Interview with Werner Tapper

You are one of the dedicated volunteers on Borkum. Which club do you belong to?

My favorite club is of course the Watertoorn Börkum eV. I am also active in the local association. I am an active singer in the ecumenical gospel choir "Um Himmels Willen." Furthermore, I am involved in many BorkumI'm a more or less active member of several clubs. I'd like to do more, but I have to manage my energy and resources and use them purposefully.

Werner Tapper in front of the Watertoorn during its restoration

How did you get to Watertoorn Börkum e.V. come from?

The water tower led a miserable existence after it was decommissioned and, in addition, lost its particularly attractive tower head through demolition in 1982. A group of interested Borkumern came together around 2007 with the aim of restoring the now listed BorkumTo restore the landmark to its former beauty. Above all, we wanted to make the tower accessible to the public.

Where does your passion for the “Watertoorn” come from?

Many reasons come together here. One is the interest in old BorkumThe architecture is no different, as is the case at the Watertoorn. Our forefathers invested a great deal of money in constructing the water tower in a unique architectural style, creating a building unlike any other on our islands. The Office for the Preservation of Historic Monuments has classified the Watertoorn as a "significant building." I also completed an apprenticeship with the municipal utilities from 1960 to 1963 and was therefore often in and around the Watertoorn. I still remember the importance of the Watertoorn as a guarantor of our island's water supply. That has never left me.

Tell us more about the Watertoorn project?

In 2007, committed people on the island joined the non-profit Watertoorn Börkum e.V. with now (in September 2019) 463 paying members, leased the dilapidated building in 2010 from the city's commercial enterprises Borkum, raised funds from funding sources from Berlin, via Hanover to Brussels, and from charitable foundations (German Foundation for Monument Protection, Bingo Environmental Foundation), as well as from generous private donors, and had the tower restored by medium-sized businesses and (some of them working pro bono) experts. Since 2014, it has stood as a landmark building in its former glory, with its restored tower head. The entire masonry, including the joints, was renewed, as well as

In conversation with Gitta Connemann (Member of Parliament)

the historic cast iron windows and the wooden consoles made according to original models. Watertoorn Börkum e.V. has successfully completed its massive renovation project, but the building remains a "water tower without water." But the association will remedy this problem as well.

The association is already actively working on reviving the interior of the tower as a water museum. The association is not only interested in a museum exhibition of exhibits, but also and above all in a water experience and education center, where the topic of water is communicated in a variety of ways. Of course, this museum is not about the lake water that flows abundantly around the island, but about the water that the tower once served: drinking water.

After the tower has been expanded, the fully barrier-free WaterhuusIt will be a museum entrance area with seminar rooms and a water workshop in which the subject of water can be learned in a tangible and experienceable way through experiments.

Your commitment was recognized last year. What is it all about?

Last year I was awarded the "Blinkfüür", the Leer district's volunteer award, as chairman of the Watertoorn Börkum. This was in recognition of my and our commitment to preserving the Watertoorn and the ambitious goals that we still want to achieve. As one of the Leer district's award winners, I was nominated for the German Engagement Award. In the online vote, I managed to get 600th place for our association on our island out of over 5 nominees.

Would you say Borkum has a vibrant culture?

The cultural BorkumThe landscape is so diverse and varied that sometimes you can't help but be amazed. There are the many music groups and solo artists who BorkumThe Low German stage, the musical "Up de Walvis," and many others. Our museums and exhibitions are also of great value. We have a literary working group, a library, and ecumenical activities with their diverse offerings. Not to forget the VBJ (Born and Young People's Association), its subgroups, and the island's homeland association (which promotes the Low German language), which represent the diverse "Urborkumer" traditions. What would be more Borkum without the nature tours, mudflat hikes and similar events? I also don't want to forget the initiatives that deal with the Borkumhistory. But also food and drink, special festivals on the promenade, and more. Last but not least, the many different culinary offerings presented by the NBG.

age or Neuer Leuchtturm? 

Of course both, although the Olde Baas is my favorite

Ostland or city?                      

“Naturally” Ostland, delicious food and drink and music: City

sun or Schietwetter?         

Chilling? Sun! Deep breaths, loosen bronchial tubes? Experience the power of nature? Schietwetter

Gezeitenland or sea?

Fitness, wellness, sauna, swimming when it is cold outside: Gezeitenland! Otherwise always sea!

Cocktail or beer?

Sundowner? Cocktails are welcome! On the beach, with friends, a beer is welcome

Fish or meat?                        

Sea fish three times a week! Whether prepared at home or in a restaurant. And sometimes a piece of meat too.

Cream puff or cake?             

A Sturmsack is so delicious! Or an Ossitorte? Also delicious!

North beach or south beach?    

See and be seen? Listen to music? Stroll? North beach. Otherwise ONLY South beach!

Cycling or walking?

Do I want to go somewhere quickly? Shopping? Island tour? Cycling. Otherwise, I'm happy to walk!

Bali or Borkum?                        

I don't know what the question is about. Who goes to Bali if they Borkum may have?