Twin towns set to celebrate anniversary

ONE of the oldest twin-town links Rossendale and Bocholt will celebrate its 75-year anniversary in 2027 and people’s memories are being sought for an oral history project.

- BY CATHERINE SMYTH

Friends of Bocholt committee member Rebecca Barker-Rourke has been leading a project to collate people's stories which will then be recorded.

Anyone who has a memory of Bocholt, whether from a trip, being involved with an exchange or meeting visitors in Rossendale, and wants to share their experience is asked to get in touch.

Already, Modern Languages teacher at Alder Grange Stephen Corbishley has come forward to discuss when he went to the city with 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band.

While there, he saw the Bocholt City Laufa street running race - Stephen is now Men's Captain of Rossendale Harriers and last year took 12 local runners to compete in the race. By return, a Bocholt running club will come to compete in the Edenfield Fell Race this summer.

Alder Grange has recently formed new links with a Bocholt school.