Sat, July 9th 2011

The Austro-British Society in Birgitz

Before experiencing the culinary delights of the Austro-British Barbecue in Hazel and Elmar Zeiner’s garden, we first of all enjoyed some local culture. Meeting at the church in Birgitz,
we looked at the gravestone of the photographic artist Heinrich Kühn and his British companion Mary Warner. Kühn, whose photographs resemble impressionist paintings, is regarded as one of the forefathers of fine art photography and Mary Warner, Kühn’s companion and children’s nanny, features in many of his compositions. We then went on to view Kühn’s villa, overlooking the ancient Birga Settlement, where he lived with Mary Warner and his four children from 1921 to his death in 1944.
Having satisfied our cultural appetite, we continued on to the Zeiner garden where we were
warmly welcomed by Hazel and Elmar. While we enjoyed coffee and a wonderful choice of
cakes Elmar busied himself with the barbecue grill, and soon the delicious aroma of sizzling
sausages (provided by the Austro-British Society) was drifting through the air. An appetizing range of salads and sandwiches provided something for everyone’s taste to which Yasmin’s spicy lamb pasty made a tasty addition. Thirst was quenched with a choice of beer, wine or
elderberry juice and soon the conversation flowed. Finally we found room for a portion of our very own personalized Austro-British Tiramisu (courtesy of Isabella).
We thank Hazel and Elmar for their hospitality and for their efforts in making this event so successful.  Thanks also go to all society members who provided food and drinks. A wonderful afternoon was had by all and we look forward to many more Austro-British Barbecues.

Lynne Hilber

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