The wonderful team at Banbury Shed are currently crafting a bespoke, illuminated wooden box surround to showcase a very special piece of our twinning history.
In the photo, you can see John (our Chairman) alongside Scotty (Banbury shed) holding the glass panel just before it goes in for its modern transformation.
About the Panel
This stunning stained glass panel was presented to the Banbury & District Twinning Association by Karl Kreuzberg sometime between 1999 and 2004.
The artwork beautifully depicts several landmarks of Hennef, flowing clockwise from the top:
* Katharinentor in Stadt Blankenberg
* The historic Hennef Town Hall (built in 1912)
* The chapel on Geistinger Straße in Hennef-Geistingen
* The former Schloss Allner (now converted into apartments)
* Bottom left: The Pilgrimage Church "Zur schmerzhaften Mutter" in Bödingen
* Bottom right: A view looking up from the Sieg valley toward the castle of Stadt Blankenberg
* Top right: An uncoloured depiction of a glassblower—believed to be the artist's subtle signature mark.
A Piece of Hennef's Heritage
The panel carries a deep connection to Hennef's municipal history:
* Until 1969, Hennef was flanked by two independent municipalities: Uckerath and Lauthausen. Both had their own town halls (Uckerath and Allner).
* In 1969, the parishes merged to form Gemeinde Hennef (Sieg), later becoming Stadt Hennef (Sieg) in 1981.
* The old town hall in Allner served as a municipal branch and administrative hub until a brand-new town hall opened in the centre of Hennef in 1999.
* When the Allner building was retired, its colourful stained glass windows were saved. Our panel is one of those historic windows, brought to Banbury as a lasting symbol of friendship by Karl Kreuzberg between 1999 and 2004.
About Banbury Shed
Banbury Shed is a fantastic, welcoming community workshop where locals share practical skills, collaborate on hands-on projects, and enjoy good company.
* When: Nearly every Saturday morning at 09:30
* Where: Banbury Shed, People's Park, Banbury, OX16 2AB (Just through the black gates in People's Park, close to the Warwick Road entrance)
New members are always welcome—feel free to just turn up!
Contributed by Ian Gentles