Although there were a few isolated examples of town twinning throughout history, the modern movement only really began in the aftermath of World War II as a way to foster peace, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between nations that had been in conflict. Coventry was the first city to begin twinning with the town of Volgograd (Stalingrad) in Russia, followed by Kiel and Dresden in Germany, who had both also suffered heavy bombing during the war.
Subsequently, twinning became particularly popular in Europe, especially between cities in France and Germany, as part of reconciliation efforts. The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) was established in 1951 to promote these partnerships. During the Cold War, twinning also became a tool for East-West diplomacy, with Western and Eastern Bloc cities forming partnerships to maintain dialogue.
Today, town twinning is used for cultural diplomacy, economic partnerships, and international cooperation on social and environmental issues. In Britain most towns and cities are twinned with at least one partner in Europe and sometimes with places further afield.
Twinning in Bicester
Our historic market town of Bicester has cultivated strong international relationships through its twinning initiatives with three European towns: Neunkirchen-Seelscheid in Germany, Essarts-en-Bocage in France, and Czernichów in Poland.
Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, Germany (since 1982)
John Hollis, a long-serving councillor and former Mayor of Bicester, played a pivotal role in establishing Bicester’s first town twinning partnership. Having served with the Army in post-war Berlin and the Cologne area, he witnessed first hand the devastation caused by conflict. This experience inspired him to seek ways of fostering peace and reconciliation through international friendship.
Years later, Hollis brought together a group of like-minded individuals, forming what became the inaugural Bicester Twinning Committee. At the time, a London-based organisation helped match UK towns with potential twin towns in Germany. After reviewing several options, Neunkirchen-Seelscheid was identified as a particularly suitable partner due to its many similarities with Bicester.
Following initial visits between the two towns and the support of both the original working group and the Partnerschaftsverein (the local twinning association in Germany), a formal partnership was established. The official twinning charters were signed in May 1982, marking the beginning of a strong and lasting connection.
Over the years, numerous exchange visits have taken place, involving various community groups such as school parties, scouts, sports teams, bands and choirs. In 2022, the 40th anniversary of this partnership was celebrated with events in Germany, including a tour of Cologne’s Grand Harbour, a Rhine cruise, and a hike along the newly inaugurated 7km Neunkirchen-Seelscheid Friendship Trail.
Essarts-en-Bocage, France (since 1992)
Our twin town in France is a small commune with a largely agricultural economy, of which the raising of Charolais cattle is an important part. When the town began looking for a twin in Germany they thought it would be a good idea to find a similar place that also raised Charolais. They had a contact in Germany who, after many phone calls to various towns in the area finally came into came upon Neunkirchen-Seelscheid who at the time were also looking for a twinning partner in France. The Charter between the two municipalities was signed in 1991. Bicester then entered into a twinning relationship with the Canton des Essarts, as it then was, in 1992 to make the arrangement tri-partite.
Located in the Vendée Department of the Pays de la Loire Region, Les Essarts went through a local government reorganisation in 2016 and is now known as Essarts-en-Bocage. Over the years our twinning associations have organised many cultural, school and sporting exchanges, as well as community events. On one occasion we even had a group cycle all the way from Les Essarts to Bicester.
Czernichów, Poland (since 2009)
After Neunkirchen-Seelscheid had established a twinning partnership with Czernichów, a municipality in southern Poland near the Beskid Mountains, the idea was put forward that Bicester might also consider forming a similar link. In 2000, a delegation from Bicester led by Debbie Pickford, who was Mayor at the time, visited Czernichów. The visit proved to be a great success, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.
Over the following years, visits between the two communities continued, culminating in the official signing of the twinning charter in Bicester in 2009, accompanied by a vibrant and well-attended programme of events. Later the same year the charter was formally signed in Czernichów during another memorable celebration.
Since then, the partnership has gone from strength to strength. Activities have included numerous cultural exchanges and sports visits, such as taking a football team over for the weekend, which have helped foster lasting friendships.
Just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of our partnership in Bicester, complete with commemorative events and, fittingly, the ceremonial cutting of a cake. While the pandemic inevitably disrupted our activities, we are now working hard to rebuild momentum, with a particular focus on encouraging young people to get involved and experience the warmth and hospitality of this beautiful part of Poland. Czernichów has itself been active in humanitarian efforts, providing shelter to Ukrainian refugees, an initiative supported by Bicester through donations and solidarity
Remembrance Weekend
The second weekend in November, when we commemorate the contribution of both military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and other conflicts, has become one of the most important events of our twinning calendar. It was at the suggestion of then Mayor and twinning association founding-member Val Pearce that the mayors of our twin towns were first invited to this ceremony. A small delegation from each of the three countries now joins us each year to lay wreaths and pay their respects to the fallen.
Community Engagement and Legacy
Many of the friendships formed through our twinning arrangements have endured across generations, highlighting the lasting impact of international community partnerships. While certain programmes have faced challenges in recent years due to regulatory changes and the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts are ongoing to reinvigorate these connections and involve younger participants in future exchanges.
Bicester’s twinning initiatives continue to promote cultural understanding and international friendship, enriching the community through shared experiences and collaborative events.