THE FORMATION OF ‘THE FRIENDS OF BRUCHSAL SOCIETY’

In early October 1979 a delegation from Cwmbran, drawn from representatives of the then Cwmbran Development Corporation, The Cwmbran Town Council and The Llanfrechfa Lower Community Council, travelled to Bruchsal.

Their purpose, at a Civic level, was to formally confirm a ‘twinning’ agreement between the ‘New Town’ of Cwmbran, in Monmouthshire and the ancient, historic town (now the City) of Bruchsal, in the County of Karlsruhe within the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The Cwmbran Development Corporation was particularly enthused with the idea of ‘Twinning’ the ‘New Town’ with Bruchsal; a view shared by the two Town / Community Councils. The CDC (until their demise, in March 1988) undertook, in many ways, the administrative lead role and coordinated a joint approach in guiding this successful tri-partied working arrangement toward the formal twinning agreement.

Whilst councillors were content with progress made at a ‘Civic level’ it was considered vital, if ‘Twinning’ was to be a success, then ‘Cwmbran’ based organisations and individuals would need to become actively involved.

This topic was further discussed at a Public Meeting where the idea of forming ‘The Friends of Bruchsal Society’ was adopted. Membership was agreed to be of two kinds, ‘Individual’ and ‘Group’ Members, later reinforced with an approved Constitution. Regular and well attended meetings of the FoBS were subsequently held.

At around this time a similar ‘Friends’ group’ was also established in Bruchsal later becoming known as ‘The Friends of Cwmbran’.

In the intervening years, ‘group’ membership was maintained at around 12 drawn from such flourishing organisations as, Cwmbran Band, Cwmbran Swimming Club, Cwmbran Baroque Singers, Pontnewydd Male Choir, New Harmony Singers, Betty Eyles Singers, Cwmbran Council of Churches, Cwmbran & District Scouts, Cwmbran Radio Club, Llantarnam School, Croesyceiliog School, Gwent Police Choir, Cwmbran Shopping, Torfaen BC, Pontnewydd Primary School, Fairwater Junior School, Henllys Community Council, Gwent Fire Service.

‘Individual’ membership levelled out at approximately 47 and over time this group made several coach trips to Bruchsal. These mainly focussed on FoBS members being hosted in the homes of our German friends although some chose accommodation in local hotels.

Our Bruchsal hosts made strenuous efforts to ensure that Individual / Group member visits made by the Cwmbran Friends’ were given every opportunity to visit nearby places of interest such as Baden Baden, Heidelberg, Speyer, the Black Forest area as well as the more local townships of Obergrombach and Untergrombach.

Cwmbran guests were also invited to receptions at the Rathaus and given guided tours of the shopping centre, Bruchsal Palace and many other places of interest.

The FoBS has also, over the years, hosted and welcomed many groups from Bruchsal to visit our town. Similarly, our group members have invited their counterpart organisations to come to Cwmbran and to participate in numerous public events.

Cwmbran’s presence at the opening of the Bürgerzentrum and at several Trade Exhibitions gave us the opportunity of giving a focus to the partnership link as did the cultural and sporting exchanges.

Unfortunately, the past few years has witnessed a decline in twinning activities: the downward economic climates in Germany and Wales have no doubt played a part in this, as did the more recent pandemic.

The FoBS responded to these challenges by commissioning a report (by Sarah Cambell – Sept. 2022) wherein several initiatives were identified including a new or revised Website: for which this is an introduction. Copies of the formal ‘Twinning Agreements’ witnessing the existing partnership between Cwmbran and Bruchsal are also contained within the website pages.

There are now positive indicators that our Councils and both twinning committees are determined to rejuvenate the longstanding partnerships between our two towns.

Let’s all work together in that objective.

W. Stuart Cameron
March 2023