Lunchtime Speaker-John Kingsbury

The Woking Town Twinning Association (WTTA) plays a vital role in fostering international relationships for Woking. Established with the help of Woking Borough Council, its first partnership was with Amstelveen, a town near Amsterdam, facilitated by Marlie Roes and former Mayor Egerton Spanton. Though this twinning link has now ended, WTTA has maintained strong connections with two other towns: Le Plessis Robinson, a suburb southwest of Paris, and Rastatt, located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The twinning agreement with Le Plessis Robinson was signed in 1993. This picturesque town, home to 29,000 residents, hosts vibrant annual events such as the Fête des Guinguettes in June, celebrating historical outdoor restaurants, and the Forum des Associations in September, uniting local organizations. Meanwhile, Rastatt, twinned with Woking since 2001, boasts a rich baroque heritage, exemplified by its grand Schloss (palace), rebuilt after 17th-century wartime destruction. With 51,000 residents, Rastatt hosts popular cultural events, including the Tête-à-Tête street theatre festival in May and the Stadtfest in July.

Tina Liddington, a WTTA committee member, has cherished her visits to these towns, highlighting their warm hospitality. Both towns actively participate in events hosted in Woking, strengthening the cultural exchange. Additionally, Saint John the Baptist School in Woking is seeking to establish ties with a school in Rastatt, further solidifying these international connections.

The WTTA continues to enrich Woking’s cultural landscape by promoting global friendships, celebrating shared histories, and fostering community spirit through meaningful partnerships.