Rochdale Friends of Bielefeld to welcome German guests

Former Mayor Carol Wardle welcomed residents of Bielefeld to Rochdale Town Hall in 2014

For over 60 years the Bielefeld Friends Group has fostered cultural and educational relations with Rochdale's twin town in northern Germany.

Like Rochdale, Bielefeld flourished during the textile boom of the late 19th and the early 20th centuries.

The groups visit each other in alternate years. This year it is the turn of the German friends to come and stay in Rochdale and share in eight days of activities designed to show them more of England, its heritage and hospitality. This will include excursions to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with a picnic lunch and dinner at a restaurant near Holmfirth and a day trip to Knutsford and Tatton Park with picnic lunch in the Park. The day will be rounded off with a dinner in Knutsford.

The group will be greeted at the Town Hall by the Mayor and various members of the Council on Tuesday 30 August, before being treated to lunch as part of the civic recognition of friendly links. In the evening a welcome buffet will be hosted by the Friends of Bielefeld at the Bellavista Restaurant.

On Saturday there will be a ‘Jacob’s Join’ party with entertainment provided by local members.

The visit will be brought to a formal close by dinner at the “Marina" restaurant at Hollingworth Lake.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Friends of Bielefeld said: "The Committee has worked hard to plan a programme which will be both interesting and enjoyable, as are our visits to Bielefeld, and all the hosts will be happy to share their homes and friendship with their German friends."

"Anyone who is interested in joining this twinning group please look at our website www.rochdalefriendsofbielefeld.org for contact details (ability to speak German not essential)."