King's Lynn's twinning club makes plans and looks for new members
Exchange visits between Lynn and its German twin town Emmerich have been resumed after they were put on hold during the pandemic.
A small group from Emmerich came to West Norfolk last autumn and in mid-May a much larger party of 14 from Lynn will be heading over there for a three-day stay.
The club hopes that as well as renewing old friendships and creating fresh ones, it will be a chance for the club to become more active again and will encourage new members to join.
Philip Mole, who has been chairman for the last five years, admitted it has been a quiet two years – thanks to Covid – but was pleased they were able to keep interest going with social events.
He said: “The club is encouraging new members to join so that yearly exchanges can take place with renewed vigour. It is not necessary to speak German, though it is helpful, but an interest in German culture will provide its rewards by joining with host families and organised outings.
“Staying with a family provides a unique opportunity to experience daily life in Germany and over the years strong friendships have been forged.”
He said that he will be staying with a host that he has known for 30 years and that many members are still friends with families they met in the early days of the club.
The club was established in 1978 to bring together social, cultural and sporting exchanges between the two towns and the exchange visits play an important role.
While some members choose to stay in hotels, many are home-hosted by Emmerich families.
“It is a really good way of joining in their lifestyle and finding out about their daily lives,” said Philip.
“We would like to think that there are people here who would enjoy that opportunity.”
To find out more the club’s website is www.kingslynnemmerichtc.co.uk and the membership secretary can be reached at gloriapantling@btinternet.com
The club also has an afternoon tea planned at Petals, at Dersingham on April 16 – and again gloria is the person to contact.