DROITWICH’S cricket club pavilion was full of friendly German and English chatter last week as the Spa town welcomed residents from its twinned municipality of Bad Ems in Germany.
Since 1983, members from Twinning Associations in Droitwich and Bad Ems have been welcoming each other in a celebration of unity, peace, cultural diversity and history.
This year, as the town’s celebrate 41 years of twinning, folks from Bad Ems were put up by families in Droitwich for an action packed weekend of all things British.
The trip kicked off with tea and cakes in the town’s cricket pavilion on Thursday, May 30 before Bad Em’s association mayor, Uwe Bruchhauser and Droitwich mayor, Councillor Alex Sinton gave their welcome speeches.
Association mayor Bruchhauser spoke of his excitement towards visiting an English pub and thanked the twinning association chairmen, Wulfgang and John Harris, and other organisers for planning and hosting the weekend.
Droitwich Spa mayor, Coun Sinton, shared his delight at becoming the new mayor and therefore honorary president of the town’s twinning association.
He said: “It’s a great privilege to be president and to spend the weekend with you all.
“I’m really looking forward to it.” Mayor Coun Sinton rounded off his speech by presenting his German counterpart with a flag denoting Droitwich – which will be flown in Bad Ems.
Droitwich had been flying a flag representing Bad Ems outside St Richard’s House ahead of the visit.
Across the weekend, the Droitwich Spa Twinning Association had organised a weekend of activities for their German guests which included a visit to the Black Country Museum, a trip to an English pub and a free day for hosts to share their favourite things to do in the town or local area with their guests.
Lastly, the weekend was topped off with a two or three course Gala dinner at Droitwich Golf Club before Droitwich Ukulele band provided light, after dinner entertainment.
Droitwich Twinning Association chairman, John Harris told the Standard: “The weekend was a tremendous success.”
Bad Em’s association mayor, Uwe Bruchhauser added:
“It’s my first time in this beautiful country and town.
“Partnership across borders is important during times of turbulence. I look forward to experiencing and learning more about the town in the future.”
