Ottery Twinners’ German trip is hot stuff

OTTERY Twinning Association members were given a warm welcome on a trip to Germany this month when greeted by an unprecedented heat-wave.

Townsfolk who jetted out to Islfeld labelled their trip a scorcher- after braving temperatures that reached up to 36 degrees in the shade.

Thirty twinners this week reflected on a successful trip five-day that saw them enjoy a packed programme of activities and a civic reception.

“When we’ve been to Germany in previous years the weather has been on the cool side. By going in July we thought there was a good chance of it being fine. Little did we know it would turn out to be the hottest month in a decade,” said twinner Keith Spittlehouse.

While boiling weather curtailed some activities, the party were treated to a tour of the town, meals with host families, bread baking and a tipple at the Amelienhof winery- which left a nice taste in the mouths of many.

“The names of the grape varieties may be unfamiliar but the quality of the wine matches that of the best French and new world wines,” said Keith.

He added: “While the weekend was far too short, there was relief among some at boarding the air conditioned coach to join the flight back to cooler England.”

The Twinning Association is planning for a visit from its German friends in September next year. The event will mark the tenth anniversary of the two towns being twinned.