The Thornbury Twinning Association was set up in 1986 to promote links between Thornbury and Bockenem in Germany, and help us understand how other people live.
The two towns are well-suited, being of a similar size and mentality.
We arrange regular exchange visits between the towns. Because we stay with families, we see how people really live in that part of Germany.
Twinning is for everyone in Thornbury, not just the civic members of the the town. Everyone who goes on a visit is expected to pay for the coach and the air fare. Accommodation with German hosts is on a reciprocal basis.
Social activities are not neglected, and although there's no local wine, there are numerous opportunities to sample the local beer, along with the local sausages, smoked meats, cheeses and delicious cakes.
From the beginning, Thornbury's Castle School has maintained strong links with the Wilhelm Busch Realschule in Bockenem, and there are exchanges both ways each year. The children often work in a variety of local jobs to improve their German.
There's plenty to see and do in the area, and now we can travel easily to nearby East Germany. There are attractive towns to visit, such as Hanover, Hamelin, Wernigerode and Quedlinburg (now a World Heritage Site), as well as the beautiful scenery of the nearby Harz mountains.
The Twinning Association welcomes new members - if you'd like to know more, host German guests or join us on a visit to Bockenem, call our Chairman Nigel Hale on 01454 884042 and e-mail .
Alternatively, you can contact Judith Payne, Town Clerk on or 01454 412103.
Bockenem Twinning Visit 2007
Thursday 25th October saw the end of yet another successful visit by members of our Twin Town, Bockenem, twinning association. Our 14 guests arrived at Birmingham Airport on 20 October after a short flight from Hanover and were met by their hosts on arrival in Thornbury, spending the rest of the day with them. With nothing formal organized for the Sunday, the day was spent making independent visits to places of interest in the vicinity although one brave couple took their 3 guests by coach to London. A Reception was held in the Town Hall on Monday morning where the Town Mayor, Bob Griffin, welcomed the party to Thornbury and the Bockenem Twinning Chairman, Ulrike Schumann replied commenting on the various achievements by both communities since the charter was signed in 1986. There was an exchange of gifts – Thornbury received an up to date aerial photograph of Bockenem and the Mayor presented a picture of Thornbury in return. In the afternoon, the Bockenem party visited the SS Great Britain which proved both popular and interesting.
Tuesday saw hosts and guests on a coach trip, first to Weston’s Cider at Much Marcle in Herefordshire. Here they were conducted round the various processes involved in the making of cider ending with the opportunity to sample the product and buy some to take home, cider not being consumed in Germany. Then it was on to Hereford where the party had the chance to wander round the various attractions at their leisure. The return trip was via the picturesque Wye Valley, the scenery enhanced by some warm autumn sunshine. To end a busy day, hosts and guests attended a dinner in the Ship Hotel, Alveston.
The last full day, Wednesday 24th, was spent with hosts and the party departed for home at midday the following day.
The visit by our friends from Bockenem confirms that links between the 2 communities are as strong as ever. Long may it continue. It was encouraging to see that the Bockenem party included a former pupil from the Wilhelm Busch school in Bockenem, keen to renew friendships forged with Thornbury Castle School students during their annual exchange visits. We hope that more former pupils from both schools will use our visits to keep up their contacts.
Anyone interested in knowing more about the Twinning link with Bockenem, or becoming a member, is invited to contact our Chairman, Nigel Hale. (01454 8840420 or Judith Payne in the Town Council offices (01454 412103)
