46th Twinning Exchange Visit a Great Success

Another wonderful Bracknell/Leverkusen exchange

The 46th exchange visit of residents has just ended. 17 guests from Leverkusen arrived in Bracknell on June 27, 2019 and were welcomed by their host families.
On Friday June 28, we did a tour of the new Town Centre of Bracknell, ending with cake and refreshments at the Bracknell Town Council Chambers. Here the Mayor of Bracknell Town Council, Councillor Isabel Mattick, welcomed the guests. We then visited South Hill Park Arts Centre and after lunch had a tour of the facilities offered here. Our visitors were suitably impressed by the range of activities seen. We then visited the Jealott’s Hill Land Share and David Putt explained what happens here, all the groups involved and the philosophy behind the project. After walking around all the grounds the strawberries, cakes and tea were very much appreciated by all.
In the evening we all met at the New Great Hollands Pavilion for an International Quiz and supper of baked potatoes and fillings.
On Saturday June 29 we visited Blenheim Palace. All admired the palace and the grounds. We then did a detour to visit Oxford. Some went into the Ashmolean Museum; others did a short walk around the city. This was the hottest day this year!
The evening was spent with the host families.
Sunday June 30 – Hampton Court Palace and grounds and another beautifully sunny day.
In the evening all guests and hosts met at the Koh-i-Noor restaurant in Bracknell for a buffet meal.
On Monday July 1, we visited London and had a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. With translating help from many of the visitors and hosts, all learned a great deal about the parliamentary system as well as the history of the building. The three hour boat trip on the Thames, past Greenwich to the Thames Barrier and back was a huge success. The weather was perfect and the detailed commentary easily understood by all.

This final evening was shared with hosts.
The weather was amazing and helped make this whole visit a great success; thoroughly enjoyed by both guest and hosts. It was wonderful to renew friendships and welcome new friends. The Twinning relationship between our two towns is very strong and we look forward to our return visit to Leverkusen next year- June 2020.

Mary Temperton
Chair of Bracknell Twinning Association

Click here to view the Bracknell 2019 visit gallery of images… (Google)
Click here to view the image gallery on the Leverkusen Twinning website… (in German)

Click here to view the image gallery on the Leverkusen website… (in German)