Twinning planned between Billingshurst and Stadt Scheinfeld
Visit the Stadt Sheinfeld web site here

Twinning

The main object in twinning is to increase mutual understanding and respect rooted in friendship between two similar communities. The principle is endorsed under the "Treaty of Rome" to forging these links between the communities of Europe and the Commission of European Communities has set up a programme of financial assistance to support twinning communities. The guidelines for twinning suggest that it should promote racial and religious tolerance and understanding by providing opportunities for an exchange of people and ideas on a regular basis. It should be a partnership between the local authority and the wider community. It should seek to include all groups of people within the community by sharing a wide range of activities, expertise, the creation of trade links, environmental action and the improvement of language skills.

Why Stadt Scheinfeld?

A strong bond of friendship already exists between our two communities. The Weald School has since the early 80s exchanged over 300 students with the youth of Scheinfeld on a regular basis. The exchange has included "Work Experience" opportunities to those that wanted to experience at first hand working in another culture. Our young people have worked among others Banks, Solicitors, Shops and Factories, the Wine industry and Forestry. The latter two industries are a major source of income to Scheinfeld. On the return visit to Billingshurst by the German students they have worked in our Banks and Estate Agents, in our Schools and at "Fishers Farm" (always a favourite work experience location) and many other local businesses. In addition to work experience the students from both communities attend lessons in the respective schools. Socially strong friendships have been established over the years and these have continued after the students have left school for University and Careers in Industry. Many of our families continue to exchange visits with the friends they have made in Scheinfeld.

Geoff Lawes and his counterpart from Scheinfeld swapping Rotary club pendants.

An aerial view over the market

Coutesy of the Scheinfeld web site

Scheinfeld and the Steigerwald

The major area of Germany in which Scheinfeld lays is called the "Franken" whilst the more immediate area is the Schwarzenberger Land sitting in an area of natural beauty called the "Steigerwald". This is a very beautiful natural park of some 128000 Hectares. Scheinfeld refers to itself as the "Door" to this area. There are vast expanses of forest with open rolling countryside in between. Many vine growers exist in the immediate vicinity and there are a number of walled towns and rustic villages to be found. Restaurants offer both fish and meat dishes. Whilst wine is plentiful the inevitable beer is always offered, Munchen being not so far away. Many of the towns are very old dating back to the 500s and one can also find castles and monasteries in the area.