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Salisbury-Xanten Twinning Association

The Salisbury-Xanten Twinning Association is pleased to announce that Salisbury is now twinned with the north German town of Xanten, forming a three-way 'Twinning Triangle’ between Salisbury, Xanten and the French town of Saintes.

An official signing ceremony took place in the Guildhall on St George's Day, Sunday 23 April 2006. The Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Wiltshire and also Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Patrick Paisey  witnessed this momentous event, alongside many members from both the German and English communities.

The Salisbury-Xanten Twinning Association (SXTA) is a non-profit making organisation that aims to promote mutual understanding of our respective cultures and to encourage friendships between all generations within our two cities. It already has in excess of 100 members comprising both non-native and native German-speakers. However, it is NOT essential to speak the lingo – the association is open to everyone who has an interest in all things German!

Twinning opens up all kinds of opportunities, not least educational, sporting, cultural, artistic and business exchanges and the SXTA is continually promoting such important links. Some local schools have already established their own connections by way of pen pals/exchange visits.

Keep your eyes peeled for concerts on German themes, gig nights, dinner dances, German Food and Wine Tastings, a traditional German Oktoberfest (complete with Oompah Band!) and hopefully a German Christmas Market. We also plan to organise several smaller fundraising events throughout the coming year, such as a regular Stammtisch (informal get togethers or conversation groups) and Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) meetings.

This is an exciting time for everyone and the SXTA hopes to bring something refreshingly different to our city. The association aims to involve all areas of the local community, but is relying upon your support in ensuring that this exciting venture is a success!

About Xanten

Xanten, located in North Rhine-Westfalia, lies on the River Rhine in North Germany. It is about four hours by car from Calais and can be reached by air from Stansted to Düsseldorf-Niederrhein (around 15km from Xanten).

Xanten has approximately 23,000 inhabitants compared to Salisbury’s 43,000. It is a medieval town with a cathedral that was originally constructed about the same time as Salisbury Cathedral. There are strong archaeological links between the two cities and Xanten even has its own Roman Archaeological Park.

Contacting the Twinning Association

Anyone wishing to join the association or find out more should telephone Sandi Hammer (Membership Secretary) on 01722 332869 or email sandi.hammer@googlemail.com