The Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Emma Supple, has welcomed the Mayor of Gladbeck, Germany, Bettina Weist, and Deputy Mayor Dr Volker Kreuzer to the borough as part of a visit celebrating the long-standing friendship between the two twinned towns.
The visit follows Mayor Supple's attendance at the Appeltatenfest celebrations in Gladbeck in September, where representatives from Enfield invited their German counterparts to visit the borough and learn more about its communities and future development. This is the first visit by the Mayor of Gladbeck for several years.
During their stay in Enfield, Mayor Weist and Dr Kreuzer visited a range of locations across the borough. These included Meridian Water, Forty Hall, Myddelton House, Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, Enfield Town, Trent Park Museum of Secrets and the Ellenborough Table Tennis Club.
The programme offered opportunities to share ideas and compare approaches to regeneration, heritage conservation, culture, leisure and sustainable growth.
The friendship between Enfield and Gladbeck dates back to 1970. It was established as part of a post-war movement to promote reconciliation and cooperation between communities across Europe.
The two towns were originally partnered because of their many similarities. Both were major centres of industry and manufacturing, alongside ample green spaces and beautiful parklands.
Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Emma Supple, said: "It has been a pleasure to welcome Mayor Weist and Deputy Mayor Kreuzer to Enfield. Our twin-town relationship with Gladbeck has endured for more than five decades and remains a valuable opportunity to strengthen international friendships, share experiences and learn from one another. This visit has provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas while showcasing some of the very best of Enfield."
The Mayor of Enfield also introduced to Mayor Weist one of her three chosen charities, the Whitewebbs Museum (Enfield and District Veteran Vehicle Trust), which will be supported through the mayoral year. The other charities are Insight Enfield – SORT IT! and One to One Enfield. You can find out more about these charities and how to support them on the Council's website.
