'We'll meet again': Message from Bad Gandesheim on National Day of Mourning

Officials from Skegness' twin town of Bad Gandersheim say they are looking forward to the day when 'we'll meet again'.
Deputy Mayor Ingrid Lohmann (left) and Marcus Neumann, Deputy Chief of Gehrenrode Fre Department at the memorial in Bad Gandersheim.Deputy Mayor Ingrid Lohmann (left) and Marcus Neumann, Deputy Chief of Gehrenrode Fre Department at the memorial in Bad Gandersheim.
Deputy Mayor Ingrid Lohmann (left) and Marcus Neumann, Deputy Chief of Gehrenrode Fre Department at the memorial in Bad Gandersheim.

Today (Sunday) was the National Day of Mourning in Germany for victims of both world wars.

In Bad Gardersheim, Deputy Mayor Ingrid Lohmann and the Deputy Chief of Gehrenrode Fire Department Marcus Neumann laid wreaths at the memorial.

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The wreath laying ceremony at the memorial in Berlin was attended for the very first time by a representative from Britain, Prince Charles, accompanied by his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Deputy Mayor of bad Gandersheim Ingrid Lohmann with John Byford, who designed The Box tribute to the fallen.Deputy Mayor of bad Gandersheim Ingrid Lohmann with John Byford, who designed The Box tribute to the fallen.
Deputy Mayor of bad Gandersheim Ingrid Lohmann with John Byford, who designed The Box tribute to the fallen.

The Prince of Wales spoke of the "enduring connections" between the UK and Germany as negotations prepare for post-Brexit trade talks to continue.

He said: "It is my heartfelt belief that the fundamental bond between us will remain strong - we will always be friends, partners and allies."

His sentiments were echoed in Bad Gandersheim.

2020 was to be the year a plaque featuring the names of those from both towns who perished in the First World War because part of a display in the Bad Gandersheim museum, along with the Skegness Standard newspaper article about the project.

Former Skegness Mayor Coun Sid Dennis at The Box in Bad Gandersheim.Former Skegness Mayor Coun Sid Dennis at The Box in Bad Gandersheim.
Former Skegness Mayor Coun Sid Dennis at The Box in Bad Gandersheim.
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However, this and preparations for future projects have had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

But as the UK's Remembrance and Armistice Day ceremonies drawer to a close, Skegness remains very much in the hearts of those who have welcomed visitors from Skegness in the past.

As the German town is in a partial lockdown, it was planned that the ceremony would include just a few officials and relatives of the brave - unlike in 2017 when officials from Skegness travelled there to be part of a special ceremony honouring those from both countries lost in the First World War on the 100th anniversary of .the end of the conflict.

"In our villages the tradition is one wreath is laid down by the representatives of the town," explained Ingrid.

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Skegness has been twinned with the German town of Bad Gandersheim since 1979 and The Box project has helped strengthen our friendship through the language of art, creating opportunities for artists of both towns to showcase their work on an international platform.

The 2017 Box designed by Skegness photographer John Byford was white - the colour of peace making

This was part of a series of Boxes commissioned by Bad Gandersheim, including in 2014, one in yellow celebrating Lincolnshire Yellowbellies, and in 2019, one in blue called 'Catch a Falling Star', depicting that although the UK is leaving Europe, the two town's friendship will go on.

Discussions are already being held for The Box 2022, a project which will again be designed by John Byford promoting the Landes­garten­schau Flower Show - an event the equivalent of Chelsea Flower Show in which Skegness has been invited to exhibit a garden.

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However, trips to the twin town will have to wait until Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Ingrid said they were looking forward to that day. She said: "This one has not been quite as severe because the shops have remained open.

"There are always some who do not adhere to the restrictions but mostly when you speak to most people they say they are making the best of it and that gives us hope.

"All of us connected to Skegness are sending our good wishes.

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"Researches around the world are coming together to find a vaccine.

"We must fight this virus and not let it divide us.

"We look forward to the time - hopefully next year - when we'll meet again to continue our plans."

*For more details on Skegness Town Twinning, visit the Facebook page or call 07742 050065

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