Ulli Offermann
Deeply rooted in Seppenrade
Ulli Offermann is an ambassador for her homeland and its history
Ulli Offermann is Seppenrade through and through. She was born in Seppenrade ("even in the old hospital"), went to kindergarten and school. The Tetekum farming community is her home. "I'm deeply rooted here," she says.
She has always been committed to her hometown - and in many different ways. She was a scout leader, was active in the archive group in Lüdinghausen and helped design the cycle path to the Iron Necklace, gave church tours, designed the parish newsletter for a long time and helped prepare for communion. Today she is involved in the archive group of the Seppenrade local history association, in the poorhouse interest group and gives village tours in Seppenrade. She is also active in carnival, as part of the legendary "Seppenrader Dorfpomeranzen".
"I've always been interested in history," says the Seppenrade native. "I got that from my father." They used to watch Winnetou on TV together and she asked herself: How did the Indians used to live? "Then I wanted to know how my ancestors actually lived in the past." And that's how she got into archive work.
Chairwoman of the local history association
Ulli Offermann is new to the position of chairwoman of the local history association. She was elected at the meeting in spring. "At first I said, for God's sake, no," says the Seppenrad native with a smile. But then she agreed. After all, she had already been managing director for two years and the team in the local history association was simply great. Everyone is there for each other. "I'm looking forward to the work," says Ulli Offermann. Whereby she sees the biggest challenge in the reorganization of the Rose Festival. "We can no longer use the church square, but will have the whole festival in the rose garden so that everyone can celebrate together. I sincerely hope that the people of Seppenrad will join in," says Offermann.
My favorite place
Ulli Offermann lives in the middle of Seppenrade. "I love living there," she says. However, her favorite place is still Tetekum. "Tetekumer Schweiz, the forest, the nature. Simply beautiful."
My motivation
Making a difference
Why is she so active? "It's nice to get something going and make a difference together with committed people. And Seppenrade is something very special in this respect. I remember the organization of this year's hiking day. We were sitting in the kitchen at our home in Tetekum and in no time at all we had put together a program and lots of clubs wanted to take part."
Ulli Offermann is also an ambassador for her home region and its history in her job. She works in the OGS at the Ostwallschule. "As I always wear my ammonite pendant on my necklace, all the children know what it is. When I tell them that the ammonite is a kind of dinosaur, they always find it really exciting."
She enjoys imparting historical knowledge anyway. That's why she enjoys the village tours so much. Preserving history is just as important to her. That's why the poorhouse is so close to her heart. This should find its place in the rose garden and bring village history to life. "Events and workshops for smaller groups could also be held here."
In her free time, she enjoys reading medieval novels and history books. She enjoys cooking Westphalian food, is passionate about playing Doppelkopf and loves spending time on her roof terrace.
Does she even have time for this with all her voluntary work? "Yes. I block out one day at the weekend just for me and my partner." Nadine Wenge
