Youthbridge update Affiliate news BGA Spotlight on Business 98 billion reasons to speak German 60 Second interview IoD’s Simon Walker on UK and Germany Book review Notice of AGM Dates for your Diary Inside this issue Summer 2012 BGA Review The need for a new Special Relationship As Europe braces itself for further economic turmoil in the wake of the Eurozone crisis, it’s worth remembering some of the fundamental truths that underpin the British-German relationship The economic interdependence between Britain and Germany is often overlooked and while we don’t share a currency, we have much more in common than we’re usually given credit for. Britain and Germany do business together. Lots of it in fact. Germany is the UK’s biggest trading partner, importing goods and services worth 50 billion euros. German companies directly employ more than 300,000 people in the UK; in manufacturing, transport, banking and insurance. It’s a fact not lost on Britain’s business leaders. Simon Walker, Director-General of the Institute of Directors, recently told a BGA audience of the need for greater British- German alignment. As the developing economies, including India and China, challenge Europe’s competiveness, Walker believes this is an opportunity to be seized and not a threat. ‘The UK and Germany understand this in a way our other EU partners don’t. We should be obvious allies’, he says. His speech is reproduced in full inside this BGA Review. For our political leaders there is much to do. Both Cameron and Merkel are adamant on the need for deficit reduction and to drive competitiveness. Both are international in their outlook; leading two strong trading nations. There are disagreements, of course. London and Berlin can’t and won’t agree on the merits of a Financial Transaction, or ‘Tobin’ Tax, for example. We also differ on the value of EU regulation. But surely this is the moment to further our shared interests and align our political and economic muscle to deliver the outcomes we both believe in. Given the current crisis it will be all the more important . Prime Minister and Chancellor exchange views at Chequers; their relationship will be important in these turbulent times Getty Images Stephen Watson at the Messe in Köln; where British companies do business with Germany by Stephen Watson BGA Chairman
Transcript
Youthbridge updateAffiliate newsBGA Spotlight on Business
98 billion reasons to speak German60 Second interviewIoD’s Simon Walker on UK and Germany
Book reviewNotice of AGMDates for your Diary
Inside this issue
Summer 2012
BGA Review
The need for a new SpecialRelationshipAs Europe braces itself for further economic turmoil in the wake of the Eurozone crisis, it’s worth remembering some of the fundamental truths that underpin the British-German relationship
The economic interdependence between Britain and Germany is often overlooked and while we don’t share a currency, we have much more in common than we’re usually given credit for. Britain and Germany do business together. Lots of it in fact. Germany is the UK’s biggest trading partner, importing goods and services worth 50 billion euros. German companies directly employ more than 300,000 people in the UK; in manufacturing, transport, banking and insurance.
It’s a fact not lost on Britain’s business leaders. Simon Walker, Director-General of the Institute of Directors, recently told a BGA audience of the need for greater British-German alignment. As the developing
economies, including India and China, challenge Europe’s competiveness, Walker believes this is an opportunity to be seized and not a threat. ‘The UK and Germany understand this in a way our other EU partners don’t. We should be obvious allies’, he says. His speech is reproduced in full inside this BGA Review.
For our political leaders there is much to do. Both Cameron and Merkel are adamant on the need for deficit reduction and to drive competitiveness. Both are international in their outlook; leading two strong trading nations. There are disagreements, of course. London and Berlin can’t and won’t agree on the merits of a Financial Transaction, or ‘Tobin’ Tax, for example. We also differ on the
value of EU regulation. But surely this is the moment to further our shared interests and align our political and economic muscle to deliver the outcomes we both believe in. Given the current crisis it will be all the more important .
Prime Minister and Chancellor exchange views at Chequers; their relationship will be important in these turbulent times
Getty Images
Stephen Watson at the Messe in Köln; where British companies do business with Germany
by Stephen Watson BGA Chairman
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language - particularly if that language is German - can yield great benefits when these students enter the job market. It is essential that these benefits are made clear.
11 years ago the Nuffield Languages Inquiry, under the chairmanship of Sir Trevor MacDonald, concluded that for students in this country “English is not enough” and “Young people from the UK are at a growing disadvantage in the recruitment market”.
“The UK has no automatic monopoly on political or economic success. In a world of alliances and partnerships we need to understand where others are coming from. In a competitive world, we cannot afford to be without strong and complete skills: no skills no jobs.”
Over 100 million Europeans speak German as their native language.
