The Italians are coming! Stocksmoor & Villages Twinning Association
After so long with the inevitable “Covid break” we are able to announce that our Italian friends will be visiting us in early June 2023. We are delighted that we are at last able to resume our mutual visits. During the “break” we have kept up communications amongst ourselves and with our Italian friends – the wonders of the internet! We are always welcoming to new members.
The Association is a lively group comprising many people with different talents but there is always a need for fresh ideas and input into any group so that it can continue to evolve. We cannot over-emphasise the social and cultural benefits from these exchanges and we would encourage anyone to find out more and become involved.
Both the Italian and the British communities feel they have benefited enormously from the experience which fosters international understanding as well as personal friendships between people who otherwise would never have met.
We should also explain that it is not necessary to speak Italian very well , or even at all. Our group has always had a wide variety of levels of Italian and the Italians likewise with their English. What is important is “getting by” and we certainly do manage very well!
Our members meet regularly and we have occasional social/fund-raising events as, although we are recognized by Kirklees, we are an independent organization.
Just a little history is maybe needed to put everything into context. The Association was formed in 1997. The Association has gone from strength to strength over the years since during which annual exchanges have taken place. We go alternate years with the Italians coming here in alternate years.
Our twin town is called Olgiate Molgora and is situated on the main railway line between Milan and Lecco in an area called Brianza. This is mainly an agricultural area with beautiful parks and old villas and churches with Lake Como being a short journey to the north. It is a stunningly beautiful area. The Italian town’s community is vibrant and welcoming. The overwhelming impression from all those who have taken part over the years is of a warm, friendly population who go out of their way to make us feel at home. Many permanent friendships have been formed since the initial tentative steps and we have certainly learnt a lot about the Italian way of life. Visits have included Milan, Venice, Como and Bergamo .
Of course we try to make the Italians feel just as welcome here. We have also organized many visits to places such as Pickering, Whitby, Howarth, Manchester, Sheffield, Saltaire, Lincoln and even the Lake District – not all at once, of course!! They also spend time with their host families learning about our way of life.
If anybody is interested in finding out more details then you can visit the Kirklees’ website: KINFO (Kirklees Information) www.kirklees.gov.uk/localorganisations
Or contact myself on: 01484 605755
You would be very welcome to join us during their visit next June to meet the Italians and see what we do.
Christine Hughes, Publicity Secretary