René Risch, a seasoned slate worker since the age of 14, and Josy Fisch, dedicated steward of the Traumschleife (“dream loop”) hiking trail in Manternach, exemplify the spirit of volunteerism celebrated by this award.
If need be, Fisch’s commitment to the Traumschleife trail takes him to the workshop at around 8.30am. There, he meticulously tends to the details that subtly enhance the experience of those seeking to explore the woods in Manternach.
From benches and litter bins to railings, Fisch’s craftsmanship is evident along the 9-kilometer trail in Manternach. The Manternach Initiative Syndicate, under Fisch’s leadership as president, ensures the trail and its surroundings are well maintained.
Beyond his dedication to nature, Fisch emphasises the preservation of Luxembourg’s hiking trails. He describes the Manternach trail as one of the most beautiful, nestled in a nature reserve just 8 kilometres from Wasserbillig, offering breathtaking views.
The syndicate devotes over 400 hours annually to the trail’s upkeep, spending the rest of the time at their headquarters in the heart of the forest.
But Fisch’s commitment extends beyond nature and the syndicate. He has been married for 50 years and when his wife suggested the idea of building a home wine bar, he was immediately on board. He personally constructed the bar, fuelling his growing enthusiasm for woodworking.
But Josy Fisch was not the only winner. He and René Risch found themselves in a tie for the top spot in the “Volunteering” category of the Luxembourg Tourism Award 2023.
Hailing from Martelange, René Risch’s connection to slate runs deep. Introduced to the art of slate splitting by his father at the age of 14, Risch, now 84, can be found revisiting his former workplace, now transformed into a museum.
Risch is happy to pass on his knowledge, partly because he takes pride in preserving a trade that has dwindled with technological progress. Eager to share his wealth of knowledge, he welcomes school classes to witness the traditional slate-making process.
As an experienced storyteller, Risch captivates audiences with tales of an era when labourers toiled tirelessly to make ends meet. So far, the thought of fully retiring has never crossed his mind.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