The fact is the typical profile expected from future business leaders fully reflects the demands of the globalised world. British language graduates will be able to find a good job more easily than others. At its least, it is another string to one’s bow in a competitive job market or a tough business environment. Even those who have not studied a language
formally at university will reap the benefit of attempting to speak the lingua franca when overseas.
Of course, these are all things that might be said of any language. It raises the question of why is German is any more important a language to learn than any other?
Over 100 million Europeans speak German as their native language. German is spoken not only in Germany, but also in Austria and in large parts of Switzerland. After English, German is the most spoken language in the European Union.
More than 2,500 German companies are active in the UK, employing almost 400,000 people. In Germany, roughly 1,000 British firms employ 200,000 people.
This is especially important for those who live and work in the UK. Germany is the UK’s second largest export market world-wide and the largest in Europe. Exports to Germany in 2011 totalled €39.4bn, more than double that of the BRIC economies. This in neatly put in perspective by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who point out that “the UK exports more goods and services to the German state of North-Rhine Westphalia alone than it does to China and India together”. UK export success in Germany covers a broad field, including machinery, vehicles, oil, aircraft and chemicals and business services.
Last year, bilateral trade between Britain and Germany alone was £98 billion. That is 98 billion reasons why speaking German is vital to UK business.
Between 2000 and 2011 the number of pupils taking GCSEs in languages halved from around 80% of students to just 40%. To anyone interested in fostering bilateral relations beyond the bounds of the English-speaking world this makes disappointing reading.
But there is some good news: over the past year there has been a renewed focus from politicians and educationalists on foreign languages, and recent reports suggest that 4 in 10 secondary schools in England reported a rise in the numbers of students taking GCSEs in French, Spanish and German.
The BGA’s Youthbridge supports German teaching in English schools
The BGA’s Youthbridge initiative provides support for making German learning in English schools more relevant, interesting and fun, and seeks to foster bilateral communication. In the BGA’s experience, part of the struggle in encouraging young people to take up a foreign language seems to be that it involves a lot of hard work for little reward - at least beyond being able to ask for currywurst from a Berlin street-vendor!. This is far from true, and learning a foreign
98 billion reasons to speak German by Karl Meekings BGA Board member and Young Königswinter Alumnus
Karl MeekingsBanking & Capital Markets Research Manager at Accenture
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‘Never a dull moment in Germany and France’
The BGA joined forces with the Franco-British Society to host a special event in the House of Lords involving a diplomat, a politician, good company and an afternoon cream tea!
Sir Christopher Mallaby, the guest speaker, shared an amusing and frank insight into his time as Ambassador to
What has Germany learned from the Financial Crisis?
We draw a line between the banking crisis of 2008 and the situation we’re now in. There is still a huge debate on how we stabilise the financial markets. When it comes to the banks there are still big questions. What should the minimum reserves be?. How fast should we introduce new rules? We’re still learning.
What does Angela Merkel mean when she
talks about more EU political integration?
We need to integrate further. For now, this is driven by necessity, not conviction. But in time and with success we will achieve ‘ever closer union’.
Where does this leave the UK?
It leaves the UK where it wants to be. Ever closer union, or not? The UK signed up for this originally, but we need to be realistic. There is no basis of popular support for
it in the UK and especially not in the Conservative Party.
How healthy is the UK-German relationship?
It’s very strong. We’re agree on more than 85 percent of the key issues. But over the EU, Germany finds it difficult to understand the UK position. But the UK is hugely important. Along with Germany, the UK forms the backbone of the free trade movement in the EU.
But we disagree on the Financial Transaction Tax, for example?
Germany wants this and wants it worldwide. We have to introduce instruments that de-accelerate the de-stabilising forms of trading. It will prevent a further crash.
What’s your view on the decline of German language teaching in the UK?
It’s a serious problem. The number of pupils doing German has halved in the last 5 years. In the future, Britain will not be competitive without language skills.
Do you feel lucky to be Ambassador in the UK in 2012?
Yes! This is a hugely symbolic year with the Olympics and Jubilee. The Queen is outstandingly popular in Germany. We are a republic, but respecting of The Queen. She’s remarkable!
Paris and to Bonn. He was in Germany during reunification, a period which caused the then British Prime Minsiter, Margaret Thatcher, huge political angst. Sir Christopher’s Ambassadorial skills were certainly required at that time!
