Trisha Cornforth, German news reporter for "Der Kanadier" newspaper as well as for CFN/RFC radio and television, from the end of 1978 to the end of May 1994 The original "Der Kanadier " was the weekly newspaper for the Canadian Forces in Europe. It was published in Lahr in the Black Forest, Germany, from 1 July 1970 until 25 May 1994, i.e. until just before Canadian Forces Base Lahr closed down in mid-August 1994.

Lahr celebrates its international friendships

This year Lahr will mark the 40th anniversary of its town-twinning with Dole, Burgundy, France, and the 30th anniversary of its town-twinning with Belleville, Ontario, Canada, which clearly demonstrates its long-term efforts to foster good relationships between the people of different nations and cultures.

At the moment about a hundred French school students from Dole are spending their Easter holidays in Lahr to experience the German way of life. The official celebrations for the German-French jubilee will take place twice: first on 18-20 May when a large group from Lahr will visit Dole for the Whitsun (Pentecost) weekend and then again on 6-7 July when a Dole delegation will come to Lahr for festivities arranged also in co-operation with neighbouring towns like Erstein in Alsace.

Obviously, the German-Canadian partnership with Belleville, which came about because of the latter's proximity to CFB Trenton, cannot be as close - simply because of the huge distance between the two continents! Unfortunately last year's planned visit from Belleville to Lahr was cancelled because of the 11 September attack. However, a Lahr-Belleville Friendship Flight will take place 10-17 July, centred around Belleville's "Waterfront and Ethnic Festival" on 13-14 July. There won't be so many Lahr visitors to Belleville because Baden-Württemberg school holidays do not begin until the end of July, but I hope to be among the celebrating group! Maybe there will be an opportunity to get together with some of our readers in the Belleville area?

Spring greetings from Lahr

Spring has arrived with all its wonderful colours! February was such a warm month here in the Upper Rhine Valley - with temperatures of up to 24° C - that the trees are already covered in blossom and the spring flowers are in full bloom!

With best wishes for Easter, also on behalf of our other volunteers Gabrielle, Marie-Hélène, Ivan and Klaus (see Contacts).