Town twinning
The Borough of Broxbourne has twinning links with three
European towns. The object of town twinning is to foster friendly
relationships between the people of the twinned towns and
ultimately provide a better understanding between nations.
Sutera, Sicily
The Borough of Broxbourne was officially twinned with Sutera in
Spring 2000. Many residents of the Borough have links with the
Sicilian communities in and around Sutera.
Once known as one of the most important cities in Sicily, Sutera
stands 819 metres above sea level from where you can see 22 towns,
the Mediterranean sea off Agrigento and Mount Etna.
The Greeks gave Sutera its modern name of "soter" which means
safety to the Romans and the Arabs who gave the town its layout.
This can still be found today in the eastern extremity of the
modern town, centering at the time on the 875 mosque, which was
later incorporated in the parish church. Other influential
conquerors were the Normans and the Spanish. Every piazza and
vantage points acts like a balcony, with breathtaking scenery and
fine air. In the countryside among the almonds, pistachio and olive
trees are other fruits, ranging from figs and prickly
pears to vineyards.
The countryside changes according to the seasons, from green in the
winter and spring months, to arid in the summer months.
Religious festivals during the year bring the population out on the
streets to celebrate with processions, fireworks and fairs. The
main feasts are during the period of Christmas, Easter and the
first Sunday in August for Saint Onofrio.
From Sutera, you are ideally placed to visit most of the island.
Agrigento is approximately 40 kilometers away. There you will find
beautiful beaches and the best Greek Temples outside of Greece.
Palermo, the capital of Sicily is approximately 100 kilometres
away. Sutera is situated on the state highway 189, from Agrigento
to Palermo on the exit for Campofranco.
The Broxbourne and Sutera Town Twinning
Association
The Association holds events every year to raise money to
improve links with Sutera. The Association wishes to help send
residents on trips to Sutera - be it either to visit family not
seen in years, or for others to learn about the history and culture
of the rural Sicilian town.
For information on the Town Twinning Association and trips to
Sutera telephone Carmello Nicastro on 01992 633455.
Dinant, Belgium
Hoddesdon is twinned with the Belgian town of Dinant, which lies
about seventy miles south-east of Brussels. For further
information contact: memberservices@broxbourne.gov.uk.
Stains, France
Cheshunt is twinned with Stains, a town situated to the north of
Paris. The UK co-ordinator for town twinning with Stains is the
Anglo-French Society that can be contacted on 01992
761558.