You’ve probably seen road signs that state High Wycombe is twinned with Kelkheim in Germany. But do you know how far back this relationship goes, or what happens? Or where Kelkheim is? What is Town Twinning for anyway?
It was back in 1985 when High Wycombe formed a Town Twinning agreement with Kelkheim, near Frankfurt in Germany. Representatives of both towns still meet each year, alternating between ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ fixtures. This year, a group of Kelkheim residents will visit us here and local people are invited to host one or two of our guests for the weekend in September. Highlights will include a welcoming supper in the town centre, as well as a day trip to a local attraction. Like High Wycombe, Kelkheim has a history of furniture manufacture. Those of us who have hosted in the past have enjoyed new friendships across cultural borders and the chance to visit this attractive and historic town with its delicious food and drink. It has been noted that we have much in common with our German friends, that we want the best for our families and that we enjoy good food – particularly the ‘kaffee und kuchen’!
New members of the High Wycombe Town Twinning Association are welcomed. Please visit www.hwtta.org.uk or email info@hwtta.org.uk. Anyone can join and all are welcome to join the trips to Germany, where the only substantial cost is the flight to Frankfurt. Since Brexit, maintaining friendly relationships with our European neighbours is more important than ever – as well as being a lot of fun!
Have you ever thought about who looks after and visits veterans and serving personnel in the High Wycombe area? It’s the local branches of the Royal British Legion, High Wycombe and Wycombe Marsh.
RBL visits veterans in their home or in hospital and offers a telephone buddy service. All this is done by Legion members who are volunteers, trained to support veterans in the community. Many are isolated and struggling on their own. RBL is also the custodian of remembrance, which might surprise you to know is year-round. The Legion encourages the community to remember our Armed Forces constantly. The Armed Forces Community has use of the RBL Social club in Wycombe Marsh for all to enjoy social connection.
If these are things you think you can help with and develop in the High Wycombe area they would love to hear from you. Email Volunteer County Secretary Sarah Sturt at ssturt@britishlegion.org.uk . To find out more, please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.
