Poignant moments in twinning trip - The Worcester Observer

Poignant moments in twinning trip

Worcester Editorial 2nd Jun, 2017   0

MEMBERS of the Worcester Twinning Association visited a French wartime town as part of a new exhibition to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Twinning Association members recently visited Gouzeaucourt, a town Worcester ‘adopted’ in the aftermath of the war, after being awarded a £10,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to launch an exhibition on Worcester’s role in the town’s reconstruction.

During the visit, members interviewed descendants of Gouzeaucourt’s wartime inhabitants and heard accounts of their experiences.

They also researched information in the library at Peronne and visited cemeteries where soldiers from the Worcestershire Regiment are buried.




All the information gathered will be used to tell the story of the relationship between Worcester and Gouzeaucourt in an exhibition at the Guildhall from Saturday, July 22 to Saturday, July 29.

Liz Smith, chairman of the Worcester Twinning Association, said: “It was very useful to go out and get the closest thing possible to a first-hand account of how Gouzeaucourt was on the front line and the role Worcester played in its post-war reconstruction.


“This will help us bring a human face to the exhibition we’ll be launching later this year.”

*MESSAGES of condolence and sympathy have been sent from France to the Mayor of Worcester following last week’s attack in Manchester.

Officials from two of Worcester’s twin towns in France contacted the Mayor, Coun Steve Mackay, to express their horror after the attacks.

Bernard Grouchko, Mayor of du Vésinet, said: “In this sorrowful time, on behalf of the all the people of Le Vésinet and the City Council, I would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences.

“So many innocent lives have been stolen from us in Manchester, and words cannot describe what French people are feeling, having been through such a terrible pain and trauma themselves.

“We give our condolences to our Worcester friends and hope that none of your close ones have been hurt.”

Michel Guibout, President of the Vernon Twinning Association, said: “The members of the Vernon Twinning Committee are appalled by the murders in Manchester and want to assure you of their compassion and their friendship. Only together can we fight those who want to destroy us and destroy our values.”

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Worcester Observer newspaper.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Advertising

Advertise with the Worcester Observer to reach your audience