Preston marks its sixth decade of friendship with German twin

Thursday April 20, 2016 marked the 60th year of Preston’s official twinning with Recklinghausen, which took place in 1956.

Preston was one of the early pioneers in twinning with a German town – just 11 years after the end of the Second World War.

Bringing peace between nations, encouraging mutual respect and understanding as well as many enduring friendships are all a legacy from the twinning movement.

Celebrating the special 60th twinning anniversary, Mayor of Preston Coun Margaret McManus said the city was “delighted” to re-affirm the close bond with Recklinghausen.

She said: “In 1956, Preston took a lead in extending the hand of friendship with our German twin town in Recklinghausen.

“During the last 60 years a partnership that was born in uncertain times, has been nourished with goodwill and tolerance and endowed with mutual respect and understanding to its current full maturity.

“We are delighted to re-affirm our close bond of friendship with the people of Recklinghausen and look forward to another 60 years of our very special partnership.”

At a special event at Preston Town Hall yesterday, civic guests from Recklinghausen signed a declaration of friendship, along with the mayor and representatives of the city of Preston.

During their two-day stay in Preston, the civic guests were expected to tour the city, meet local people, and also hold seminars with community and voluntary representatives.

Recklinghausen is the 60th-largest city in Germany, with a population of 114,000.