Newton Abbot has a tripartite twinning link with the towns of Besigheim in Germany and Ay-Champagne in France. The first pupil exchange took place in 1976 and, following many meetings at both private and official levels, a formal twinning arrangement between Newton Abbot and Besigheim was agreed in 1979.
The founding statement declared:
“The elected representatives of the citizens of Newton Abbot and Besigheim have decided to take up the friendly relations of their towns. We want to expand on experience of the pupils of both towns, who have gained connections through numerous exchanges, to the other citizens and to promote this in the spirit of European union. We set up the twinning organisation with the goal of developing scholastic, social, cultural and economic relationships in the conviction that mutual understanding and many friendships will result.”
Besigheim
Besigheim is a historic town dating from the Middle Ages, located at the meeting of the Neckar and Enz rivers. Surrounded by vine-covered slopes, it makes an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
Situated in southern Baden-Württemberg between Stuttgart and Heilbronn, the town is easily accessed via the A81 motorway (exit Mundelsheim/Besigheim) and has a direct railway connection. Besigheim’s Old Town is particularly impressive, with bright timber-framed houses, two imposing castle towers, a shop built in 1459, the timber-framed Town Hall, and the Parish Church with its famous limewood high altar.
Besigheim also offers a wide range of leisure and sports facilities. A highlight is the "Besigheim Winzerfest", which takes place every two years in September. For four days, the town comes alive with music and culinary delights in cellars, pubs, stands and tents. A major event is the historical festival procession on Sunday, featuring over 50 participating groups.
Besigheim is also an important centre for education and local government for surrounding parishes.
Ay-Champagne
Ay-Champagne, as the full name suggests, lies at the heart of France’s champagne-producing region. Located on the banks of the River Marne, the town sits around 80 miles north-east of Paris and 25 miles south of Reims. Its economy is rooted in champagne production, with many smaller “houses” that are highly regarded among connoisseurs.
Beyond its renowned champagne, Ay’s setting in the Reims Mountain Natural Park area offers beautiful and historic surroundings for visitors to enjoy.
Twinning in action
Newton Abbot is fortunate to be supported by a committed and self-financing Twinning Association. Its Executive Committee coordinates annual exchange visits between interested residents of Newton Abbot, Besigheim and Ay-Champagne.
While each town has much to offer visitors, the real purpose of twinning lies in the long-term friendships that develop between residents. Judging by the many close connections formed over the years, the Newton Abbot Twinning Association continues to meet this goal.
New members are always welcome. For details and information, please contact the Secretary of the Twinning Association on 01626 361808.
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