What is the Kendal-Rinteln Association?
The Kendal Rinteln Association (KRA) is a volunteer-run organisation whose primary aim is to foster friendships, exchanges, and fun events for and between the residents of Kendal and environs and those of Rinteln and surrounding area. It is based in Kendal. (For clarity: our German partner town has a similar organisation, but it is one that comes under the official structure of their town administration). The KRA also understands itself as a group of people who can be asked for advice about visiting Rinteln and who are continually seeking new ways to encourage interactions (online and in person). KRA is happy to hear from any cultural, sporting, or educational institutions, clubs etc who would like to make contact with Rinteln counterparts. Indeed, the KRA is proactive in trying to forge such mutual exchange.
Do I have to pay to be a member?
Membership of the KRA is payable annually either directly to the Membership Secretary or via the website https://www.kendal-rinteln.co.uk . The fee is nominal, but members can expect the following benefits and opportunities
What are the benefits and opportunities of membership?
- regular communications with and from the association – e.g. via newsletters, social media (FB/Instagram) and in person at events
- occasional social meetings where members old and new are most welcome (we have had quizzes; pub evenings, many different social gatherings when Rinteln visitors are in town)
- opportunities to take part in a visit to Rinteln. There have been many different trips over the years (from choirs, bands, individual and small groups to visit various festivals, such as the Altstadtfest). Such visits are, of course, possible without being a member of the KRA, but we would hope you would like to share your experiences and your insights with the KRA by being a member and attending events
- opportunities to socialise with and even host a Rinteln visitor or visitors. Kendalians have been welcomed with open arms and hosted by German friends during their visits. This is not compulsory, of course. Some choose to stay in hotels/ youth hostels in Rinteln and in Kendal
- KRA committee / casual assistance: there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, either by taking on one of the committee roles or by undertaking occasional ‘duties’. We have a lot of fun running a stall at the Kendal Torchlight and at the Xmas lights switch-on, for example (Glühwein is involved in the latter), but help can be given, too, in jobs like assisting with the KRA archive sort-out or coming up with new ideas/ helping to organise events for our Rinteln visitors during their short stays in Cumbria, writing short pieces for newspapers/ social media etc.
Do I need to be able to speak German?
Absolutely not. There are opportunities to learn German in Kendal, however, and many members of the KRA have discovered their German vocabulary is indeed expanding.
Who do I contact?
All contact information can be found on https://www.kendal-rinteln.co.uk