Sixty years of twinning friendships

Sixty years ago, in Caerphilly council chamber, I reported a decision that led to friendships that have given me and our family lasting pleasure.The council that day officially agreed to twin with the German city of Ludwigsburg. 

Shortly afterwards, as South Wales Argus reporter, I went with a council delegation on the first visit to Ludwigsburg. A year later, now Caerphilly council’s public relations officer, I was in charge of the twinning.

The idea came from the UK and European governments, to encourage friendship between people.The war had been over for 15 years, and the Treaty of Rome in 1957 created the European Economic Community (the forerunner to the EU), but life had still not fully recovered.

Cities, towns and even villages here and on the continent were invited to link up with counterparts. If possible they had some similar characteristic - history, iconic buildings or industries.

The tie between Caerphilly and Ludwigsburg was two magnificent buildings: the rugged, moated 13th century Caerphilly castle and the superb, elegant 452 room 18th century Ludwigsburg Royal Palace.

Over the 60 years, apart from regular official visits, there have been scores of exchanges, including choirs, golfers, doctors and other organisations.

The biggest success has been with secondary schoolchildren visits, Rosemary and I even conducted one memorable visit.

The twinning made friendships that last to today. Ursula - Uschi - who was the young interpreter for the first Ludwigsburg choir’s visit and Werner, a young Tubingen graduate who came to South Wales for a year’s teaching experience. 

Werner, Sabine and Lino visit Bob in Sunrise

Uschi and her husband Dieter, and Werner and his wife Sabine, are our close friends, and we have had many family visits.We have kept in touch during the pandemic by email and  Werner, Sabine and their grandson Lino visited me in Sunrise just before lockdown.

So many memories, so much pleasure, over all those years, thanks to town twinning.

I have been reliving them ready for my Bob’s  travel talk to Sunrise residents later today.