Twinning Hereford with Jaworzno in Poland

[Colin James]

Our Mayor Jim Kenyon and Cllr's Laura Hall and Kath Hey and the rest of the team have travelled to Poland this week representing Hereford wit the view to to exploring the possibly of twinning Jaworzno in Poland with Hereford. 

 

We have a thriving Polish community in Hereford and personally I think this is a great idea and we should embrace it.

 

Good luck with the trip guys and I apologise that I was unable to join you this time.

 

Jim wrote:

 

Just embarking with a team on a "self funded" trip to jaworzno in Poland which I hope will be the first of many we are looking at the potential of Hereford twinning with that city we have a fantastic polish community in our city time to build stronger links culturally and socially I'll keep you guys posted over the next few days!

 

I will have a full update from Jim when they return.

[Bill Thomas]

Further to our discussion on the Facebook topic, I also think this is a wonderful idea. Hereford has had a strong Polish community living here since the war and I agree that we should embrace this idea twinning with Jaworzno in Poland. 

 

To be fair to Jim and the other people this is a self funded project and they are doing Hereford proud. 

[K.Butt]

It is nice to see something positive being done for a change, good luck folks and enjoy your visit to Poland, I'm sure you will be made welcome. I was in Poland about 7 years ago (Krakow) and really enjoyed the warm welcome and friendly people, not over struck on the sour cabbage but everything else was just fine.

[Ubique]

Colin , super idea , well done to all involved.

 

Would be interested to know a bit about the City / Town in Poland please.

[bobby47]

Well done Jim. This and other equally good ideas that promote good and solid social community cohesion should have been thought of and done years ago.

[Colin James]

Colin , super idea , well done to all involved.

 

Would be interested to know a bit about the City / Town in Poland please.

 

It is not far from where my gf is from. As soon as I receive all the details from Jim I will update you all

[megilleland]

 

Information here from the Internet.

 

Jaworzno (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) and the official website in English.

 

[Frank Smith]

This is a nice idea and would make our bond with Poland even better. This is a win win all around

[Harry Beynon]

Are you kidding?! We (the majority) voted LEAVE. Nothing personal against any of our Polish chums but we want to regain control of immigration. Encouraging inter-city links (and transfers) is surely subjugated by the wider view?

[adamski]

Well Harry, almost as many of us voted to stay, and even after Brexit we are still going to have a huge number of "foreigners" living in our midst, so anything that improves people's understanding of those who just happen to have originally come from over 400 miles away has to be useful?

[Frank Smith]

Are you kidding?! We (the majority) voted LEAVE. Nothing personal against any of our Polish chums but we want to regain control of immigration. Encouraging inter-city links (and transfers) is surely subjugated by the wider view?

 

What the hell does have have to do with twinning? This has absolutely NOTHING to do with immigration this is about creating stronger links. 

[Colin James]

Mayor of Hereford meets Mayor of Kraków

 

[Richard Bandler]

I think it is a good idea, we have a lot of polish people in the shire and this trip may give us some spin offs. And its self funded anyway so what is there to moan about? And I love Krakow, I went there for a few days with work. Well worth a visit, loads of culture and they looked after us well. The football club Wisla Krakow were superb, they couldn't do enough for us. We even enjoyed a great night having a few beers with their supporters after the game.

[Bilbobobby]

Good idea hope it works...but what about the current twinned places in Germany - Dillenberg and France - Vernion (I think). Is the twinning with them still live and vibrant - if it is what does it give to both sides apart from names on a few signs. If twinning happens it should current cultural, educationally and commercially

[Colin James]

Taken from the Jaworzno local newspaper.

 

 

Translated into English.

 

Hereford is making Headlines! Excuse the google translate again: (and we note the population mistake)

"Hereford - is the name of 53-thousand English city, lying close to the border with Wales. Cities, where during World War II stationed RAF flying school and which now has its headquarters elite British special unit SAS. Cities, whose representatives had spent a week in passing ... Jaworzno.

From Monday (9 January), we stayed in Jaworzno representatives of local English Hereford. To our city visited Mayor Jim Kenyon, councilors Laura Hall and Kath Hey and advisor to Mayor for the contact with the Polish community and Polish Jacek Andrychiewicz.

It is the presence of Hereford, of more than 3,000 people of the Polish minority, prompting the mayor Jim Kenyon to establish closer contacts with Jaworzno and perhaps in the future to tie a permanent partnership. Far more to the road, but "the ice" has been broken. It is also a merit jaworznianki living every day in Hereford, who initiated the contact between English and Polish self-government.

English delegation spent the whole week in Jaworzno, Jaworzno and getting to know his story. Jaworzno government has provided guests with a varied program of visits. In addition Jaworzna, English delegation had the opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Krakow, and Tyskie Brewery.

The last point of the program probably particularly interested in the mayor's Kenyon. In addition to being mayor position 635. Hereford, he is known in his town as the owner of the most popular pub called "Victory" and also one of the oldest breweries warzÄ…cych ales "bitter" and "buts".

