A FOUR day visit to Kendal's twin town was enjoyed by members of the Rinteln Twinning Association.

They were accompanied on the visit to Germany by Kendal mayor, Cllr Guy Trivengadum, and his family.

The purpose of the visit was to take part in the opening of the Advent celebrations in the Lower Saxony town located on the banks of the Weser river.

Rinteln mayor Thomas Priemer opened the Advent celebrations at the Christmas market, which was full of colourful stalls,er of festive decorations and themes. Bands played, carols were sung and there was a plentiful supply of gluhwein.

The mayor of Rinteln formally welcomed Mr Trivengadum and the party from Kendal to the celebrations.

"I can honestly say it is the best Christmas market I have ever been to," said Mr Trivengadum. "It is such a picturesque setting and a great atmosphere."

Afterwards the party toured the nearby town of Hamlin, famed for the pied piper. They were accompanied by the town's official pied piper who took them to all the relevant places which feature in the story. He explained the origins of the fairy story and how it had changed over time.

The party also visited the Christmas market at the Buckeburg castle where there was also a horse show and visit to an equine museum. There was also a visit to Lebenshilfe, which once housed the British Army Hospital. The buildings are now part of a large centre in Rinteln, for people of all ages, with special needs. Mr Trivengadum was taken on a formal tour and was able to spend time with the residents.

Members of the Kendal W.O.S.P. (Whinfell Office Skills Project) team were also present selling typically English goods at the Christmas market.

After a German lunch, the mayor was taken to see a former monastery called Moellenbeck, where the Amabile Girls Choir of Kendal will stay and sing on a visit in 2020. The mayor was also introduced to the Rinteln Archery Association and spoke of a possibility of twinning with the Kendal Bowman Archery Club.

The trip concluded with an historical tour of Rinteln where the town's mayor talked about his role, responsibilities and daily routine. He gave the visitors an insight into the local economy, the politics, and needs of the town's citizens.

He also talked about Kendal and the relationship and similarities that exist between the two towns.

"We all felt that the twinning relationship between our two communities has helped to increase our mutual understanding of each other’s lives and problems," said twinning association member Ronald Wood. "But most of all we all agreed that the visit had created new friendships and reaffirmed old relationships."