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| About
Our Town |
Situated in the “Gateway to the Chilterns” and
with a population of approximately 20,000, Amersham today
represents a fascinating blend of the ancient and the
modern. Within its rural boundaries there are fine examples
of some of England’s most appealing architecture
dating back to the 15th century and earlier and advanced
technology is represented by the Amersham plc engaged
on the production of radioactive isotopes for medicine
and industry. Elsewhere, community facilities meet the
needs of a broad cross-section of activities and interests.
Basically the town of Amersham
consists of three centres of population, namely - Amersham
Old Town; Amersham-on-the-Hill and Little Chalfont. Whilst
each centre has a character of its own, collectively and
through their history and structure, they provide a pleasing
and contrasting environment as a whole.
Amersham - Bensheim Twinning Society
The Amersham - Bensheim
Society was founded in 1978 to encourage and develop friendship
and understanding between Amersham and its twin town Bensheim
in Germany.
Bensheim is a lovely little market town of some 35,000
inhabitants in one of the warmest regions of Germany,
on the “Bergstrasse” a wine growing region situated
between Darmstadt and Heidelberg, 55km south of Frankfurt.
Bensheim averages 1,600 hours of sunshine a year and Spring
comes early to the Bergstrasse. The vineyards on the slopes
to the east of the town lead into the wooded hills of
the Odenwald, beautiful walking country.Bensheim’s
history goes back about 1,000 years. The town has many
old timbered buildings in the old German style which are
situated in the centre of the town and carefully restored.
There are many bridges spanning the River Lauter and the
pedestrian area has fine shops and welcoming cafes for
one to enjoy.
Bensheim offers cultural, sporting and social activities
including the Bergstrasse Winzerfest starting the first
weekend on September when the local wine and hospitality
can be enjoyed to the full.
Altogether an ideal twinning town and partner for Amersham.
If you are interested in the ideals of twinning and wish
to promote understanding and fellowship between Amersham
and Bensheim please contact the Secretary, Mora Walker,
“Braemar”, 29 Ashfield Mead, Hilltop, Chesham,
Bucks HP5 3DL or telephone 01494 783090 for details of
how to join.
Here in Amersham the Twinning Society runs several events
a year to raise funds for our cultural exchanges. We also
support the Amersham Carnival with a wine stall using
the delicious wine sent from Bensheim and have a very
enjoyable evening with a table at Old Amersham’s
Late Night Shopping event.
This year, 2002 is very special for the Amersham - Bensheim
Society as we are celebrating the Silver Jubilee of twinning
with Bensheim. |
Amersham
Twinning With Krynica, Poland
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| Krynica |
Lying near the southern border of
Poland/Slovakia and known as “The pearl of the Polish
Spas”, Krynica is full of charm. Protected from the
wind, being on the south side of a mountain range and
surrounded by tall forests, it is situated in a sheltered
valley about 560 - 620 metres above sea level. This together
with the Polar Maritime and Continental air masses produces
the healthiest of climates. The content of ozone in the
air is approximately 30% higher than at sea level. Thus
the mineral waters from the local springs together with
the climate help in the cure of many chronic medical problems.
The hot summer months (July being the warmest), are a
dry heat and not humid, whilst the winter months (January
being the coldest), are cold but crisp.
Ideal for tourism, in the winter it becomes the epicentre
of winter sports – Ski Runs with magnificent slopes
(ski lifts and instructors), Ice Hockey, Skating, Sleighing
etc. In summer there is plenty of opportunity for Camping,
Sailing, Rafting and Canoeing. Swimming is possible in
many mountain rivers, outdoor and indoor swimming pools.
Horse riding, Hunting in season and Angling are also available,
together with a network of marked Tourist Tracks for Hiking
or Cycling.
Krynica also has some fine historical wooden churches
and buildings, beautiful parks and monuments, which together
with being within easy reach of many places of interest
such as the fine city of Krakow and the salt mines of
Wieliczka etc., certainly is a place worthy of a visit.
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