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Gedling Borough Council is currently twinned with three European towns - Rotenburg an der Fulda, Germany, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France and Messolonghi, Greece.
We are trying to strengthen links between our twinning partners by encouraging local like-minded groups to organise their own exchanges and Gedling Borough Council will offer financial assistance with travel and accommodation costs. Our partners are also keen to take part in exchanges and are more than willing to assist with arrangements to build stronger relationships that will continue for many years to come.
Often, links have been made with local schools, art or sports groups and therefore activities are often based around events; such as a Basketball tournament or Art exhibition.
Gedling's twin-town of Rotenburg an der Fulda is a picturesque holiday town located some 80 miles east of Frankfurt in the State of Hess.
In the mid 1960s links were established between the schools of Albert Schweitzer Schule in Rotenburg and the former Carlton-le-Willows Technical Grammar School in Carlton. This laid the foundations for the twinning of the old Urban District of Carlton and the German town, which saw exchange visits develop between Civic Heads, local schools and local clubs and organisations.
Following the formation of Gedling Borough Council in 1974 the links have remained strong. There have been some excellent exchanges among groups and organisations from the two towns, including the Carlton Male Voice Choir. The Borough Council continues to encourage such contacts and official biennial exchange visits are maintained between Gedling and Rotenburg.
For more information on twinning with Rotenberg click here: www.rotenburg.de
In 1991, the Borough Council signed the Protocol of Brotherhood linking Messolonghi, of the Hellenic Republic and Gedling as Sister Towns and friendly relationships between the town have been promoted ever since.
The connection between the Greek town and the Gedling area goes as far back as 1824. The then resident of Newstead Abbey, Lord Byron, was welcomed as a benefactor and a citizen of Messolonghi and he became officially registered in the City’s archives. Exchanges have taken place between the Nova Basketball Team who have played in local tournaments.
For more information on twinning with Messolonghi email alemous@hol.gr or contact Arts and Events at Gedling Borough Council by emailing arts&events@gedling.gov.uk
Gedling Borough was officially twinned with Vandoeuvre Les Nancy during a visit by council delegates to the French Borough in March 1996. A return visit to sign the twinning document in Gedling was made in 1998. As a result of the twinning agreement, many friendships and exchanges have taken place and these have included the Bestwood Male Voice Choir, Bestwood Black Diamonds Band, Lace City Singers, Carlton Male Voice Choir, Arnold Art Society and Arnold Town Football Club.
Vandoeuvre is a self governing Borough of 35,000 inhabitants lying between the Rivers Meurthe and Moselle. Situated within the conurbation of Nancy in the Lorraine region of Eastern France, it is 200 miles from Paris, 90 miles from Strasbourg and 70 miles from Luxembourg.
Vandoeuvre dates back to before the Roman conquest of France. Until the early part of the 20th century it was a rural wine and cereal producing village. Following housing development in 1950s and 1960s the modern residential Vandoeuvre began to shadow the ancient village. Today it is home to France’s third most important science and technology park providing over one thousand jobs for the local community.
For more information on twinning with Vandoeuvre email mdibetta@mairie-vandoeuvre.fr or alternatively contact Arts and Events at Gedling Borough Council by emailing: arts&events@gedling.gov.uk.
Every two years Carlton Forum Swimming Club takes part in a twinning event with the Rotenburg an der Fulda Swimming Club. This twinning has been taking place for over 25 years and there are many long lasting friendships that have grown over this period of time. The last visit from the Rotenburg Swimming Club was in the Summer of 2007 where a week packed with events showed the sights of the East Midlands. Below is summary of their visit:
The Clubs enjoyed a local walk and lunch at the Ferry Boat. In the evening a Square Dance took place at the Richard Herrod Centre which had everyone joining in with fun of trying to dance in lines, squares and circles.
Took us on a day trip to Waterworld where we spent the day having fun on all the slides and obstacle courses provided by Waterworld. To finish the day we hosted house parties in which we split off into groups to have a relaxing evening containing food, drink and music.
Was spent at Wollaton Park where we visited Wollaton Hall to show them the history of the park on a tour of the building and enjoyed homemade picnics for lunch out on the grass. The afternoon was spent playing sports games in which everyone became involved and we enjoyed what turned out to be a beautiful day.
