As part of Big Roman Week in Falkirk, a festival co-ordinated by The Friends of Kinneil charity, Hanne Stuckert, M.A., Provincial Roman Archeologist and Education officer in Museum Schloss Fechenbach in Germany, was invited by Falkirk Council, to give a series of talks about the Romans in mainland Europe. Hanne, who was raised in the Odenwald, our twining partner area, is well known to many of our members who were privileged to visit Dieburg Museum on a twinning visit in 2015 when Hanne was the Guide and the acquaintances were further cemented when Hanne and many friends from the Odenwald attended the Association's 40th Anniversary celebrations in October.
During a hectic programme, Hanne participated in the Community Conference on The Antonine Wall, gave illustrated talks on 'The Limes, The Roman Frontier in Germany' at Bonnybridge Library and Falkirk Library. Hanne joined in the fun at The Family Event, Big Roman Day at Kinneil House and an Italian night at The Corbie Inn with some of The Friends of Kinneil .
Hanne visited the beautifully refurbished Hippodrome Cinema in Bo'ness to see, 'Roman Holiday' sampled some real Scottish hospitality when Odenwald Association members arranged to take her to see Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross and The Celts exhibition in Edinburgh. Members also had the opportunity to meet Hanne at a meal at The Cladhan Hotel, Falkirk. With a visit to Stirling Folk Club and viewing a French film at the Barony Theatre in Bo'ness, Hanne experienced a great cross section of entertainment and culture.
Hanne was overwhelmed by the hospitality and friendship shown to her by members who also arranged for her transport to and from the airport. Hanne's first contact with Falkirk was through the twinning link and this is the epitome of the essence of twinning. Links are developed through a shared interest and friendships flourish with the continuation and maintenance of these links. This way, the twinning is strengthened and grows.