A new venture for Bridgwater Town

The Association very successfully hosted a delegation from Marsa Town (Malta), who visited Bridgwater from 21st to 26th September 2004. The civic party included the Town Mayor, Mr Francis Debono, his daughter Annalisa (representing Mrs Debono), the Executive Secretary Mr Adrian Attard,  and Councillors Spencer, Bonnici and Cachia.
The itinerary included visits to Westover Green Community School, Bridgwater Community Hospital and Yeo Valley Organic Company (Cannington) to gain insight into local education, primary health care and commerce.
The visitors were hosted at a reception by the the Bridgwater Town Mayor (Councillor W Munn), the Mayoress and some Town Councillors, the Royal Marine Association Club and learnt some of Bridgwater's historic past from a guided town tour and a visit to Blake Museum.
They had the opportunity to see some of Somerset's enchanting countryside with a tour to a Cider Farm, Peatmoor Visitors' centre and Cheddar with its world famous gorge.
Bridgwater Town Football Club entertained them at one of their FA Vase tournament matches and their visit culminated with an attendance at the 'Maltese Evening' at the Cross Rifles Pub.
The party attended mass at the local Roman Catholic church before returning to Malta.
Whilst their visit fostered many acquaintances and informal links with Bridgwater people, formal connections in the spirit of town-twinning are beginning to emerge. These include educational partnership, working between Westover Green Community School and Marsa Primary School, internet linkage between respective Scout Groups and a keen interest by other organisations to be part of this town-twinning venture. Other examples include a proposed 'Maltese Week' by a major supermarket (featuring Maltese culinary products in their store), a local travel agency to promote Malta for a few weeks and a profile in the local business news letter (courtesy of the local town centre manager). Hamp Junior Scool, as well as Youth Groups, have requested further information and are considering participation in twinning activities.
Our friends in Marsa are equally active in promoting the twinning. The Executive Secretary will apply to the European Commission for registration with the Directorate once the formal intent from Bridgwater has been received. He is also completing their Town's profile and a report of the delegation's visit has been presented to their Prime Minister at his request.
They wish to fly the Association's and Bridgwater Town's official flag at their local council's offices to heighten Marsa's inhabitants' awareness of the union and this Association's committee is currently investigating the possibility of meeting this request.
The Association membership is steadily increasing in numbers as people are made aware of our existance. If you wish to be involved in this venture, please contact the Secretary via e-mail.  We look forward to hearing from you.