TAUNTON has been twinned with Königslutter in Lower Saxony, northern Germany, since 1992 —  a fact you may have spotted on the signs coming into town.

Earlier this month, from June 7 to 14, a group of 17 Taunton locals who make up the "Friends of Königslutter" group visited the twin town and were met with a "warm welcome".

Explaining what being a twin town means for Taunton, Alex Melbourne, a member of Friends of Königslutter, said: "It's a partnership going back 32 years, dedicated to learning about each other's cultures, developing international understanding, promoting Taunton and Königslutter, making lasting friendships and having fun."

Alex, one of the youngest Friends of Königslutter members, said he was "bowled over" by the latest trip to the historic town — also attended by the current Mayor of Taunton Cllr Vanessa Garside and her predecessor Nick O'Donnell.

St Sebastian Church and the town hall (right) and a view inside the Imperial Cathedral of Königslutter (left).St Sebastian Church and the town hall (right) and a view inside the Imperial Cathedral of Königslutter (left). (Image: Creative Commons: PtrQs/Axel Hindemith)

He said: "I was bowled over by the beauty of the area, and the love for Taunton and West Somerset. (...) We stayed with hosts in their own homes.

"The welcome was incredibly warm, even for people new to the group such as myself, and a busy programme of events was organised.

"This included an official reception by the Mayor of Königslutter, Alexander Hoppe, trips to Hannover, Braunschweig and the beautiful old town of Goslar at the foot of the Harz mountains, and several social events.

"A return visit to Taunton is planned for September next year."

Friends of Königslutter enjoyed a busy itinerary while visiting in June 2024.Friends of Königslutter enjoyed a busy itinerary while visiting in June 2024. (Image: Alex Melbourne)

Königslutter has a population of around 16,000 people, while Taunton has around 63,000. Königslutter is a stop on the German Timber-Frame Road (Deutsche Fachwerkstraße), a popular tourist route in the country.

Taunton also has a French twin town, Lisieux. The agreement dates back to 1949, making it "one of the oldest continuously running civic twinning arrangements in Europe", Taunton Town Council states.

The Friends of Königslutter group meets on the first Thursday of the month for coffee at Mr Miles on the High Street and organises events locally too.

If you're interested in joining — for cultural events, fundraising, planning and attending future trips — newcomers are invited to join the monthly coffee morning.

Find more information at tauntontwinning.co.uk or write to foktauntontwinning@gmail.com.