Krefeld Citizen visits Leicester

KREFELD CITIZEN VISITS LEICESTER TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF HIS TWINNING WITH LEICESTER

My name is Frank Langen and 50 years ago, in 1974, a friendship began between my family and the Busby family from Leicester.  Over the years, this friendship has developed so much that we see ourselves as a family.  Unfortunately, apart from my older brother Klaus and I, only two people from our first visit to Leicester are still alive.  I am coming to Leicester for four days during May to commemorate the dead of my English family but, at the same time, to celebrate the special anniversary with the second and third generations who are still alive.

My family link with Leicester arose from a twinning visit from Leicester City FC to the city of Krefeld in 1974 following an invitation from FC Bayer Uerdingen (Suburb of Krefeld).  Pete Busby was hosted at our house and from there our friendship started.  I was only 7 at the time but I have since enjoyed many happy moments together with the Busby family and I am a great supporter of the twinning link between Krefeld and Leicester.  During my visit, I visited various locations including:

Outside the home of Leicester City FC – the visit of this club to Krefeld in 1974 started my 50 years of twinning with Leicester

Prince Rupert Gateway, Castle View together with my wife, Iris

I believe that this photo endorses the bond that Leicester has with its twinned city of Krefeld

During my stay, the City of Leicester Twinning Association (CLETA) arranged for Iris, myself and my host family to visit the King Richard III museum.  We enjoyed the experience greatly and at lunchtime we met up with a few CLETA committee members to exchange stories and ideas. I presented the Chair of CLETA, Fred Rankin with a framed copy of the Uerdingen Scottish Tartan which has been certificated by The Scottish Register of Tartans:

Framed copy of certificate presented to Chair of CLETA, Fred Rankin

You will see that I wore the Uerdingen Tartan during my visit.  I am the president of the Highland Games Club in Uerdingen and it would be wonderful to welcome a group over to our Highland Games in Uerdingen in the summer of 2025.  If anyone viewing this story is a member of a Scottish Piper’s band or a Highland Games club and would like to make arrangements for a visit, then please contact Fred Rankin by his personal email: fcrankin2001@yahoo.co.uk or through the website and he will facilitate your enquiry.

This is me in my full regalia

I am also involved in many sports clubs and associations that would love to form a twinning partnership with persons who participate in football, volleyball, hockey, swimming, rowing and even cricket!  So here is an opportunity to get your club or association involved in twinning.  If you are interested – just contact Fred Rankin (as above).

Well, I enjoyed a lovely visit to your wonderful City and I would like to thank members of CLETA for their generous hospitality in making my stay so memorable.