Our marmalade stand at the Strassenfest sold out of goods on the first day. This, of course, may be due to the popularity of the stand or, perhaps, that we did not have so much stock this year as we had great difficulty in transporting it. We apologise to anyone in Backnang who looked for our stand on the Sunday and found we were not there. We will try to arrange for more goods to arrive for the Advent Market in December.

We were pleased to learn, prior to our visit to the Strassenfest, that David Whitehead from Chelmsford was getting married to Marianne from Backnang. The nuptials, however, took place just after we left. We send best wishes to you both from all your town twinning friends in Chelmsford. We look forward to an article by David's Mother on the festivities.

We have had a successful trip to Newmarket Races (in August) when two coach loads of punters from Chelmsford had a good night - some serious betting was going on! Everyone enjoyed the concert after the racing with Jools Holland and the ever sprightly Lulu. There was also some good activity in the car park afterwards where winners who had been celebrating and losers who had been drowning their sorrows were providing some lively entertainment!!!!

Two members from CTTA attended the Essex and Suffolk Joint Twinning Congress on the 13th October hosted by Brentwood/Roth Twinning Association, where interesting ideas were discussed and co-operation between organisations took place. This was followed on the 19th October by our own AGM which was held at the Civic Centre. Following our Newmarket trip we were anxious to know a little more about the sport of kings and had engaged the Curator of the Aintree Museum to talk to us about the Grand National. Even those not interested in horseracing were fired by our speaker's enthusiasm for the race.

I am happy to report that the AGM appointed Mr. Mick McDonagh as our President for the ensuing year and we look forward to working with him. Mick has been a great friend to the CTTA over the years and we look forward to reading about his involvement in this edition.

As Xmas approaches we are turning our thoughts to the Gourmandises Festival in Annonay and the Advent Market in Backnang. Lots to buy, lots to organise and, of course, a trip to Annonay and Backnang for some seriously hard work and enjoyment.

More news on all of the above in this edition. Have fun!

Gloria
Ed.

Please send all articles for publication in the ABC magazine to:-