Published on 21st October 2013

Twinning post in Imperial Gardens which points to all of Cheltenham's twin towns

Cheltenham’s Twinning Association was honoured to receive a hospitality award from Cheltenham in Bloom and VisitCheltenham at an awards ceremony that took place on 11 October.

The Award was to recognise the great efforts Cheltenham’s Twinning Association put in to organising and engaging with overseas visitors to the town. Particularly pointing out the week in July when Cheltenham welcomed over 100 visitors from its German twin town of Göttingen. A full programme of events and activities was arranged including a visit to Cardiff and St Fagan’s and Cheddar Gorge and Wells, as well as a Cotswold tour. In Cheltenham tours of the town, parks and gardens were organised, plus a welcome reception and an evening get-together for guests and hosts.

Twinning Association committee members Alexis Cassin, Martin Kimber and Richard Gibson accepted the wonderful crystal trophy from the Mayor Wendy Flynn, Sue Adie from VisitCheltenham and Angie Rowlands.

Garth Barnes, chairman of the Twinning Association, says: “We are delighted to receive this award. The Twinning Association helps to organise a number of trips for twinning partners to visit our town. The Göttingen festival is the largest and we’re always pleased that so many Göttingen people want to visit their twin town. It gives us the chance to promote what Cheltenham has to offer whilst also helping to give a boost to the local economy. It does take an awful lot of organisation so it’s great the hard work is recognised.”

Councillor Chris Ryder, Chair of Cheltenham in Bloom, added: “Cheltenham in Bloom committee members were delighted that Cheltenham Twinning Association was the selected nominee to receive the prestigious crystal Hospitality Trophy. It was a well deserved accolade, as volunteers ourselves, we appreciate the hard work that the Twinning Association put in when entertaining visitors to the town.”

The Awards evening took place at The Victory Club, Cheltenham, 7.30pm on Friday 11 October.

To find out more about Cheltenham’s Twinning Association visit their website.

For press enquiries contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]

Notes: A photo opportunity can be arranged if requested. Please contact Kelly on 01242 264154.