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Town Twinning

- HANDS ACROSS THE SEA

Back in the early 1960’s a committee of local residents was formed to instigate exchanges between the citizens of Elstree and Borehamwood and a European town.

Offenburg, a German town of 53,000-plus residents, situated 20km from Strasbourg, was selected and the first exchange of school pupils took place in 1965.

Offenburg is an attractive town, with origins stretching back to Roman times. The community stretches from the vine covered slopes of the foothill area to the fertile Rhine Valley. The town adjoins the Black Forest, and is not far from Switzerland, making it a popular tourist area. It is well served by air, road and rail links. The Town’s Coat of Arms, an open gate, symbolises all-year-round hospitality, with fairs, markets and festivals, many centred around the historic and picturesque main street.

A few years later exchanges also started with Fontenay-Aux-Roses, in France, pioneered by sporting teams of rugby players and athletes.

Fontenay was once famous for supplying roses to the markets of Paris. As the City expanded several villages tended to be swallowed up and now Fontenay is an outer suburb only 9 kilometres from the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It has, however, retained its identity, and features an attractive market place and maintains a small town feel of community.

Exchanges involving thousands of local residents have taken place with our two twin towns, and twinning Charters were officially signed in 1982. - Although school pupils and students have always featured prominently, many local cultural organisations have participated, along with Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council and Hertsmere Borough Council.