An action-packed weekend of anniversary celebrations took place at the end of April to mark the early days of Bassetlaw’s twinning links.
The very first twinning agreement was signed 45 years ago, between Retford Town Council and Pfungstadt Council in Germany. This first link was later joined by others, one more in Germany and two others, which all came together under the Bassetlaw umbrella with support from the council and from Bassetlaw Twinning Association (BTA).
A German party of 11 people, including the Mayor and deputy, twinning chair, councillors, teachers and members of the fire service, saw a new agreement signed on the Saturday lunchtime at Worksop Town Hall and an exchange of gifts including a splendid planter for Worksop.
On a thankfully dry day the visitors were also able to enjoy the international market taking place, which saw a morning performance by the Pfungstadt Accordion Association, and the St George’s Day medieval event at Worksop Priory.
Musical twinning links were much in evidence at the Priory that evening with a splendid concert given jointly by long-standing BTA members Ryton Chorale and Whitwell Brass Band, alongside their friends from the Pfungstadt Accordion group, who all came together for the final item: a rousing rendering of Jerusalem.
On the Sunday the programme had been designed to reflect the professional interests of members of the group. The visitors enjoyed visits to Worksop College and Worksop Fire Station, with lunch in between at the Lockkeeper.
The grand finale to the weekend took place at Retford Town Hall, where visitors, councillors, BTA members, and members of the music groups all enjoyed a concert given by the Bassetlaw u3a Swing Band. A good time was had by all and there were extended goodbyes with many promises of future contacts.
Twinning really is back on the agenda now, post-pandemic. A return visit to Pfungstadt is scheduled for September, Garbsen in Germany are looking forward to a visit next year, and the Aurillac group who came in 2023 can’t wait to come back.