Over the last few weeks, The Courier has been asking readers to share their answer to the question: What does Europe mean to you?
The project, in support of Dundee’s bid to be named European Capital of Culture in 2023, prompted a massive response.
Young and old got involved, and the responses range from the personal, to the thoughtful to the hilarious.
In a special edition of Thursday’s Courier, we bring you the full collection of responses.
Ahead of that, here are some of our favourites.
Ged Grimes, musician:
“Toured Europe with Simple Minds and after living in Spain established the Spanish Dundee cultural group Intercambio.”
Lucy Penman, columnist:
“Teenage exchanges with exotic European boys with dreamy accents who appreciated my taste in swimear and introduced me to moules frites.”
Graham Duncan, amateur filmmaker:
“I’m European and where education barriers limited me here the open borders of Europe gave real opportunity.”
Oliver Bruce, Kanzen Karate:
“Dundee’s cultural connections to Europe are important as it allows me to follow my passion in karate by competing in European countries.”
Chris van der Kuyl, chairman 4J Studios:
“The grandson of both a Dutch sailor and a Polish soldier with Dundonian grandmothers, I am a true euro mongrel.”
Amanda Kopel, Frank’s Law campaigner:
“My grandparents were from Italy and Frankie’s dad was from Poland and I’m also proud to say two Mallorquian friends include tennis star Rafa Nadal and Spanish gold Olympic medallist Marcus Cooper.”
Ian Nimmo, retired editor:
“We are linked to Europe through war, peace and culture spanning centuries and there’s no greater fascination than exploring these ties.”
Lily Reoch, age 3
“My daddy told me that Mickey Mouse sometimes lives in France at Disneyland Paris so I’d like to visit him there — that would be awesome.”
Adam Carrington, author:
“The patchwork quilt of imperial scars can’t mark this place. Europe is an incredible cradle of forward-thought and creative work.”
Frances Headley, retired
“I’m almost 84 so the glories of Florence and Venice are now out of my reach but I remember them with affection.”
Gwen Raynor, artist and teacher:
“To appreciate the differences within our individual cultures and languages must surely be the best education ever.”
