Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg

Twinning and Friendship Agreements

Twinning and Friendship Agreements: Relationships with twin towns can have broad benefits, including real economic, social and cultural dividends.

 

The Vale of Glamorgan has Twinning Agreements with:

  • Rheinfelden in Germany 
    Rheinfelden (Baden) has a population of over 30,000 and is located in the Southwest of Germany. Its symbol is the Wasserturm (water storage tower) and it is a modern industrial city.

     

    "Rheinfelden brings together" is one of the town's mottos. The bridge leading to the old Zhringen town of Swiss Rheinfelden dates back to 1922. The older twin town of Rheinfelden (Baden) is at least 850 years old.

     

    lt was the construction of the first hydroelectric power Station in Europe (1895-1897) that led to the establishment of Badisch Rhifelde, as the town is also referred to in the local Alemannic dialect.

     

    Rheinfelden (Baden) officially received its town charter in 1922. Fundamental to its present-day status was the community reform that took place from 1972 to 1975. During this time, the surrounding villages of Adelhausen, Degerfelden, Eichsel, Herten, Karsau, Minseln and Nordschwaben were officially incorporated.

     

    We can trace the town's rich cultural history inextricably to these outlying villages. The history of the chapel of St. Mauritius in Nordschwaben with its beautiful baroque altar dates back to the early middle ages.

     

    An annual church procession in Eichsel is based on the Heiligenprozess (trial of canonification), originating in 1504. lt is also known as the festival of the three virgins Kunigundis, Mechthundis and Wibranda, and takes place every third Sunday in July. lt is known well beyond the nearby country borders.

     

    The castle at Beuggen also prides itself in great history, visible in its ancient fortification walls. A stroll into nearby forests may easily lead you to the ancient remains of a Roman farm. You may also stumble across the old Fliehburg (castle of refuge) near Degerfelden.

     

    Until only a few years ago, it was predominantly heavy industry that made up Rheinfelden's mosaic. Nowadays, however, it is very easy to find companies in the SME sector (small to medium-sized enterprises). In addition to this, a multitude of skilled trade and service companies have made Rheinfelden their preferred choice of location.

     

    Rheinfelden is located on an axis running from North to South. With a direct traffic link to the Basel - Frankfurt motorway and the N3 in Switzerland, Rheinfelden is an ideal vantage point for many excursions. The Swiss airports at Basel and Zurich are only a short drive away.

     

    If you are interested in venturing into natural areas from home during the weekends, you'll be spoilt for choice. The entire network of hiking areas in the Southern Black Forest as well as the Swiss Jura mountains and the French Vosges are less than an hour by car.

     

    Rheinfelden is also situated at the foot of the Dinkelberg. From the City centre, you have easy access to the beauty of this hilly outcrop. This is best done on foot or by bike. The hill at Herten (Hertener Berg) offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Swiss Alps on a fine day. You'll also have the opportunity to try one of the great wines that are produced on these slopes. One the most impressive natural features not to be missed are the Tschamber caves at Karsau.

     

    The Rhine with its shore promenades, the historic town of Swiss Rheinfelden and Beuggen Castle often invite Rheinfelden's inhabitants to a weekend stroll. Needless to say, the people of Rheinfelden know how to celebrate. There us no lack of entertainment, ranging from the traditional street-stall festival Trottoirfest to the Inselfest in Swiss Rheinfelden to the annual Carnival processions.

     

    The Art weeks that take place every spring exemplify the array of local artists, exhibitions and classical and modern music. This event is jointly organised by the Cultural Affairs Department and local clubs and associations.

     

    The city centre springs to life on market days. Farmers offer their fresh produce around the town hall. From local schnapps made from fruits to delicious goats' cheese to vegetables and fresh flowers: this is where you'll always find great satisfaction.

  • Mouscron in Belgium
    Mouscron in Belgium became a city on 1st January 1977, consisting of four communes: Mouscron, Dottignies, Herseaux and Luingne.

     

     

    Although Mouscron is a city with a past, it is young and dynamic and has a growing population of almost 55,000 inhabitants.

     

    Many strangers feel at home in Mouscron because of the city's welcoming citizens, and many return time and time again.

     

    Built close to the French border, Mouscron is a French-Belgium town in many ways. It has a significant French population, as well as French factories, and many of the city's inhabitants commute to work in Tourcoing and Roubaix.

     

    Industrialisation at the beginning of the century led to a growth in the textile industries, but since then a depression has seen lockouts and layoffs. However, the city's Department for Investors and Chamber of Commerce and Industry aim to remedy the economic situation by preserving existing industries and attracting new investors.

     

    www.mouscron.be

  •  Fécamp in France
    Situated on the Albatre coastline of the English Channel some 40 kilometres from Le Havre, the town of Fecamp has almost 22,000 inhabitants. It is one of the principal towns of the Seine-Maritime region, in the heart of the Haute-Falaises countryside.

     

    An ancient fishing port, Fecamp's reputation is built on its maritime activity. The museum of Terre-Neuvas today depicts the history of men who spent many months at sea, and of the maritime workplace and buildings where boats named L' Etoile, La Belle Poule and La Marite were built. Some boats are still in activity, bringing in fresh products such as scallops, mackerel, herring and sole.

     

    Fecamp is also the home of creative men such as Dr. Dufour, inventor of the sterilisation of feeding bottles. An important collection is exhibited in the Museum of Arts and Childhood. The town's architect, Camille Albert, has emphasised the history of Fecamp with his major work, the Palais Benedictine, whose history is intimately linked to that of the town.

     

    A town of Art and History, Fecamp possesses monuments such as the Abbey of Saint-Trinite, the Notre-Dame-du-Salut Chapel, the Palais of the Dukes of Normandy and the famous Palais Benedictine - including the secret of the production of the famous liqueur.

     

    With its long beaches and the port at the heart of the town, the sea is an important part of Fecamp. During the last few years, Fecamp has become a popular seaside resort. Its nautical activities and important dates throughout the year will help you discover the authenticity and richness of this town with discreet charm.

 

 

We also have Friendship Agreements with:

  • Lurbarkas, Lithuania
  • Neumarkt, Italy
  • Putnok, Hungary

Twinning Association

The Council provides a grant to the Vale of Glamorgan Twinning association which has been set up to work closely with organisation throughout the vale to promote the idea of twinning and to work on exchanges between the Vale and our twin towns.

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Twining Association, comprising officers and voluntary members alike, was formally constituted in 2010 so as to foster international relations by focusing on, managing and promoting the continued success of the twinning activities. The Association works to assist social, cultural, sporting and educational organisations in the Vale in developing links with similar interest groups in the Vale's Twin Towns.

 

The association is keen to

  • Explore the feasibility and or possibility of combined excursions/Help in organising visits
  • Provide early visibility of planned events so as to encourage twinning visits
  • Create and maintain a list of local individuals/groups that might be willing to host visitors
  • Support groups in organising events during visits to the Vale of Glamorgan

 

The Association have been involved in several events since its formation including facilitating a visit by the Barry Ladies' Choir to perform at the Summer Arts Festival 'Estivoiles' in Fecamp; working market stalls at the August Street Festival 'Trottoirfest' in Rheinfelden and the Christmas markets in Fécamp; and arranging for traders and performers from each twin town to exhibit at the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival.