THE HISTORY OF THE PARTNERSHIP
In 1965 a young airman (Royal Air Force) was posted from his home base of Butzweilerhop near Cologne in northern Germany, to a small radio outstation located just outside the southern Bavarian town of Plattling am Isar.
This was an unusual posting within the Royal Air Force, with 5 airman under the command of a Corporal, living and working within a community some 400 miles from the nearest British military base, In addition, it was not usual for RAF personnel to be accommodated in a hotel i.e. The Preysinghof Hotel in and they were conspicuous in this "American Zone" when wearing their RAF uniforms and driving around in the RAF mini during the summer, or a land-rover during the winter months.
Never the less, the "truppen" as they were affectionately known, were accepted into the life of this small town situated not many miles from both the Austrian and Czechoslovakian borders and for many years various personnel passed through on this detachment.
The young airman who arrived a the town's banhof, alone and not a little apprehensive in 1965, was not to know that from this period of his life, was to spawn so many friendships and contacts between this small Bavarian town on the banks of the river Isar and his Scottish homeland, some 30 plus years later.
Thus started the first contact between Bob Bertram and what was to become his "second home" Stadt Plattling.
((29 years later))
In 1994 Bob was travelling overland with a colleague Robin Black, on a humanitarian aid trip to deliver much needed food to Bosnian refugees who had escaped the fighting and devastation in Bosnia, to seek refuge in Croatia.
Bob and Robin were delivering food on behalf of a small locally based Scottish Borders aid group called "Borders to Bosnia".
Late one evening, whilst crossing the border between Germany and Austria, Bob realised that not too many miles distant was the town of Plattling where he had spent an unforgettable 6 months when serving as a young man in the Royal Air Force.
As Bob and Robin were planning another aid trip later that year, this time to Romania under the auspices of the "Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal", they agreed they would investigate the possibility of using Plattling as a stop-over whilst on route from Scotland to Romania, Plattling being just off the main autobahn which was already part of their planned route.
After a long and arduous trip to Croatia, Bob and Robin returned to Scotland and commenced preparations for their forthcoming overland aid trip to Romania - this time to deliver much needed aid to an adult psychiatric hospital and a children's home in the north eastern part of Romania, in addition fire fighting uniforms were also to be delivered to the local fire brigade in this region.
During this planning stage, Bob remembered an article which had been published in the local newspaper which had detailed the unfortunate car accident that had resulted in Bob spending some 6 weeks in the local hospital, injuries to other RAF personnel and the premature closure of the small radio station in Plattling.
On writing to the editor of the newspaper, Bob received a reply from local reporter Doris Kleifoth of the PLATTLINGER ANZEIGER who agreed to Bob's request to contact the local fire brigade (Bob now serving with Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade based in the Scottish Borders), with a view to obtaining support whilst travelling on-route to Romania.
As history will subsequently evidence, the efforts of Doris and the local Plattlinger fire-fighters resulted in not only Bob and Robin being hosted both in Frankfurt and in Plattling and also on the return journey from Romania after succesffully delivering much needed aid to the Podriga hospital and Ionaseni children's home - but was the start of what was to become a lasting and fruitful contact between Bavaria and Scotland.
Another aid trip to Romania was planned for 1995, this time with another colleague and friend, Bruce Lindsay - this time with the aim of delivering and installing a donated fire warning and emergency lighting system to the Ionaseni children's home.
After many months of fund-raising and collecting donations including the full fire warning and emergency lighting system required by the Ionaseni children's home (to ward off the attentions of the local fire brigade who were threatening to fine an already bankrupt establishment), other items for the Podriga adult hospital and items of equipment for the Botosani city fire department - the trio were just about ready to make the long trip eastwards.
It was decided that the offer of a caravan from a friend would not only serve to carry the aid to Romania, but provide accommodation whilst in Romania and thus avoiding becoming a drain on the hospitality of Romanian friends. The plan was to spend about 5 days travelling and a week installing the fire system, then returning in about 3 days.
And so it was that the trio set off from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders with the aim of catching the evening Hull - Rotterdam ferry that night. However, lady luck was not smiling on this trip and by the time the group arrived in Jedburgh, the towing car was overheating to an alarming degree. Thinking that they had overloaded the caravan, it was decided to use Jedburgh Fire Station to off-load some of the heavier and non essential items to lighten the load. This done, they set off again, but before reaching the border at Carter Bar, the car was overheating again. Returning to Jedburgh, it was decided that perhaps a smaller trailer, loaned by a Jedburgh firefighter, would at least allow the trip to continue, with the fire system being the priority delivery.