His thoughts on French, German and British politics, politicians and attitudes –
comparing the 3 countries as we all try to get to grips with “Europe” and the “ Crisis” were both insightful and at times extremely pithy and with great dry humour.
We hope to organise further events with our partners in the Franco-British Society in the near future.
Entente Cordiale meets Gemütlichkeit
60 Second Interview
Sir Christopher Mallaby, former British Ambassador to Germany and France
To watch the interview in full go to: http://www.britishgermanassociation.org/
German Ambassador, Georg Boomgaarden is quizzed by Stephen Watson, BGA Chariman
With the German Ambassador
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IoD’s Simon Walker calls for UK-German alignment at BGA ‘Business Leaders’ Dinner
in the last two centuries – we have the opportunity to play a major role in the exciting and unimaginable developments that this century holds.
The major developing economies of the world are growing at a remarkable rate. We have only seen a small part of the productiveness and purchasing power that India, China and Brazil will achieve this century. Such large numbers of people, developing such a range of skills and sitting on top of such a wealth of natural resources must revolutionise the global economy.
‘We ought to be obvious allies’As Britain and Germany, though not all EU members recognise, that is an opportunity to be seized, not a threat we can barricade ourselves away from. As both nations know, the way to do that is ensure our economies and well-founded enough to compete on the world stage.
We ought to be obvious allies. And here I
do worry about Britain’s perceived – and real – disengagement from aspects of the EU. But I’ll say candidly tonight, that I see fault on all sides – and I don’t have any ready solutions.
At the IoD, we poll our members closely enough to know that most of them supported David Cameron’s veto at the EU summit in December. I know perfectly well that it wasn’t particularly meaningful in actual impact. I understand the criticism that says he was pandering to populist xenophobia and the ghastliest parts of the British media. But it was a signal. And signals are important in politics.
There is a perception across the British business community that there are EU institutions that are fundamentally opposed to capitalism, that want to homogenise corporate activity across Europe, and that believes central authority – the Commission - has a right to intervene in areas which are the domain of individuals and the businesses they run.
A lot of people in British business believe those battles were fought - and won – in the 80s and 90s. They will not see those victories jeopardised by political leaders who are fundamentally against the free market.
Having said that, much of Britain’s detachment from Europe’s institutions is this country’s own fault. Going to Brussels is not the essential part of a fast-track civil servant’s career in Britain that it is in France or Germany; the number of British employees in the EU institutions is inadequate, and, alarmingly, amongst new recruits the figures are even worse. British politicians have failed to engage actively with Europe and too often they
Simon Walker, Director-General, Institute of Directors
Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors, was guest of honour at the BGA’s annual Corporate Dinner, hosted by Lord Watson in the House of Lords. Below is an edited transcript of his speech.
“It is worth taking a moment to consider why it is so important that Britain and Germany work closely together, and to assess the benefits of doing so.
Looking at our two nations as a partnership, we have many things going for us. We have the good fortune to be home to some of the best and most innovative engineers in the world; British and German business leaders are well known for the commitment to good corporate governance; even taking into account the troubled economic times of recent years, our peoples enjoy levels of income, education and healthcare that are the envy of the vast bulk of humanity.
In short, Britain and Germany are not simply two of the powerhouses that built the modern, industrialised world
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have treated the European Parliament either as a training round or a retirement home.
So what do we do? I wish I had an answer. Of course I’d like to get rid of hysteria in the British press and amongst the public. Just as I’d like to eliminate faith in regulation and homogenisation across the Channel.
‘I’d like to see Britain’s relationship with the EU normalised’ I’d like to see Britain’s relationship with the EU normalised because I believe that Britain and Germany would be natural allies championing openness and competitiveness.
Germany and the UK have both prospered because we have been able to pursue our own different - but equally valid - approaches to running and regulating businesses. As I said earlier, we work well together precisely because we are different people with shared foundations
Fundamentally, neither of us are nations who shy away from a challenge, or a difficult task. If anything, we relish the idea of taking on a big job almost as much for the satisfaction of getting it done as for the benefits that its achievement will bring. We embrace competition as a
healthy thing, so much so that we should be willing to work together to find new ways to compete.
