Bi-Annual Exchange Visits

We hold regular exchange visits with our twin town in Germany in an alternating pattern of group visits to Germany and of receiving our German counterparts in Harpenden.

Visits normally take place during the summer months and last from Thursday to Monday. Each visit will consist of a programme of events put together by the local town twinning group for their guests.

If you are interested in taking part in one of these exchange visits to Germany or would consider hosting someone from Alzey please contact us.





Exchange Visit: July 2011

VISIT FROM HARPENDEN'S GERMAN TWIN TOWN

July 11 2011 - Harpenden hosted 29 visitors from Alzey, its German twin town at the weekend. The visit organised by the Friends of Aley included Mayor of Alzey Christoph Burkhard who was making his first visit to Harpenden.

The three-day visit featured a tour of the Olympic site, participation in Sunday's Highland Gathering at the invitation of the Lions Club as well as time with hosts.

Chairman of the Friends of Alzey, John Lough, said: 'The visit showed again the very strong personal links between Harpenden and Alzey. We were particularly pleased that the Mayor could be involved and see what we do.'

The Friends of Alzey will make their next visit to Germany in 2013 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the twinning between the two towns.



Programme of Events for Visit in 2011

day date event time
Thursday 07.07.2011 Arrival of German Guests evening
Friday 08.07.2011 Visit to the Olympic Site and
Tour of East London
all day
Saturday 09.07.2011 Free Day all day
Sunday 10.07.2011 Civic Reception and
visit of the Highland Gathering
12.00
Sunday 11.07.2011 Three-course Dinner at Aldwickbury Golf Club 19.00
Monday 11.07.2011 Departure of German Guests morning




Exchange Visit: August 2010

In keeping with the successful bi-annual exchange visits the Friends of Alzey travelled to Alzey in Germany in August 2010.

Please check out the article published by the newspaper Review summarising this trip to Germany.





Exchange Visit: August 2009

34 guests from Alzey visited Harpenden from August 6th to the 10th 2009 in the 2009 exchange between the Friends of Alzey and the Friends of Harpenden.

The Committee of the Friends of Alzey arranged the programme that included a visit to Cambridge and Ely, coffee and a tour of Luton Hoo and a Hog Roast at Redbourn Recreation Centre.

In contrast to the previous visit from Alzey in 2007, our German guests enjoyed some fine English summer weather.

John Lough, Chairman of the Friends of Alzey, called the visit a "terrific success". "It is great to see the continuing enthusiasm for these contacts in our two communities", he said.