Meeting of Nordernereyer: Tradition combines in Bornheim!

Meeting of Nordernereyer: Tradition combines in Bornheim!

On April 29, 2025, the annual meeting of the "Butennördernere", a group of former residents of the North Sea island of Norderney, took place in Bornheim, which were drawn to the mainland for professional or private reasons. This event has been organized for over 30 years and offers the participants a platform for exchange about their old homeland. This year, the long -time organizer Gerd Abegg, 77, was unable to participate for health reasons. His son, Jan Abegg, 42, took over the organization and welcomed 15 ex-insulans who gathered in the country house Wieler in Walberberg and exchanged memories.

The meeting was originally initiated by Artur Demanet in 1987. The first meetings took place in the inn "Zum Dorfbrunnen" in Waldorf before the event was moved to Bornheim due to the central location. In the past, up to 250 canoplases took part in the meetings, but before the Corona pandemic, the average number of participants was around 50. In recent years, this number has decreased because many of the former islanders died. <

event details

This year's meeting not only included social gathering, but also program -accompanying activities. During the three days in the front ranges, the participants were able to visit the scent house of 4711 in Cologne and take a tour of the witch tower. These program items reflect the interests of the participants in their homeland and ensure a lively exchange about the experiences from the time on Norderney.

In the past, similar meetings took place in Waldorf, including the 30th meeting of former Norderneyer, which was organized by Rena Diehl and Hanna Senkowski. 77 guests took part in this event, including 80-year-old Rena Diehl, who appealed to tradition and belonging together. The members of the Norderney Heimatverein performed in traditional costume and performed Low German songs and dances, which caused a festive atmosphere. Heike Wilhelm put together a picture show with photographs from three decades that revived many memories.

history of the island of Norderney

Norderney has a long story that goes back to 1550 when about 80 people lived on the island. In 1709, 304 people who lived from fishing and the rescue of beach goods were already recorded. The island was created as an important meeting point for vacationers, especially after the approval of a public seaside resort in 1797 by King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia. This development meant that Norderney became an exclusive holiday destination for the noble and wealthy audience and the number of visitors has increased significantly over the years

Today Norderney is not only known for their rich history and cultural importance, but also for the close community of their former residents, which are connected by events such as those of the “Button Nursers”. The tradition of exchanging information about the well-known home is a sign of the connection to the island, which is a piece of home for many ex-insulans.