On 7 April this year the city of Novo mesto marked 648th anniversary of its founding. For that purpose, the city authorities have traditionally organised a number of cultural, sport and other events which last almost for a month. Central event was on 8 April in the Cultural centre “Janez Trdina” where municipal awards and commendations were presented.
Upon the invitation of Mrs. Branka Bukovec from the Society for the Development of Voluntary Work Novo mesto, members of Executive Board of the Association of Slovenians “Triglav”, visited Novo mesto and attended some events organised on that occasion, such as traffic– prevention show “Not to happen” . The event was held on 6 April at Novi trg and was organised by Society for increased security in traffic and was primarily intended for elementary school and high school students. In addition to numerous preventive animations the visitors had the opportunity to watch the reconstruction of a traffic accident between a passenger car and a motorbike where drivers were seriously injured. The entire course of action was shown – from the arrival to the scene of accident, calling 112, to intervention by emergency teams involving ambulance, fire-fighters, police and finally tow-vehicles. The event was also attended by President of the Republic of Slovenia. Representatives of Triglav had the opportunity to briefly meet with Mayor of Novo mesto Mr. Alojizije Muhič.
In the afternoon members of the executive Board visited a museum with hayracks outdoors in Šentrupert. Given that hayracks are somewhat of Slovenian architectural characteristic as such they represent cultural heritage of national importance. Owing to professional leadership by curator and ethnologist Mrs. Alenka Lamovšek visitors to the museum can get familiar with the development of hayracks, manner of building, types of materials used and many other details. Especially interesting are the stories and anecdotes about hayracks and their owners and builders.
A visit to winery Martinčič from Šentjerneja was also organised where one could see a contemporary way of wine production and vine seedlings in this big winery, behind whose success is the work of the Martinčić family.
Despite the cold and rainy weather, visit to Novo mesto always remains a nice memory primarily due to hospitality of Mrs. Branka Bukovec.
Marija Petković - Mladen Lunić