Since 1974, citizens from Reading and Dusseldorf have enjoyed many international exchange visits with their European neighbours and established long-life friendships under the umbrella of the Reading-Dusseldorf Churches Interchanges (RDCI) group.
Christians of both towns come together and share their homes with their guests, integrate them in their daily life and take part in well-organised activities such as cultural and sightseeing excursions, visits of ecumenical services and social gatherings.
A reception visit following the mayor’s invitation guarantees official recognition and the twinning will be reaffirmed.
A farewell party concludes the week’s visit; new friendships are made and ideas for future exchanges created.
Many Individual friendships have developed over the years and private visits followed.
In August 2022, members from Dusseldorf churches visited Reading and a week-long return visit will take place in late June; new participants are most welcome.
Reading has established the oldest twinning link with a German city, Dusseldorf, and celebrated its 75th twinning anniversary last year.
While many town twinnings link places of similar sizes or histories, this link was established through humanity and kindness by the then Reading Mayor, Phoebe Cusden. After she was made aware of unspeakable suffering in the destroyed cities of the Rhineland, Dussedorf was ‘adopted’ and children were invited to stay with families in Reading.
Through her initiative, Phoebe Cusden helped to bring reconciliation and friendship between nations, a motion, which, considering the post-Brexit environment and the current world turmoil, seems to be more important than ever.
RDCI wants to widen their membership to encourage international friendships, help to create tolerance through understanding and build bridges for a new togetherness.
Interested citizens from Reading and surrounding areas can contact RDCI Chairman Henry Pares, email: henry.pares@gmail.com or RDCI Secretary Alan Tonkyn, email: Alan.Tonkyn@btinternet.com
On behalf of Reading Dusseldorf Churches Interchanges
