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Lymington Twinners trip to Almansa
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20 Years of Twinning Celebrated in Spain
Over 20 years ago leaders of the towns of Lymington and Almansa in Spain had the foresight to set up a Twinning Charter – a Pact of Friendship and Collaboration. Even now Lymington is one of fewer than ten towns in England that is twinned with a Spanish town and that makes for a special relationship to be treasured.
We recognised that relationship when the Mayor of Lymington, Cllr. Michael White and the Mayor of Almansa Cllr. Francisco Nuñez Nuñez signed a renewal pact of friendship and collaboration in a shady quadrangle of Almansa’s Town Hall. The ceremony included speeches from both Mayors; Sr. Antonio Callado (who was Mayor when the original pact was signed in 1994); Tim Jones, Chairman of Almansa’s Twinning Association and Peter Richardson, former Chairman of Lymington International Twinning Association. Gifts of books and a picture were exchanged, followed by the symbolic planting of a tree in a new development of apartments, childrens’ playground and fitness trail which is to be called “La Plaza de Lymington”.
As the majority of the group was visiting Almansa for the first time, it was especially interesting for us to experience a time of fiesta and to learn something first hand of Almansa’s history and the surrounding area. On the journey inland from Alicante airport, we passed one town whose industry was making womens’ shoes, another making mens’ shoes, another specializing in childrens’ shoes. Towns were overlooked each by their own castle, some restored, others in ruins. ‘Castles in Spain’ was a reality! On arrival in Almansa, 700 m above sea level, we were immediately welcomed at a reception in the Town Hall, interviewed on Almansa TV and introduced to our hosts.
A really varied programme had been organised on this special occasion to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the signing of our Twinning Charter. It included guided tours of Almansa’s castle, an exhibition of the battle of Almansa in 1707 and a visit to a local wine producer where we were photographed surrounded by 350 oak barrels, each containing 300 litres of wine. We travelled up the fertile Valley of Ayora and Cofrentes, stopping to see walking sticks, pitch forks and wooden utensils being handcrafted. A boat trip followed on the River Jucar ending at an impressive dam and hydro-electric power station.
We spent plenty of time with our host families, getting to know them and their way of life; learning the importance of siesta time to enjoy the fiesta with late meals, folk dancing concerts, a big band concert (which started at 11.30pm!) in the relative cool of the evening. The hospitality was very generous and we have returned to Lymington with fond memories of new and renewed friendships.
Over 20 years ago leaders of the towns of Lymington and Almansa in Spain had the foresight to set up a Twinning Charter – a Pact of Friendship and Collaboration. Even now Lymington is one of fewer than ten towns in England that is twinned with a Spanish town and that makes for a special relationship to be treasured.
We recognised that relationship when the Mayor of Lymington, Cllr. Michael White and the Mayor of Almansa Cllr. Francisco Nuñez Nuñez signed a renewal pact of friendship and collaboration in a shady quadrangle of Almansa’s Town Hall. The ceremony included speeches from both Mayors; Sr. Antonio Callado (who was Mayor when the original pact was signed in 1994); Tim Jones, Chairman of Almansa’s Twinning Association and Peter Richardson, former Chairman of Lymington International Twinning Association. Gifts of books and a picture were exchanged, followed by the symbolic planting of a tree in a new development of apartments, childrens’ playground and fitness trail which is to be called “La Plaza de Lymington”.
As the majority of the group was visiting Almansa for the first time, it was especially interesting for us to experience a time of fiesta and to learn something first hand of Almansa’s history and the surrounding area. On the journey inland from Alicante airport, we passed one town whose industry was making womens’ shoes, another making mens’ shoes, another specializing in childrens’ shoes. Towns were overlooked each by their own castle, some restored, others in ruins. ‘Castles in Spain’ was a reality! On arrival in Almansa, 700 m above sea level, we were immediately welcomed at a reception in the Town Hall, interviewed on Almansa TV and introduced to our hosts.
A really varied programme had been organised on this special occasion to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the signing of our Twinning Charter. It included guided tours of Almansa’s castle, an exhibition of the battle of Almansa in 1707 and a visit to a local wine producer where we were photographed surrounded by 350 oak barrels, each containing 300 litres of wine. We travelled up the fertile Valley of Ayora and Cofrentes, stopping to see walking sticks, pitch forks and wooden utensils being handcrafted. A boat trip followed on the River Jucar ending at an impressive dam and hydro-electric power station.
We spent plenty of time with our host families, getting to know them and their way of life; learning the importance of siesta time to enjoy the fiesta with late meals, folk dancing concerts, a big band concert (which started at 11.30pm!) in the relative cool of the evening. The hospitality was very generous and we have returned to Lymington with fond memories of new and renewed friendships.
Other exchange visits with Almansa:
Almansa Twinners visit to Lymington 2013
Lymington Twinners trip to Almansa 2012
Almansa Twinners visit to Lymington 2013
Lymington Twinners trip to Almansa 2012
Lymington International Twinning Association
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