A RECENT visit to Portishead by 40 guests from Schweich has strengthened the twinning links between the towns.

Cream teas and dancing by the Mendip Morris Men were just some of the activities enjoyed by 40 guests from the German town, who were hosted by Portishead residents at the end of July.

Twinning association spokesman Jean Lord said: “We had a packed programme which included visits to the new pier in Weston, the Helicopter Museum and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

“The Portishead Flower Show was a favourite with many of the visiting families and with the weather remaining fine, we even managed a walk on the Mendips.”

Many promises were made to meet again in Schweich next year, when the members celebrate 20 years of the twinning partnership

The roots of Twinning in Portishead go back to 1944, when resident Dan Griffiths was sheltered from German troops near Den Dungen, in The Netherlands. It took many years before Dan visited Holland again, and as a result the Twinning Agreement between the two towns was signed in 1989. The link was then made with Schweich, and formalised in 1992.

Anyone interested in joining the twinning association can contact Mrs Lord on 01275 847203.