THE ITALIAN SOCIETY OF BEDFORD.
La Societa’ fu fondata da Peter Browning allora Direttore dell’Educazione Generale di Bedford.
Very sad to inform you that our founder died the 13th February 2010 at 82 years of age.
Essa si riunisce ogni 2^ Venerdi’ del mese alla “The Chapter House St. Peter’s Church – Bedford.
E’ articolata su basi culturali e aperta a chiunque.
Per informazioni contattare Rod Haden : e-mail rodhaden@hotmail.
Exchange with Rovigo – October 2009
Rovigo – Fratta Polesine Padova
Este Veron
Twinning with Rovigo 15th – 19th October 2009
What stands out in my mind about our visit to Rovigo is not any of the many beautiful places we visited but the wonderful hospitality bestowed on us by those with whom we stayed in family accommodation. From the moment we arrived in Milan Bergamo to the moment we departed four days later, we were treated with great warmth and attention. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile.
Our visit to the Villa Badoer (1556), standing in Andrea Palladio splendour, overlooking the small village of Fratta Polesine, was something really unique. The house was the summer residence of a wealthy Venetian family.
The Mayor of Rovigo welcomed us to his office and spent some time discussing present and future links with Bedford.
Rovigo is surrounded by cities of great history and interest.
We visited the town of Este with the Castle residence of the Azzo dynasty. According to our guide, they married into the Hanover family (Germany) giving a connection with the present English Royal Family. Queen Victoria apparently used to send flowers to the tomb of her Ancestor. Byron and Shelley lived there for a while.
Padua is home to the second oldest university in Italy, its foundation dating back to 1222. Only Bologna, another neighbouring city, can claim to be older. The Basilica del Santo, dedicated to and containing the relics of St Anthony, has to be one of the most impressive basilicas in Europe.
We visited Verona, en route to the airport. Another absolutely stunning city, one finds oneself taking a route through ancient piazzas and palazzos. The city oozes history and atmosphere.
We indulged in several celebrations. The many food courses were, fortunately, accompanied by what appeared to be an endless supply of wine. We were very pleased to be able to share some of these occasions with visitors from Viernheim, the town in Germany with which Rovigo is twinned. Perhaps the highlight of these celebrations was the ‘typical Veneto’ evening we spent with one of our host families the Rogato’s. Among the many dishes on offer that evening, the bigoli and the tripe stand out in the memory.
Our hosts and all of their friends, without exception, made us feel welcome in Rovigo. We were chauffeured, guided and informed. We were wined and dined. Most of all we were made to feel at home.
The next exchange, under the patronage of The Italian Society of Bedford and the Bedford Borough Council, will be in 2010. Contact us if you are interested.
Exchange with Rovigo in October 2011 – Are you interested?
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Web Site: www.italiansociety.org.uk
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PRACTICAL ITALIAN IS A NEW INITIATIVE FREE TO ALL MEMBERS
Half an hour lesson before each Event
The lessons are suitable only to those who wish to improve their italian
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Lesson 14th February 2012 - 7.30 pm.
See text on “Practical Italian”
