Shrewsbury will play host to representatives from its twin town in Holland this week.
Delegates from Zutphen arrived yesterday [WEDS] for a five-day visit. Shrewsbury’s association with the historic Dutch town of Zutphen dates back to 1586, although an official twinning wasn’t recognised until 1977.
Every year groups and individuals from Shrewsbury visit Zutphen and vice versa.
This year’s delegation is made up made up of teachers, youth workers, housing officers, policemen and students looking at a theme of Youth – such as how Shrewsbury provides facilities for young people, what welfare arrangements are in place, how the town addresses anti-social issues and positively directs youngsters towards sport and culture.
Delegates, who will be staying with host families during their visit, will be treated to a packed programme of activities including a tour of Shrewsbury College of Art & Technology, and visits to Severnside Housing and Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk said: “Shrewsbury Town Council has traditionally assisted the twinning each year, to help promote exchanges between clubs, societies and business groups in each town. Football teams, swimming parties, musicians, doctors, dancers, teachers, pupils from a wide range of schools and many other groups have arranged twinning visits with their opposite numbers. Their experiences have shown just how fruitful these exchanges can be.
“Our towns and people have much in common and the opportunities given by the twinning, to discover similarities, and to enjoy and learn from our differences, are there for us to grasp.”