Took us on another day trip to one of England’s most popular seaside resorts – Skegness. Where we enjoyed the sea, the sand, the amusement arcades and what turned out to be not such a brilliant day weather wise. For lunch we had the Traditional fish and chips which is a must do at the seaside.
Was the most important event of the week – the Competitive Gala between the two clubs. This event is always very competitive and through our high performance we won the Gala. For the rest of the day we engaged in house parties where barbeques were provided and the two clubs spent the afternoon socialising.
To finish the week we left the day free for the host families to visit the sights. In the evening we paid for a meal for both the host families and our German families at the Old Spot who did a spectacular job of catering for us. We then moved on to the Richard Herrod to have our Presentation night for the gala and to say a few words about the week. Our Goodbyes were said and presents we exchanged to symbolise the friendships formed during the Twinning.
From 19th – 24th September 2007 Bestwood Male Voice Choir visited Rotenburg. Below is a diary of their very successful first overseas tour.
After 18 months of planning a group of 91 members and wives/partners travelled from Bestwood, by coach, to Stansted for flights to Paderborn and onward by coach to Rotenburg where they arrived in the late afternoon to be met by their hosts from the Rotenburg Kantorei. After introductions the evening was spent locally and with the various hosts.
The whole group assembled at the Town Hall for a civic welcome by The Mayor of Rotenburg. The gift of an Old Imari Bon-Bon dish from Gedling Borough Council was presented and The Mayor presented the choir with an illustrated book of Rotenburg. After brief speeches the visitors’ book was signed.
Following the reception the choir sang in the Square outside the Town Hall to local people who had gathered. This event had been announced previously and was covered by the local newspaper which published a picture and report the following day.
After lunch the group was split into three groups each with a local guide in traditional dress for a walking tour of the town. This was followed by a visit to an exhibition at Stiftskirche to celebrate the 800th anniversary of St Elisabeth.
The whole evening was spent with the Rotenburg Kantorei rehearsing for later performances. Much of this involved Bestwood Choir being taught songs in German by the Kantorei conductor, and the Kantorei being taught English songs by the Bestwood conductor, in preparation for entertainment at the final get-together.
On this day the group, with representatives from the Kantorei, travelled on coaches to Wartburg for an organised tour of one of Germany’s most spectacular and historical castles where Luther translated the New Testament. Following this there was a visit to the nearby town of Eisanach which included a visit to the J S Bach museum and St Peters church where the choir sang a short impromptu performance to visitors.
After a long day there were no organised activities in the evening which was spent locally and with hosts.
The morning was free for shopping and local activities with hosts. In the afternoon the group travelled to Kloster Haydau in Morschen where there was an organised tour of the monastery. The choir then had a rehearsal and in the evening performed a concert in the old church adjacent to the monastery. Individual solo items were sung by Derek Heppenstall and David Riley and the choir songs included one by Franz Schubert sung in German. This concert was attended by a capacity audience who were highly appreciative and gave a standing ovation. A report of this concert together with a photograph was published in the local newspaper.
Our host choir had arranged an evening meal for all the group at a local restaurant prior to returning to Rotenburg.
In the morning the group attended a special bi-lingual morning service at the Jakobi Church in Rotenburg conducted in part by choir member Reverend Eric Ashby. The choir sang appropriate music at the beginning and end of the service and also the hymns and a three part canon involving the Kantorei and the congregation.
In the late afternoon the culminating joint concert took place in the Rotenburg Stiftskirche involving Bestwood Male Voice Choir, Rotenburg Kantorei and the church Junior Choir. Again a near capacity audience was most appreciative.
Following this concert the choirs took part in a short private memorial service lead by the Mayor of Rotenburg to commemorate the life of Herr Kruscher who had instigated the original twinning links with Gedling.
As before the events were reported in the Rotenburg press with an accompanying photograph.
The final evening was spent at a local conference centre where the host choir had arranged a buffet meal and entertainment. Speeches were made which confirmed the outstanding success of the visit both in the musical contributions, and more particularly in the establishment of lasting friendships between the respective choirs, members, and communities. Bestwood choir presented the Rotenburg Kantorei with an engraved miners’ lamp and their principle tour organiser Volker Damm with a carved coal statuette of a miner. The remainder of the evening involved the choirs entertaining with the choral items learned and rehearsed at the Thursday practice when each choir ‘performed’ songs and items from and in the language of the other country.
Final farewells took place at the Rotenburg Bus Station when Bestwood sang again to their assembled hosts before commencing the return journey to Padberborn for the flight back to the UK.
