Town Twinning - Newsletter
www.roystontowntwinning.org
Town-twinning in Royston and the surrounding villages has been going strong, first through links with Grossalmerode in Germany, formed in 1974, followed by the more recent twinning with La Loupe in France in 1986.
Royston and District Twinning Association was set up to foster greater understanding between towns and individuals from different countries, and has led to the development of long-lasting friendships and even two town-twinning marriages.
Grossalmerode is a small town set in beautiful countryside five miles from the old East-West German border, near Kassel. Ties are especially strong between soccer groups, including youth soccer teams, and the Royston Town Band.
Recently, links have started between the Guides and students from Bassingbourn Village College. Sporting links with table tennis and running groups are also being forged
The connection with La Loupe, close to the cathedral city of Chartres, has already resulted in many close family friendships. Annual youth visits are providing a real success, with groups of young people experiencing at first hand what family life is like across the Channel.
In the Royston area itself, regular fund-raising social events are organised by the association and symbols of the importance of twinning are all around the town.
French and German post boxes, a 10th anniversary plaque at the railway station and a sculpture "Union", dedicated to twinning which stands outside the library, all highlight the involvement of groups, families and individuals in the Royston area.
For further information or to join the Twinning Association contact the chairman Adrian Jones 01763 231433 or email
adrian@sallad.co.uk