Sevenoaks and Rheinbach celebrate 25 years of town twinning

Published: 23 July 2025

Sevenoaks and Rheinbach are proudly celebrating 25 years of twinning between the two towns, marking a quarter-century of friendship, cultural exchange, and collaboration.

Earlier this month, members of Friends of Rheinbach travelled to Germany for a four-day trip to celebrate this milestone. The group was warmly welcomed by their counterparts, Freunde von Sevenoaks, and was entertained with local excursions.

A highlight of their visit was a formal reception held in the Council Chamber of Rheinbach’s renowned glass museum, with hosts from Freunde von Sevenoaks, the Mayor of Rheinbach, Town Councillors and well-wishers.

The event began with a piano and violin duet from Peter Young, the Chairman of Friends of Rheinbach, and Julia Maassen. Julia also played 25 years ago at the inaugural twinning celebrations.

The Mayor of Rheinbach welcomed guests, then Peter Young read a greeting from the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Tony Clayton, who had been instrumental in establishing the formal twinning arrangement.

Further speeches followed in German and English from Joachim Weiss, Chairman of Freunde von Sevenoaks, and Peter Young.

To officially mark the occasion, the Mayor of Rheinbach and the two chairmen then signed Rheinbach’s Golden Book.

 

The visit ended with a farewell dinner and heartfelt wishes for a continued friendship with Sevenoaks’ twin town in Germany.

For more information about Friends of Rheinbach, visit: www.friends-of-rheinbach.org.uk.