A weekend of celebrations took place in Rinteln over the weekend of 10-12 August to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the twinning between Rinteln and Kendal, and also between Rinteln and Slawno.

This coincided with the annual Altstadtfest, an open air music festival in the town.

The festivities began on Friday evening as a party of Polish cyclists who had ridden 700 kilometres from Slawno, accompanied by Ursula and Gunter Mücke from the German border, arrived just in time for the official opening of the Altstadtfest.

The official opening was performed by Bürgermeister Karl-Heinz Buchholz, with speeches also given by Mayor of Kendal John Willshaw and Mayor of Slawno Krzysztof Frankenstein. Mayor Willshaw had been well coached and gave his speech in faultless German!

The twinning parties then gathered at the function room in the Ratskeller for further speeches and presentations, and of course, food and drink. Bürgermeister Buchholz presented a spirit called "Kräuterlikör", which had been especially prepared for the anniversary. The bottles had been produced locally and incorporate the coats of arms of the three towns. At 35% proof it's something to be savoured in small measures!

On Saturday morning, there was a reception at the Rathaus (Town Hall) where speeches by all three mayors were followed by the re-signing of the twinning charters and presentation of official gifts. A book was provided for everyone present to sign and write comments.

Then we took a short walk to the side of the church where three trees were planted to commemorate the anniversary, an oak for Rinteln, a birch for Slawno, and a yew for Kendal.

Saturday's events were rounded off in splendid style with a dinner and dance at a local restaurant. The excellent food was prepared by the Polish contingent in Rinteln, and the exuberant dancing continued until midnight.

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The new twinning charter reads as follows:

Twin Towns for 20 Years – Rinteln and Slawno, Rinteln and Kendal

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the twinning between the towns of Rinteln and Kendal, and Rinteln and Slawno, we the undersigned wish to reaffirm the value we place on the contacts between the citizens of our respective towns and the firm friendships which have resulted therefrom over the last twenty years.

It is our sincere intention to reaffirm and intensify the aims promulgated in the respective twinning charters signed in 1992: above all in respect of contacts and friendships between our citizens, families, schools, clubs and societies, and other interest groups, which we shall strive to foster and support. One of our main endeavours for the future will be to encourage our younger citizens to become actively involved in the shaping of the town twinning.

After twenty successful years we wish to reaffirm our commitment to our town twinning and hence make a contribution to international understanding and the fulfilment of European integration. May our town twinning continue to unite future generations in friendship and partnership, and so enable us to live together in a manner which is essential to peace and harmony.

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Bird's eye view of the Altstadtfest in the market place


For more photographs see the Facebook album - click HERE

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