Gotha celebrates Geffert's farewell and Kreuch's award with splendour!

Gotha celebrates Geffert's farewell and Kreuch's award with splendour!

On June 24, 2025, Gotha's mayor Knut Kreuch (SPD) said goodbye to his long-time companion Stephan Geffert in retirement. After 34 years and 6 months in the service of the city administration, under three mayors, Geffert is now drawing the line. He began his career as head of the human resources department and has been head of the main and human resources office since 1994. In his speech, Kreuch praised Geffert's great commitment and responsibility during his service; he was always an important pillar for the city of Gotha.

However, it is not just the end of an era that is felt in the city. A cultural highlight is coming: On Wednesday, June 25th, the third concert of the Gotha organ cycle will take place in the Margarethenkirche. Works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Daniel Hellbach are performed here. Susanne Kelbert on the flute and cantor Jens Goldhardt will captivate the audience. Admission to this musical devotion is free, so it's a great opportunity for music lovers!

Special awards in Gotha

On the same day, Knut Kreuch received the “Medal of Merit” from the Lions Club International for non-members. This award was presented in a festive setting in the Lucas Cranach Hall in the Hotel Lindenhof. Michael Hübner, District Governor East-Mitte, praised the importance of the medal, while Eberhard Greiner, the founding president of the Gotha Lions, highlighted Kreuch's voluntary work. Kreuch himself thanked the Lions for their support, especially for their “Helping Angels” initiative.

At the recent Lions Summer Ball, raffle tickets were sold with proceeds going to Helping Angels. The evening was accompanied musically by the Bachmann band, and Anna Steinhardt charmingly led the program. Such events make a significant contribution to strengthening the community in Gotha and supporting social initiatives.

Festivals and information for the youngest generation

Another bright spot in Gotha was the Versatio children's festival, which took place on June 21st in the Volksparkstadion. Over 70 different activities were offered to the little visitors - and all with free entry! Kreuch opened the festival, at which 60 Versatio employees and many volunteers were actively involved. It's just nice to see how much commitment there is to the young people in the city.

In addition to these events, information evenings on school leaving certificates were also offered at the district adult education center. The dates that are already in full swing concern the secondary school graduation on June 23rd, the Abitur courses on June 24th and again on August 12th. These events take place at 5 p.m. at Waltershäuser Straße 136 and are a valuable opportunity to find out about school qualifications.

And don't forget: The whole of Gotha is looking forward to the coming election, because Kreuch is running for a fourth term as mayor and emphasizes the importance of joint efforts for the city's future. He sees Gotha as his first choice and is doing everything he can to ensure that it stays that way - there is something to be said!

The developments in Gotha are exciting and show that the city is alive and is constantly finding new ways to grow and thrive.