International friendships strengthened through Town Twinning visit

From 15 – 18 September, Chelmsford celebrated its links with its European neighbours by welcoming civic guests from Backnang to the city.

This latest visit not only marked the 25th anniversary of Chelmsford’s Twinning Agreement with Backnang, but also confirmed the continued willingness of the two towns to work in partnership and to further encourage cultural, economic and personal connections between the communities.



Chelmsford has been officially twinned with Backnang in Germany since 1990 and with Annonay in France since 1999.

On Friday 16 September, the Mayor of Backnang, Dr. Frank Nopper, joined the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Patricia Hughes, plus other civic guests for a tour of the facilities at e2v. The visit mainly focused on the Rosetta space station work and technology used on cancer patients. The group went on to visit Anglia Ruskin University to tour the campus.



On Sunday 18 September, a special service was held at Chelmsford Cathedral. Following the service the Mayors planted an Oak tree at Hylands Estate to mark the occasion.
The Mayor of Chelmsford said “We are absolutely delighted to further our existing connections with Backnang. This relationship has provided us with great opportunities to explore different European communities and to meet a range of interesting and inspiring people within them.”