TWIN TOWN links forged with Mtwara in Tanzania could bring major benefits to Redditch, both culturally and for business.
That was the verdict of Paul Harrison of the Britain Tanzania Society as he joined representatives of the Tanzanian ambassador to Great Britain, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire and local dignitaries to mark the 40th anniversary of Redditch’s ink to the east African town at The Boat House on the shores of Arrow Valley Lake.
He said: “We have a longstanding connection with Tanzania.
“Formerly part of the British Empire, our relationship has been changing from one of development to one of collaboration and trade.
“The Foreign Secretary David Lammy is keen to re-imagine our relationship with Tanzania and there will undoubtably be business opportunities for Redditch in Mtwara across a range of services.”
Redditch’s link with Mtwara, a thriving sea port, was forged more than 40 years ago by a group headed by Ron and Betty Passingham who together served Redditch as councillors for more than 50 years.
John Cochrane, part of that first foundational group said: “We were discussing the way forward with town twinning.
“We looked at various options, what sort of country we were looking for, which included Tanzania.
“Then we heard from Mtwara, Ron and Betty went out to visit, and it all went from there.”
Today the twinning flame is kept burning bright by Redditch One World Link, a group headed by former local teachers David and Jackie Morgan.
David said: “We had been teaching out in Dar es Salaam when we heard Redditch had twinned with Mtwara.
“We went out there in 1991, have visited several times since and made so many friends.”
Joining the 40th anniversary celebrations were Mr Ally Mtanda, head of consular affairs and minister counsellor Hamisi Namele, both from the Tanzania High Commission, Ian Smith, High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Redditch MP Chris Bloore, Coun Jo Monk, Worcestershire County Council leader, and borough Mayor Coun Joanna Kane.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to key figures in the twinning story.
Sue Yeng, daughter of Ron and Betty Passingham said: “With what’s going on in the world at the moment we really need to look at what unites us rather than what divides us.
“Through Redditch One World Link we have managed to forge connections which can be of benefit to us all.”
Mr Bloore said: “This is a beautiful example of strength in unity, and this is critical for you have built a bridge between Redditch and Mtwara which us strong and enduring.”
