21st Twinning Anniversary celebrations

This is a translation of a report in the Echo, a local German newspaper with additional photographs taken during the week. The report is titled 'A close Friendship with Crewe and Nantwich'. If the original is still available it can be found here.

Even the weather was kind. Shortly before the arrival date many parts of England were flooded, but this had no effect on the visit, as the organisers reported. After the official welcome by the Mayor of Crewe, Peggy Martin, and the Mayor of Nantwich, Graham Fenton, time was spent with the hosts. Hosts and guests appreciated the emphasis on personal contact, the mainstay of our close relationship.

In addition to a tour of the market of Nantwich and a porcelain factory in Stoke-on-Trent with its remaining, traditional bottle ovens there was another traditional event, the Hog Roast and dancing. A party atmosphere prevailed.

The visit to the open air museum "Blists Hill" near Telfort/Ironbridge gave an idea of industrialized England at the time of Queen Victoria. Many ancient crafts were on display there. The fish and chips lunch was not be missed.

A highlight of the visit was the trip to Liverpool. Besides visiting the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals there was the opportunity to explore the city on your own and visit some museums. The trip by ferry across the River Mersey was the impressive conclusion.

The official anniversary evening was celebrated in Peckforton Castle, built in the 19th century in the style of a medieval castle. The drive to the Castle and back took place in an old red London double-decker bus. The Bischofsheimers Mayor Ulrike Steinbach, chairman of the municipal council, Hugo Berg, and the chairman of the partnership association, Alois Barton, gave their speeches. Both sides, the English and German, were pleased about the presence of Mayor George Walton and the Chairman of Cheshire East Council Michael Jones.

The programme put together by Canta, the Crewe and Nantwich Twinning Association was extensive and varied. Personal relationships were maintained and deepened, new friends were made.

Further images of the visit are available here.