This done, the boarding time for the ferry in Hull was met and a pleasant overnight journey to Holland was experienced.
The journey proceeded from Holland via northern Germany to Frankfurt, where contacts had been made with the city fire department and overnight accommodation awaited. The next day, they journey'd south and arrived in the afternoon in Plattling, where they were met by Doris and accommodated in the local fire station (and treated to the usual Bavarian hospitality).
After setting off the next day, the group crossed the Bavarian/Austrian border and commenced climbing a steep mountain autobahn heading for Vienna. However, as they climbed, the car overheated and the trio decided that a return to Plattling would be the best option - to have the car checked before proceeding.
Having phoned ahead, arrangements were made to have a local garage look at the car and the 3 Scots spent another night being hosted in Plattling. The next day saw them collect the car, with a new water hose and thermostat having been fitted. Off they went again - only to overheat severely at exactly the same spot in Austria - it was a dejected group that returned to Plattling once again, with their Bavarian friends having to work overtime (with copious amounts of weisbier) to raise their spirits.
Another 2 days were spent in Plattling whilst a new radiator was fitted to the car and this time when they once again sett off for Romania they were confident that their transport problems were behind them. Alas, this was not to be and at the very same spot the car overheated and they were forced to ask for water from a passing council water bowser. After a long, slow, careful return journey, the trio were received back at the Plattling Fire Station, where arrangements were made for the car to be checked by a specialist garage in the nearby county town of Deggendorf. The car delivered, the trio were then hosted by a young couple (Oliver and Sylvia) who had offered to put them up for a couple of nights - they were not to know that this stay was to last for another 8 days !
Over the next week, the Scottish trio were hosted by their Plattling Fire Brigade friends and there always seemed to be an invitation for a meal, drinks or some other entertainment to keep them happy. Meantime, desperate efforts were made to try and arrange some alternative transport so that the mission to Romania could be completed. This was particularly important for the group, as another colleague from Galashiels, George Millar, had flown out to Romania and was travelling by train up to the Moldavian region, where the plan was that he would meet up with the rest of the group and help install the fire systems.
Unfortunately, this was not to be and despite every effort being made, it was not possible to get the use of transport suitable for the overland journey into Romania. It was very disappointing for the group stranded in Plattling to have to inform George that the mission was being cancelled. However, George was committed to making his first journey to Romania and bravely decided to continue with his trip and so gather information that might be useful for the future (always with the hope that something might be arranged so that the Plattling trio could meet with him as planned).
After just over a week, the car was fixed and it was with heavy hearts and a feeling of dejection, that the trio made their preparations to leave their friends and hosts in Plattling. Arrangements were made to store the fire systems etc in the fire station, with the aim of completing the task sometime in the future (see later episode of this tale).
The trio then took their leave of Plattling and made their way to Rotterdam and an overnight ferry crossing to Hull and finally a return home.
It will not suprise readers to find that the trio were very deflated and sad that they had not achieved their objective, but such is life and one can only do what one can do !
In early 1996 (the following year) Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal members Susan and Silviu Martin-Ciabotaru advised that they were planning to travel overland to Romania to visit Silviu's family and were offering to carry out some work for the group whilst there.
Arrangements were made by the group for Silviu and Susan to be hosted by the Plattling Fire Brigade while they were on route to Romania via Bavaria, Austria and Hungary. After a convivial welcome and an overnight rest, the pair uplifted the stored fire alarm systems and wound their merry way toward Romania.
As well as visiting family and friends in Romania, Silviu and Susan took time to visit both the Ionaseni Children's Home and the Podriga Adult Psychiatric Hospital near Botosani in north east Romania. As well as delivering the fire equipment, they handed out sweets and other goodies which were well received by the recipients.
As a result of Silviu and Susan's trip, the Scottish Borders based group then made arrangements with contacts in Romania to transfer money which would allow the Director at the Ionaseni Children's Home to employ local tradesmen to install the much needed fire safety equipment, consisting of a full fire warning/smoke detection and emergency lighting system.
