25th Anniversary

*A festival of the shanty choirs’ 25-year old anniversary!* On 29th and 30th July 2006 nine shanty choirs were with us as our guests at the „Weberei“ in Varel in wonderful summer weather.

The day before we began with the preparations. As sun protection for the singers we set a sail.
The coffee and cake tent is put up. Then, we prepare the hall for the evening event.
All who have worked hard, are granted a break. The Technisches Hilfswerk puts up a tent and installs the water pipeline.
Now it starts. After Enno Buemmerstede the mayor Wolfgang Busch is greeting the audience in Low German. Then „De Freesen ut Varel“ begin to sing.
The shanty-choir Benthullen-Harbern is dressed exotically. Georg Michallek (Schorschi) provides the right sound at the mixing desk.
The group „Drosselbart“ entertains with Irish and Low German folklore. Gisela supplies thirsty guests with beverages.
Coffee and cake are always gladly enjoyed. Those who like stronger food rather go to eat a matjes-roll and drink a schnaps (matjes = salted virgin herring)
The afternoon progamme is concluded by Shantychor Wunstorf from the Steinhuder Meer. The guests continue, naturally.
With prices as 25 years ago one does not need to practice restraint.
Manni and Alfred take somewhat stronger against the small thirst between the drinks. Meanwhile, the audience has taken seats in the hall.
The prelude is sung by „De Freesen ut Varel“. From Jork come not only the best apples of the world, no, also the Altenländer Shantychor with powerful voices.
Our ladies are selling the one-euro-tickets. Mechthild, the faithful soul of our choir is offering our CDs for sale.
The Shantychor Barssel is the next to sing. Outside meanwhile the other singers strengthen themselves with bratwurst, beer and matjes-rolls.
Here you see the shanty choir „Schulschiff Deutschland“ from Bremen-Vegesack. In the finale we sing together „Wo de Nordsewellen trecken an den Strand“.
Sundays morning begins with the „De Freesen ut Varel“. Further with the shanty-choir „Blinkfüüer“ from Butjadingen.
A part of the guests withdrew themselves in the meantime into the shadow. Fritz is caring for further supply.
The shanty choir „Bootsmannkaffee“, from Brake entertains with singing and funny sayings. The German Lifeboot Organisation was also present .
The shanty choir Bockhorn from our neighbourhood finishes with their songs. Even the most beautiful Festival goes to an end.
Many cordial thanks to the guest choirs, the city of Varel, the Technischen Hilfswerk, the German Red Cross, the Arbeiter Wohlfahrt, the garden markets Lameyer and Dettmers, the butchery Gert-Schlühr, the beverage selling Gramberg, the bakery Jeddeloh and last but not least our dear wives and all other voluntary helpers. Without their assistance the festival would not have run so successfully.