‘neither of us are nations who shy away from a challenge, or a difficult task’ I was intrigued to learn recently that the President-Minister of Lower Saxony is a
man named David McAllister, who is jointly a British and German citizen, with a Scottish father and a German mother. Perhaps he could be said to personally embody the kind of partnership that I have been speaking about and that the British German Association works towards.On a visit to London last year, he made the point that “enterprises can only safeguard their competitiveness in the long term if they are in a position to hold their own internationally”. It is clear to me that by promoting our shared values of enthusiasm for business, dedication to good corporate governance and a confident, enterprising attitude to trading with the world, Britain and Germany can secure that competitiveness – and they can secure it best by seeking it together.“
Simon Walker with Stephen Watson
Simon Walker addresses business leaders in the House of Lords
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Youthbridge in action in London
BGA Spring Music, Wine and Conversation...
Fifteen students studying A Level German at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Darlington visited the German Embassy as part of a “German Day in London”, organised by John Hobley, Vice-Chairman of the British-German Association.
The day started with a presentation by Christin Stein from the Embassy’s Department of Culture and Education. The students then took part in a quiz in German and won T-shirts featuring the logo of ‘Think German’, a campaign started in 2010 by the Embassy to encourage people throughout the UK to touch, feel, eat, smell, breathe, hear, talk and, of course, think German!
After lunch at the Embassy, the group was escorted to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea to enjoy a guided tour of the “Gesamtkunstwerk – New Art from Germany” exhibition. They then went to the City of London where they had a meeting with Joachim Schwarzer, Director of the German Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Mr Schwarzer explained the role of the Bank and described some of the Bank’s current projects. The meeting took place in the Bank’s Board Room, with views over central London, including the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The day finished at a traditional Bavarian Beerhouse near the Tower of London where they were able to soak up the German atmosphere and practise their German while tasting culinary delights including Weisswurst, Wiener Schnitzel and Käsespätzle as well as freshly baked Brez’n and a soft drink unique to Germany – Spezi – a mix of Coke and Fanta.
....was the billing, and that’s just what is was on Friday 11th May, when BGA members and guests filled the historic Christuskirche in Knightsbridge to hear Schoenberg’s surprisingly accessible “Verklärte Nacht” and Richard Strauss’ haunting “Metamorphosen” played superbly by the Martucci Ensemble, a string septet of outstanding young musicians.
German wines (from the Pfalz) served in the church’s Dietrich Bonhoeffer Hall before the concert and during the interval ensured that the conversation flowed. Around 30 of us continued on afterwards to a nearby restaurant for supper, where we were joined by the musicians.
The BGA is indebted to the Evangelische Gemeinde for allowing us to use their church, and above all to Aidan Woodcock whose charitable trust put the septet and the programme together.
Student Matthias Reichel, comments:“The trip was a great success. Everyone enjoyed the day, especially the meal in the Bavarian Beerhouse where we gained an insight into Germany, particularly Bavarian culture and food. I think it was an important opportunity as we learnt a lot about British-German relations and this will encourage further learning and increase motivation.”
Student Emily Bagshaw, adds:“We were so lucky to be invited to London to experience different aspects of the German language and culture. Entering the German Embassy was a great privilege. ‘’Penny Porter, Head of German at Queen Elizabeth College, concludes:
“I have been working with the British-German Association for a number of years and our College has benefited immensely from this relationship. Being selected to be the first ever British college or school to visit the German Embassy was a great honour and we are very grateful to the British German Association for funding the day in London.
The students enjoyed the trip from start to finish and it gave them inspiration and a unique opportunity to gain further insight into German culture and the workings of some very important institutions. I was extremely proud of our students - they were excellent ambassadors for the College.’’
The students with Joachim Schwarzer, Director of the German Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Penny Porter and John Hobley
The Martucci Ensemble play to BGA members and guests at the Christuskirche in Knightsbrindge
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Youthbridge – What we Do!
Very Bristol welcome for Ambassador!
Over the past year the BGA’s Youthbridge Project has continued its work with state schools around the UK. It helps them encourage students to take up German and continue through to A Levels, and in doing so to get acquainted with Germany, with Germans and their culture.
Each year we run the Youthbridge Award Scheme which gives cash prizes and certificates for the best projects. These projects are essays, films, multimedia creations produced by students in participating schools. Project quality last year was superb, and we expect great things from the 25 schools from around the country which are taking part this time round.
Importantly, we also offer a range of help tailored to fit the specific needs of individual Youthbridge schools. We do this in one-on-one discussion with the German Department of the school involved. For instance;-
- With BMW’s help we are arranging for students of Denbigh School in Milton Keynes to tour BMW’s Mini production facilities in Oxford – that really excites the students.