During Bob's regular trips to Romania, one of his most supportive contacts has been local newspaper reporter Doris Kleifoth who has made all the arrangements in Plattling and acted as the coordinator for the group in Bavaria. Doris, who had visited Scotland before and fell in love with the country, had an ambition, which she shared with Bob "that a bag-piper should visit Plattling".
With Bob already having ambitions to form a fire brigade partnership, he discussed these ideas with John Munro, SubOfficer at Selkirk Fire Station and a member of the Selkirk Pipe-Band. So it was then, that in July 1997, not just a piper, but a full band of pipes and drums travelled to Plattling as guests of the town during their Stadt Fest. As a thank you to Bob for making the initial contacts, he travelled with the group. Doris of course, was very satisfied that her ambition had actually come to fruition, but owned up to being a little nervous as she waited with Bob, the Burgermeister and other members of the town council outside the Rathaus. It is to the credit of the Selkirk Pipe-band that within an hour of arriving in the town, after the journey from Scotland, they marched through the town square, exactly as scheduled in full regalia. After an official welcome in the town hall, the band were hosted by the local fire brigade, where more music,both Scottish and Bavarian was enjoyed. During the next day, the band were the toast of the town and in much demand during the town fest.
It was during this visit that Bob Bertram and John Munro had serious discussions with the fire brigade Kommandant Gunter Fuchs and President Werner Dischinger, about a formal partnership between the two brigades.
And so it was that in .............. 19.., 12 Lothian and Borders firefighters left Edinburgh heading for the Bavarian town of Plattling. The Group9 (Galashiels, Selkirk & Melrose) personnel, led by their station commander Bob Bertram, carried full firefighting uniforms, dress fire brigade uniforms and full highland rigs, thus fully prepared for the many events and activities they were to experience in Plattling.
As well as doing fire brigade things, the group undertook the pleasant and necessary public relations activities such as meeting the Burgermeister, as well as many formal and very informal social events.
This sealed the plans for forming a social partnership betweeen the two brigades and on ........................ during a return visit by the Bavarian firefighters to Scotland, the fire brigade partnership was established. This partnership has grown like topsy and now includes Lothian and Borders Police Officers (making contact with their counterparts in Plattling). In addition, many other groups have made visits backwards and forwards and include schools, music groups, sports groups and family visits.
This contact subsequently resulted in a formal twinning arrangement between the towns of Selkirk and Plattling.
((to be continued))
During 1997 the Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal group, chaired by Bob decided that they wished to make another overland aid trip and thus made contact with a local Romanian Charity "ACTIV" a non governmental organisation operating out of Botosani and with involvement in both Ionaseni and Podriga. A "wish list" was received from Romania, consisting of requests for play equipment, sweets, paper and drawing materials, basic sanitary items and much much more. During the following months the group did much advertising and fund-raising and with the generous support of many individuals, gathered together a creditable supply of much needed aid.
Now the group were faced with the dilema, how to transport the material to Romania ? To the rescue came Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, who over the years had supported the group due to Bob Bertram's involvement (Bob being a senior officer within the brigade) and various fire equipment and fire uniforms having been donated previously. This time the Brigade were offering a surplus Fire Appliance (a Dodge Foam Salvage Tender with 2 large integral electrical generators) which would be serviced and handed over to the group for further donation to the Regional Fire Brigade in Botosani.
The group were over the moon with this donation and "all hands were put to the pump" to raise the necessary funds for the 4,000 mile overland round trip.
As well as getting the fire appliance ready for the trip i.e. maintenance, collecting spares, fitting CB radios and insurance - much time was spent collecting, sorting and packaging the aid into boxes for the trip. In addition, with Bob's previous experience, much effort was also put into making sure the appropriate official documentation was in place. Readers who have made similar aid trips, will appreciate that this is no easy task !! However, after an official hand-over from Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, the group were able to get down to making the necessary detailed plans for this not inconsiderable undertaking.
It was decided that two vehicles would be required, this simplifying the return journey from Romania and allowing some flexibility during the trip with regard to transport and any break-downs. Bob Bertram sourced the loan of a "trailer van" from Tranent Trailers in East Lothian and undertook to tow this with his fire brigade leased Peugeot 306 turbo diesel car. The Dodge fire appliance was given a thorough check-over by Sub Officer John Munro (the Officer in Charge of the Selkirk Retained Station) who owns a garage in Selkirk. Although the plan was for John himself to accompany the team, he was otherwise committed, but volunteered his brother and skilled diesel mechanic Rob Munro as team mechanic/driver and also team bag-piper. Another volunteer came forward in the form of Donald Pape, a Sub Officer (and HGV driver) based at the Nuclear Power Station in Cumbria and who's team had donated a generous amount to the project.
