Towns mark 50 years of international friendship

Brackley and Montabaur had their first twinning ceremony in 1975

Two communities have celebrated 50 years of friendship with a ceremony marking their town twinning partnership from the 1970s.

Brackley in Northamptonshire and Montabaur in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, were officially twinned in 1975.

Their 50th anniversary was commemorated in the English town last week, with cultural events, gift exchanges, and a five-course dinner.

Geoff Phipps, 77, who attended both the original twinning and the milestone event, said the occasion was "very enjoyable".

"We've made so many friends over the years. It's become an international friendship," he said.

Geoff Phipps tries to go to as many events between the two communities as possible

Brackley has also been twinned with Pavillons-sous-Bois in France since 1972.

Each year, members of the Brackley European Association (BEA) either visit their partner towns or host incoming guests in return.

This year's exchange saw Montabaur present Brackley with a slate stand made from local materials.

In return, Brackley gifted a wooden plaque that will hang in Montabaur Town Hall.

Mr Phipps, who has attended "at least 20" of these events, recalled his favourite moment - Montabaur's 1,000-year carnival celebration.

"It's so different to England… the bands were so professional even though it's a small town," he said.

This 50th celebration was in Brackley and the occasion was marked with a formal dinner

Delegates began their visit by laying a wreath at Brackley's war memorial to mark VE Day.

They were later treated to a performance by a local woodwind band during the celebratory dinner.

Over the weekend, guests also visited the Silverstone Circuit Museum and Stoke Bruerne.

Anita Robbins, 80, chairwoman of the BEA, said: "You learn things about [German] culture you wouldn't learn on holiday. It's extremely enjoyable."

'Unfailing goodwill'

German-born Elizabeth Flikschuh, 97, played a key role in the twinning, taking part in official visits and events.

The former Montabaur local said: "Every visit had its moments, but my main memory is of the unfailing goodwill and even affection which colours every visit.

"One of my dearest memories is of the first tentative meeting of the small delegation from Brackley with the members of the Montabaur Statdrat.

"It ended with a very hearty evening in the wood cabin in the forest near the town and a walk back in the dark!"