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