Thus it was that in October 1997, the small convoy left Galashiels, Bob leading in his Peugeot and Rob and Donald taking it in turns to drive the Dodge Tender - the team keeping in touch with donated CB radios. The first day being a reasonably easy run down to Hull in time to catch the overnight ferry to Rotterdam. The second day saw the team head through Holland and into Germany, by-passing Cologne. This incidentally where Bob was stationed prior to his detachment to Plattling in 1965 - see the start of this epic !!
Once again the Plattling Fire Brigade were very helpful in contacting and arranging overnight accommodation with the fire brigade in Frankfurt am Meine. On arrival the group were met by Peter Hornburger, a fire officer from Munich who just happened to be on secondment to the Frankfurt brigade and who was also an excellent english speaker. After an enjoyable evening and overnight stay the group were waved off by the Frankfurt fire officers - but not without Rob (dressed in kilt of course) giving a few tunes on the bag-pipes.
The third day of the trip saw the group driving down the autobahns heading for Bavaria and the town of Plattling. On arrival, it goes without saying that the group were welcomed with open arms and a convivial evening was had in the local fire house. Rob once again, ever the entertainer, giving his all on the pipes.
During this visit (and on the return journey) Bob made further plans with the Plattling Fire Brigade for the partnership between Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade and themselves.
However, back to the Romanian trip - after typical Bavarian hospitality, Bob, Rob and Donald set off once again, the journey taking them on a long days trek right through Austria (Bob taking the opportunity to spit at the spot of the previous trip's misfortunes), into Hungary (but not without some problems with paperwork at the Border). In fact, although leaving Austria was no problem, getting into Hungary nearly resulted in the trip being called-off. Bob driving what looked like a private car and trailer was waved through the Border, but the fire truck was held up with Donald and Rob having to negotiate with obstructive officials to allow them on their way. Bob being caught in "no man's land" between the two frontiers, was unable to help, except by giving advice and encouragement via CB radio. Evenually however, all was well and the group moved off into Hungary, the first part being reasonably easy heading for Budapest. After Budapest, the roads get worse and travelling becomes more difficult, but the vehicles performed well with no problems.
Later that night the group arrived in the town of TATABANYA, where with the help of Hungarian born Mrs David Smith from Dalkeith, arrangements had been made for the group to be hosted overnight by the city fire brigade (it should be noted that the county in which Tatabanya lies is twinned with Midlothian, hence the connection with Mrs Smith and Dalkeith). As always, language is a problem in Hungary and it was fortunate that the Captain in charge, Benedek Bela, like Bob spoke some german. Once again the group were hosted well and Rob was very popular with his bag-pipes, as was the bottles of whisky the group had brought with them from Scotland. After a reasonable nights sleep, the group set off again, this time heading for the Border with Romania near the city of Oradea, planning to rendevous with Silviu Martin-Ciabotaru who due to paperwork problems, was not able to travel overland,but had flown out to Romania and then travelled by train from his family home to meet the trio at the border.
Once again, the group had problems, this time both leaving Hungary and then entering Romania. It appeared that despite all their best efforts, the group's official paperwork was not to the satisfaction of the Hungarian and then the Romanian officials. However, once into Romania, the group were able to make contact with Silviu (who admitted to being surprised that the group had arrived at exactly the alloted time) and he tried to sort out the problems. Indeed, even after calling on the assistance of the Commandant of the Oradea Fire Brigade, it took hours of persuasion for the Border Guards to allow them through. Eventually, they were in - and were escorted by fire car into Oradea where they found a brand new Macdonalds and where they treated their hosts to a burger, coke and french-fries.
Although now well into the evening, the group decided to press on and try and reach the city of Cluj, where they felt they would be in a better position for the last section of the journey - up and over the Carpathian mountains and into Moldova. After hours of horrendous driving conditions i.e. holes in the road, no warning signs, pedestrians and trucks with no lights on the road - the group reached Cluj and booked into a hotel for about 4 hours sleep.
