Baldock Town Twinning
Normally only one twin town visits the UK each year, but the London Oympics were too great an event to miss.
So in 2012 the Association hosted both twin towns at the same time.
This meant more fund-raising and finding more hosts.
Hertfordshire CC and North Herts DC kindly helped with the fund-raising and several new hosts volunteered after appeals in local newspapers.
The occasion was a great success and showed some of the best that Britain can do.
Baldock gets 3 gold "medals"
Jean-Claude Lagrange (Mayor of Sanvignes, one of Baldock's twin towns) praised the efforts of Baldock Town Twinning Association (BTTA) at the gala dinner held at the Broadway Hotel, Letchworth, on Thursday 2nd August 2012. He awarded the Association 3 Gold medals - for Hospitality, for Friendship and for Organisation. Klaus Gross (CEO of Eisenberg) likewise praised the efforts of the Association in buying nearly 200 ticket for the London Games, finding hosts for 80 guests from the two twin towns, arranging the allocation of events to 110 people and associated transport. He thanked all the Baldock hosts for their warm welcome and for introducing them to the real Great Britain, not just that which appears in the media.
Humphrey Pickering (Hon. Chairman of the BTTA) replied that, "Although individual members have been named, it was truly a joint effort, a massive achievement for what he called Team "Greater Baldock". As well as extra hosts, some of whom responded to the invitation which had appeared in local newspapers some months ago, new members had joined the Association and all had combined in welcoming their guests and giving them a true British welcome. Best of all, the 110 people attending the Olympics included 11 youngsters, on whom our future hopes rest."
During the Gala dinner, several of the children present made their own game with "Olympic" rings. As can be seen, for them it was a very special and enjoyable occasion.
Fiona Schreuder, one of the ‘new hosts’ for the Twinning Olympics event, said,
"When 5-year old Claudia began to feel the excitement of the 2012 Games beginning, she wanted to be able to take part, alongside their guests from Sanvignes. We had no tickets, but then a last-minute cancellation meant that tickets were found for me and Claudia to accompany our guests. We both had a fantastic day at the Beach Volleyball. Even though team GB wasn't playing we got right behind all the players competing. The atmosphere was fantastic with lots of music and dancers as well as some good sport! Claudia loved taking part in the Mexican Wave and cheering the players."
The photograph at the right shows Claudia dressed for the occasion.
The photograph above shows Humphrey Pickering receiving gifts on behalf of Baldock Twinning at the Gala Dinner held at The Broadway Hotel, Letchworth. From left Humphrey Pickering, Jean-Claude Lagrange (Mayor of Sanvignes), Michele Schimpf, Klaus Groß and Adolf Kauth (Mayor of Eisenberg).
Those to the left show happy diners at the Celebration meal.
Humphrey Pickering stated that "The London 2012 Olympic Games have been the occasion for the visit, but this was simply the culmination of 27 years of Town Twinning. Close friendships have been formed over the years, and each of us now has a better understanding of each other's culture. Even our culinary tastes have improved, and our Continental guests have learned that British cooking can be delicious. Long may that continue ".
However, all good things must come to an end. After several delightful days together we had to bid farewell to our guests, or rather "our friends".