- We provide funding to help Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge get the message across to students in “feeder” schools that it’s really worthwhile coming to Hills Road and taking up German. This is not a one-off, but a medium term
partnership which seems so far to be progressing well.
- With the help of a generous sponsor we have arranged funding to part-subsidise exchange visits between Prince Henry’s High School in Evesham, and its partner school in Dresden. The funding also helps Prince Henry’s expand the programme offered when the German students come to the UK, offering a more rewarding experience to the German visitors and their English hosts.
- As you can see from the article on page 6 The German-in-London Day we arranged last November for Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Darlington was not only instructive but also a major motivational success. We are so grateful to the Cultural and Education Department of the German Embassy for hosting them in the morning, to Saatchi Gallery for arranging the guided tour of the exciting Gesamtkunst exhibition, and particularly also to Joachim Schwarzer, the Director who represents Germany at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the heart of the City. The discussion in the EBRD boardroom (outside which the photo in the article was taken) was another high point of the day. The whole group wound up for supper at the Bavarian Beerhouse – yes, there is a Bavarian Beerhouse right in the heart of the City ! - before going home that evening.
Youthbridge has no paid staff. The fact that we rely on volunteer help ensures that practically all the money entrusted to Youthbridge is used directly to help the YB schools. We want to keep it this way if we can, and at the same time do more than we are doing now. That means we would welcome help from someone prepared to commit a fairly regular amount of time to this on a volunteer basis.
Above all, the BGA is enormously grateful to those companies and people who provide the finance that makes this charitable activity possible. There is a real need for young Brits to know and understand German, Germans, Germany and its culture, and the potential rewards are great. We would welcome more funds. Some donors like to have a direct link to a school and we enjoy discussing with potential sponsors the best school and specific use to which their funding should be channelled.
Contact BGA Executive Secretary Sue Austin, please - now!
The German Ambassador, Georg Boomgaarden and Frau Christiane Boomgaarden were guests of honour at the Bristol Anglo-German Society’s Annual Dinner at the Mansion House Bristol .
In line with tradition, the Ambassador was presented with a Bristol Blue Decanter to commemorate their visit. He was clearly thrilled with the gift, although it was eventually returned to the safety of its presentation box!
BGA board member, Alderman Michael Withers who is a Vice-President of the Society presided over the evening, which was attended by BAGS members and their guests.
by John Hobley, Vice-Chairman of the British-German Association.
Youthbridge
yTM
Ambassador Boomgaarden raises a cheer with his Bristol decanter
Photo by Carol Stagg
Affiliate news
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Clear signal for DB expansion in UK
As part of the BGA’s Spotlight on Business series, Deutsche Bahn briefed members on their expanding operations in the UK.
Grabbing the headlines is the news that DB will be running ICE high speed trains through the Channel Tunnel in a couple of years’ time. This will link London’s St Pancras with Cologne and Frankfurt for the first time and provide a valuable train connection between Britain and Germany.
The briefing, held at the Institute of Directors, was led by Frank Klingenhöfer of DB Arriva, Jörg Schmidt from DB Schenker Rail and Oliver Schmidt, the Director of Sales for Deutsche Bahn. DB is still state owned but has been run effectively as a Plc. It’s been profitable since 2003 and aims is to become the world’s leading passenger and logistics company. Part of that strategy is to grow in the UK.
DB employs an impressive 25,000 people in Britain
DB already employs an impressive 25,000 people in Britain. More than 50% of all UK rail freight is carried by DB. Some 15% of all local buses and 13% of rail passengers
travel courtesy of DB and their franchises, including Arriva and CrossCountry. In London alone they run 20% of above ground public transport. It’s an impressive record and they’re aiming to grow with bids for new franchises including Great Western. Freight also represents an important part of their business here and in 2007, DB Schenker Rail bought the largest UK rail freight company, EWS.
But it’s the prospect of DB trains competing with Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel that has caught people’s imagination. In a few years’ time, passengers will be able to board an ICE in St Pancras before being whisked through the Tunnel, across Belgium and into Germany arriving in Hauptbahnhof Köln just a few hours later. That’s 21st century travel at its best!
