Bristol Hannover Council

A Medal of Honour has been presented to Bristol-Hannover Council by the British-German Association. It was accepted by the Chair, Ann Kennard, on behalf of BHC. The ceremony took place on 7th November at the Bristol-Anglo German Society dinner, celebrating 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The medal was presented by Stephen Watson, Chair of the British-German Association.   Mr Watson spoke very warmly of the contribution to British-German relations made by BHC in the 67 years since its inception in 1947. He explained the history and significance of the medal: The British-German Association’s Medal of Honour is given to individuals or bodies that have made an outstanding, sustained and consequential contribution to the British-German relationship. It is the highest accolade the Association can bestow, and has over the years been awarded to a small number of individuals who have excelled in this endeavour. They include a past Prime Minister, Edward Heath, Roy Jenkins and also former Chancellor, Helmut Schmidt. More recently, senior business leaders including Andreas Goss of Siemens, have also been recipients. Last year the medal was presented by HRH the Duke of Kent, the BGA’s Royal Patron, to outgoing German Ambassador, Georg Boomgaarden.

Dr Kennard responded: “I would like to pay tribute to the many people before me, both city councillors and the citizens of Bristol, who have worked hard to ensure that the links remain warm and lively and relevant to today’s changing world.”

Photo (L to R): Lord Mayor Alastair Watson, Dr Ann Kennard, Chair of BHC, Stephen Watson, Chair of British-German Association

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