((TO BE CONTINUED))
In 1965 a young airman (Royal Air Force) was posted from his home base of Butzweilerhop near Cologne in northern Germany, to a small radio outstation located just outside the southern Bavarian town of Plattling am Isar.
This was an unusual posting within the Royal Air Force, with 5 airman under the command of a Corporal, living and working within a community some 400 miles from the nearest British military base, In addition, it was not usual for RAF personnel to be accommodated in a hotel i.e. The Preysinghof Hotel in and they were conspicuous in this "American Zone" when wearing their RAF uniforms and driving around in the RAF mini during the summer, or a land-rover during the winter months.
Never the less, the "truppen" as they were affectionately known, were accepted into the life of this small town situated not many miles from both the Austrian and Czechoslovakian borders and for many years various personnel passed through on this detachment.
The young airman who arrived a the town's banhof, alone and not a little apprehensive in 1965, was not to know that from this period of his life, was to spawn so many friendships and contacts between this small Bavarian town on the banks of the river Isar and his Scottish homeland, some 30 plus years later.
Thus started the first contact between Bob Bertram and what was to become his "second home" Stadt Plattling.
((29 years later))
In 1994 Bob was travelling overland with a colleague Robin Black, on a humanitarian aid trip to deliver much needed food to Bosnian refugees who had escaped the fighting and devastation in Bosnia, to seek refuge in Croatia.
Bob and Robin were delivering food on behalf of a small locally based Scottish Borders aid group called "Borders to Bosnia".
Late one evening, whilst crossing the border between Germany and Austria, Bob realised that not too many miles distant was the town of Plattling where he had spent an unforgettable 6 months when serving as a young man in the Royal Air Force.
As Bob and Robin were planning another aid trip later that year, this time to Romania under the auspices of the "Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal", they agreed they would investigate the possibility of using Plattling as a stop-over whilst on route from Scotland to Romania, Plattling being just off the main autobahn which was already part of their planned route.
After a long and arduous trip to Croatia, Bob and Robin returned to Scotland and commenced preparations for their forthcoming overland aid trip to Romania - this time to deliver much needed aid to an adult psychiatric hospital and a children's home in the north eastern part of Romania, in addition fire fighting uniforms were also to be delivered to the local fire brigade in this region.
During this planning stage, Bob remembered an article which had been published in the local newspaper which had detailed the unfortunate car accident that had resulted in Bob spending some 6 weeks in the local hospital, injuries to other RAF personnel and the premature closure of the small radio station in Plattling.
On writing to the editor of the newspaper, Bob received a reply from local reporter Doris Kleifoth of the PLATTLINGER ANZEIGER who agreed to Bob's request to contact the local fire brigade (Bob now serving with Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade based in the Scottish Borders), with a view to obtaining support whilst travelling on-route to Romania.
As history will subsequently evidence, the efforts of Doris and the local Plattlinger fire-fighters resulted in not only Bob and Robin being hosted both in Frankfurt and in Plattling and also on the return journey from Romania after succesffully delivering much needed aid to the Podriga hospital and Ionaseni children's home - but was the start of what was to become a lasting and fruitful contact between Bavaria and Scotland.
Another aid trip to Romania was planned for 1995, this time with another colleague and friend, Bruce Lindsay - this time with the aim of delivering and installing a donated fire warning and emergency lighting system to the Ionaseni children's home.
After many months of fund-raising and collecting donations including the full fire warning and emergency lighting system required by the Ionaseni children's home (to ward off the attentions of the local fire brigade who were threatening to fine an already bankrupt establishment), other items for the Podriga adult hospital and items of equipment for the Botosani city fire department - the trio were just about ready to make the long trip eastwards.
It was decided that the offer of a caravan from a friend would not only serve to carry the aid to Romania, but provide accommodation whilst in Romania and thus avoiding becoming a drain on the hospitality of Romanian friends. The plan was to spend about 5 days travelling and a week installing the fire system, then returning in about 3 days.
And so it was that the trio set off from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders with the aim of catching the evening Hull - Rotterdam ferry that night. However, lady luck was not smiling on this trip and by the time the group arrived in Jedburgh, the towing car was overheating to an alarming degree. Thinking that they had overloaded the caravan, it was decided to use Jedburgh Fire Station to off-load some of the heavier and non essential items to lighten the load. This done, they set off again, but before reaching the border at Carter Bar, the car was overheating again. Returning to Jedburgh, it was decided that perhaps a smaller trailer, loaned by a Jedburgh firefighter, would at least allow the trip to continue, with the fire system being the priority delivery.
