About Us

Introduction

The exchange between the city of Aachen and Halifax dates back to 1949 and came into being on the initiative of the British Military government.

Since that time an exchange has taken place each year either to Aachen from Halifax or to Halifax from Aachen. The exchange has always operated on an alternative year and a home to home basis. We believe that this is the best way to get to know a country and its people.

As a result of these exchanges, numerous friendships have been formed, some of which started with the first exchange in 1949 and they are still continuing. It is one thing to travel abroad and have an English speaking guide, staying in hotels where English is spoken and where English meals are served, but it is another and far more exciting experience to stay in a home where the language is not easily understood, the customs are quite different and where the food is not the traditional English food. This makes the holiday really enjoyable and provides the opportunity to realise that folks living abroad are very much the same as we are.
It is a very useful, practical contribution towards reaching a better understanding between peoples of the European Community.

Halifax has been legally twinned with Aachen in Westphalia (D) since 14 November 1979.

Our Aims

The purpose of the Society is to promote and maintain friendship between Halifax and Aachen by fostering exchanges, links and projects to examine issues of mutual interest.

This means developing links between social, cultural, sporting and business organizations and arranging Exchange Visits between ordinary families and members of local organizations. Anyone interested in maintaining the long-standing links between Halifax and Aachen can apply to join and take part in exchanges.

Long-term friendships

Many of the family friendships that were established over 60 years ago are still going strong. Some of the children who exchanged are now grown up with families of their own and are still involved in Twinning. New families join each year and soon become part of the Twinning tradition – you are never too old or too young to take part.

Fundraising

We hold a number of events throughout the year to raise funds to help finance the programme of events and activities we arrange for our Aachen friends when they are in Halifax. Society members visiting Aachen on the Exchange Visits pay for their own transport costs but are provided with accommodation, meals and activities by their German hosts.