Rossendale Borough Council’s Mayor and two Councillors travelled to Bocholt, Germany, to take part in commemorations marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War
The visit forms part of Rossendale’s long-standing town twinning relationship with Bocholt and was a significant moment in the shared commitment to peace, understanding, and cultural exchange.
Mayor of Rossendale, Cllr Judith Driver and her Consort Mr Ian Driver were joined on the visit by Cllr Liz Mcinnes and Cllr Nick Harris.
Cllr Driver said: “What an honour and a privilege it has been to represent Rossendale at the 80 Years of Peace and Freedom celebrations in Bocholt, our twin town.
“We heard powerful stories of how the people of Bocholt experienced and survived the war, and how they came together to rebuild their city. One of the highlights was visiting the textile museum, which houses one of the oldest working weaving sheds in the world—including a loom from Blackburn, over 120 years old, still producing tablecloths and blankets for the local community.”
Delegations from several of Bocholt’s other twin towns, including Aurillac and Arpajon-sur-Cère in France, Akmene in Lithuania, Werchniodniprowsk in Ukraine (Ukraine), and delegates from the Netherlands, were also in attendance
The four-day programme included a range of events celebrating peace and international friendship, such as exhibitions, musical performances, church services, official receptions, and dinners.
The visit further strengthened the partnership between Rossendale and Bocholt, first established as part of the post-war town twinning movement to promote unity, reconciliation, and mutual understanding across Europe.