What could be based mutual partnership with Hereford, if indeed there has been cooperation? It seems that this would be a great opportunity even for Jaworzno youth to "grind" the knowledge of the English language in practice. Jaworzno, and especially young Jaworznia could benefit from this type of cultural exchange and education. Presence in Hereford large Polish minority may also encourage a revival of economic relations and establishing cooperation between entrepreneurs from both cities

As we learned unofficially "the situation is development" and pre-established contacts with local government from Hereford will be sustained on both sides."

 

Full details from the website here

 

[Adrian symonds]

Are you kidding?! We (the majority) voted LEAVE. Nothing personal against any of our Polish chums but we want to regain control of immigration. Encouraging inter-city links (and transfers) is surely subjugated by the wider view?

While this have nothing to do with Brexit, I do agree that it is not required, we are twinned with some place in France and somewhere in Germany, I do not know, what they are and I bet if you ask the majority of people in Hereford they would not have clue.

 

Twinning is just an excuse for people to jet off to these places. They do nothing for the majority of people in the city.

[Paul Jones]

While this have nothing to do with Brexit, I do agree that it is not required, we are twinned with some place in France and somewhere in Germany, I do not know, what they are and I bet if you ask the majority of people in Hereford they would not have clue.

 

Twinning is just an excuse for people to jet off to these places. They do nothing for the majority of people in the city.

 

I didn't expect a sensible answer from you and I see you have not let me down. These people paid for their own trip.

[Adrian symonds]

I didn't expect a sensible answer from you and I see you have not let me down. These people paid for their own trip.

I never said they did not pay for their own trip. but no doubt some money will come out of our tax to pay for something to do with it. 

 

As i said, very few people cares about twinning, ask joe public on the street what towns Hereford are twinned with and most will have no idea.

[Paul Jones]

I never said they did not pay for their own trip. but no doubt some money will come out of our tax to pay for something to do with it. 

 

As i said, very few people cares about twinning, ask joe public on the street what towns Hereford are twinned with and most will have no idea.

 

Well there has been a massive and POSITIVE response on FB, so maybe it is just you. You are never happy with anything but you hate Hereford anyway so I don't know why you even bother to comment because I am yet to see a positive response to any topic from you.

 

Personally, I think the guys that went on the trip have done a fantastic job in representing Hereford, it is brilliant to see some people really making an effort and I hope that this come to fruition. We have a large Polish community in Hereford with some history from the war, embracing this is a good idea and will strengthen our ties.

[Colin James]

A good twinning partnership can bring many benefits to a community and the municipality. By bringing people together from different parts of Europe, it gives an opportunity to share problems, exchange views and understand different viewpoints on any issue where there is a shared interest or concern. 

 

It can enable young people to get involved with their counterparts from a different country, and to gain self-confidence. It can help everyone to better understand what Europe is and means in today’s world – and where the future may lead us.

 

There are many examples of good practice in twinning, covering a wide range of issues - art and culture, young people, citizenship, sustainable development, local public services, local economic development, social inclusion, solidarity…

 

It represents a long-term commitment between the partners, not a short-term project partnership. It should always be able to survive changes in political leadership and short-term difficulties of one or other partner, and support each other in times of need, e.g. a major flood. And being a commitment for the long term, it is vital to ensure that the partnership is regularly reviewed, to make sure it meets the needs of the present day, and remains fresh and dynamic.

[Bill Thomas]

Well there has been a massive and POSITIVE response on FB, so maybe it is just you. You are never happy with anything but you hate Hereford anyway so I don't know why you even bother to comment because I am yet to see a positive response to any topic from you.

 

Personally, I think the guys that went on the trip have done a fantastic job in representing Hereford, it is brilliant to see some people really making an effort and I hope that this come to fruition. We have a large Polish community in Hereford with some history from the war, embracing this is a good idea and will strengthen our ties.

You took the words out of mouth Paul don't worry about Adrian he is just the local jester 

[Irena Sulecka]

 

A good twinning partnership can bring many benefits to a community and the municipality. By bringing people together from different parts of Europe, it gives an opportunity to share problems, exchange views and understand different viewpoints on any issue where there is a shared interest or concern. 

 

It can enable young people to get involved with their counterparts from a different country, and to gain self-confidence. It can help everyone to better understand what Europe is and means in today’s world – and where the future may lead us.

 

There are many examples of good practice in twinning, covering a wide range of issues - art and culture, young people, citizenship, sustainable development, local public services, local economic development, social inclusion, solidarity…

 

It represents a long-term commitment between the partners, not a short-term project partnership. It should always be able to survive changes in political leadership and short-term difficulties of one or other partner, and support each other in times of need, e.g. a major flood. And being a commitment for the long term, it is vital to ensure that the partnership is regularly reviewed, to make sure it meets the needs of the present day, and remains fresh and dynamic.

