A working party in Oakham is looking to reinvigorate the town's long-standing twinning with Barmstedt in the German Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein north of Hamburg.

Oakham has been twinned with Barmstedt since 1987. In that time there have been many enjoyable visits in both directions, but with changing times membership has diminished.

Now, with renewed enthusiasm, the group is keen to build itself up again and is looking to a bright future with new members and fresh ideas as the twinning moves towards its 40th anniversary.

Angie Humphreys, who co-founded the association with her husband Francis, said: "In Barmstedt our contacts would be pleased to revitalise this successful link following many previous exchange visits by families, school sports groups, concert bands, scouts, footballers and cyclists. Many benefits of twinning include travel, language, culture and the experience of living with families and trying new foods: a true way to meet people in their own environment." 

Former Mayor of Oakham Cllr Adam Lowe, also a member of the working party, added: "When Angie approached me and I became involved in 2018, which included exchange visits, it opened my eyes to what is a very easy and relaxed friendship between our two towns: no expectations or demands. 

"The activities of Brexit seem to have only strengthened the resolve of people involved to remain friends. The twinning offers an opportunity to maintain ties and friendships with a great country, mixing with great people who have shared values and vision. I would love for like-minded people to join us in taking what Angie and Francis started to another level."

The group, which will go under the new name of the Oakham and District Twinning Association so that interested parties living outside Oakham know that they are also very welcome, will be holding a drop-in evening of drinks and light bites in Oakham Castle between 6 and 8pm on Thursday 30 May. 

Local residents will be able to find out more about the history of the relationship between the two towns, view pictures of Barmstedt and articles from over the years and express an interest in the future of the group, as visits become more regular. 

Oakham has been twinned with Barmstedt for nearly 40 years. Image credit: Oakham and District Twinning Association.

Susanne Schmidt, Chair of the Barmstedt Twinning Association, and the Mayor of Barmstedt, Frau Heike Döpke, will be travelling from Germany for the occasion and are looking forward to introducing themselves and the town.

Susanne has already extended an invitation to visit Oakham in September. 

She said: "For us, town twinning means international understanding. It's good to know about each other, talk to each other, understand each other's concerns and also share ideas on the challenges of climate change, for example. Current events in the world show that we must work together to protect our peace.

"In Barmstedt, we are very pleased about the friendship and partnership with Oakham and District as well as with Roissy-en-Brie in France and Middelfart in Denmark. Guests from all three twin towns meet in Barmstedt on various occasions. Anyone interested in attending in September is very welcome."

One of the association's main aims is to promote pen pal correspondence between pupils in Oakham and Barmstedt. There are so many benefits to learning a foreign language and the association would be delighted to meet families and local school representatives who would like to give young people the opportunity to develop friendships with pupils in Barmstedt.

This does not require the pupils in Oakham to be learning German at school, as the Barmstedt pupils would be keen to respond in English. 

To register your attendance at the event, please email Cllr Adam Lowe at [email protected] or telephone Adam on 07801 541389 by Thursday 16 May.