This done, the boarding time for the ferry in Hull was met and a pleasant overnight journey to Holland was experienced.
The journey proceeded from Holland via northern Germany to Frankfurt, where contacts had been made with the city fire department and overnight accommodation awaited. The next day, they journey'd south and arrived in the afternoon in Plattling, where they were met by Doris and accommodated in the local fire station (and treated to the usual Bavarian hospitality).
After setting off the next day, the group crossed the Bavarian/Austrian border and commenced climbing a steep mountain autobahn heading for Vienna. However, as they climbed, the car overheated and the trio decided that a return to Plattling would be the best option - to have the car checked before proceeding.
Having phoned ahead, arrangements were made to have a local garage look at the car and the 3 Scots spent another night being hosted in Plattling. The next day saw them collect the car, with a new water hose and thermostat having been fitted. Off they went again - only to overheat severely at exactly the same spot in Austria - it was a dejected group that returned to Plattling once again, with their Bavarian friends having to work overtime (with copious amounts of weisbier) to raise their spirits.
Another 2 days were spent in Plattling whilst a new radiator was fitted to the car and this time when they once again sett off for Romania they were confident that their transport problems were behind them. Alas, this was not to be and at the very same spot the car overheated and they were forced to ask for water from a passing council water bowser. After a long, slow, careful return journey, the trio were received back at the Plattling Fire Station, where arrangements were made for the car to be checked by a specialist garage in the nearby county town of Deggendorf. The car delivered, the trio were then hosted by a young couple (Oliver and Sylvia) who had offered to put them up for a couple of nights - they were not to know that this stay was to last for another 8 days !
Over the next week, the Scottish trio were hosted by their Plattling Fire Brigade friends and there always seemed to be an invitation for a meal, drinks or some other entertainment to keep them happy. Meantime, desperate efforts were made to try and arrange some alternative transport so that the mission to Romania could be completed. This was particularly important for the group, as another colleague from Galashiels, George Millar, had flown out to Romania and was travelling by train up to the Moldavian region, where the plan was that he would meet up with the rest of the group and help install the fire systems.
Unfortunately, this was not to be and despite every effort being made, it was not possible to get the use of transport suitable for the overland journey into Romania. It was very disappointing for the group stranded in Plattling to have to inform George that the mission was being cancelled. However, George was committed to making his first journey to Romania and bravely decided to continue with his trip and so gather information that might be useful for the future (always with the hope that something might be arranged so that the Plattling trio could meet with him as planned).
After just over a week, the car was fixed and it was with heavy hearts and a feeling of dejection, that the trio made their preparations to leave their friends and hosts in Plattling. Arrangements were made to store the fire systems etc in the fire station, with the aim of completing the task sometime in the future (see later episode of this tale).
The trio then took their leave of Plattling and made their way to Rotterdam and an overnight ferry crossing to Hull and finally a return home.
It will not suprise readers to find that the trio were very deflated and sad that they had not achieved their objective, but such is life and one can only do what one can do !
In early 1996 (the following year) Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal members Susan and Silviu Martin-Ciabotaru advised that they were planning to travel overland to Romania to visit Silviu's family and were offering to carry out some work for the group whilst there.
Arrangements were made by the group for Silviu and Susan to be hosted by the Plattling Fire Brigade while they were on route to Romania via Bavaria, Austria and Hungary. After a convivial welcome and an overnight rest, the pair uplifted the stored fire alarm systems and wound their merry way toward Romania.
As well as visiting family and friends in Romania, Silviu and Susan took time to visit both the Ionaseni Children's Home and the Podriga Adult Psychiatric Hospital near Botosani in north east Romania. As well as delivering the fire equipment, they handed out sweets and other goodies which were well received by the recipients.
As a result of Silviu and Susan's trip, the Scottish Borders based group then made arrangements with contacts in Romania to transfer money which would allow the Director at the Ionaseni Children's Home to employ local tradesmen to install the much needed fire safety equipment, consisting of a full fire warning/smoke detection and emergency lighting system.
