Town prepares to greet German guests

Shepton Mallet residents are getting ready to welcome their visitors from their twin town of Misburg in Germany.

The visitors arrive on Saturday and will be staying with people in the town for eight days.

While Shepton Mallet has three twin towns, Oissel-sur-Seine in France, Bollnäs in Sweden and Misburg in Germany, the Misburg link is the longest-standing as it dates back to 1961.

Misburg is not as old as Shepton, having been first mentioned in an official document from 1365 as "Mudzborch" meaning a fortified place surrounded by muddy moorland.

In view of this description, it hardly seems surprising that by 1525 it had been abandoned.

Development was slow until it was given a boost in 1870 by the discovery of marl and the opening of a cement works.

Misburg amalgamated with its neighbour Anderten in 1981, forming Misburg-Anderten, a district of Hannover, the capital of the state of Lower Saxony.

This weekend the party from Misburg, including some people from those early days as well as newer participants, will once again visit Shepton cementing friendships and renewing their acquaintance with Somerset and the South West.

"Social events and visits to places of interest in the area have been arranged and fine weather requested," said Ken Smith of Shepton Mallet Town Twinning Association.

"Having such close contacts with people in other countries is very different and much more rewarding than merely visiting as a tourist and anyone who would like to experience this special relationship is invited to join us."

For further details about the Town Twinning Association contact Mr Smith on 01749 346697 or email Sierradaylight@talktalk.net.