LEEK TWINNING ASSOCIATION
their two medieval reenactment groups attending the celebrations providing a wonderful sight in their authentic costumes as they paraded through the town and took part in the festivities. Alongside these formal arrangements many individual families and smaller oganisations have also established strong ties with friends they have made during the many interchanges which have taken place. In particular reference must be made to a regular feature in the Leek calendar, this being the annual service of remembrance in November. Last year Leek joined a large group of Italian politicians, servicemen, veterans and individuals in Este. On this occasion they were joined by a small party of young people from their twin town in Germany, all of which took part in the service, wreath laying and parade through the town. This coming November Este will send a similar party over to Leek in order to join in their remembrance events. Each year this alternates between the two towns. Since twinning started there has been a steady increase in the number of exchanges that have taken place over the years now with a number of visits between the two towns that are a permanent fixture. Este has their Flower Festival in April, the Atestiadi sports weekend, a Trade Fair at the end of May, Eurofeste at the beginning of October, Veterans Weekend at the beginning of November and its Christmas Market in December. Leek has Art in the Park in May, Remembrance Weekend in November and its Christmas Lights switch on in December. Any celebration that now takes place in Leek automatically includes an invitation to the twin town of Este to participate. The Twinning Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Leek Town Clerkâs Office, in Stockwell Street, Leek, although there are no meetings in August or December. The Committee is currently made up of the following personnel: Chairman Helen Ratcliffe, Vice Chairman Paul Baxter, Secretary Anthony Mathewson, Treasurer Maria Borejko, Officer for sport John Fisher, Officer for publicity Bill Johnson, Officer for hosting Anita Oliver and Catherine Saum, Officer for fund raising Vivienn Dixon and Officer for translation Andrea Picucci. The Committee are always looking for new members to join and welcomes anyone interested to go along to one of the meetings. Alternatively they can contact Chairman Helen Ratcliffe on Tel. 01538 360837 or e-mail: helenratcliffe.home@btintern et.com, Vice Chairman Paul Baxter on Tel. 01538 382913 or email: paul.baxter1000@ yahoo.co.uk or Secretary Anthony Mathewson on Tel. 01538 387032 or e-mail: anthonyjmathewson@hotmail .co.uk.
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