Albertslund, Denmark (near Copenhagen)


The History

Our home area, East Renfrewshire, is located adjacent to the southern boundary of the City of Glasgow. We currently have one twin town, Albertslund, which is located to the west of Copenhagen, in Denmark.

Andy currently serves as Treasurer and Dave is the former Secretary of the 'East Renfrewshire Town Twinning Association'. This has arisen as a result of our commitment to increase the awareness of Town Twinning within our area.

Due to our many visits we have developed a fantastic relationship with the Albertslund Musikskole (Music School) and in particular with Morten Praem, the Assistant Principal. The school's 'Big Band' has traveled to East Renfrewshire to perform in concert with both our pipe band and a local brass band.

Morten, with some assistance from Andy, has arranged a piece of music called 'Journey to Denmark', which is a symphony for big band, brass band, pipe band and choir. The symphony is based on an original tune written by Andy. The tune was written to commemorate the then Captain of the local Boys' Brigade Company (a youth organization) having served for 50 years as an officer.

The full symphony was scheduled to be performed in Albertslund in June 2002, to celebrate their tenth anniversary of Town Twinning, however due to technical difficulties and a delay in getting the required funding, this was postponed. The symphony had its first public airing in April 2004, using the East Renfrewshire Schools' Orchestra and some members of the Williamwood Pipe Band. It is still hoped that this can be performed as originally planned, in Albertslund, in the not too distant future.


September 2004

There was a bit of difference in the trip in 2004 with none of the Piping Services partners travelling. Dave Watson, a full time and regular performer with Piping Services, did however go with Megan Wilson and Alan Kerr, both members of the Williamwood Pipe Band. They performed again at the Town Twinning Festival held in Albertslund every year, meeting some very interesting people from the other twin towns. These included Morris Dancers from Whitstable in England and hunters from Greenland.


September 2000

In September 2000 Andy, Dave and Iain returned to Albertslund with the Williamwood Pipe Band to perform in the annual Town Twining Festival. This trip saw the first live performance of Journey to Denmark, a collaboration between Andy and Morton Praem. The band also played at a few of the local schools during their stay and were treated almost as celebrities by the children. The pipe band was again called into action for a Wedding. This time the band was a surprise for both Bride and Groom having been arranged by one of their friends.


September 1999

In September 1999 Andy and Dave, through their connections into the Albertslund Kommune, were asked to play at the Mayor's Brother's Wedding, with the Mayor himself officiating at the service. The band members played on an outdoor stage at the town hall as an introduction for a well known local musician.


September 1997

In 1997 the Williamwood Pipe Band, accompanied by some dancers, performed at the 'Albertslund Music Festival'. Andy, Dave, Iain and the pipe band have subsequently visited several times to perform at Civic occasions, community events and in schools. The most emotional performance was undoubtedly at the new school for severely mentally and physically handicapped children.

Web Contact :
www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/town twinning
www.albertslund.dk

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