Grampian Police Pipe Band Visit Regensburg, Germany |
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The Grampian Police Pipe Band recently returned from providing a little Scottish heritage to the city of Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany. The Band visited Aberdeen's twin town, between 22 and 25 June 2007, to attend Burgerfest 2007, an annual celebration within the city. It also allowed Band members to renew friendships made with individuals over two previous visits to the area in years gone by. Band Secretary, Inspector Murray Main said, "This was a great trip for the Band and we were made to feel very welcome by our Bavarian friends." Regensburg, which has a population of 150,000 and dates back to the Stone Age, has a Gothic cathedral with magnificent spires that are visible for miles, and several historic structures including a medieval stone bridge still in use. The Band entertained hundreds of people by playing and marching around the centre of the city. |
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Inspector Main continued, "The city is a remarkable combination of the old and the new. We played in front of large crowds who were clearly appreciative of our music. To play under the majestic twin spires of the Dom, St. Peter’s Cathedral, located in the center of the Altstadt was very special." Band members also visited the local radio station and played live on air. Thereafter, some members also visited the Police Headquarters and met the Polizeidirektion (Director of Police), Herr Rudolf Kraus and Head of PR, Herr Michael Rebele. During their meeting the group were able to discuss general policing issues, and identified similarities in the challenges of policing both Regensburg and Aberdeen. Before leaving, the Band were presented a gift from Chief Constable, Mr. Colin McKerracher to Herr Kraus. In return, the Director presented the Band with a local gift to mark their visit.
The visit of the Band generated considerable media interest with several articles in local newspapers and recordings of the Band playing, televised by the local news channel.
Inspector Main said, "We are very grateful to the elected members of Aberdeen City Council and those within the Major's Office of Regensburg who part funded our visit. Without this support, our visit may not have been possible. We look forward to returning there in the future" ENDS
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