Hebden Bridge - Warstein Bridge named over the river Möhne

On the 8^th October 2011, myself, David Parry – President of the International Group, were invited to attend the formal naming ceremony of a Bridge naming over the river Möhne in the area of Allagen in Warstein, Germany.

During my visit in June to Warstein we were approached by the Warstein Mayor Manfred Gödde that Warstein Council intended to propose a motion to name a local bridge in Warstein ‚Hebden Bridge‘ This was in recognition of the excellent relationships and strong links between the two towns said Herr Gödde.

To be honest I was totally overwhelmed, the feeling of honour in being involved in this important historical  landmark between our two towns was fantastic. I felt extremely proud that I played a direct part of a piece of history between the two towns. This feeling was also shared by others who attended from Hebden Royd.

The ceremony began with music from the Warstein Brass Band followed by a welcome speech by Herr Manfred Gödde. As a fluent German speaker, my speech was completely in german and very well received by our hosts, who consisted of Warstein Council, local residents and the local German press and of course some Cllrs and residents from Hebden Royd who had made their own way to Warstein for the celebrations.

During my speech I spoke of the history of the bridge and also expressed how proud and honoured that not only the English attendees to the event were, but also the residents of Hebden Royd at having a bridge permanently named after them.

The ceremony itself involved the Mayor of Warstein drinking Cragg Vale Beer from a special commemorative glass and myself drinking Warstein beer. We then together poured the beer onto the stone on the bridge marking the words Hebden Bridge to symbolise the naming and unity between the two towns, through the bridge connection. I also talked about the similarity of the designs of the bridges in Warstein and Hebden Royd in particular the stone pillars.

Before moving to Hebden Royd, 22 years ago I studied at University in Germany. I also lived in Germany in various areas for around 4 years. During this time I developed a love of German beer, my favorite German beer was ironically Warsteiner Pils. How proud I feel today that not only did I represent my area in this truly beautiful part of Germany, but also symbolised history with the two beers I love, Cragg Vale Brewery and Warsteiner Pils.

The naming ceremony

Two great beers: Warsteiner Pils and our own Cragg Vale Bitter

Procession over the bridge

Later in the day I took a scenic tour of the truly beautiful area around Warstein. The 'Hebden Bridge' is upstream from the famous Möhne Dam and the entire area is absolutely stunning.

With my host Bernt on the famous Möhne Dam

Mohne Dam

Scott

Hebden Royd Civic Service

25th September 2011

Amy and myself were absolutely delighted and extremely proud that attending our civic service were around 150 visitors from as far as Australia, California USA worldwide and UK as far north as Orkney and far south as Peterborough. we were also delighted and proud that the Mayors and consorts from Nine neighbouring councils of Normanton, Keighley, Saddleworth, Ripponden, Todmorden, Mossley, Wadworth, Blackshaw head and Erringden. Our very own Mayor of Calderdale Nader Fekri and consort Helen Silvester also attended. It was truly a very special day for us all in Hebden Royd.

Sincere special thanks also to Major Stan Hardy West Yorkshire Lieutenant. This was complimented by my father who attended as Lord Lieutenant of the Orkney islands and also James and Juliet Barker.

Major Stan Hardy West Yorkshire Lieutenant

and my father , Lord Lieutenant of Orkney, with Emily

Proud Mayors supporting Hebden Royd -

Mayor of Calderdale Cllr Nader Fekri and myself

We had representation from the Cragg Vale Community Association, Scout groups, local schools, local church leaders, Calder Valley Mountain Rescue, Calderdale Community Police  and of course our local business leaders, A fabulous broad spectrum from across our fantastic area in Hebden Royd.

The service was split into two parts inside the church and outside, inside we sang some fantastic hymns such as; Lord the Great Redeemer and I did a speech and reminded everyone  we play a part in the big picture of our community – there was symbolic ceremony whereby each person received a piece of this fantastic building of St John's church  to keep, in the form of a piece a jigsaw picture of st John's.

The second part of the service was outside, together with the glorious music from Hebden Bridge Brass Band, We sang the national anthem around the flag and our closing hymn was of course Jerusalem (to play Royal wedding version - click here). It was truly fantastic, the weather, surrounds and all those attending made the day one we will never forget for the rest of our lives.

Singing National Anthem and Jerusalem around the flagpole

Picture by Kind Permission of Paul Jones

Hebden Bridge Brass Band

Made the whole event something special

Group Photo of 10 Parishes and West Yorkshire and Orkney Lieutenants

photo kind permission Paul Jones

We would like to raise special thanks to Hebden Bridge Brass Band, Hebden Bridge Rotary Club, Little Valley Brewery and of course the PCC of St John the Wilderness in Cragg Vale.

Finally also special thanks to Lesley and Eric Alstom for the kind use of the fabulous watercolour. This image was used for the Community jigsaw,

St John's Cragg Vale, Painted by Leslie Alstom 2011

Scott and Amy

25th September 2011