Town Twinning
Peterlee:Nordenham
Peterlee has been twinned with Nordenham in Northern Germany since 1981. Since this time, many visits have taken place both to Nordenham and from Nordenham to Peterlee. Many lasting friendships have been formed over the years, with us now seeing a third generation of some families visiting each others town.
Nordenham is a very beautiful town made up of several ‘townships’, all connected by fields. The whole area is very flat, with evidence of flood prevention systems in place. Although built around an old fishing port, Nordenham has largely grown up as a new town (100 years old this year, 2008). The shops are adequate and there is a choice of Greek, Italian, German and English food in the many fine restaurants and cafés. The people who live in the town are wonderful, friendly and extremely hospitable.
The northern region of Germany has much history in terms of a fishing industry and this is apparent throughout the area. The fishing heritage always appears to be the pride of the German people, although, over the years, many other forms of industry have developed.
The object of a twinning relationship is for 2 different nations to familiarise the other with its own culture, traditions, legends, ways of life and places of interest. This has been, and continues to be achieved through our regular visits to each other. If you would like to become involved with twinning in the future or for more information about any of the visits that have taken place, please contact: Miss Debra Coates, Liaison Officer, Peterlee Town Council, 4 Upper Yoden Way, Peterlee, Co. Durham. SR8 1AX Tel: (0191) 5864450 e-mail: tic.manager@peterlee.gov.uk
Website for more information about Nordenham: www.nordenham.de
Peterlee/Nordenham Friendship Association
This Association is a group of people who have, for many years visited our twin town. The group's aims and objectives are to:
- promote exchange visits between Nordenham and Peterlee
- provide hospitality and recreation to visitors from the other town
- to arrange trips to places of interest for partnership visitors
- to encourage similar groups from both towns to link in friendship
- to purchase from time to time commemorative gifts for presentation purposes
- to provide services of assistance to visitors and members as decided by the management committee.
If you are interested in the work of the Friendship Association, please contact: Mr. R. Emmerson (01429) 870873
VISIT TO NORDENHAM 2008
The biennial visit to Nordenham will took place this year during August. The dates of the visit were 11th - 20th August, 2008. Nordenham celebrated its 100 year anniversary and many celebrations took place during our visit.
We were very proud to showcase the talent evident in our town's youth community. Together with the town's youth football team, we were joined on the visit by local rock band 'The Arrival' and dance group, 'Northern Lights Youth Theatre'. Both of these groups performed during Nordenham's Stadtfest and were very well received by the people of Nordenham. The Football team played 2 friendly matches against teams from Nordenham.
We travelled by coach and ferry, using the DFDS Seaways route North Shields to Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) then by executive coach to Nordenham where we were greeted by our hosts. A full programme of events and activities was planned for us which includesd: a full weekend of celebrations to commemorate the town's 100 year anniversary, the Stadfest (annual town festival); a trip to see a school museum; porcelain factory; Bremen and various evening functions.
Next year we will return the hospitality by welcoming a group of visitors from Nordenham to Peterlee. It is expected that this visit will take place during August 2009. If you are interested in becoming involved or wish to know more about hosting our guests, please contact Debra Coates, Liaison Officer, Peterlee Information Centre, 4 Upper Yoden Way, Peterlee. Tel: (0191) 5864450 or e-mail: tic.manager@peterlee.gov.uk
The Arrival playing at the Stadfest
Northern Lights Dancing at the Stadfest
Peterlee Town Youth FC played 2 games against Nordenham teams.
