BRIGHOUSE LÜDENSCHEID SOCIETY
The link between the towns of Brighouse and Lüdenscheid was founded in 1950 by the Brighouse Children's Theatre, which exchanged visits with a similar group in Lüdenscheid. In 1962 the twin link societies were formed, with the aim to "bring a wealth of friendship and understanding to our two towns and to help draw our two nations together". Annual visits have enabled many close and lasting friendships to be forged, with generous hospitality to guests on both sides being responsible for the success.
The link is strengthened by the Civic Twinning Charter, which was signed in 1960. Since then, Brighouse has become part of Calderdale and Lüdenscheid the capital town of Markischer Kreis.
The twinning in Brighouse is most visible on the town by-pass, which was renamed Lüdenscheid Link, shortly after it opened in March 1984. In Lüdenscheid there is Brighouse Park, outside which stands a traditional English red phone box. And several years ago a mural of a Brighouse scene, painted by pupils of Lightcliffe C of E school, was erected at one of the entrances to the Stern Center, a splendid new indoor shopping centre, close to the modern town hall.
The society arranges annual exchange visits and various other activities during the year. In even years a group of about 40 members visit Lüdenscheid, staying with private families over Easter week. In odd years this hospitality is returned, when our German guests come to Brighouse. Between visits, we organise a number of social or fund raising events and hold four quarterly meetings.
Our meetings for the year are as follows: 24 March 2009, 9 June 2009, 15 September 2009 and the next AGM is 12 January 2010, all at 7.45pm, at Hove Edge Bowling Club, Halifax Road. Come along and see what we are about!
As an organisation we are always happy to welcome new members and families are especially welcome. If you would like to be part of our annual exchange visits, enjoy the friendship and hospitality of others and are prepared to offer the same in return, please contact our Secretary Moira Marshall.
This year sees our German friends visiting Brighouse. We have several events planned; a race night, a vintage bus trip to Hebden Bridge and Haworth, followed by a brewery visit. Also a civic reception will be hosted by the Mayor of Calderdale in the newly refurbished Rydings Library/Art Gallery in Brighouse. In addition, there will be a factory visit, a walk and finally, a farewell evening to include members performing a "one line panto", together with other entertainment.
COMMITTEE
At the Annual General Meeting of the Society, in January 2009, the following officers were elected to serve on the executive committee for 2009.
President Vacant
Chairman Mr Chris Redfearn
Vice Chairman John Gleaves
Secretary Mrs Moira Marshall
Treasurer Mr Graham Reason
PublicitY Officer Mrs Liz Whyte
Youth Co-ordinator To be announced
Brighouse Ludenscheid Society
16 Beechwood Grove
Fixby
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire
HD2 2FF
01484 536796
brighousetwinning@hotmail.co.uk
www.brighousetwinning.co.uk
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