Sister town visitors impressed

Heritage Mahurangi hosted visitors, Martin and Jan Percival, from Northumberland in the United Kingdom recently.

A Sister-Town Charter was signed between the two Warkworths in 1992 when a delegation from the UK visited. The purpose is to enhance global connection and maintain international friendship between people of different cultures and countries on a people-to-people basis.

Heritage Mahurangi chair Dave Parker says it also offers the opportunity for a continuous exchange of ideas and culture, even facilitating development within the areas of trade and tourism.

Parker says Martin and Jan’s three day stay in Warkworth was hosted by committee members who were able to show them places of interest in the township and coastal region, and they were accommodated at the historic Bridgehouse Lodge.

“Martin and Jan were blown away by both the ‘breathtaking beauty’ of our countryside, as well as our hospitality and friendship,” he says. “They have now agreed to be our ‘official’ contact should any locals be touring the UK in future.”

Warkworth’s other twinnings are with Furudono Japan, which was established in 1999, and Warkworth Ontario Canada, 2003.

“We are currently pursuing ‘Friendship’ towns with Warkworth Singleton NSW and Warkworth Northamptonshire UK.”

The former Warkworth International Relations Group has amalgamated with Heritage Mahurangi Inc, who are now members of Global Cities NZ.