CONTACT CLUB REUNION 2016
Thu, May 5th 2016 at 4:00 pm- Sun, May 8th 2016 - 10:00 am
The annual Contact Club Reunion was hosted by the Rotary Club of Darmstadt Kranichstein in the historic and beautiful town of Celle in Northern Germany.
Rotarians and partners travelled to one of the best preserved, historical towns in Germany to attend the Contact Club Reunion with Rotarians from Poitiers Futuroscope and Darmstadt Kranichstein.
Whilst we were accommodated in the modern "Inter-City" Hotel, the centre of this beautiful town was only five minutes walk away and our first engagement was a Welcome Dinner at the "Ratskeller" a restaurant situated in the cellars beneath the ancient "Rathaus" (Town Hall) - reputed to be the oldest restaurant in Germany.
It being the season, it was no surprise that the menu included Asparagus (Spargel) and this delicious spear dominated the meals thereafter! (A little to the chagrin of our vegetarian member, Loraine, who was "treated" to spargel, morning noon and night!) For those meat-lovers, however, there was wonderful fillet steak!
The first full day was filled with interesting tours. In the morning, groups were taken on a walking tour of Celle so that they could appreciate the huge variety of half-timbered houses from the 16th Century, all magnificently preserved, and learn about the royal heritage of the town (which spawned our own Hanoverian dynasty of Kings). In the afternoon, we were taken on a tranquil boat trip 
on the River Aller to Boye where we were treated to an outstanding lunch at "Kollner's Cottage". (Yep, Spargelcremesuppe!) In a departure from the usual predominance of meat, this menu featured Zanderfilet (Pike-Perch) which was brilliantly cooked and served. After a bucolic lunch, entertained by a loud chorus of randy frogs in the nearby lake, we were whisked away by coach to Wienhousen Monastery which houses a fantastic collection of 15th and 16th Century tapestries.
After a tour of the working monastery, we had a short comfort break at a local hostelry before attending Evensong Service, sung by the members of the community. 
After returning to nearby Celle, groups broke away to dine in various restaurants before meeting up in an historic Weinkeller or Bierstube to renew our fellowship with our hosts.
On the Saturday, we split into groups for a tour of Celle Castle, the Ducal Palace, which dates back to the 13th Century and is the oldest building in Celle. Much later, members of the Hanoverian Royal Family resided in the castle and started the line of Hanoverian Monarchs of England. (George 1 - Victoria)
For the rest of the day we were at leisure in Celle and visited restaurants, shops and the modern art gallery attached to Celle Museum. 
In the evening, the formal Gala Dinner was staged at the Furstenhof Hotel, a Baroque Palce built in 1680, one of the finest dining establishments in Germany. The General Manager, himself a member of the Celle Rotary Club, welcomed us to their meeting venue and we were provided with an outstanding meal, punctuated by speeches from the German Rotary President, Andreas, representatives of French Rotary President Magloire (who was unable to attend) and our own President David. To crown the occasion, President Andreas was presentaed with a PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP by Dierk Ehmke 
After dinner, everyone made tracks for the drinking establishments scattered around the town and continued to cultivate their friendship with fellow Rotarians.
On the Sunday morning, everyone prepared to disperse in various directions; Many of the French travelled to stay with friends in Darmstadt and the English headed for the station, the airport or the autobahn.