During Bob's regular trips to Romania, one of his most supportive contacts has been local newspaper reporter Doris Kleifoth who has made all the arrangements in Plattling and acted as the coordinator for the group in Bavaria. Doris, who had visited Scotland before and fell in love with the country, had an ambition, which she shared with Bob "that a bag-piper should visit Plattling".
With Bob already having ambitions to form a fire brigade partnership, he discussed these ideas with John Munro, SubOfficer at Selkirk Fire Station and a member of the Selkirk Pipe-Band. So it was then, that in July 1997, not just a piper, but a full band of pipes and drums travelled to Plattling as guests of the town during their Stadt Fest. As a thank you to Bob for making the initial contacts, he travelled with the group. Doris of course, was very satisfied that her ambition had actually come to fruition, but owned up to being a little nervous as she waited with Bob, the Burgermeister and other members of the town council outside the Rathaus. It is to the credit of the Selkirk Pipe-band that within an hour of arriving in the town, after the journey from Scotland, they marched through the town square, exactly as scheduled in full regalia. After an official welcome in the town hall, the band were hosted by the local fire brigade, where more music,both Scottish and Bavarian was enjoyed. During the next day, the band were the toast of the town and in much demand during the town fest.
It was during this visit that Bob Bertram and John Munro had serious discussions with the fire brigade Kommandant Gunter Fuchs and President Werner Dischinger, about a formal partnership between the two brigades.
And so it was that in .............. 19.., 12 Lothian and Borders firefighters left Edinburgh heading for the Bavarian town of Plattling. The Group9 (Galashiels, Selkirk & Melrose) personnel, led by their station commander Bob Bertram, carried full firefighting uniforms, dress fire brigade uniforms and full highland rigs, thus fully prepared for the many events and activities they were to experience in Plattling.
As well as doing fire brigade things, the group undertook the pleasant and necessary public relations activities such as meeting the Burgermeister, as well as many formal and very informal social events.
This sealed the plans for forming a social partnership betweeen the two brigades and on ........................ during a return visit by the Bavarian firefighters to Scotland, the fire brigade partnership was established. This partnership has grown like topsy and now includes Lothian and Borders Police Officers (making contact with their counterparts in Plattling). In addition, many other groups have made visits backwards and forwards and include schools, music groups, sports groups and family visits.
This contact subsequently resulted in a formal twinning arrangement between the towns of Selkirk and Plattling.
((to be continued))
During 1997 the Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal group, chaired by Bob decided that they wished to make another overland aid trip and thus made contact with a local Romanian Charity "ACTIV" a non governmental organisation operating out of Botosani and with involvement in both Ionaseni and Podriga. A "wish list" was received from Romania, consisting of requests for play equipment, sweets, paper and drawing materials, basic sanitary items and much much more. During the following months the group did much advertising and fund-raising and with the generous support of many individuals, gathered together a creditable supply of much needed aid.
Now the group were faced with the dilema, how to transport the material to Romania ? To the rescue came Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, who over the years had supported the group due to Bob Bertram's involvement (Bob being a senior officer within the brigade) and various fire equipment and fire uniforms having been donated previously. This time the Brigade were offering a surplus Fire Appliance (a Dodge Foam Salvage Tender with 2 large integral electrical generators) which would be serviced and handed over to the group for further donation to the Regional Fire Brigade in Botosani.
The group were over the moon with this donation and "all hands were put to the pump" to raise the necessary funds for the 4,000 mile overland round trip.
As well as getting the fire appliance ready for the trip i.e. maintenance, collecting spares, fitting CB radios and insurance - much time was spent collecting, sorting and packaging the aid into boxes for the trip. In addition, with Bob's previous experience, much effort was also put into making sure the appropriate official documentation was in place. Readers who have made similar aid trips, will appreciate that this is no easy task !! However, after an official hand-over from Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, the group were able to get down to making the necessary detailed plans for this not inconsiderable undertaking.
It was decided that two vehicles would be required, this simplifying the return journey from Romania and allowing some flexibility during the trip with regard to transport and any break-downs. Bob Bertram sourced the loan of a "trailer van" from Tranent Trailers in East Lothian and undertook to tow this with his fire brigade leased Peugeot 306 turbo diesel car. The Dodge fire appliance was given a thorough check-over by Sub Officer John Munro (the Officer in Charge of the Selkirk Retained Station) who owns a garage in Selkirk. Although the plan was for John himself to accompany the team, he was otherwise committed, but volunteered his brother and skilled diesel mechanic Rob Munro as team mechanic/driver and also team bag-piper. Another volunteer came forward in the form of Donald Pape, a Sub Officer (and HGV driver) based at the Nuclear Power Station in Cumbria and who's team had donated a generous amount to the project.
