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www.schweich.de

PORTISHEAD TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Want to know more about Twinning? Please contact:-

Chairman - Peter Regan - 01275 849809

Vice Chairman - Pat Jouxson - 01275 847788

Treasurer - David Bickley - 01275 843540

Secretary - Sheila Ponsford - 01275 845966


The River Mosel close to Schweich

How it started

In the late 1980's a number of like-minded Portishead people felt the town needed to widen its horizons with regard to Europe. Contacts already existed with both The Netherlands and Germany.

The former connection was brought about by local resident Dan Griffiths who, as a glider pilot during the Second World War, was shot down during Operation Market Garden en route to Arnhem. He was shielded by the people of Den Dungen and District thus avoiding capture and imprisonment.

The latter arose through a local wine merchants' links with the municipality of Schweich-an-der-Mosel and its renowned vineyards.

Following negotiations and reciprocal visits both to and from our prospective twin towns, formal twinning Charters were exchanged with Den Dungen in 1989 and later with Schweich in 1992.

The High Street Portishead

What is 'Twinning'?

'Twinning is the linking of communities of different countries bringing to each opportunities for people of all ages to meet and share ideas and lifestyles. Among the many successful results of Portishead's twinning with both Den Dungen and Schweich has been the foundation of numerous close friendships both in Portishead and in our twin towns. It has led to a wide exchange of cultural and sporting activities coupled with the chance for young people to gain work experience abroad.

The name Den Dungen refers to the Pleistocene dunes on which this village developed. A Pleistocene dune is a natural elevation in a stream valley area. These Pleistocene dunes were very suitable for building houses upon. In order to protect themselves against water, the population constructed a dike system. At places where the dike broke through a pool developed, around which the dike was repaired again. Hence a monumental ring-dike with pools was created around the village. From this dike you have a beautiful view over Den Dungen with its characteristic church tower and monumental farms.

V G SCHWEICH AN DER MOSEL

Schweich is the principle town in a municipality of some 20,000 people situated 6 miles from the Roman city of Trier. This municipality comprises 18 separate small communities most of which are sited along the banks of the attractive River Mosel.

Steeped in tradition and with much evidence of the Roman Occupation (the 2nd Century Roman gate to Trier, the Porta Nigra, is virtually intact), the area is famed for the excellence of its wines and locally produced cider Fietz.

A favoured tourist destination, it offers magnificent scenery, excellent accommodation and fascinating history. Trier is twinned with s'Hertogenbosch and also with Gloucester. Schweich is about 500 miles from Portishead.

DEN DUNGEN

Den Dungen is a small town of approximately 6,000 inhabitants about 3 miles from the attractive city of s'Hertogenbosch, capital of the Province of North Brabant. Dating back to the 11th Century, historic 'Den Bosch' is a bustling, modern city full of interest and famed for its annual International Jazz Festival.

Den Dungen itself serves a mainly agricultural community dominated by the church of St. Jacobus de Meede in the town centre. The picturesque area, criss-crossed by many waterways offers a variety of opportunities for leisure and recreation including fishing, cycling and walking. Den Dungen is 350 miles from Portishead.

Town Twinning - Some Questions Answered
Who can join?	How much does it cost?	What are the advantages of membership?
Full membership of the Association is open to individuals, families or groups residing in Portishead and District. Associate membership is available to those living elsewhere.	The Association is self-funding and receives no money from Portishead Town Council. It is financed by modest membership fees supported by occasional fund-raising events. Visits abroad are costed on a non-profit making, 'at cost' basis. Small, discretionary grants may be received from the EC.	A chance to share in the experience of family life in our twin towns and in return provide hospitality for new friends on a reciprocal basis.
		How is the Association administered?
		An Annual General Meeting is held in March when officers and committee are elected for the ensuing year.
		How do I get more information?
		From the secretary or any officer or committee member of the Association. Enquire at the Town Council office in the Folk Hall or Portishead Library.