 Mayen,
Germany. The twinning of Godalming with Mayen dates
from April 1982 and followed on that of their respective Districts,
Waverley and Mayen-Koblenz, five years earlier. Lying some 60 miles
south of Cologne and 20 miles west of Koblenz, Mayen is in the midst
of typical rolling Eifel countryside, with its wide areas of cultivated
land, divided into narrow strips or crops, interspersed with rich
woodlands. The town itself was granted its charter by Rudolf von
Habsburg in 1291, though its history goes back to Roman times when
basalt mining was an important local industry which continued to
the last century. Nowadays only light industry is carried on, the
principal one being paper making. Its ancient castle overlooks a
large pedestrianised market square and narrow side streets lined
with bustling shops and cafes to satisfy its 20,000 population and
many visitors. The Godalming-Mayen Association encourages and facilitates
exchange visits between individuals and organisations.
 Joigny,
France. In May 1985 Godalming twinned with Joigny,
the Gateway to Burgundy, an attractive town 80 miles south east
of Paris, lying on the River Yonne. Joigny and Mayen had already
been twinned for 20 years and thus a three-way link was established.
A town of some 12,000 population, the historic part of the town
is built on the side of a steep hill overlooking the river. Much
of its medieval nature has been retained with narrow cobbled streets,
courtyards full of flowers, and a number of timber framed 15th and
16th century buildings and churches and the gate of St. Jean, a
remnant of the original fortified City Wall (AD 998). It has its
own vineyard and is also on the edge of the Chablis wine growing
area. The internationally know Côte St. Jacques restaurant
is in Joigny. Local schools are now participating in successful
correspondence and exchanges, starting at primary level through
to 6th Form. The Godalming Joigny Friendship Association exists
to foster ties between the two communities and to promote international
understanding. Opportunities exist for clubs, societies, businesses,
families and individuals to build contacts and make exchanges with
the people of Joigny. Regular visits are made between the two towns,
and some local organisations are arranging their own links now.
Georgia, United States of America.
The Oglethorpe Connection. The Friends of Oglethorpe is a local
voluntary organisation formed to foster friendship between the State
of Georgia in general and the cities of Savannah and Augusta in
particular. Friends reflect the modern day link with one of Godalming’s
most famous sons, General James Edward Oglethorpe, the local Member
of Parliament who at the bidding of King George II, took the sailing
ship Anne and 100 souls to found the Colony of Georgia, in the Deep
South in 1733. The Friends of Oglethorpe initiate and organise visits
to Georgia and welcome and host visitors from Georgia both as individuals
and in groups who come to Godalming to seek the roots of their founder.
The friends also organise local events and liaise with the Parish
Church in Cranham where he is buried. The Oglethorpe family home
was Westbrook House, now The Meath near Godalming Station which
can be visited by arrangement. More information is contained in
Godalming Parish Church and in the Percy Woods Library of the Town
Museum where enquiries about membership of the Friends of Oglethorpe
may be made.
|
