A GROUP of people strengthened their 40-year friendships with residents of Borehamwood’s twin town in Germany during a visit.

Members of the Borehamwood and Elstree Twin Town Association (BETTA) visited Offenburg for the city’s annual wine festival.

Town mayor cllr Richard Butler was warmly welcomed by his German counterpart, Mayor Edith Schreiner.

Sue Dane, who is a member of BETTA and has taken trips to the borough’s twin town in France, Fontenay-aux-Roses, said: “The Germans were very friendly and generous. Offenburg itself is unique and steeped in history.

“ The festival was full of enjoyable music and entertainment, with an abundance of lovely wine and food.

“I was so appreciative of all my friends in the visiting group, and our hosts, who made me so welcome.

“When can we go back? "

During the trip, they took in the panoramic views over the Black forest, the Ortenau and the Alsace regions.

Irmine Mason, who is on the BETTA Committee and came on the trip with her husband Peter, said:This little escapade gave us another opportunity to see our beautiful German twin town, participating in their Wine Fest as well as the impressive Messe, a huge local trade fair.

“We thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful tour round the region’s wine producers’ stalls where we tasted some truly magnificent wines, as well as a fun cycle ride , in lovely weather , through the outskirts of Offenburg to the vineyard of Schloss Staufenberg.”

Musikverein Rammersweier, who played a concert at the Ark Theatre, in Borehamwood, last year, entertained crowds with music at the wine festival.

Erika Grady, who previously lived Offenburg, but now lives and works in Borehamwood, said: "It was a great visit, which allowed people from Borehamwood to see , at first hand , this yearly event.

“I particularly enjoyed walking around Offenburg, seeing some parks and gardens, which are lovingly cared for.”

BETTA chairman Martine Eni said: "We have enjoyed this bond of friendship for nearly 40 years and things can only get BETTA."

For further information on this trip or any of BETTA’s other activities please contact them on

bettagroup@hotmail.com or by telephone: 0203 441 6510