The exchange between Halifax and the city of Aachen in Westphalia, Germany dates back to 1949 and first came into being on the initiative of the British Military government. Since that time an exchange has taken place each year either from Halifax to Aachen or vice versa. As a result of these exchanges, numerous friendships have been formed, some of which started with the first exchange in 1949 and continue to this day.
Halifax has been legally twinned with Aachen since 14 November 1979. Such twinnings continue to provide a useful, practical contribution towards reaching a better understanding between peoples of Europe, particularly useful given the recent political climate.
The purpose of the Halifax-Aachen Society is to promote and maintain friendship between Halifax and Aachen by fostering exchanges, links and projects to examine issues of mutual interest. This means developing links between social, cultural, sporting and business organisations and arranging exchange visits between ordinary families and members of local organisations. Some of the children who exchanged in the early days are now grown up with families of their own and are still involved in the twinning.
In 1999, to mark the 20th anniversary, Halifax members of the society arranged a trip to the Aachen ‘September Special’ festival. Rather than just attend as a group, given some common membership links to the Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Association, it was decided to celebrate the twinning and friendship by taking our event to Aachen.
A team of 50 people led by then President/Chairman Fred Knights transported over the famous Rushcart and they all had a wonderful weekend representing the town of Halifax and sampling the September Special weekend. Friendships were formed with Aacheners, many of which continue to this day and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the food, drink, music events and hospitality. It was considered to be such a success that the feat was quickly repeated in 2001.
When Gaz Baigent took over the role of Rushbearing Chairman in 2016, one of his stated intentions was to take Rushbearing back to Germany. As 2019 saw both the anniversary of 70 years since the initial exchange and 40 years since the two towns were legally twinned, it seemed like the ideal opportunity. In September 2019 the rushcart made its third trip to Aachen accompanied by cart pullers, the Sowerby Bridge Morris Dancers, White Rose Morris Men and the Kirkburton Rapier Dancers. A gorgeous sunny weekend was enjoyed by all!