Speakers from left to rigth:
Frank Klingenhöfer, Intergroup Relationship Director
Jörg Schmidt, DB Schenker Rail UK, Head of Processes and Planning
Oliver Schmidt, DB Bahn Sales, Director International Sales UK & Ireland
with Stephen Watson
Photo by Julian WalkerThe ICE Train at St Pancras Station
BGA Spotlight on Business
Original logo (our ftp)
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BMW launch Olympic fleet in their Westminster HQ
With the Olympic Games now just weeks away, BGA members joined BMW for the launch of their new sustainable fleet of cars to be used during the London Games. BMW is the Official Automotive Partner to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the cars, sporting special Olympic liveries, will be highly visible across London this summer.
The event was hosted by Chris Brownridge, BMW’s UK Marketing Director, at their Westminster Showroom in central London. Together with Jason Reakes, Head of Government Affairs for BMW, they briefed BGA members on the role BMW will play in support of London 2012. On show were some of the 1700 strong fleet of vehicles to be used, including the iconic Mini.
‘we’re actually achieving a magnificent 116g/km or 64.5mpg!’ Chris Brownridge can’t wait to see the start of the Games. “Whether it’s pulling boats out of the water at Weymouth, providing a mobile camera platform for the marathon, towing a horse ambulance across Greenwich Park or carrying medal winners around the Olympic Park to media interviews, the BMW and MINI fleet will perform an extremely wide range of duties”, he said. “Low emissions are priority and to become the official Automotive Partner, we had to achieve CO2 emissions below 120g/km. I’m delighted that we’re actually achieving a magnificent 116g/km or 64.5mpg!”
Adding glamour to the event was Steve Backley, British Olympian and World Record Holder for the javelin. In an inspirational talk, he shared his own experiences of competing in the Olympic Games and gave members an idea of just what it takes to achieve Olympic success.
Stephen Watson, BGA Chairman, thanked BMW for the generous hospitality and for the privileged insight into one aspect of London 2012. “The only disappointment this evening is that we can’t take one of these amazing cars home with us!” he added.
L to R: Steve Blackley, Olympic Medallist; Chris Brownridge, BMW Marketing Director, Stephen Watson, BGA Chairman and Jason Reakes, BMW Government Affairs, at the BGA / BMW evening.
Launch of the BMW fleet in their Olympic livery
BGA Spotlight on Business
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3 Generations of German ArtistsPeter Spiro, 94 Year Old BGA Member of longstanding and son of the famous German artist Eugen Spiro (born 1874 Breslau, died 1972 New York), returned to Germany recently with this daughter Elizabeth to lead several discussions about his father, his art and his own personal reminiscences of Germany. He unveiled a memorial plaque in his father’s name at the former Spiro home and studio in the Reichsstrasse, Berlin-Westend. In the evening, the Adakademie der Kunste celebrated the establishment of the Eugen Spiro Archive with a talk by Prof Hannesen on Eugen Spiro (‘…… for decades an institute in Berlin…..’)
After Berlin, Peter took part in a combined conference and exhibition of pictures from all 3 Spiro generations (father Eugen, son Peter and daughter Elizabeth), organised by publisher and art collector Thomas B. Schumann at the prestigious Cologne Lew-Kopelew-Forum. Peter Spiro’s renowned book “Nur uns gibt es nicht wieder” was also the subject of much discussion Peter, together with his daughter Elizabeth,
then returned after 75 years to Kloster on the Baltic island of Hiddensee. In the 20’s and 30’s Kloster was a holiday colony of Weimar Republic artists and writers. Eugen , then President of the Berlin Secession, painted the portraits of several culturally prominent people in Hiddensee. At a champagne reception at the Gerhart Hauptmann Haus, Kloster’s leading museum, Peter Spiro was presented with a black and white reproduction of a portrait of Gerhart Hauptmann painted by Eugen in 1932 (the original hangs in the Centre Pompidou in Paris).
It was a most memorable trip for all concerned. At all venues, Peter Spiro was lauded as” a lively and erect 93 year old, talking of his father and the years in Germany in superperfect German”.Peter Spiro was born in Berlin in 1918. He left Germany in 1935. He became an engineer and translator as well as an artist and author. He lives today in London. His daughter Elizabeth is also an acclaimed artist. He is still an active member of the BGA.
by Peter Spiro
Eugen Spiro “View towards the sea from Sethehof terrace” 1932, oil on canvas
Elizabeth Spiro “Sethehof with ‘Firlebalkon’” 2011, oil on canvas
Peter Spiro “View from the Sethehof with Hannah B” 2011, watercolor
Peter Spiro with his mid-morning champagne
OBITUARY Baron Wolf-Ruediger von Pachelbel Gehag (1926-2011)Ruedi Pachelbel, who was the first German student at Oxford after the war, started his diplomatic career as one of the first Press Attaches at the German Embassy in London. He died on 27th October last, aged 85.
