The Society
The Barnsley Schwäbisch Gmünd Society was established together with a similar organisation in Schwäbisch Gmünd to foster relationships between the twin towns by promoting exchange visits and links between community groups and individuals with similar interests.
An important part of the societies roles is to raise funds to host each others visits. When members make visits they are accommodated free of charge in homes of German friends or in a hotel and are offered similar hospitality in return when they visit Barnsley. Members pay their own travel expenses but are hosted by the members of their counterpart society with whom they enjoy trips to places of interest, disco's, dinners and receptions and lots of other activities too.
The society is self supporting, raising funds through a nominal annual membership and social events.
The society maintains links with
... The Yorkshire German Network is a new initiative by the Universities of Sheffield, Hull and Leeds to connect and support everyone with an interest in the language and culture of the German-speaking countries. It provides an online community for learners and teachers of German at all levels and links those in the classroom with German interests in the arts and the business community for both individuals and organisations.
Affiliated groups include the The Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Centre and the Barnsley based "Frumptarn Guggen Band".
'Fun' is the code-word of the society, be it laughing at yourself or others trying to make themselves understood (it happens the other way too). You don't have to speak German (most Germans speak English very well) but if you want to learn a few words and try... what better way?
....or dressing up as
'Yorkshire cloggers',
complete with flat cap and scarf,
to lead the 'now traditional' singing of
"On Ilkley Moor Baht 'at"
with our Gmündian friends....
.......or the fun of sight-seeing in and around our twin town with great hosts to guide you, it is all made possible through a friendship and fun experience to last you a lifetime.
1996 saw the Silver Jubilee Commemoration celebrating 25 years of twinning, it is however, vital that young people and families with young children ensure the future of the society and plans for the 50th anniversary celebrations of twinning in 2021. We would like to hear from anyone who wishes to join the society or who feels they can help increase the friendship between the two towns.
It is hoped that browsing this web site will encourage you to get involved, get in touch, sample an event or two and become a member of the Barnsley Schwäbisch Gmünd Society.
