Rotarian Goes Medieval

RCB VISITS THE HISTORIC TOWN OF ASCHERSLEBEN IN GERMANY
By Christopher Bluemel

Aschersleben is a smaller town in Eastern Germany of 30,000 or so inhabitants. It would not be surprising if most readers have not yet heard about the place. It is not exactly the centre of the world but it has a lot of history to offer and makes for a good understanding of how the Germany of today actually came about.

Chris Blue, RCB, handing over our RCB flag to PP of RC Aschersleben

Around 500 AD, the big migration of Germanic people in Europe came to an end. Many of them settled in the eastern side of the Harz Mountains (somewhere in the middle of Germany). Their main leader was known as Ascger. Christianity had made it across Europe in those days. Many turned into God-fearing people. In fact, so God-fearing were they that in order to do nothing wrong, the self-proclaimed chosen ones placed themselves ideally right next to God. Ascger was no different and thus added to his name in a Godly fashion: “Ascegeres lebe!” (Asceger may live forever!). Over the centuries and many people moving in and out, dialects coming and going, the name has changed a little, but essentially still exists in its old form from 1600 years ago. Today, that same place is called: Aschersleben For 25 years, Aschersleben has also been home to Rotary and has another interesting story:

In the old GDR times (1949 to 1989), there was no Rotary in East Germany.

After the wall came down in 1989, there was again an increasing interest in Rotary and carrying on that legacy (which pre-World War II already existed and was very much a culture) The RC Leipzig for instance was formed in the same year as our RC Bombay: in 1929!) It was a Governor in West Germany who encouraged a partnership between the West German Club of RC Peine to form RC Aschersleben.

Today, the RC Aschersleben has already celebrated its silver jubilee and enjoys an excellent reputation much across the Aschersleben city limits. With some 50 members, RC Aschersleben in its District 1810 has a very active Club life: right from many note-worthy social projects to speakers and fellowship.

I am thankful especially to Rtn. (Dr.) Hans-Matthias Vorbrodt for inviting me and all Rotarian friends of the RC Aschersleben that made the evening a truly memorable one.