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Twin Towns

What is a Twin Town?

A Twin Town is a twinning link customarily defined as a friendship agreement involving co-operation between two communities in different countries, endorsed by both local authorities. The two twinned communities organise projects and activities around a range of issues and develop an understanding of historical, cultural and lifestyle similarities and differences. These activities involve a wide range of community members.

Bridgnorth District Twin Towns

Within the Bridgnorth District 3 of the main towns are twinned with other european countries. These are:

• Bridgnorth
• Shifnal
• Much Wenlock

Bridgnorth

Bridge opening in Thiers

Bridgnorth is twinned with 2 towns:

Thiers in France: www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tourisme/THIERS.htm

Thiers is situated on the side of a ravine through which flows the river Durolle. Set in the superb natural environment of the Auvergne with its mountain ranges, lakes and volcanoes, it makes an attractive destination for tourists. The old city is steeped in history with narrow, winding streets half-timbered houses and magnificent views towards distant volcanic mountains.
Paper and knives have been made there since the 15th century and although paper making has nearly disappeared, the cutler's skills are evident in every shop window. The town also produces surgical instruments, stainless steel platters and spare parts for cars.
Metal working is not only industrial - the town also boasts some fine contemporary metal sculpture.

Bridgnorth and Thiers entered into a twinning arrangement in 1978 although contracts between the two towns are much older. Since then, new friendships have been forged and then tempered by the delights of the country's renowned food and wine!

Ironmen in Thiers

Schrobenhausen in Germany: www.schrobenhausen.de

Schrobenhausen is in picturesque Bavaria, an hour's drive from Munich. This is another town which is full of character. It is enriched by a town wall dating from the 15th century and contains many fine old buildings and churches.
Running through the middle of the town is the broad Lenbachstrasse which forms a natural venue for the Schrannenfest, an annual celebration of the town's market traditions.
Schrobenhausen is a famed asparagus producing area and its inhabitants rightly consider themselves to be connoisseurs. Indeed the town boasts what must be the world's only Asparagus Museum!
Bridgnorth has been twinned with Schrobenhausen since 1992, but in 1997 Schrobenhausen and Thiers celebrated their own 10th twinning anniversary, strengthening the links between the three towns.

Shifnal

Shifnal is twinned with Machecoul in France - http://www.machecoul.com

Machecoul is situated in the Loire Atlantique region of France, to the South West of Nantes. It is approximately 120 miles from St.Malo in Brittany and 200 miles from Caen in Normandy. The main industry is agriculture, but there are also factories making Gitanes bicycles, Redois garage doors, and the Seguin brandy distillery. Places of interest within easy traveling distance of Machecoul include the resorts of La Baule to the North, Les Sables d'Orlonne to the South, the offshore islands of Noirmouter and ille d'Yeu, the Italianate town of Clisson and the popular coastal area around Pornic.

Shifnal Twinning Association

The Shifnal Twinning Association was formed in 1987 following a public meeting in the Village Hall. An inaugural visit by a party of 29 members to France saw the signing of the Twinning Charter between Shifnal and Machecoul in 1988. The twinning of our two towns was completed with a return visit by the French to Shifnal in 1989. The original Charter is on display in St. Andrew's Parish Church. Click here for more information.

Much Wenlock

Much Wenlock is twinned with Cysoing in France.

The aim of the group is to promote and develop an understanding of historical, cultural, educational, economic and social similarities and differences between all interested people of all ages in Much Wenlock, the surrounding area and the twin town of Cysoing, France.
Benefits of membership include:

• Meeting other Francophiles to enjoy common interests in France and its history, customs and people
• Making new friendships both in Much Wenlock and Cysoing participating in a range of social and fund-raising activities improving conversational French
• Participating in exchanges and visits between the 2 twin towns
• Joining the Much Wenlock Twinning Bowls Team receiving regular newsletters to keep up to date with 'what's on'

For more information contact;

Joyce Piper, Chairman
Much Wenlock Twinning Group
Telephone: 01952 727786
Email: joyce@jpiper2.wanadoo.co.uk

Linda Stevenson, Secretary
Much Wenlock Twinning Group
Telephone:01952 727884
Email: stevensons@andlin.fsnet.co.uk

How to become a Twin Town

The Local Government International Bureau is responsible for coordinating twinning activities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and can provide advice on all aspects of twinning and at all stages. Through its membership of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), the LGIB also plays an active part in the European Twinning Officers Network, exchanging information with counterpart organisations in Europe and representing the interests of local authorities and twinning associations in meetings with the European Commission.

Visit the Local Government International Bureau website for more information on Twin Towns.