Thus it was that in October 1997, the small convoy left Galashiels, Bob leading in his Peugeot and Rob and Donald taking it in turns to drive the Dodge Tender - the team keeping in touch with donated CB radios. The first day being a reasonably easy run down to Hull in time to catch the overnight ferry to Rotterdam. The second day saw the team head through Holland and into Germany, by-passing Cologne. This incidentally where Bob was stationed prior to his detachment to Plattling in 1965 - see the start of this epic !!
Once again the Plattling Fire Brigade were very helpful in contacting and arranging overnight accommodation with the fire brigade in Frankfurt am Meine. On arrival the group were met by Peter Hornburger, a fire officer from Munich who just happened to be on secondment to the Frankfurt brigade and who was also an excellent english speaker. After an enjoyable evening and overnight stay the group were waved off by the Frankfurt fire officers - but not without Rob (dressed in kilt of course) giving a few tunes on the bag-pipes.
The third day of the trip saw the group driving down the autobahns heading for Bavaria and the town of Plattling. On arrival, it goes without saying that the group were welcomed with open arms and a convivial evening was had in the local fire house. Rob once again, ever the entertainer, giving his all on the pipes.
During this visit (and on the return journey) Bob made further plans with the Plattling Fire Brigade for the partnership between Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade and themselves.
However, back to the Romanian trip - after typical Bavarian hospitality, Bob, Rob and Donald set off once again, the journey taking them on a long days trek right through Austria (Bob taking the opportunity to spit at the spot of the previous trip's misfortunes), into Hungary (but not without some problems with paperwork at the Border). In fact, although leaving Austria was no problem, getting into Hungary nearly resulted in the trip being called-off. Bob driving what looked like a private car and trailer was waved through the Border, but the fire truck was held up with Donald and Rob having to negotiate with obstructive officials to allow them on their way. Bob being caught in "no man's land" between the two frontiers, was unable to help, except by giving advice and encouragement via CB radio. Evenually however, all was well and the group moved off into Hungary, the first part being reasonably easy heading for Budapest. After Budapest, the roads get worse and travelling becomes more difficult, but the vehicles performed well with no problems.
Later that night the group arrived in the town of TATABANYA, where with the help of Hungarian born Mrs David Smith from Dalkeith, arrangements had been made for the group to be hosted overnight by the city fire brigade (it should be noted that the county in which Tatabanya lies is twinned with Midlothian, hence the connection with Mrs Smith and Dalkeith). As always, language is a problem in Hungary and it was fortunate that the Captain in charge, Benedek Bela, like Bob spoke some german. Once again the group were hosted well and Rob was very popular with his bag-pipes, as was the bottles of whisky the group had brought with them from Scotland. After a reasonable nights sleep, the group set off again, this time heading for the Border with Romania near the city of Oradea, planning to rendevous with Silviu Martin-Ciabotaru who due to paperwork problems, was not able to travel overland,but had flown out to Romania and then travelled by train from his family home to meet the trio at the border.
Once again, the group had problems, this time both leaving Hungary and then entering Romania. It appeared that despite all their best efforts, the group's official paperwork was not to the satisfaction of the Hungarian and then the Romanian officials. However, once into Romania, the group were able to make contact with Silviu (who admitted to being surprised that the group had arrived at exactly the alloted time) and he tried to sort out the problems. Indeed, even after calling on the assistance of the Commandant of the Oradea Fire Brigade, it took hours of persuasion for the Border Guards to allow them through. Eventually, they were in - and were escorted by fire car into Oradea where they found a brand new Macdonalds and where they treated their hosts to a burger, coke and french-fries.
Although now well into the evening, the group decided to press on and try and reach the city of Cluj, where they felt they would be in a better position for the last section of the journey - up and over the Carpathian mountains and into Moldova. After hours of horrendous driving conditions i.e. holes in the road, no warning signs, pedestrians and trucks with no lights on the road - the group reached Cluj and booked into a hotel for about 4 hours sleep.
((TO BE CONTINUED))
