Herten (Germany) Exchange

Herten-Doncaster Exchange...How did it start?

Doncaster is officially twinned with Herten (pronounced Hair-ten!) in Germany. The Partnership Charter was agreed and signed on 20th February 1989 and throughout the past 20 years a number of cultural, commercial and civic links have been established and maintained.

The Erich Klausener Schüle – Doncaster Youth Jazz Association Partnership

As a result of the above mentioned Civic European agreement between our respective towns, the Erich Klausener Schüle's (EKS) Big Band were invited to Doncaster's 'Festival 800 Celebrations' in June 1994. The Doncaster Youth Jazz Association (DYJA) shared the accommodation and programme responsibilities with the McAuley Catholic High School at the request of the DMBC.

This first tentative collaboration was a success on all fronts. Herr Gottfried Duhme (headteacher and founder of the Erich Klausener Schüle), supported by Thomas Vennes (head of the music department and band director), was extremely enthusiastic to develop musical, cultural and social exchanges between our respective schools. Following two excellent joint concerts, DYJA students and staff were equally keen to continue the relationship (The McAuley Catholic High School withdrew due to their already well-established exchange arrangements with St. Foy-Les-Lyon in France). The Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra visited Herten for the first time in 1995. Many shared exchange experiences have been enjoyed since, at home and abroad.

This year, our respective towns will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the official Doncaster-Herten partnership. A series of events have been organised to mark this milestone year. The DYJA is proud and pleased to be involved in these celebrations.

Our senior Doncaster Jazz Orchestra is scheduled to perform at the official 20th Anniversary Ceremony at Herten's Glashaus Concert Hall on Saturday 16th May. (Our own Dennis Rollins and Badbone & Co will be performing in the same venue the evening before.)

In August of this year, the Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra will travel to Herten for the 16th EKS-DYJA Exchange (Away Leg). Our members will be accommodated by the families of the students and staff of the Erich Klausener Schüle.

As always, I am confident that a great time will be had by all participants. Via email and telephone meetings I am already aware of a well-balanced programme of activities materialising, i.e. joint workshops, concerts, cultural visits and social events.

Frau Luzia Iserloh (current EKS headteacher) leads a team of committed and enthusiastic staff who wholeheartedly support the 'Youth in Action' (Europe) initiative.

Herr Thomas Vennes is still as focused and as keen as he was at the beginning of this adventure. He continuously 'reviews and improves' each exchange by seeking out new activities with which to interest and motivate the young players.

From the inception of the town twinning, Herr Werner Waschk (EKS Administrator / Exchange Coordinator) has been consistently involved in the planning and delivery of the DYJA-EKS exchanges as well as other collaborative events between Herten and Doncaster. He is due to retire at the end of this academic year. Therefore, this is a good opportunity to wish him a long and happy retirement, and to sincerely thank him for his dedication and for all of the opportunities which he has assisted in creating for so many young people in England and Germany.