This first tour by Bestwood MVC to Germany under the auspices of the Gedling BC and Rotenburg twinning arrangement was a resounding success and will lead to a return visit by the Kantorei to the Nottingham/Gedling area in 2008 or 2009. The liaison established by those in both choirs who were responsible for the planning and organisation resulted in the whole event running smoothly and efficiently throughout its duration. The excellent weather and the warmth and generosity of many of the hosts also contributed to making this one of the best of the overseas tours undertaken by Bestwood Male Voice Choir.
Grant aid is available to support and encourage twinning links between Gedling and its recognised Twin Towns. It can be applied for by voluntary organisations based in the Borough. Gedling Borough Council will consider supporting activities that meet the following criteria:-
A wide variety of twinning events may be supported, for example:
Exhibitions, visits to Borough attractions, cultural visits, environmental events, sporting links, arts links
For an application form please contact 0115 901 3715 or email tourism@gedling.gov.uk
Calverton Twinning Association was established in 1974, since then, many long term friendships have been made. Also romances, culminating in three marriages.
Their twin town of Longue-Jumelles is in the Loire Valley region of France, sometimes called ‘The Garden of France’. The nearest large town is Saumur, 15 miles away, famous for it’s sparkling wine, it’s chateau and the world famous ‘Cadre Noir’, rival to the Vienna Riding School.
Longue has a good selection of shops and cafes and a market is held every Thursday, Jumelles is a small village very close to Longue. Longue has it’s own fire station and hospital and administers it’s affairs from an active and imposing town hall, it also has a large church comparable almost in size and grandeur to Southwell Minster.
Along the Loire there are many beautiful chateaux and the area produces many well known wines, Anjou Rose, Saumur Champigny, Coteaux du Layon and Vouvray. The Bezau factory employs many local people and produces ‘Door furniture’ (knobs, handles etc) which they export all around the world.
The twinning associations visit every year (biannually for each association), these visits are on a cultural/educational theme. Many families visit privately for holidays and to celebrate family occasions with their friends.
We are currently trying to restart exchanges between local schools.
We have regular social and fundraising events throughout the year, and meet on the third Thursday of the month except August at the Council Rooms, Main St, Calverton at 8pm.
New members living anywhere in Nottinghamshire are welcome to join.
Subscription is yearly at £5 for an individual or £1o for a family.
Contact Details
A twinning link is really a friendship between two communities in different countries. The two communities organise activities and projects and develop an understanding of historical, cultural and lifestyle similarities and differences, involving a wide range of community members.
There are about 2,000 twinning links in the UK, half with France, and a quarter with Germany. The Local Government International Bureau is responsible for coordinating twinning activities in England and can provide advice on all aspects of twinning and at all stages. Visit their website at www.lga.gov.uk
Finding the resources to support twinning activities is always an important issue for community groups and local authorities. The European Commission established a town twinning grant in 1989 to support exchange activities between European twined towns. It aims to support activities that raise European awareness and connect people from different European countries. Towns in the 25 EU member states are eligible.
For more information and to download application forms, click here.
For more information contact:
Robert Godfrey, Development Officer
Tel: 0115 977 3843
E-mail: robert.godfrey@nottscc.gov.uk.
The museum includes period furniture and clothing, fossils, a framework and knitting machine, and a Victorian kitchen and living room. It is open on the last Sunday of every month.
Location
Click here for details of how to find Calverton Folk Museum. (new window, external link)
Longdale Craft Centre in Ravenshead is situated only a mile from Newstead Abbey between the A60 and the A614 on Longdale Lane. Reputedly the oldest craft centre in Britain of its kind, it has grown from humble beginnings into a centre of international repute and includes workshops, a museum, gallery and first class restaurant. There are frequent demonstrations from local crafts people, whilst the restaurant plays host to regular Jazz Night Suppers.
Location
For details of how to find Longdale Craft Centre, please click here. (new window, external link)
The National Cycle Path, which stretches from Northern Scotland to the South of England, enters the Borough at Ravenshead and passes through the parishes of Newstead and Linby.
Located in the north of the Borough between Burntstump Hill and Longdale Lane, Papplewick Pumping Station is Britain’s finest working Victorian water pumping station. The site has recently undergone extensive restoration and once again stands proud as a spectacular example of Victorian craftsmanship.
