The Thornbury Twinning Association was set up in 1986 to promote links between Thornbury and Bockenem in Germany, and help us understand how other people live.
The two towns are well-suited, being of a similar size and mentality.
We arrange regular exchange visits between the towns. Because we stay with families, we see how people really live in that part of Germany.
Twinning is for everyone in Thornbury, not just the civic members of the the town. Everyone who goes on a visit is expected to pay for the coach and the air fare. Accommodation with German hosts is on a reciprocal basis.
Social activities are not neglected, and although there's no local wine, there are numerous opportunities to sample the local beer, along with the local sausages, smoked meats, cheeses and delicious cakes.
From the beginning, Thornbury's Castle School has maintained strong links with the Wilhelm Busch Realschule in Bockenem, and there are exchanges both ways each year. The children often work in a variety of local jobs to improve their German.
There's plenty to see and do in the area, and now we can travel easily to nearby East Germany. There are attractive towns to visit, such as Hanover, Hamelin, Wernigerode and Quedlinburg (now a World Heritage Site), as well as the beautiful scenery of the nearby Harz mountains.
The Twinning Association welcomes new members - if you'd like to know more, host German guests or join us on a visit to Bockenem, call our Chairman Nigel Hale on 01454 884042 and e-mail .
Alternatively, you can contact Judith Payne, Town Clerk on or 01454 412103.
Bockenem Visit – June 2009
We will be hosting a party of 12 people from Bockenem in June. They will arrive on Friday 5th June in the afternoon and depart on Wednesday 10th June in the morning.
There will be a reception in the town hall on Saturday at 10am. On Monday we will be taking a day excursion by coach to Wells and Wookey Hole, departing from Rock Street car park at 9.30am. On Tuesday evening we will be having a meal at The Ship Inn, Alveston, arriving at 7.30pm to sit down at 8pm.
If you would like to join the guests and host families for the day trip or meal, please contact Nigel Hale (01454 884042) or let us know at the Saturday reception at the latest. The entrance to Wookey Hole is £10 (£8 for senior citizens) and the meal is £12 per head.
The Twinning Association will be holding a Car Treasure Hunt on Sunday 12th July, departing from Rock Street car park at 2pm. The entry fee is £5, payable on the day. Come and join us and have fun getting lost in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.
Anyone interested in knowing more about the Twinning link with Bockenem, or becoming a member, is invited to contact our Chairman, Nigel Hale. (01454 8840420 or Judith Payne in the Town Council offices (01454 412103)
