Ayrshire town celebrates 15-year link with Italian twin
The Prestwick Town Twinning Association has celebrated the 15th anniversary of their association with Ariccia in Central Italy
An Ayrshire town has celebrated a 15-year link with its Italian twin.
Prestwick and the Italian town Ariccia signed their twinning agreement in 2010 with Ariccia hosting the latest get together, 15 years on.
Ariccia is a town within the Metropolitan City of Rome in the Lazio region of Central Italy.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the towns were unable to celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2020 so they decided to make up for it five years on.
A tour of Chigi Palace - the official residence of the Prime Minister of Italy - was followed by a ceremony and concert involving the Dr Gianluca Staccoli, Mayor of the Municipality of Ariccia.
The visitors, including eight new members of Prestwick Town Twinning Association, were given a tour of some of the Castelli Romani and treated to an evening reception in il Borgo - a local restaurant outwith the city.
Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Rhona Allanach, president of Prestwick Town Twinning Association, said: "In May, a group from Prestwick Town Twinning Association visited Ariccia, in Italy. Over 15 years ago, the council signed an agreement to be twinned with this town which is about a 30 minute drive from Rome.
"Having missed the reciprocal 10th, it was decided to commemorate the 15th anniversary.
"The hosts did so in style, with a tour of the Chigi Palace followed by a ceremony and concert involving the mayor and musicians, dancers and groups from within the community.
"A buffet reception was held in the summer dining room of the palace. The following evening a reception was held in il Borgo - a beautiful restaurant in the countryside outwith the city.
"Prestwick members were delighted to return to Italy to renew old relationships and introduce eight new members to the Italian hospitality and way of life.
"Visiting places you would never find on your own and sampling the local cuisine and customs of the area, really makes everyone feel part of a family.
"The host families do everything to make their guests feel at home. The visit is always memorable, interesting and fun.
"At a time when the world is unstable and Europe is more fragmented than ever, the aims and values of town twinning are more important than ever.
"Remaining close and developing friendships is more desirable than it has been especially for the future of our younger generations.
"Town twinning is alive and well in Prestwick and three different cities of Ariccia, Vandalia and Lichtenfels. The members are an active fun loving, bunch of folk who have special memories and relationships both at home and with those in our sister cities.
"This is a community group who welcome new people. Don't miss out on wonderful experiences. Everyone is invited to join in. Find out more on Facebook or email rhona@ptta.org."
Last year, Prestwick Town Twinning Association celebrated 50 years of twinning with Lichtenfels, Germany after the association was set up in 1974.
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