From a family of junkers in Pomerania, he became a cavalry officer in the war and was captured by the Russians in Prague. He escaped from imprisonment in the Ukraine by driving the camp bread cart across Byelorussia and Poland back to his home in Pomerania. Having started his studies in law in 1949 at Hamburg university he came to England where he won a scholarship, partly funded by Sir Winston Churchill, to bring him to Oxford, at St Edmund Hall. There he
made many friends and was described as combining within himself the best virtues of the old Germany and the new Europe.
He rose to become President of the Oxford Strasbourg Club, which was composed of those who intended to devote their careers to a United Europe. Shortly after going down he was much involved in organising the visit in 1951 of the German Chancellor, Dr Adenauer, to Oxford.
He joined the German diplomatic service in 1957 after a spell at Harvard, starting as Press Attache in London from 1958-63 (during part of which he was Adenauer’s speech writer), followed by stints in Cairo and Lagos From there he went as Charge
d’Affaires to Rome before returning to Bonn in 1972 as the spokesman of the German Foreign Office. In 1975 when he was 39, his boss, Walter Scheele, became President of the Republic. Ruedi chose to leave Bonn and go to Beirut. Sadly within months civil war forced him to organise the evacuation of German nationals and himself to return to Bonn. He then became Ambassador to Ethiopia, Greece and Denmark before retiring in 1991.
He spent his retirement between a flat in Munich and an XIth Century castle in Tuscany which he restored and was engaged in selling at the time of his death on 27th October 2011. He never married.
Elizabeth II, das Leben der QUEEN by Thomas Kielinger, London representative of Die Welt Elizabeth II, das Leben der QUEEN is a companion volume to the splendid - “Grossbritannien” by Thomas Keilinger which informs Germans about their British neighbours. A book which is so sympathetic and informative that it should be required reading for every German posted to these shores.
This new book on The Queen is cleverly constructed with 7 chapters on particular subjects (Abdication, Philip, Margaret, Die Queen und Deutschland, How Elizabeth II held the Commonwealth together, Charles & Diana, The future of the Monarchy) woven around an in-depth chronological biography.
The very well–informed chapter on the Abdication leaves one unable to understand how the Duke of York and his family (“We four”) can have been surprised by it.
The Chapter on “Philip” is headed by a quote from the nannie, Marion Crawford, (“Crawfie”), commenting on the then Princess’s first encounter with him at Dartmouth on 22 July 1939 “She could not take her eyes off him” – and so it has remained ever since. An impoverished foreign Prince from an essentially German family with sisters married to leading members of the German aristocracy, some with distinctly Nazi leanings, Kielinger brings out the virtual miracle that, so soon after the war, on 10th July 1947, someone with such a background, albeit educated at Gordonstoun, could become engaged to the Heir to the throne of Britain and be accepted by virtually everyone in that country and retain the affection in which he was thus then held for the next two thirds of a century. It is, of course widely recognised that The Queen has close connections with Germany both of ancestry and marriage. This gives her a unique standing in international affairs. In this book one who is perhaps Germany’s most distinguished journalist recounts the impact of her state visits to Germany. He quotes Adenauer in 1955 “I am pleased that Britain should have a certain influence in the future European Defence Community so that we are not left alone with the more or less hysterical French”.
Her visits to Germany were more in number than to any other non-Commonwealth country, and no visit has ever exceeded the 11 days she spent there in 1965. With regard to this visit he quotes the words of
the SPD Parliamentarian Carlo Schmidt “The Germans regarded this as the end of their status as a morally outlawed nation”.
The Chapter on The Commonwealth shows how she personally, by the authority of her presence and her enthusiasm, contributed very materially to the establishment and unity of the Commonwealth which may be her supreme achievement. No other Royal House has ever presided over 54 states (outside the UK) and been Head of State of 16 of them. What she presides over is the old boys club of those who strove to free themselves from Empire but voluntarily joined as free partners having obtained their freedom. This association is not even confined to former members of the British Empire but includes three who were not but who wished to join this unique “club” : Mozambique, Rwanda and Camaroon. Personal relationships are touched upon tactfully – such as her relationship with her first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Princess Margaret.
