Ville d’Hesdin

The London Borough Havering signed official twinning charters with Ludwigshafen, Germany in 1971 and Hesdin, France in 2000.

While many towns are dropping their links with the continent, small groups in Havering are continuing to cherish the links established in 1971 with Ludwigshafen and with Hesdin in the North of France.
We firmly believe that peace and harmony between nations depends on mutual understanding and respect for one another’s culture. Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Havering and Ludwigshafen signing their Twinning Charter. The International Police Association was the forerunners of Havering’s twinning with Ludwigshafen, recognising the value of good relationships and the mutual benefits they provide.

Both groups aim to nurture friendship between the participants and welcome others to join. The Ha-Lu group commitment is to spend a week in Ludwigshafen every other year with our partners and reciprocate the hospitality in our homes in the intervening year. Various activities are organised each year to raise funds towards organising a day trip and providing a leaving party for our guests.

In Channel2H Twinning Association, the commitment is to spend a weekend with our partners in Hesdin France every other year and offer hospitality in our homes to our partners in the intervening year. Group visits are always organised and conclude with a convivial lunch at the end of the weekend.

There have been many exchanges over the past years and several longstanding friendships made. Havering sent youth football teams and several other local organisations such as churches also participated. At civic level, our council administrations exchanged visits.
We believe twinning still has many advantages to offer in education, travel and getting to know how other nationalities live and to inspire friendship and understanding amongst young and old. New members are welcome to both associations. If you would like further information about Ha-Lu / Hesdin, please email, .