It boasts a range of original features, including an ornate Engine House, ornamental Cooling Pond and a Boiler House complete with six Lancashire Boilers, all set amidst formal landscaped grounds.
The Engine House is home to the original twin beam engines built by James Watt and Co in 1884, and is of special interest for its outstanding combination of Victorian engineering and artistic design. Visitors are taken aback by the sheer splendor of the stained glass windows, elaborately decorated columns and polished mahogany and brass work.
Designed as a statement of Victorian flair and pride, it is hard to believe today that the site was never intended to be seen by the general public.
Other attractions on site include additional working steam engines, miniature railway, woodland play area, hands-on activities, audio guide, computer animation, picnic area, café and gift shop.
Papplewick Pumping Station is open to the public every Sunday afternoon with special monthly steaming dates
Contact Information
Papplewick Pumping Station, off Longdale Lane, Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9AJ. Tel 0115 963 2938
Location
For details of how to find Papplewick Pumping Station, please click here. (external link)
Located on the outskirts of Calverton Village, just off the Nottingham to Doncaster Road (A614). The once derelict farm buildings of Patchings Farm, have been transformed into the Barn Gallery, art and pottery studio, restaurant, framing and art materials shop.
In 1990, an extra 53 acres of surrounding farm land was purchased and developed in the style of Claude Monet, complete with lake and "Monet Bridge", a log Pavilion for meetings and art classes and 10 gazebo studios around the site for use by artists. In May 1991, HRH Duke of Gloucester opened the new development.
June’s annual Art and Craft Festival, has been a major part of the growth at Patchings with over 150 of the finest artists and craftspeople from the United Kingdom and overseas exhibiting, demonstrating and selling their work. Major art material suppliers and manufacturers are present, with celebrity artists making presentations.
Contact Information: Patchings Art Centre, Oxton Road, Calverton, Nottinghamshire, NG14 6NU. Tel: 0115 965 3479 or visit: www.patchingsartcentre.co.uk
Location
Located on the A614, the studio is host to the most comprehensive range of Bonsai, pots, books, tools and sundries in the country. A must for all Bonsai enthusiasts, it is open every day except Tuesdays.
Location
For details of how to find Greenwood Bonsai Studio, please click here. (new window, external link)
Gedling Borough contains some of the country’s finest and most historic countryside. It offers something for everyone and includes three contrasting country parks offering relaxation and outdoor activities.
An area of scenic beauty, Burntstump County Park comprises mainly of grassland surrounded by woodlands and glades. It makes an excellent location for woodland walking and observing native flora and fauna.
Situated in the Park is The Burntstump Inn providing licensed drinking and food, whilst other attractions include an ornamental pond and a fenced cricket pitch. During winter the grassy slopes elsewhere in the park make a popular venue for sledging.
Location
For details of how to find Burntstump Country Park, please click here. (new window, external link)
Once the largest of the medieval Royal Deer Parks, this expanse of grassland and secluded woodlands offers great scope for many different kinds or recreational activities. Using the extensive network of footpaths and bridleways it can be explored on horseback, mountain bike or foot. The Park also contains a campsite a
lable to youth groups and local clubs.
The impressive Bestwood Lodge Hotel situated in the Park occupies the site of earlier Royal residences.
Location
For details of how to find Bestwood Country Park, please click here. (new window, external link)
Newstead Abbey, the former home of the Romantic poet Lord Byron stands in magnificent parkland and contains furniture, art and memorabilia connected with the poet and other past owners. The grounds and gardens are in themselves are well worth a visit and are open year round, except for the last Friday in November. They include lakes, waterfalls and other water features, and beautiful formal gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the Great Garden behind the Abbey.
Location
For details of how to find Newstead Abbey, please click here. (external link)
If you fancy exploring the scenic woodland this area offers, footpaths and horse trails are in abundance, including the well known Robin Hood Way.
Situated on the Boroughs' River Trent boundary, Colwick Park provides a range of activities for the public and includes picnic areas, a nature reserve, woodland and riverside walks, horse trails and the opportunity for boating and water sports.
Location
For details of how to find Colwick Country Park, please click here. (external link)
For further details, please contact:
Twinning & Tourism
Leisure Services
Arnot Hill House
Arnold
Nottingham
NG5 6LU
Telephone
0115 9013602
Fax
0115 9013928
twinning&tourism@gedling.co.uk.
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