The Manningtree & District/Frankenberg Partnership Association

 A Surprise Visitor in May 2020

Bernd, the Frankenberg coach driver who had visited Manningtree countless times over many years, chose this year  - of pandemic! to holiday in England - by motorbike! He travelled all the way down to Cornwall, but when it was time to return home he could not resist the temptation to look up some old friends in Manningtree before heading for the ferry in Harwich. He was lucky to find two of his former hosts in. They of course were most surprised to find this leather clad figure with a big motorbike appear outside their homes. But recognition and delight at the reunion swiftly followed the surprise!  
In Manningtree he arrived just in time for afternoon tea in the garden and he was delighted to be presented with a copy of the book of memories. He was proud to be the bearer of the first copy to make its way to Frankenberg - ahead of a much larger consignment later in the year! 
A little later he made his way to  Bradfield where - miraculously - he was in time for dinner in the garden. 
Bernd was delighted with the way his last day turned out, visiting old friends and remembering good times. "If it weren't for the Partnership there is no way I could ever have met so many English people. For me, Manningtree is England and I really feel at home here. Actually, I think this last day of my holiday turned out to be the best!"