Guildford Twinning Association Kicks Off Celebrations For Freiburg’s 900th Anniversary

Published on: 19 Apr, 2020
Updated on: 21 Apr, 2020

by Barbara Ford

chair of the Guildford Twinning Association (GTA)

Our last “live” event was a dinner for GTA members on March 4 in the Guildhall to celebrate Freiburg’s 900th anniversary. We had already mentioned to the Freiburgers that Guildford is older, but were too tactful to dwell on that.

Freiburg was to have hosted many festivities this summer to mark the occasion, inviting all its 12 twin towns, including Guildford, but of course these events are all in great jeopardy now. Our dinner was a great success, an elegant Sekt (German sparkling wine) aperitif upstairs in the Council Chamber and a delicious buffet supper downstairs in the Courtroom.

Dinner in the Guildhall Courtroom for 50 GTA members

Fifty members, including borough council leader Caroline Reeves (Lib Dem, Friary & St Nicolas), a long-time member, toasted Freiburg and congratulated the city on its anniversary. I highlighted some of the history of the city and vice-chair Peter Slade summarised its most notable environmental achievements. A very happy occasion.

Barbara Ford toasting and congratulating Freiburg

As feared, the pandemic has badly affected our twinning activities but, like the rest of the world, we are embracing modern technology, our March committee meeting being held via Zoom. Our May public lecture on “The German Love Affair with Shakespeare” will be given via video link and details will follow.

Peter Slade listing Freiburg’s environmental achievements

Guildford Twinning Association is a voluntary association which supports the twinning of Guildford and Freiburg in south-west Germany, promoting social, sporting, cultural, business, tourism and educational contacts and exchanges, in short, collaboration and friendship.