Action call to strengthen German link with Caithness
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FORTY years ago two Scout leaders – one from Caithness and one from a small town in northern Germany – met at a conference in London.
The meeting between the late Clive Campbell and his German counterpart in 1971 was to result in a twinning link between Thurso and Brilon that has spanned four decades.
Over the years many youth groups and other organisations have arranged exchange visits and forged long-lasting friendships and associations.
However, in recent times that has changed.
While visits still take place the links have not been as strong as they were in the past, according to Nancy Swanson, who chairs the Thurso-Brilon Friendship Association and Town Twinning Committee.
She stressed that there is still interest in the twinning link and trips continue to be undertaken by individuals and various groups.
But Mrs Swanson said the numbers involved have been declining and action is needed to try and reverse that trend.
In an interview with the John O’Groat Journal, she said efforts are under way to address the issue while an attempt is being made to re-establish the links between the towns’ senior schools.
Pupils from Thurso High School were involved in exchange visits for over 20 years but in recent times interest has waned due to staff changes and child protection policies which have made it more difficult to arrange trips.
Such problems do not appear to exist in Germany.
Mrs Swanson was among a party of people invited to Brilon last month to celebrate the German town’s 40-year twinning with Heusdin-Zolder in Belgium. Brilon is also twinned with Hesdin in Picardy in France and Buchow, near Berlin.
“On arrival in Brilon we were approached by three teachers who are very anxious to restore the link with Thurso High School,” said Mrs ?Swanson.
“It is now seven years since the last exchange visit and concern was expressed that so much time has elapsed without contact. We explained that this was due to staff changes and issues such as child protection policy but we also told them that we hope to establish an e-twinning link with both Thurso High School and a primary school in the town.”
She added: “It is amazing how many former pupils in both Thurso and Brilon have very happy memories of exchange visits.
“We hope to encourage younger people to join the committee as the people initially involved are now taking a back seat and retiring from official duties.
“Perhaps some of the pupils who have at some time visited Brilon and are now involved in organisations may come forward to develop the link and encourage future contact between the towns.”
Mrs Swanson said that following the recent visit to Brilon plans are being made to encourage links between North Highland College UHI, Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Thurso Rotary.
The local Key Housing support group is also interested in communicating with its counterparts in Brilon with a view to a possible exchange visit.
Mrs Swanson explained that Clare MacPherson and Eilidh Williamson – two former students from Thurso High and North Highland College – are currently working in Brilon.
“Things are looking more positive at the moment and next summer the Brilon Scouts will be coming to Thurso for a week-long visit,” said Mrs Swanson.
She stressed that the Brilon Twinning Committee is very enthusiastic about its links with other towns and takes its role very seriously.
Brilon has been twinned with Hesdin for 45 years, Heusdin-Zolder for 40 years and Buchow for six years.
Reflecting on the Thurso and Brilon link she said: “It has been a successful twinning and over the years many strong friendships have been formed.
“The link with Brilon was first established in 1971 between the two Scout leaders and was formalised by the respective local authorities in 1979 in Brilon and in 1980 in Thurso.
“During that time exchanges have taken place between Scouts, Guides, the Thurso and Dounreay Strathspey and Reel Society, Thurso Pipe Band, pupils and staff from Thurso High School and civic leaders. Many individuals have also made their own trips.
“Its heyday was probably in the 1980s and ’90s. Although interest has declined in recent years we are determined to continue and extend the links established four decades ago.”
A worthwhile visit
NANCY Swanson was one of nine members of the Thurso-Brilon Friendship Association and Town Twinning Committee who visited the German town last month.
The party flew from Inverness to Amsterdam and was taken by minibus to Brilon where members stayed with host families. The group from Caithness was invited to Brilon to celebrate its 40-year twinning with Heusdin-Zolder in Belgium.
“Most of the French visitors arrived on the Friday afternoon and Saturday saw the Belgian and German groups arrive for the official celebrations that evening in the Burgerzentrum Kolpinghaus,” she said.
“Delegates from all Brilon’s twin towns plus local civic leaders and the many host families were warmly received. The main address was given by MEP Dr Angelica-Schwall Düren, minister for federal affairs. It was also attended by MEP Birgit Sippel. There followed a buffet meal and dancing.”
During its time in Brilon, the Caithness group visited a new museum, a wind farm, a local college and a facility for adults with learning difficulties.
“They were most interesting and it is hoped to develop these contacts,” said Mrs Swanson.
“The members who took part in the exchange visit thoroughly enjoyed meeting old friends and also making many new ones. We all thought the fleeting visit had been very worthwhile.”
