Higham Ferrers strengthens international friendship with Twin Town visit
Higham Ferrers Twinning Association members recently extended a warm welcome to visitors from the German town of Hachenburg as part of the long-standing twinning partnership between the two communities.
To mark the occasion, the German flag was proudly raised in Higham Ferrers, symbolising the close relationship between the two towns and offering a visible welcome to the visiting delegation.
Higham Ferrers and Hachenburg, located in Germany’s picturesque Westerwald region, have been officially twinned for 36 years. Although separated by more than 400 miles, the two historic market towns share much in common, including attractive medieval town centres, impressive heritage buildings and thriving community spirit.
Historically, twinning partnerships were established to encourage friendship and understanding between communities in different countries following the Second World War. Across Europe, town twinning became an important way of promoting peace, cooperation and cultural exchange, allowing people to build relationships that transcend national borders. The partnership between Higham Ferrers and Hachenburg began in the ’80s, and following exploratory visits and discussions, Higham Ferrers formed a twinning committee in 1989 with both councils subsequently approving the partnership.
The first Hachenburg delegation travelled to Higham Ferrers in November 1989, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9th November. The visit became an especially symbolic moment, as a new friendship between a British and German community was developing at the same time as Europe was experiencing historic change. The formal twinning agreement was signed in Higham Ferrers on 17th March 1990, creating an official partnership that has continued for more than three decades.
Every two years, members of both Higham Ferrers and Hachenburg Twinning Associations take turns hosting visitors in their own homes or utilising nearby accommodation, offering guests the opportunity to experience everyday life, local traditions and community events while forging friendships that often last for decades.
For this visit, most of the German guests, along with members of the Higham Ferrers Twinning Association, began the day by attending the Sunday morning service at St Mary’s Church on 12th July. This was followed by a civic reception in the Town Hall Chamber, where the Mayor, Councillor Chris O’Rourke, formally welcomed the visitors.
Refreshments were served before speeches were delivered by Gill Mercer, Secretary of the Higham Ferrers Twinning Association, and representatives from Hachenburg, Stefanie Klevers and Christian Müller. During the reception, the Hachenburg delegation presented Higham Ferrers with a ceramic plaque commemorating the long-standing friendship and partnership between the two towns, along with a table depicting the Westerwald region.
The celebrations continued with a barbecue in the historic gardens of Chichele College. Entertainment was provided by Fynnius Fogg, a band that has supported numerous charities and organisations over the years with its repertoire of music from the 1950s to the 1980s. Guests also had the opportunity to enjoy a game of croquet.
The following day, the group travelled by coach to Althorp House, the ancestral home of Diana, Princess of Wales, where they spent time exploring the house and gardens in warm, sunny weather. Upon returning to Higham Ferrers, the visitors were welcomed at the Higham Ferrers SAS Club, where they were served fish and chips prepared by the award-winning Georgia’s Fish Bar on Westfield Terrace.
Mayor of Higham Ferrers, Councillor Chris O’Rourke said: “It has been a real pleasure to welcome our friends from Hachenburg back to Higham Ferrers. Our twinning partnership is about much more than exchanging visits. It is about building lasting friendships, learning from one another and celebrating the values that unite our communities. We are proud of this long-standing relationship and look forward to many more years of friendship.”
As the visitors waved goodbye, all looked ahead to the next chapter of their partnership in 2027 when the Higham Ferrers group make the return journey to Hachenburg. In an increasingly connected world, the twinning relationship between Higham Ferrers and Hachenburg continues to demonstrate how international understanding begins at a local level, bringing people together through shared experiences, mutual respect and lasting friendship.
You can find out more about Higham Ferrers Twinning Association on their website: www.highamferrers-tc.gov.uk/twinning
