The Fenland Twinning Association is kick-starting the New Year with a drive for more members to strengthen its ties in Germany and Australia – and would particularly like to see more youngsters get involved.

Bob Gosling, the association’s chairman, said: “Last year was an exciting time for us as we celebrated 28 years of twinning with our friends in Stadt Nettetal in Germany and 20 years with the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

“This year we’d like to develop our links even further, and would especially like more young members, including families. It’s not necessary to be able to speak German, as many of the Stadt Nettetal members have excellent English.”

Anyone interested in joining the association is invited to a tea party at Fenland Hall, County Road, March, on Wednesday, January 24, to find out more.

The tea party starts at 5.30pm, and will be followed by the association’s annual meeting at 6.30pm.

The association’s most active link is with Stadt Nettetal, with exchange visits taking place every other year. The link with Australia is also well established, with friendships blossoming despite the distance involved through occasional visits and regular correspondance.

Mr Gosling said: “This coming July, we shall be having a civic visit by the Burgermeister, councillors and supporters from Stadt Nettetal and we shall be looking for more people to join us in the activities, especially to host the visitors.

“Primarily this means hosting families or individuals when they visit Fenland and joining in with the events that take place then and in the reciprocal visits.

“These visits are great fun, and have established many close and lasting friendships over the years. Anyone interested in getting involved should come along to our tea party and AGM on January 24; everyone is welcome.”

• For more information, contact Mike Cornwell, the association’s secretary, via fenlandtwinning@gmail.com