ECO trip to Bad Homburg, Easter 2007

Exeter Children's Orchestra have just returned from a highly successful trip to Exeter's twin town in Germany, Bad Homburg. ECO's first visit to Bad Homburg was in 1980. Since then ECO have been back there several times, most recently in 1999.

Bad Homburg is situated in the centre of Germany, eight miles north-west of Frankfurt. It is a busy modern city, a bit smaller than Exeter, and there are many fine examples of contemporary architecture which testify to its prosperity and commercial success. However in the 19th century Bad Homburg was renowned for its mineral springs, and the rich and famous from many nations thronged there to enjoy the health-giving waters and squander their money in the casinos.

ECO's 58 musicians and accompanying adults stayed with host families in Bad Homburg, organised by the Kolping Society based in Kirdorf, an attractive suburb of Bad Homburg. In two years' time, ECO will host the Kolping choir on their return trip to Exeter.

During their stay the orchestra was treated to a civic reception and luncheon attended by Oberburgermeisterin Dr Ursula Jungherr. Antonia Maks, Chairperson of ECO, handed over a letter from Exeter's Mayor Norman Shiel to his German counterpart.

We were treated to sightseeing tours of the local area including a visit to a huge Roman fort called the Saalburg, a trip along the Rhine from the beautiful town of Rudesheim to the fairy-tale hilltop castle at Marksburg. The children also visited the local swimming baths.

The orchestra played two concerts during their tour to very enthusiastic German audiences: the first in the church at Ober-Erlenbach and the second a joint concert with the Kolping children's choir in the Burgerhaus in Kirdorf. Our German hosts were surprised to learn that Exeter Children's Orchestra is self-funding and run by a committee of parents. Kind donations from both concerts raised over 1,000 euros.