Dear Mrs. May….

As representatives of Her Britannic Majesty’s Government start the process of negotiations for the UK to leave the European Union, I would just like to share with you a few hi-lights from my weekend.

My husband and I, who are both British citizens, live in a small village in France. Our children were both born in France but are, currently, also British passport holders.

Kemplich is situated near the borders with Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. Between 1871 and 1918 our village was in the area annexed by Germany. In 1939 the inhabitants, who spoke the local Germanic dialect were evacuated to the West of France where they were not able to communicate with the families which were ordered, at short notice, to house the refugees.

On Saturday morning, we celebrated my eldest son’s 11th birthday with his friends from the local French school. He chose a trip to our nearest swimming pool, in Merzig, Germany. This was followed by pizzas and cake at our house. The children, aged 7–11 spontaneously sang ‘Joyeux Anniversaire’; ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Guten Geburtstag’. German is compulsory from the age of 6 and next year they will start English, although several of them already attend private lessons organised by myself.

In the afternoon, our family participated in a ceremony at the Hackenberg Fort, built as part of the Maginot Line to defend France from invasion by the Nazis. The event marked the inauguration of a guided path explaining the history of the fort to ensure that the events of over 70 years ago are not forgotten.

Along with volunteers from the Amifort Association which runs visits to the fort, in English, French and German; the event was also attended by representatives of our local, departmental and regional government.

My husband is part of the team of guides at the fort and all four members of our family played music as part of the ceremony. My seven-year-old son was chosen to hold the ribbon for the official opening. Along with my husband and some of our French friends, he was also very proud to play his trumpet for the European Anthem, Ode to Joy.

It was a lovely weekend, with lots of quality family time and happy memories. But this is not why it was important.

It was important because it emphasised the true meaning of the European Union.

The E.U. is not about quotas and subsidies and regulations.

The E.U. is about friendship and cooperation; understanding; building bridges; cultural awareness.

And most importantly it is about working together to make sure that our children, throughout the continent of Europe, grow up in peace.

Helen Hodgson