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HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
Back in the early 1960s 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, 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.
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