 

 

Thank you Colin, I am over the moon with this wonderful idea, this can only benefit both Jaworzno and Hereford in the longterm. 

[Mick]

The CITY OF HEREFORD TWINNING ASSOCIATION (HTA) was constituted in 1987 with the aim of promoting international friendship and understanding and of fostering the mutual exchanges at all levels between the peoples of the twinned towns. Each year the MAYOR OF HEREFORD is invited to be President of the Association.

 

Hereford has been twinned with Dillenburg in Germany since 1989 and with Vierzon in France since 1994.

 

Over the years the Twinning Association has maintained lively and interesting exchanges with many groups in Dillenburg and in Vierzon which have contributed to a mutual understanding of each other’s cultures.

 

In addition, the Association has, often ‘behind the scenes’, provided encouragement and support to groups in Hereford who were keen to establish links with similar groups in the partner towns.

 

In summer and winter each year the Association publishes a newsletter for its members with reports of exchanges, events and visits between our twin towns.

 

The Twinning Association hold a variety of social events for their members throughout the year and organise regular exchange visits with Hereford’s twin towns.

[adamski]

One question, even for those that are not in favour of this move, what bad things can you see coming out of this?? I can only see positives, for others, maybe not for me, but what negatives are there?

Stop moaning.

[Colin James]

While this have nothing to do with Brexit, I do agree that it is not required, we are twinned with some place in France and somewhere in Germany, I do not know, what they are and I bet if you ask the majority of people in Hereford they would not have clue.

 

Twinning is just an excuse for people to jet off to these places. They do nothing for the majority of people in the city.

 

I think you need to do your homework before making such negative outbursts:

 

There have been many activities organised over the last 25 years.

 

Only a few years ago more than 50 German visitors from Hereford’s twin town Dillenburg got a guided tour of the Old Market as part of the celebrations marking the 25-year relationship. See Hereford Times article

 

In Vierzon there is even a pub named after our city La Pub Hereford see this article from 2004.

 

Another trip of 30 people from 2007 article here

 

Herefordshire artist, Ashley Lloyd, awarded Festival Des Arts in Vierzon see this article

 

A SNAPSHOT of Herefordshire life was top of the bill at the Vierzon 59th International Show. Read this article

 

Many lasting friendships in Loire Valley - article here

 

Twins celebrating 10th anniversary article

 

Twin towns meet up article

 

Courageous family will pay tribute to Beren Rowbotham doing their bit for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) Hereford Times article here and another here

 

Angels clocked up the miles for hospice cash article here

 

Hospice ticket to ride, sponsored ride article for St Michael's Hospice

 

LEATHER clad and bound for France, a former St Michael's Hospice doctor is to take to two wheels in a bid to raise cash for the Bartestree-based sanctuary.

 

Not so unusual many will say, as Dr Hayward joins 22 others on a mission to ride to Vierzon, until this biker removes her 'lid' and reveals she's a girl.

 

Dr Leanne Hayward is the only woman motorcyclist riding her own bike to France in a bid to raise over £12,000 for St Michael's where she worked for three months last year.

 

Inspired by the hospice, which she describes as an 'amazing place', 27 year-old Leanne is now thinking about specialising in palliative care

 

I have only listed a few activities above, so please don't come out with stupid unjustified negative comments like, "Twinning is just an excuse for people to jet off to these places. They do nothing for the majority of people in the city" before doing your research! 

[Frank Smith]

I think you need to do your homework before making such negative outbursts:

 

There have been many activities organised over the last 25 years.

 

Only a few years ago more than 50 German visitors from Hereford’s twin town Dillenburg got a guided tour of the Old Market as part of the celebrations marking the 25-year relationship. See Hereford Times article

 

In Vierzon there is even a pub named after our city La Pub Hereford see this article from 2004.

 

Another trip of 30 people from 2007 article here

 

Herefordshire artist, Ashley Lloyd, awarded Festival Des Arts in Vierzon see this article

 

A SNAPSHOT of Herefordshire life was top of the bill at the Vierzon 59th International Show. Read this article

 

Many lasting friendships in Loire Valley - article here

 

Twins celebrating 10th anniversary article

 

Twin towns meet up article

 

Courageous family will pay tribute to Beren Rowbotham doing their bit for Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) Hereford Times article here and another here

 

Angels clocked up the miles for hospice cash article here

 

Hospice ticket to ride, sponsored ride article for St Michael's Hospice

 

 

I have only listed a few activities above, so please don't come out with stupid unjustified negative comments like, "Twinning is just an excuse for people to jet off to these places. They do nothing for the majority of people in the city" before doing your research! 

 

Thank you for listing these various activities and trips from over the years, it is good to see the benefits for twinning, some good research Colin. 

[M. Preece]

It is a good job all the europhobes were not around when we needed Polish pilots during the war! They fought with us and we should embrace this twinning idea with Jaworzno in Poland.

 

Good to see plenty of activities with our other twins over the years.

[Alex]

I like this idea, do we have anymore updates or is it still early days?