Watton Twinning Associations has now been going for 35 years our main aim is to nurture friendship between our town, surrounding villages and Weeze in Germany and links between our Clubs, such as Scouts, Girl Guides, Cadets, Sports clubs, Schools and Businesses.

Every two years we visit Weeze and stay with families that we have stayed with over the past 35 years, they have become an extension of our own families, in the years in between our Weeze families come to Watton and stay with us.

During the year we hold functions to raise funds so we can entertain our friends when they visit us this includes going on trips. Cambridge, Ely & Norwich are special favourites, as is London but that means an extremely early start. Over the years we have also visited Colchester, Nottingham and Windsor Castle to name a few, these places have a significant historical past, we have also covered most of Norfolk and Suffolk. We have social events and over the years our members have even taken to the stage and put on small shows like Babes in the Woods, Old Time Music Hall and Molly Dancing (this is traditional to our Anglian Fenland areas) overall we have had really great fun.

When we visit our friends in Weeze we also have trips, social events and entertainment put on for us. We have visited many places of interest in Germany and Holland, and have experienced a different culture. Most of our German friends have a good knowledge of English so there is no language problem.

Recently we held a Cream Tea and Quiz afternoon this was very well attended and we all had a lovely time as you can see above.

Currently, we are looking for new members, especially young families and people in their forties and fifties, but membership is open to all, there is no age barrier and everyone is most welcome. As you may appreciate when Watton Twinning started many of our members were a lot younger than they are now and all clubs need new young blood for new ideas and to help our club to flourish and survive for another 35 years and more.

Languages are a significant part of education in our schools and being twinned with Weeze is an excellent opportunity for all ages, especially the young, to experience German culture and to speak the language during official and private visits to their new twinning families in Weeze.
Memberships which are very reasonable are as follows:-

• Family Membership is just £10 a year
• Single Membership is just £7 a year
• Corporate Membership is just £12 a year

If you are interested in joining us please contact me by ‘phone or text on 07707985381 or by e.mail on magsdevine44@gmail.com I will be very pleased to have a chat and answer any questions you may have.

Margaret Devine (Chair)