Ashington and Newbiggin by the Sea Welcome German Visitors
Ashington and Newbiggin by the Sea Welcome German Visitors
Ashington and Newbiggin by the Sea Town Councils welcomed visitors from their German twin town of Remscheid last week, marking a poignant 40th anniversary of solidarity during the 1984/85 Miners’ Strike and celebrating over 70 years of town twinning partnership.
The visiting delegation, led by Stadt Director Sven Wiertz and including Regional MP Sven Wolf, was welcomed by local dignitaries including Ian Lavery MP for Ashington and Blyth.
At Ashington Town Hall, Civic Head Councillor Caroline Ball led the unveiling ceremony of a commemorative plaque, while Mayor Fiona Rowley presided over the ceremony at Newbiggin-by-the Sea Town Council, both acknowledging the vital support provided by the Remscheid community during the miners’ strike.
Adding to the day’s significance, pupils from Grace Darling C of E Primary School, accompanied by their Head Teacher, Mrs Cole, participated in the Newbiggin ceremony, representing the next generation of this enduring international friendship. A celebration cake decorated with the crests of all participating councils was shared in the Remscheid room at Ashington – a fitting symbol of the unity and friendship between the communities.
The delegation then toured the Newbiggin Maritime Centre, where a well-attended public exhibition celebrated the longstanding international friendship between the communities. The organisers want to thank the members of the public who came along to the Maritime Centre to be part of this historic occasion, and support the event, and Maritime Centre staff for their exceptional hosting.
A highlight of the celebration was a moving performance by the Ashington & District Male Voice Choir, including their rendition of “Requiem” from “Fell ‘Em Doon,” paying tribute to the region’s mining heritage. The exhibition showcased photographs and memorabilia spanning seven decades of cultural exchange and friendship between the communities.
The visit and its associated events were coordinated by the Ashington & Newbiggin by the Sea Town Twinning Association, led by Bill Gale and Peter Millar, and supported by Newbiggin by the Sea Town Clerk Leanne Lawson and Ashington Town Council’s Stephen Humphrey and Sharon Parmley. We thank all who supported the visit.
The visit strengthens the existing cultural and civic ties between the communities, which have flourished since the town twinning relationship began over 70 years ago.
Photos from the day
