A TOWN twinning partnership between St Helens and Stuttgart, Germany is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The town's relationship with Stuttgart dates back to 1948, just a few years after the Second World War and is believed to be the oldest twinning partnership in Europe.

At the time St Helens was an industrial powerhouse for the manufacturer of glass and it was able to support the rebuilding of Stuttgart, parts of which had been destroyed or damaged by bombing during the war.

Ever since, the two have enjoyed regular twinning visits, with this year marking the 75th anniversary.

Ahead of the landmark, a delegation from Stuttgart visited St Helens, where they attended a series of events.

Delegation's visit to town

Representing Stuttgart Council, Peter Pätzold, Andrea Klett-Eininger and Dr Frédéric Stephan made the trip which saw the group:

  • Meet senior councillors and officers at St Helens Town Hall
  • Attend Saints vs Leeds and the Borough of Culture launch event at the World of Glass
  • Go on a heritage trail walk of the town centre led by Ian Rimmer of St Helens Rotary Club
  • Join the Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Sue Murphy, in officially starting the St Helens 10k
  • Visit the Dream sculpture
  • Peter Pätzold, who is the deputy mayor of Stuttgart, also planted a cherry tree in Vera Page Park by the worker’s memorial.

'Long-term friendship'

Discussing his first time in St Helens and the importance of the town twinning partnership, Peter said: “For us, it’s a very important partnership. 75 years, directly after the Second World War – enemies becoming friends.

“It was amazing weekend, attending my first rugby game which was a very good atmosphere despite the result, and having the honour to plant a tree here.”

In a statement, Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for wellbeing, communities and culture, said: “Twinning partnerships are a productive way of fostering long-term friendships between people from different countries, opening opportunities to share ideas and good practice, and of course to celebrate what makes each of us unique.

“It was a pleasure to welcome and host our friends from Stuttgart on what was an action-packed weekend for the town, with rugby league world champions, Saints, kicking off their season at home; the launch of our year as Borough of Culture, and the tenth St Helens 10k run, which is always a special occasion. Here’s to the next 75 years.”

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