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In recent years, Newcastle
has gone to great lengths to put its name on the world map by forging
close international links with towns and cities in a unique partnership.
Currently, this partnership includes eight locations, united by
the fact they share the name Newcastle.
Every two years these Newcastles meet at an international summit.
The concept of the summit of Newcastles was developed by the Mayor
of Shinshiro City in Japan. He visited Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1997
when a business reception was held in his honour. Following on from
the visit, Shinshiro City organised the first summit in 1998.
In June 2006, Newcastle-under-Lyme took its turn as host and followed
in the footsteps of Shinshiro; Neuchatel in Switzerland (2000),
joint hosts New Castle, Indiana, and New Castle, Pennsylvania (2002)
and Newcastle, South Africa (2004), by welcoming delegates from
around the world.
The 2006 summit took the theme of ‘community engagement’
and events which took place during the week-long programme included
a summit dinner at Keele University, community engagement symposium
at the Civic Offices, visits to Borough attractions including the
Dorothy Clive Garden at Willoughbridge and Apedale Mining Museum
as well as an educational symposium at Newcastle College and tours
of the Spode and Wedgwood potteries and Shugborough Hall and estate.
In addition to Newcastle-under-Lyme, the seven founder members of
the summit are Shinshiro; Neufchateau (France); Neuchatel; New Castle,
Indiana, and New Castle, Pennsylvania; Neuburg (Germany) and Newcastle
(South Africa).
In July this year, Neuburg in Germany will host the summit partners.
Newcastle-under-Lyme’s summit partners
New Castle, Indiana
Founded in 1823 by pioneer settlers, New Castle is the county seat
of Henry County. Places of interest include the Indiana Basketball
Hall of Fame and aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright’s birthplace.
(Population approx 18,000)
New Castle, Pennsylvania Located
in the centre of Lawrence County, 50 miles north of Pittsburgh,
this town is a melting pot for many ethnic groups including Italian,
German, Polish, Jewish, African, Irish and Middle Eastern. (Population
approx 28,000)
Neufchateau, France
This pretty town has a rich history with medieval churches featuring
outstanding statues, Renaissance town hall, 17th and 18th century
private houses. Its main industry is the manufacture of seats and
furniture. (Population approx 8,000)
Neuburg an der Donau, Germany
A historical city with a traditional aspect and modern economic
activities. Craft industries and modern retail business are the
flagships of the thriving Neuberg economy. (Population approx 27,000)
Neuchatel, Switzerland
A real countryside town, close to Bern, Geneva and Lausanne, it
has developed along a lake shore. It has much to offer culture enthusiasts
as well as those who prefer outdoor pursuits. (Population approx
32,000)
Shinshiro, Japan Known
throughout Japan as the historic location of the battle which was
decisive in leading to national unification. Shinshiro, which means
new castle, and was named when a warrior involved in the battle
built a castle here. (Population approx 37,000)
Newcastle, South Africa
Situated midway between Durban and Johannesburg, Newcastle in Kwazulu-Natal
was established in 1864. It has a wide range of industries including
steelworks, rubber plant and textiles. Blessed with a pleasant climate
and a wide variety of animals living on the nature reserve. (Population
approx 430,000)
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