Perth East Twinning Initiative Group
Civil Friendship between the Municipality and Citizens of the Township of Perth East, Ontario, Canada and the Municipality and Citizens of Neresheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Signed early 2021 by the Mayor of Perth East, Rhonda Ehgoetz and Neresheim’s Burgermeister Thomas Haefele, this friendship declaration between our two communities now officially states our good intentions of establishing a long lasting bond. The goal is that this friendship will eventually lead to deeper personal and commercial ties and collaboration over the coming years between our municipalities, citizens and businesses, and especially to encourage our youth to experience each others’ friendship, cultures and languages.
How It All Started
Together with Mayor Haefele, the Brassband known as the “Original Haertsfelder Musikanten” of the Musical society Dorfmerkingen/ Neresheim, joined Milverton on their 2018 Oktoberfest celebration, which was a big success. Thanks to the hospitality of over 15 local billeting families, all 45 participants from Neresheim were able to experience the “Canadian way of life”. Farms were visited, Thanksgiving dinners shared and stories told. Both parties, the German visitors as well as many Perth East families were overwhelmed by this unforgettable experience. After hosting the Milverton Oktoberfest and seeing all the benefits this exchange has brought to our small community, Neresheim’s Mayor and the organizers of the Milverton Oktoberfest suggested that the two Municipalities partner with each other.
What is “Twinning”?
Twinning is a public statement between two communities that wish to establish the bond of friendship and continuing goodwill between them to the benefit of the citizens of both ‘twins’. It means making opportunities for groups, large or small; individuals; and families to get together at each other’s home ground to entertain, make and share enjoyment together. At its best it is hospitality freely given and freely received.
It helps to extend our horizons, build new friendships across the Ocean, and sample the delights of each others’ countries, cultures and cuisines, to enjoying sports competitions, and establishing beneficial commercial links.
Why is Neresheim the Right Partner for Milverton
- Neresheim has a slightly smaller population and area, however taking into consideration Neresheim’s population density of 67 per km2 (Milverton 17 per km2) we are comparable sized municipalities.
- Neresheim is a farming community in a beautiful rural area in southern Germany.
- Neresheim offers similar services to their citizens at about the same size of our township- exchanges will be beneficial, visits interesting. Individuals from their areas of work could visit each others institutions (medical center, long-term care home, fire station, paramedic, school…)
Involving the Citizens and the Whole Community
- Service clubs, schools, sport clubs, leisure groups, senior citizen organizations , local community associations, individuals traveling and many more can be involved.
- Work with young people, schools or clubs can help to stimulate interest in learning the language of the partner country. These actions tend to involve a major part of citizens, since, by nature, they also involve parents, teachers, club members, students etc.
- Activities developed through twinning links can help citizens to be aware of current issues; this is particularly true for young people. These issues can be about the environment, human rights, peace, or social justice and inclusion, and including soccer, hockey, baseball and other sports!
If you have any questions or require more information about this friendship, would like to joint the committee or volunteer your time, please contact: evelynmueller@outlook.com (This email address might change as we are in the works of setting up different ways to contact us).
In the News
- NEWS RELEASE – January 6, 2021 – Perth East Signs a Friendship Agreement with Neresheim Germany. The township of Perth East is pleased to announce the official signing of the Declaration of Friendship between the Township of Perth East and the Municipality of Neresheim, Germany. Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz signed the declaration January 5, 2021, on behalf of the Township.
- German language article featuring our friendship in the online magazine “Faszination Kanada”: https://faszination-kanada.com/blog/gesellschaft-politik/staedtefreundschaft-neresheim-perth-east/
- Photo of Mayor Ehgoetz in “Rieser Nachrichten”, a local paper in Neresheim (January 2021)
