12:20pm Wednesday 20th January 2010
By Jon Livesey
PLANS to twin Barnoldswick with a Polish town have been announced.
The proposed twinning project will see the Pendle market town forge permanent links with Glubczyce, in southern Poland.
It could pave the way for student exchange programmes which see Barnoldswick teenagers swapping places with Polish youngsters.
Providing local people back the plans, Barnoldswick Town Council will work with the Mayor of Glubczyce to make the scheme a reality, possible later this year.
Barnoldswick’s relationship with Glubczyce began more than 10 years ago when local man Peter Elgie invited the Adam Mickiewicz Grammar School choir to the town in 1999.
The ensemble returned in 2000, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and another visit is planned for August.
Mr Elgie, who has been to Glubczyce four times, said it was similar to Barnoldswick.
He said: “They have a factory that’s similar to Ouzledale Foundry.
“I made a lot of good friends over there and a twinning link is something that would allow us to learn from each other.”
Coun David Whipp, who is backing the plans, said his family played host to Glubczyce’s mayor and two students from the choir in 2000.
Following the visit, the civic dignitary suggested twinning the two towns, but nothing was ever finalised.
According to Coun Whipp, the project would ‘broaden horizons’ of people from both towns.
Coun Allan Buck said the plans had received the backing of councillors at a recent meeting.
He said: “There was a lot of enthusiasm for it and all of the councillors were very supportive. We are keen for it to go forward.”
A number of Polish people live in Barnoldswick, many of whom are involved in the community, Coun Buck said.
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