A group of nearly 20 people has recently returned from a very successful visit to Hexham’s twin town of Metzingen. Hexham’s German twin is a somewhat larger town of some 22,000 inhabitants, once noted for its tanning, textile manufacture and wine production, but today famous for its ever-expanding Outlet City . It does, however, still produce some excellent wine made from the grapes cultivated on the Weinberg overlooking the town and on sale in one of the historic Keltern or wine presses in the heart of the old town.

It was mayor Bob Hull’s first visit to the town and his strong European credentials after 30 years at the Council of Europe made a powerful impression. At an informal reception in Metzingen’s oldest building, the newly refurbished Family Centre, both mayors spoke with feeling about the need to maintain and expand the strong links and friendships built up between individuals and groups in the 2 towns over the past 30 years. With the threat of Britain’s imminent departure from the EU uppermost in their minds, Dr Fiedler asserted that we must remain friends, whether or not our two countries remain in a shared concept of Europe; Councillor Hull maintained that Britain will always be a part of Europe, whatever the future brings. Councillor Hull mentioned the importance of engaging young people from both towns in shared activities and Mon Richford, chair of Hexham Town Twinning Association, looked forward to the visit next July of a group of young musicians from Metzingen High School to Hexham.

The visitors were blessed with perfect late summer weather for their Sunday outing to Waldenbuch, an old village with timbered houses and a large hunting lodge/castle in the heart of the Swabian Alp. A typical hearty Swabian lunch had been prepared for hosts and their guests before they adjourned to the Museum of Everyday Life housed within the castle. An English guide talked the group expertly through the exhibits and these provoked much discussion about shared memories. A perfect day was then rounded off by a short visit to a chocoholic’s paradise – a factory shop selling the delicious and world famous Ritter chocolate.

Photograph © Mon Richford