Town twinning
Did you know that Watford is twinned with five towns around the world and that you could be involved in developing these relationships? Town twinning is about bringing people of different backgrounds, culture and language together.
The concept first started back in 1920 but it really gathered momentum after the Second World War when it was seen as an ideal way to rebuild friendships between nations at grass roots level. Watford's first link was formed with Mainz (Germany) in 1956 at a time when both towns shared a strong connection with the print industry.
Watford is twinned with:
- Mainz (Germany - 1956)
- Nanterre (France -1960)
- Novgorod (Russia -1984)
- Wilmington (USA - 1985)
- Pesaro (Italy - 1988)
Town twinning can take place at all levels of society; in Watford, many different elements of the community have been involved, including schools/colleges, musicians, artists, sports clubs, disability groups and churches to name but a few.
Useful contacts
The European and International Unit of the Local Government Association - provides an information service on all aspects of twinning and international links. They can also give assistance in the form of advice on grants for twinning projects:
European and International Unit
Local Government House
Smith Square
London SW1P 3HZ
Tel: 020 7664 3100
Connect Youth International - Information on obtaining funding to assist in twinning projects aimed at young people can be obtained from Connect Youth International:
The British Council
10 Spring Gardens
London SW1A 2BN
Tel: 020 7389 4030
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