Eppingen is a town in Southern Germany in the region called Baden-Württemberg and was twinned with Epping in 1981. Since this association the two Tennis Clubs from these countries have bi year fun and friendly tennis tournaments. With some wonderful memories to share
Last weekend it was time for the exchange trip for Epping Tennis Club to visit Eppingen in Germany held from Friday, 23rd August to Monday 26th August. Where they had a traditional German-English tennis meeting. A small team of eight members from Epping went by plane, train and car on the long road to Eppingen (situated near The Black Forest). The focus was playing exciting tennis, visiting the beautiful town and Eppingen and getting to know many new friends.
Upon arrival on Friday Epping TC were invited to a party gathering for a "get-together" in the garden from one of the organizers. We all enjoyed a fantastic Barbeque and German brewed beer and local wine.
On Saturday, the day began with a casual game of tennis in readiness for our great friendship tournament which was to take place on Sunday, this helped us to get used to their clay courts. .In the afternoon we visited the Eppingen Potato Festival. Here we tried out a variety of Traditional Potato German dishes. In the evening we were taken to a wonderful mountain restaurant at Leinburg with a wonderful view over the landscape around Eppingen.
Then Sunday was our Germany v England seriously friendly tennis tournament. From 11 clock, the games began. The weather was rather on the English side with wet and rainy spells. Again and again the games were interrupted due to rain.. The tournament was conducted in a doubles-mode, each with a profit rate. The tournament finished to an 8:8 point draw. Which was a happy and amicable way to finish, which illustrates the meaning of this tournament: as being the shared joy of playing tennis, friendship and cultural exchange. Then a Bavarian evening was held at the Eppingen Tennis clubhouse with fantastic typical Bavarian specialties. Then after we danced late into the night in the clubhouse.
A big thank you goes to all those involved in Epping and Eppingen, especially to Mark and Carol Hallewell from Epping and Michael and Heike Wieland from Eppingen, who took over the organization of the weekend. For all participants, We are now looking forward to providing and hosting the reunion in two years’ time which will be at Epping Tennis Club.