“Fun and friendship” (a loose translation of the Twinning motto: Freundschaft und Verstanden”!) was very much the theme of an outstanding, action packed weekend of celebrations – the 50th anniversary of the signing of the official Twinning charter between our towns.

                      Ten Husumers travelled here (despite the best efforts of GWR, who cancelled both the arrival and departure trains from London!) to join the fun, arriving to a warm welcome reception in the refurbished Town Hall. Last seen as a building site, all were very impressed and enjoyed a tour plus the chance to see the original King Charles 1 town charter from 1636.

                       Twinners joined the group on Saturday morning to plant a few Husum crocuses (the first of many?) in Talbot Park before adjourning to Youth House for a tour and some stunning Kaffee und Kuchen.

A short stroll in the rain to the Museum of Carpet for a whistle stop tour before walking up to the railway station – pausing to admire the Twinning zone – for an SVR trip to Highley. The Christmas gift fair and a tour of the royal carriage made this special. The amazing Celebration Concert ended the day on a real high – many thanks to the wonderful acts showcasing local (& often young) talent we have in the town.

The ringing of St Mary’s bells on Sunday morning welcomed the group to a special bilingual service. We transferred to Kidderminster golf club for a wonderful formal meal. Attended by the High Sheriff, Mayoral representatives from Worcester, Bewdley, Stourport, Wychavon, Kidderminster and Husum, and Twinners from far and wide, we enjoyed a super meal in a fantastic atmosphere. Speeches and exchanges of gifts marked the occasion. The day  ended with a convivial farewell game of skittles, with fish and chip supper at St Peter’s.

                A word of thanks to everyone who made the weekend so special: Colin Hill for the photos; Mike for rescuing us with unstinting use of the KYDT minibus; all the concert performers (organ player Steve Carrigan, Town Crier Stephen Day; MC Chris Paine, stage manager ???; Farefeld folk group, singers Jasmine and Zachary, the Valentines, KODYS, show stopping Shanty Crew and  grand finale led by Steve Worley); Rob Jones and Stephen Baird-Parker for the service; Jean Talbot for the display of commemorative carpets and Councillor Doug Hine for persistent organising.

                Always ready to party, we are delighted to have been invited back to Husum next year to join in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the charter signing there. Moreover, we are also looking forward to 2030 exchanges for the 75th celebration of the first contact between the towns. Save the dates and we hope to see as many  - old and new – as possible!