All in all, a quite excellent Contact Club Reunion facilitated by the excellent and generous arrangements made by President Andreas and his fellow Rotarians from Darmstadt.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
The Rotary Clubs of Thanet are committed to providing opportunities and support for young people.
moreMick Stokes is our Dining Steward and is charge of arranging our venues and gourmet refreshment.
more
Westgate and Birchington Rotary Club Funds Improvements at Christ Church Community Hall in Westgate
moreThe Foundation Committee seeks to raise awareness of Rotary's own Charity, THE ROTARY FOUNDATION, and organise events to raise funds for the projects undertaken by the Rotary Foundation.
more
Mike O'Toole is our Sergeant-at-Arms
more
Successful RYLA candidates,Elizabeth Irvine and Emily Robertson report on their experiences at the Arethusa Venture Centre
moreThe International Committee is responsible for coordinating the Contact Club arrangements with the Rotary Club of Poitiers Futuroscope and the Rotary Club of Darmstadt Kranichstein. The Committee also seeks to support overseas charities with fundraising
more
A "Sing For Your Life" "MUSIC BOX" has been handed over to East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS). From left: Adrian Bawtree, Tessa Read, Roger Newman MBE, Chris Hedges, Derek Brown & Richard Parkin
moreWe are always delighted to welcome guests to our meetings who may be considering joining the Rotary Family. Please contact our Secretary, Dave Alker to enquire about booking in.
more
President Chris & Hazel Hedges paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Westwood Village, Los Angeles
moreCommunity Service Committee is responsible for organising fund-raising and social events, community service projects and recommending payments to external charities.
moreClub Council normally meets on the last Monday of every month at Church House, Birchington at 7.00 pm.
moreHere is an archive of news and activities over the last 10 years
moreThe Inner Wheel Club of Westgate & Birchington is a close member of our Rotary family. Its members are predominently relations of Rotarians but membership is open to any lady who is sponsored by an exisiting member.
moreIn recent years we have supported a wide range of local, national and international charities
more
The "Strictly Come Rotary" Dance Competition was staged on Saturday 13th April 2013 at The Winter Gardens in aid of "Alfie's Trust"
more
The winners of the Young Photographer Competition were presented with their awards by the Editor of The Isle of Thanet Gazette, Rebecca Smith
moreAn excellent portfolio of entries was received from competitors in the 2014 Young Photographer Competition. Very well done!
more
A Musical Soiree was held in the Chapel at St Augustine's to raise funds for the charity "Sing For Your Life"
more.jpg)
The good news is YOU ARE ON OUR WEBSITE!! Please visit it regularly to find news of our latest efforts to serve our community. MEMBERS - PLEASE CHECK THE HOME PAGE EACH WEEK!!!
more
RIBI President John Minhinick and his wife Sheila attended a Dinner and Presentations for Rotarians in East Kent on Tuesday 4th September 2012
moreMemebers enjoyed a comprehensive wine tasting experience and dined in style.
moreSanta's coming!! He'll be coming to a street near you in December" PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITIES!!
moreThe Joint Rotary Clubs of Thanet together with Kent Music presented the seventh annual Schools Prom at The Winter Gardens, Margate
more
A party of Club Members and their partners travelled to Leipzig for the annual Contact Club Reunion with the Rotary Clubs of Darmstadt-Kranichstein and Poitiers-Futuroscope
more
Chris Hedges's President's Night Dinner Dance was held on Friday 7th June 2013 at St Augustine's, Westgate-on-Sea
more
Members constructed a raised garden area for the students at the Hearing-Impaired Unit with matched funding gained from a District Grant of $1000.
more
Following the successful bid for a District Grant, a Sensory Garden, adjacent to the Hearing Impaired Unit at Hartsdown Academy, was constructed by Rotarians. The "Oasis" was formally opened by Past President Chris Hedges on Friday 27th September
moreThe Club enjoys a number of sporting activities in conjunction with other Rotary Clubs, including Bowls and Golf competitions. The Sports Coordinator is John Hawkins.
moreRotarian Allan Harris is our Club shop manager and arranges for members to purchase Rotary regalia, clothing and jewellery.
more
A large gathering of Rotarians and guests enjoyed the annual Christmas Dinner which was made more special by the induction of Christine Laming and the award of the Moulsdale Trophy to Eddie Doody
more
A party of Rotarians and members of Inner Wheel attended Evensong "Celebrating Rotary" in Rochester Cathedral on Sunday 17th February 2013
more