Kentish Express Ashford & District
Links strengthened with twinned towns
The annual meeting of representatives from the three twinned towns of Ashford, Fougeres in France and Germany’s Bad Munstereifel again showed that the bonds of friendship between the trio are much stronger than the political and economic uncertainty currenly surrounding Europe.
This year’s get-together was hosted at Bad Munstereifel, and the German hospitality extended to all of the visitors was, as always, warm and generous.
The opportunities to experience life with local families, to visit local places of interest, and enjoy the local cuisine were readily grasped by all who attended.
An important focus in recent years has been to encourage better contact between schools and colleges in the three countries.
As part of this youth delegations gave presentations in all three languages on the subject of ‘schools and civic twinning partnerships’.
Ashford was represented by six pupils from Highworth Grammar School along with teachers Duncan Beer and Susi Gerstlauer, and relationships with schools in the other two countries were strengthened.
The visit included a reception at Bad Munstereifel town hall during which the mayors from each town spoke of their considerable support towards town twinning.
Ashford mayor, Cllr George Koowaree, highlighted how the result of the British referendum on membership of the EU should not adversely impact the bonds between the towns.
Most visitors took the opportu- nity to visit the home of artist and sculptor Peter Greven who has displayed many of his works in his garden.
Hospitality and entertainment provided by host families included trips to historic villages, radio telescopes, wine festivals, country parks and landmarks.
The visit concluded with a formal dinner at the Senior CenterObinna.