Umstadt and the May encounter in the south of France, in which 26 people from Umstadt took part. With great commitment, an internship placement was arranged at the tourist office in Saint-Péray. The year ended with a moving fundraising campaign: four women cycled to France and handed over €2,500 to the Handisport association. Next year is already being planned too – despite funding still outstanding, the programme for the next May encounter is already in place.

Portuguese history and community in focus

Bernardo Rodrigues presented 2024 as a particularly memorable year – several anniversaries were in focus: the 50-year history of the Johannisfest, 60 years of the recruitment agreement with Portugal and the Carnation Revolution of 1974. Creative highlights were the Portuguese wine tasting, the screening of the film “Saudade” and the strong presence at the Johannisfest with typical flair – from the basil pot to the Portuguese singer. Two benefit events raised a considerable sum of donations to support the fire brigade in Santo Tirso after devastating forest fires. The section’s aim remains to strengthen the ties between the two towns on several levels – education, youth, sport and help in times of need.

Italian impulses with culture and community

The Italian section, represented by Ingrid Grubmüller, focused in 2024 on sociability, exchange and culture. Monthly meetings, regulars’ tables enriched with themes – for example on Easter customs or the Tour de France – as well as hikes and participation in festivals shaped the year. The summer festival “La Famiglia” at the Heichelberghof, the Twinning Festival in the Wendelinuspark and the information stand at the farmers’ market showed the strong roots of the Italian partner town Dicomano in Umstadt’s association work. Although no trip to Dicomano was possible in 2024, the connection was nurtured through cultural contributions and joint activities.

Youth as a strong pillar of the partnership

The youth section also played a key role. Managing director Marcel Zurmöhle stressed the energetic support at numerous events such as the Portuguese wine tasting, the volunteers’ party and the Twinning Festival. The young people also organised their own contributions – for example a stand at the Johannisfest and a creative float in the Winzerfest parade. Young people’s enthusiasm for international encounters is to be further encouraged in 2025 – among other things through the planned youth camp “Back to the Camp” in Saint-Péray.

New elections with a fresh team spirit

Another central point of the evening was the elections. All positions in the four country sections and in the youth section were filled anew or re-elected. The composition shows a mix of experienced people and new faces – a sign of continuity and new beginnings at once.

In addition, Hartmut Collatz was posthumously appointed an honorary member – a tribute to his long-standing commitment to the twinning.

Plans for the future: together for Europe

Under “Any other business” numerous future topics were addressed. The International Summer Festival will be organised on 15 June 2025 by Ingrid Grubmüller, the Winzerfest parade will take place under the catchy motto “Europe must not go swimming! But we may.” and new administration software is to make the association’s work more efficient.

The revival of the youth camp in Saint-Péray by the association for organising youth holidays was also met with great approval – a clear signal for the expansion of European friendships.

Conclusion

The 2025 general meeting showed: the work of the Twinning Committee is lively, diverse and full of passion. With a dedicated team and numerous ideas in their luggage, Groß-Umstadt goes into a new year of international encounters strengthened.