Our visit to Pulheim in July 2026 was a great success,

see and read more about below.

After a relatively incident-free journey across France and Belgium we arrived into Germany a little later than hoped but to a warm welcome in Steinstrasse. Our hosts were keen to get their guests home, Roger and Sandra toddled across to their hotel with Stefan whilst Christine and me were taken to a rather swish apartment in central Pulheim by Raphael. An invitation to a grill must always be accepted so I spent a happy hour or so getting acquainted again with Stefan over Wurst and Kartoffel salad.

I also met Oscar, what a charmer!

Whilst we were in Dusseldorf of course our travelling companions, the HMS Collingwood volunteer band, were finding the heat a little challenging for their rehearsals at Geyen. Johnny had to round them up from the local Biergarten once or twice, but later in the day the Fun Connection band of Johannes joined them and their set was finalised for a much anticipated evening. With the local gun club, whose Schustenhallen we were using, providing plenty of Kolsch to wash down the Curry Wurst and Frikadlellen a merry evening was guaranteed

We got to hear a bit more of Johannes secret weapon, his English, after a bit of prompting. In reality the band speaks through its music, here is a little clip from one of their numbers which got the evening off to a swinging start.

After a short interval we had a short lesson about the history of our links to Pulheim from Annette of the Pulheim history society. Much mention was made of the founding of our twinning and rather poignantly Roger Price was prominent, his absence this evening after suffering from the heat of the day being much lamented.

Then our own Collingwood band took the stage and a stirring mixture of marches, film and musical themes, and of course the medley of sea shanties gave the audience a real treat. I think the performance of Johnny Mason in the adagio from Rodrigo’s Concerto de Ananjuez was simply sublime, judge for your self in this clip.

For a finale the two bands join forces and remind us how important music is in our lives before receiving a fully justified standing ovation. A fitting end to our first day in Pulheim and all looks set for a splendid Stadtfest.

Before we even left England it was clear there would be challenges ahead with our group of travellers - getting everyone in the same place for a photo at Dover ferry terminal proved too difficult!

Stefan took to the stage for a rare public address, he was bit worried about how big the audience would be but perhaps more concerned at whether the bands were still in the biergarten.

No cause for concern, the performance gets off to a great start with Johannes leading off with the Muppets theme to set the tone for the evening.

For some reason though it was easier to get everyone into the restaurant on the ferry at the same time - was it that free lunch ticket?

We met our British Consul General, Rosanna Watson, in Romina’s party HQ room for a great discussion on both the history of the region since it’s founding after war in the British sector of temporarily occupied Germany. Out of the ashes of course came the German economic miracle, suitably reflected in this building by the Rhine. It looks like we have a good champion for twinning and cultural exchanges in Rosanna, clearly taking a keen interest in the targets our Andy Kennedy is setting to establish good links with the youth of Pulheim and Fareham.

And a good photo opportunity for our group with the flags of the region and Europe to give hope for the future.

Our first visit on Friday morning was to the regional parliament building for North Rhine and Westfalia in Dusseldorf. A magnificent building to house all those important politicians.

Our host was Romina, a member for Pulheim; a lady with a lot on her plate right now. The building’s design is based on consensus, not a bad idea in politics and harking back to King Arthur’s round table. Even the lift to the top floor is round!
The viewing gallery was most unlike the Westminster Strangers gallery, but then a rounded approach helps to defuse confrontation. Maybe?

Now just to be clear, I have no plans to turn politician, anywhere!

The walls of Landtag are home to many objects of contemporary art, Martin enjoyed the playfulness in the installations.

History in the form of Germanys first post war chancellor is also on display.

A fascinating morning for us all which we followed by a fleeting visit to the Abbey at Brauweiller before getting ready for the evening’s concert by the two bands.