How did Hannover and Bristol become twinned?
The twinning relationship between Hannover and Bristol was one of the first in the post war era and it came from the people of both cities. The winter of 1947 was so bitter in Hannover that many children were unable to go to school because they had no shoes. Hearing this information the people of Bristol collected shoes, and the ‘Goodwill Mission’ (a group of five Bristolians) took them to Hannover.
When did the Hannover exchange start?
The Bristol and Hannover exchange started in 1972 (during Bob Duries presidential year) and aside from a few year’s break during the pandemic year’s, members from the BJC and WJH have been participating in the exchange every year since!
What’s the rod of friendship?
The rod of friendship is a symbol of the friendship between the Bristol Junior Chamber and the WJH. It gets passed back and forth between Bristol and Hannover; we bought it over with us in 2024 and it will return to Bristol in 2025. Before the rod of friendship, there was a cup of friendship (slightly more practical than a rod)!
What’s your favourite memory of the trip?
“So much happened that there wasn’t much opportunity to remember things! But probably being at a stage in the lake festival surrounded by all my new friends and feeling more and more German as each song played!” Jim Davies
“Chatting over food in the market hall – impromptu afternoon avoiding the rain, tasty food, good chat” – Freya Stothard
How did you feel about staying with a host you’ve never met before?
“ I felt very welcomed by my host and their partner – nothing was too much trouble! Felt like staying with friends. ” – Freya Stothard
Did you struggle with the language barrier?
“No, because everyone spoke amazing English! I felt very ignorant for my lack of German. Interesting to learn that English is spoken a lot in some German businesses. When in the market hall, an elderly German couple who had been sitting beside us commented on how nice it was to hear us (a mixed group of German and English speakers) talking in English.” – Freya Stothard
How did the two groups come together?
“Incredibly welcoming. It didn’t feel like groups of strangers mixing – immediately joking, laughing, finding out about each other. Helped by some members having met before, but everyone got along well.” – Freya Stothard
What three words would you use to describe the weekend?
- Ich bin Hannoveraner
- Welcoming, fun, connected
- Wholesome, joyful, energising
Why would you recommend doing the exchange to others?
“The exchange is of great importance, especially in light of Brexit. Building international networks is becoming more and more important in times of increasing globalisation. It is also great fun to get to know new people and to exchange ideas about similarities and differences. For me personally, the annual exchange with our twinned city Bristol is the highlight of all BJC/HJC events.” – Yannick, HJC
The Bristol-Hanover exchange marks a highlight of the year! Due to the international exchange, we are able to learn more about our different cultures and economic systems and discover local festivities. It is an awesome chance to make friends away from home.” – Christoph, HJC
“ It truly is one of life’s few unique experiences – it offers the opportunity to meet people you would never otherwise meet who are so different and yet so similar, to instantly build a connection with them, and to share your city or have them share theirs. In a world that feels more and more divided, this is the most perfect imaginable antidote. Just trust us – you will not be disappointed!” – Jim Davies
“To meet interesting people and to explore a new place and culture in a way that you can’t do by just being on holiday. To make connections and find similarities/differences between our localities and day-to-day realities. It’s fun – history, geography, going out and having fun, food, drink and dancing.” – Freya Stothard
“ I never thought that I would be taking part in an exchange program in my thirties but it is something I would recommend to all BJC members. You build international friendships (the 39’ers still regularly see their counterparts from their exchange years), get to experience different cultures from a local perspective, and have a lot of fun! There isn’t anything quite like it.” – Emma Carter
