A TWINNING group recently returned to West Devon after celebrating 25 years with its German friends.

The group 'Club Wesseling' was on a five-day visit to Wesseling to meet German counterparts 'Club West Devon', taking along some West Country beer and cider as gifts.

While there they were treated to some interesting excursions, including the Regierungsbunker in Ahrweiler, a government bunker used in the cold war, built deep into the surrounding countryside.  

While in Ahrweiler they also had a tour of a winery followed by a wine tasting in its cellars.

The following day they were taken to an archaeological park at Xanten in the north of Germany, where they visited the remains of a Roman town which is being excavated and partially rebuilt and where they have a new museum.  

After a short walk into the town centre they were treated to lunch in one of the old restaurants.

On the morning of the last day the two groups attended a civic reception with Herr Haupt, the newly appointed mayor of Wesseling, who was presented with a framed photograph of the quilt which was given to Club West Devon in 2008 when they visited West Devon.    

Framed photographs were given to members of Club Wesseling to take back home with them. Later that day both clubs met up at 'The Wirtshaus' in Wesseling for a social evening.

The following morning the English guests left Wesseling to travel back to England via Calais, where they did some last minute shopping.

If you would like information about Club Wesseling, contact the chairman, David Williams, on 01822 840030.