There is a long chapter on Charles and Diana. There is a slight suggestion that maternal care was constricted by duties of state, and a definite assertion that Diana may have to be thanked for the informal style being displayed so successfully by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The final chapter goes forward from this and is optimistic about the future of the monarchy . Readers will have to hope that her heirs will be able to emulate her ability to accept the role of being the incarnation of her country’s identity whilst remaining a
human being, capable of demonstrating an enthusiastic interest in the personality and activity of everyone presented to her. Kielinger concludes with words from a handbook issued at her wedding in 1947 “She is a sort of popular poem in a prosaic time”.
11
The German Ambassador and Thomas Kielinger OBE
BGA Book Review by John S.Faulder
“Elizabeth II, das Leben der Queen.” In German. ISBN 978-3-406-62368-8
Published by: Verlag C.H.Beck Munich Available at Amazon - Price £15.67
BGA Review Summer 2012
creating understandingand forging links
British-German Association
PatronHRH The Duke of Kent KG
PresidentThe Lord Watson of Richmond CBE
Vice PresidentsMajor-Gen. Patrick Brooking CB MBE DLThe Lord DykesJohn FaulderDr. Juergen Gehrels KBEDr. Fred Hamblin CBE FCISAir Cdr. L.G.P. Martin CBEThe Rt. Hon Lord RadiceE.S. Taylor, OBEChristoph Urban
Chairman Stephen Watson
Vice ChairmenJohn HobleyDr Alan Russell
Acting Chairman of Youthbridge John Hobley
Members of the Executive CommitteeThomas DillensegerJohn GreenwoodKarl MeekingsJames SproulePhilipp von BothMichael WithersRobert Woodthorpe BrownePaul Farrelly MPAnthony SheridanJan Timmermann
BGA Executive Secretary & Review EditorSue Austin
To contact the BGA or for more information on our activities:British-German Association34 Belgrave SquareLondonSW1X 8QB
Published by the British-German Association (c) 2012The Association is incorporated in England with limited liability under No 601207
Registered Charity No 206062
Notice of Association’s
2012 AGM and Summer Drinks Reception 11July 2012 from 6.00pm 34, Belgrave Square
Guest Speaker:Paul Farrelly MPChairman, All-Party British-German Parliamentary Group
The 2012 AGM will be followed this year by a summer drinks reception at 34 Belgrave Square. Paul Farrelly MP will be the guest speaker. All members are welcome to attend the AGM and guests may join us for the reception afterwards.
Minutes of the 2011 AGM and the 2011 Financial Report will be available at the BGA office.
Save The Dates!
For further information about all our events contact:Sue Austin [email protected] or call 0207 235 1922 www.britishgermanassociation.org
18 June 2012BGA Parliamentary Day Our annual Parliamentary Day lunch at the House of Lords. The Rt. Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary is our guest speaker. Please contact Sue Austin to book your tickets.
11 July 2012BGA AGMJoin us for the BGA AGM and Summer Drinks Reception. Guest speaker Paul Farrelly MP. Venue: 34 Belgrave Square. Time: 6:00 pm
25 October 2012Fine Wine TastingJoin us to sample some top German wines from Baden, with a talk about the grapes used in their production and history of this wine growing region.£15 per head Venue: 34 Belgrave Square. Time: 6:30 pm
Future Events:Dates and details to be confirmed for the events below. Please contact Sue Austin to register interest. Further information will be sent out to our members in due course.
Visit to Rolls Royce Factory, GoodwoodPrivate tour of the new Rolls Royce factory at Goodwood. BGA members only. Places limited so contact BGA office to register interest.
Town Partnership ConferenceFor Partnership Associations and BGA Affiliates to discuss the way forward for future cooperation between the UK and Germany twinning associations.Venue: 34 Belgrave Square. Date: to be announced shortly. The Sir Frank Roberts Memorial LectureTo be given this year by one of Britain’s most distinguished soldiers, General Sir Michael Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff who also led Nato’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps based in Germany. Date: to be confirmed shortly.
Autumn ConcertFollowing the great success of our previous musical soirees, we plan to hold our next BGA Concert after the summer break. Further information will be sent out as soon as the musicians and venue are confirmed.
Paul Farrelly MP, will be the guest speaker at the AGM
Photo by M. Holland
Proficient German/English translator needed for Deutsche Schule London’s website. Includes legal texts.Contact: Mr Orrie Dempsey [email protected] or call his direct line 020 8939 1844.
