Chard group enjoy twinning success in Helmstedt (From This is The West Country)

Chard group enjoy twinning success in Helmstedt

11:20am Saturday 4th August 2012 in News

MEMBERS of the Chard Helmstedt Society have returned home after their biennial visit to Chard’s twin town in Germany.

Some 22 society members set off by coach, driven by Steve Cash, and were joined by two more members who travelled to Germany independently.

After a ferry crossing to Calais they travelled to Antwerp in Belgium for an overnight stop before going on to Helmstedt the next day when they were met by their hosts and hostesses.

Their first morning saw them at the town hall for an official welcome from the Mayor of Helmstedt when speeches were made in English and German.

The trip saw the party visit Berlin and take a conducted tour of the German Parliament – the Bundestag – walk through Brandenburg Gate and explore the historic city.

Other trips included a visit to Hundisborg Castle, and time was spent with their hosts, including a rousing social evening with a free bar!

After a hectic week the group arrived home after another night stop in Antwerp.

Society spokesman Ken Courtney said: “It was another very successful twinning exchange and we look forward to welcoming our German friends to Chard in 2013.”

Anybody interested in joining the twinning association can call Ken Courtney on 01460-61407 or Collette Boyle on 01460-62449 for further information.