Ellesmere Port Marks 60-Year Bond With German Twin Town Reutlingen
The Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Councillor Katie Kendrick OBE, recently hosted a delegation from the German twin town of Reutlingen to commemorate six decades of international cooperation. The visit, which included Reutlingen’s Lord Mayor Thomas Keck and fellow councillors, serves as a precursor to the official 60th anniversary of the twinning agreement on 24 May 2026.
Formal Recognition of a Sixty-Year Partnership
The formal connection between the two towns was first established on 24 May 1966. Over the following decades, the relationship has evolved through school exchanges, community visits, and cultural events. During a recent Community Charity Ball, a certificate was formally signed to reaffirm the commitment to this long-standing partnership, marking sixty years of shared values and personal connections between residents.
Mayor Katie Kendrick OBE noted that the milestone reflects a genuine friendship built on mutual respect. She credited the ongoing success of the link to the dedication of the Friendship Group Reutlingen–Ellesmere Port, specifically highlighting the efforts of Toni Cioma and Fritz Schäfer in sustaining the bond.
Showcasing Local Community Projects
The visiting delegation participated in a varied itinerary designed to highlight civic and charitable initiatives within Ellesmere Port. The programme included a visit to the Mayor’s chosen charity, Men in Sheds, and a session at the Little Sutton Bowling Club.
Guests also toured the Redrow housing development and the historic Hooton Hangars to observe local infrastructure and heritage preservation efforts. These visits allowed the German representatives to meet with local volunteers and community groups, reinforcing the grassroots nature of the twinning arrangement.
A Living Symbol of International Friendship
To mark the visit, Lord Mayor Thomas Keck presented Ellesmere Port with a friendship tree and a commemorative plaque. The tree is set to be planted in the heart of the town as a permanent symbol of growth and resilience.
Lord Mayor Keck stated that the gift represents the shared hope that the twinning will continue to flourish for many years to come. The commemorative plaque will be installed alongside the tree to serve as a lasting public record of the 60th-anniversary celebrations and the enduring Anglo-German friendship.
Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council
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