I stongly disagree with the view expressed by Councillor Bramer that twinning should stop and that the public want it to go.
In 1970 pupils from Ross Grammar School exchanged with pupils from Betzdorf in Germany, aged between 13 and 16 years of age. My daughter and Jutta Simon being the first pair to be named.
Not long after, Ross-on-Wye was twinned with Condé sur Noireau in France and several good, lasting friendships were formed. Later, the Ross-Betzdorf twinning proved successful with more good relationships developing.
Harking back to the first exchange of pupils in 1970, there are still several good friendships surviving having weathered teenage years. Friendships have become even closer with the experience of engagements, marriages, births, joys and sorrows.
Those first pupils are now in their early fifties and the ties of friendship are still flourishing much to the gratification and pleasure of their friends and families.
I personally congratulate all concerned in participating in such ventures which improve understanding of each other's lives.
J Davis, Ross