The Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Leigh Redman, was delighted to welcome visitors from Uherské Hradiště in the Czech Republic, one of the town’s long-standing twinning partners during a weekend of twinning celebrations on 5 and 6 June.
The visit coincided with the annual Twinning Pétanque Tournament, which, for the sixth consecutive year, brought together teams representing all six of the town’s twin towns. Held on Friday 5 June at Victoria Park, this year’s tournament saw Marsa (Malta) take first place, with Bridgwater (UK) finishing second and the team from Uherské Hradiště (Czech Republic) coming in third place.
Teams also represented La Ciotat (France), Camacha (Portugal), Bridgewater, Massachusetts (USA), Priverno (Italy) and Homberg (Germany), showcasing the strength and diversity of Bridgwater’s international partnerships.
The tournament took place on Bridgwater’s new pétanque terrain at Victoria Park, open for public use. The facility was made possible through funding from the HPC Community Fund, secured by Bridgwater Petanque Club, alongside improvement works carried out by Bridgwater Town Council.
Pétanque, which originated in Bridgwater’s French twin town of La Ciotat, remains a fitting sport to bring together the town’s international partners. This year’s event was organised by Michael Whetley of Bridgwater Petanque Club.
Celebrations continued on Saturday evening with a Twinning Gala at Bridgwater Arts Centre, bringing together representatives from all partner towns to share highlights from the past year and plans for the future.
Recent twinning activity has included choir visits to La Ciotat and Uherské Hradiště, as well as work experience placements in Bridgwater for Italian students. Plans are already underway for further visits to La Ciotat, Priverno and Uherské Hradiště, while Bridgwater’s German partners have extended an invitation to visit Homberg in 2027.
The gala also featured a lively performance from French gypsy jazz band Bellevilloise, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Leigh Redman said,
“It was a real pleasure to welcome our friends from Uherské Hradiště. Events like the pétanque tournament and twinning gala highlight the strength of our international partnerships.
“Twinning is about far more than visits, it builds lasting friendships, creates opportunities for young people and businesses and helps us learn from each other’s experiences. These connections are incredibly valuable to our community and we are proud to continue strengthening them for the future.”