VISITORS from Germany arrived in Workington this weekend as the town's exchange program looks ahead to celebrating its 30th year.
The exchange began 30 years ago next year, with people travelling between Workington and the German town of Selm to celebrate the twinning of the two towns.
This year, vocal ensemble 'Crescendo' travelled to St Johns Church, Workington as part of the exchange. The group was founded under the name 'Der Kleine Chor Selm' in March 1995.
In summer 2006, regional cantor Thomas Kleinhenz took over the direction of the choir.
Paul Witty, who organises the exchanges in Workington, said: “It’s wonderful. It was 2020 when they were supposed to be coming. We went across just before that, but then of course Covid took over everything, so we have been in contact over the internet but that has been all.”
Ali Grieser, from the German side of the exchange, said: “We organised this tour for 2020, but then came corona... we are very happy Paul asked us.”
The exchange between Workington and Selm has had much success over the years, with many friendships developed.
Brian Pattinson, from Cockermouth, who made a friend in a school exchange as part of the scheme, said: “We did an exchange through Stainburn school and a school in Selm. Our daughter went to Germany and she then had a German girl stay with us at Stainburn.
"Through the night she wasn’t very well, so in the morning we got in touch with the teacher.
“Jurgen (the teacher) came to visit us and we got talking. I asked him if he could get us tickets for the World Cup, because it was 2006 and I was going to Germany.
"He didn’t have any tickets [but] we met up for a few days and kept in touch all week. Then he said, if you want why don’t you come to Selm - we can put a football match on?
“Our friendship developed because of the World Cup. I went to Germany and followed England, staying in Frankfurt, Nuremberg, Cologne - and then Selm staying with Jurgen.”
A few years later the visitors from Selm came to Workington and played a football match in the town.
The visitors will stay in Cumbria until Saturday, with the choir performing in Carlisle Cathedral with the Carnegie Singers later this week.
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