From the Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association: A week-long programme of events, exhibitions, visits and talks is being held in Bath to mark 80 years since the city first linked with the city of Alkmaar, in the Netherlands. “Alkmaar 80 Week” will run from the 7th to the 11th July.
The link between the two cities was established in 1945. Bath decided to raise money and donate clothes and food to help the Dutch city recover from the effects of the second world war. Alkmaar was chosen because in 1940 a young Jewish activist and art lecturer, Mr Elias Prins, had escaped from this city in North Holland and came to stay in Bath. He became an air raid warden in his adopted home, gave public talks about his city and Dutch culture, and made many local friends.
In December 1945, 50 children from Alkmaar came for a respite-stay with families in Bath. The following year 100 children from Bath were invited to have a Summer holiday in Alkmaar. This was the beginning of eight decades of continuous exchanges between clubs, community groups and schools which continue to this day.
Chairman of the Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association, Chris Davies, explained:
“For 80 years people from Alkmaar and Bath have been visiting each others’ city not as tourists, but as honoured guests and friends. Both communities keep this link alive because they recognise its importance and relish the genuine pleasure it brings. This city-link still holds lessons for us today: that out of tragedy can come compassion, solidarity, friendship and fun.”
During the Alkmaar 80 week, an opening ceremony will be held at the Alkmaar Garden on Orange Grove next to the Guildhall. Each day there are public events, including a themed guided walk in the city centre, the joint unveiling of a commemorative plinth in Victoria Park by the Mayors of Bath and Alkmaar, and a ceremony at the memorial to Eli Prins at St Swithun’s Church in Bathford. The story of how the two cities were linked originally will be the subject of an evening talk at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific institution (BRLSI), and information on the Bath-Alkmaar link will also be on display in the World Heritage Visitor Centre throughout the week.
From Chris Davies, Chairman Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association