Newsletter 1

Ledbury and Strömstad Towns Twinning Group

NEWSLETTER 1

October 2000

Following on from the successful visit of nine members to Strömstad in January this year we formalised the twinning of our two towns on the 27^th April 2000.

STRÖMSTAD ART GALLERY OPENING

Three Ledbury people visited Strömstad in July for the official opening of their new Lokstallet Art Centre, the launching of Strömstad’s first life boat, (Sjöräddning) and to watch their international 10km road race won by a Kenyan competitor.

The visit lasted four days and in addition to the formal occasions meetings were held with students at the church of Strömstad and the Gerlesborgsskolan Arts Centre in order to prepare for future events . We also met with numerous people on a social basis and joined them for meals, boating trips and drinks.

ACCOMMODATION

All three stayed at the local youth hostel in order to see if it would be a suitable means of accommodation for visitors in the future. It was indeed excellent, we had twin rooms with private toilet facilities with shared showers, and the proprietor provided breakfast. This cost approx. £19 per night compared to £45 in a normal guest- house. Our aim is to encourage exchanges between groups, families and individuals and keep costs at an affordable level

LEDBURY SWIFTS FIRST COMPETITIVE VISIT

On the 25^th July 2000 the Ledbury Swifts under 16 years old football team and several friends were invited to Strömstad to participate in their annual football tournament, The Roberts Cup. They were hosted in specially prepared wooden buildings and provided with breakfast and lunch each day.

SWIFTS TOURNAMENT FINALISTS

It gives us pleasure to report that they were finalists and lost only to penalties after extra time. Moreover, we have received from the Mayor of Strömstad a letter of congratulations for their performance, together with a commendation for their exemplary behaviour and team spirit. Just what we needed to get our twinning off on the right footing.

NURSING STUDENTS VISIT

On the 6^th August 2000 three Strömstad students visited Ledbury to work voluntarily in our Nursing Care Home and the Cottage Hospital, having been awarded a scholarship by the Church of Strömstad. Their ages ranged between 17 and 19 years and were kindly hosted free of charge by six Ledbury families

GOLF TOURNAMENT

This year saw the inaugural match between Ledbury and Strömstad at Ross on Wye Golf Club. The Trophy was won by Ledbury after a hard fought match. It is hoped that a larger group of local golfers will be involved and this will then become a Ryder Cup style tournament next year played in Strömstad. For more details on this exciting event please contact Jonathan Lane 01531 636047

CHOIR AND CLUB VISITS 2001

We are currently trying to arrange for a choir to travel from Strömstad and sing in the Ledbury/Hereford area . Communication is also taking place between our Tennis and swimming clubs with a view to future visits either way.

ARTS SCHOLARSHIP POSSIBILITIES

As a long-term project enquiries are being made into the possibility of establishing a scholarship between Strömstad and Ledbury. Under Swedish artists advice and patronage promising young students will be selected to work at the Garlesborgsskolan Art College for possibly up to 1 month. Their work would then be exhibited at the Lokstallet Art Centre. Their study could be in sculpture, painting, wood, ceramics, textiles or any other medium. Such a scheme could well qualify for special EU funding.

WORKING ARTS HOLIDAYS

In addition Ledbury adults wishing to visit Strömstad could consider an arts holiday staying at Gerlesborgsskolan and taking a working holiday where they would receive expert advice for which they would of course have to pay. More details are available from Spencer Lane 01531 633865

Whilst we intend to also pursue business opportunities our immediate intent is to build up a social and cultural understanding between our towns and develop a mutual fellowship

Bernard Williams (Hon Secretary)

ABOUT THE TWINNING GROUP

The Group was formed in 1999, and has always considered that its role in the international development of Ledbury was to assist individuals, groups and organisations in making contact with the town of Strömstad.

Our two towns are similar in size, but whereas we are set in rural countryside, their location is by the sea with a thriving coastal economy. The climate in Summer is very similar, and in winter spectacular views await you and the chance to try out all your thermal gear!

Our aim as a group is to get people involved, and this has happened with Ledbury Swifts. Matches have been played, friendships forged, and that is the best way to forward the idea.

We would like to enlarge our group, to bring in more people with ideas and open up new avenues of interest. If you would like to get involved, please do not hesitate and ring one of the contact numbers below

Spencer Lane (Chairman)

Projects for 2001

March 2001 Forward Planning Meeting – Visit from official Strömstad Group to Ledbury

October 2001 Apple Tree Scheme – A project to establish small Apple orchards at School locations in Strömstad

Strömstad Choir Visit to Ledbury

Golf Tournament 2001 in Strömstad

Ledbury Swifts Roberts Cup Tournament 2001

If you want to join the Twinning Group please contact the following group members;