The German city of Solingen, twinned with Blyth since 1962, has taken this special relationship a step further by inaugurating a dedicated ‘Blyth Room’ in its town hall.  Twelve members of Blyth Citizen Exchange Group, including representatives of the town and county councils, attended the official naming ceremony on 22 April.       

Welcomed by the Solingen Oberburgermeister Tim Kurzbach, the group watched as Blyth Mayor, Margaret Parker presented him with gifts to adorn the room, including a relief woodcarving of the library building. Brian Dawson, Blyth Group Treasurer presented a framed photograph of the Williams II  Tall Ship, named by Sophie Countess of Wessex on her visit to Blyth two days earlier. Mr Kurzbach’s speech of thanks stressed that the ties between Blyth and Solingen were not only between officials but importantly, also extended to the ordinary citizens of both places. Mrs Parker then signed the ‘Golden Book of the City’ to mark the inauguration of the ‘Blyth meeting room’ and the ceremony ended with a toast to the Queen. 

The Blyth group had arrived in Solingen on 21 April, the Queen’s 90th Birthday. During their stay, their German hosts marked the occasion with formal toasts and a rendition of the British national anthem by the Youth Music School, concluded a concert on the final night. This further emphasised the significance of the visit as cementing mutual respect and friendship. Thanking the musicians, Mrs Margaret Watson, former Chair of the Blyth Group, made the point that music is a truly universal language which transcends cultural differences. The concert and buffet meal were hosted by sculptor Peter Amann in his studio, part of the Sudpark Art complex which occupies old workshop space in Solingen’s decommissioned central railway station.

Mayor of Blyth Margaret Parker signing the 'Golden Book' of the City of Solingen, watched by the Mayor, Tim Kurzbach



Mayor of Blyth Margaret Parker unveiling the 'Blyth Room' plaque in Solingen Town Hall

During their five day visit, the Blyth Group were taken on a packed programme of visits including museums, castles and other historic sites, a river trip to Dusseldorf, a revolving restaurant at the top of the 240.5 metre Rhine Tower, and a journey through Wuppertal suspended from the famous Schwebebahn monorail. At the conclusion of a memorable stay, friendships between the exchange groups had been strengthened, and the Solingen town hall was left with a permanent reminder of the visit in its new ‘Blyth Room’. The Blyth members, led by the Chair Anne Dawson, thanked the Solingen Group organisers Bernd and Christa Clemens for all their hard work. They now look forward to repaying the generosity of their German hosts when the Solingen Group visit the town next year.

Anyone interested in joining the Blyth Citizen Exchange Group should contact Brian Dawson on 01670 361432.

Thanks to Stephanie Brown for the article and photographs.  If anyone has further photos they'd like to share please feel free to get in touch.