Amersham is twinned with Bensheim & Krynica
AMERSHAM – BENSHEIM TWINNING SOCIETY
The Amersham-Bensheim Society was founded in 1978 to encourage and develop friendship and understanding between Amersham and its twin town Bensheim in Germany.
Bensheim is a lovely little market town of some 35,000 inhabitants in one of the warmest regions of Germany, on the “Bergstrasse” a wine growing region situated between Darmstadt and Heidelberg, 55km south of Frankfurt.
Bensheim averages 1,600 hours of sunshine a year and Spring comes early to the Bergstrasse. The vineyards on the slopes to the east of the town lead into the wooded hills of the Odenwald, beautiful walking country.
Bensheim’s history goes back about 1,000 years. The town has many old timbered buildings in the old German style which are situated in the centre of the town and carefully restored. There are many bridges spanning the River Lauter and the pedestrian area has fine shops and welcoming cafes for one to enjoy.
Bensheim offers cultural, sporting and social activities including the Bergstrasse Winzerfest starting the first weekend on September when the local wine and hospitality can be enjoyed to the full.
Altogether an ideal twinning town and partner for Amersham. If you are interested in the ideals of twinning and wish to promote understanding and fellowship between Amersham and Bensheim please contact the Secretary, Mora Walker, “Braemar”, 29 Ashfield Mead, Hilltop, Chesham, Bucks HP5 3DL or telephone 01494 783090 for details of how to join.
Here in Amersham the Twinning Society runs several events a year to raise funds for our cultural exchanges. We also support the Amersham Carnival with a wine stall using the delicious wine sent from Bensheim and have a very enjoyable evening with a table at Old Amersham’s Late Night Shopping event.
www.bergstrasse.de/fk-amersham
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Amersham-Bensheim Official Town Twinnning Visit
2nd to 4th September 2011
The Amersham Town Council delegation was welcomed in Bensheim by the Mayor and Councillors of that charming town. Amersham Town Mayor Councillor Mrs Mimi Harker together with Councillor Mrs Liz Walsh and Town Council staff member Mr Mark Richardson were hosted with great friendship and hospitality by Councillors Norbert Bauer and Waltrude Ottiger. Councillors Bauer and Ottiger belong to what is the equivalent of Amersham Town Council namely the Magistrat (literally ‘town executive’) which is made up of nine councillors and a Mayor. Mayor Thorsten Herrmann, who is salaried as are two full time councillors, was elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2008. Bensheim’s population is 40,000 in comparison to Amersham’s which is less than 20,000.
The three day visit included a tour of the historic centre of Bensheim, the official civic opening of Bensheim’s famous wine festival and participation in the great festive parade. An important part of the visit was to see Bensheim’s growing industrial area which provides a high level of employment for this thriving town. The visit ended with a Mayoral dinner at which the Mayor of Bensheim entertained not only the Amersham contingent but also representatives from the 5 other twinned towns, namely:
Mayor Hermann was presented with two impressive framed pictures of Amersham by Mayor Mrs Mimi Harker.
The official Town Council delegation enjoyed the welcome company of members of the Amersham-Bensheim Society led by former Town Councillor and Mayor, Mr Tony Weedon, actively supported by Town Councillor Mrs Ros Aitken and the Woodside Morris Men.
AMERSHAM TWINNING WITH KRYNICA
Lying near the southern border of Poland/Slovakia and known as “The pearl of the Polish Spas”, Krynica is full of charm. Protected from the wind, being on the south side of a mountain range and surrounded by tall forests, it is situated in a sheltered valley about 560 – 620 metres above sea level. This together with the Polar Maritime and Continental air masses produces the healthiest of climates. The content of ozone in the air is approximately 30% higher than at sea level. Thus the mineral waters from the local springs together with the climate help in the cure of many chronic medical problems.
The hot summer months (July being the warmest), are a dry heat and not humid, whilst the winter months (January being the coldest), are cold but crisp.
Ideal for tourism, in the winter it becomes the epicentre of winter sports – Ski Runs with magnificent slopes (ski lifts and instructors), Ice Hockey, Skating, Sleighing etc. In summer there is plenty of opportunity for Camping, Sailing, Rafting and Canoeing. Swimming is possible in many mountain rivers, outdoor and indoor swimming pools. Horse riding, Hunting in season and Angling are also available, together with a network of marked Tourist Tracks for Hiking or Cycling.
Krynica also has some fine historical wooden churches and buildings, beautiful parks and monuments, which together with being within easy reach of many places of interest such as the fine city of Krakow and the salt mines of Wieliczka etc., certainly is a place worthy of a visit.
Should you be interested in becoming a member and/or attending any of our fund raising functions, please telephone Mr Brian Guest (chairman) on 01494 721565 or Mrs Katherine Chojnacki (secretary) on 01707 659091.
www.amershampolishclub.co.uk/