CELEBRATIONS have been held to mark 30 years of twinning between a West Somerset town and its counterpart in Italy.

Although members of the local council were unable to attend, the town was ably represented by the chairman and two members of the Minehead Twinning Committee.

A spokesperson said: “An invitation was extended for the mayor and councillors from Minehead, as part of their twinning agreement, to attend a 30 years of twinning celebration in Caslino D’Erba in Italy.

“Sadly none could attend to represent and promote Minehead, so the Twinning chairman, Ian Hempshall, and two committee members Jonathan Greenhow and Evie Jupe took the opportunity to join 25 others from France, Germany and Spain at the celebration.”

They took a framed photograph and a speech from the mayor, which was presented at a formal civic ceremony.

Recounting events, chairman Minehead Twinning Committee Ian Hempshall said: “We were hosted by families in the village who joined us on the various social events planned.

“On the Friday morning the mayor led us along the cobblestone pavements and steep single carriageway roads of this historic hillside village near Lake Como.

“Stopping off at a 17th century manor house which is undergoing light restoration and already houses significant local items, up to and including the war years, as a start to creating a formal museum. At the C17th church a guide gave us its history and explained some of the restored wall paintings before we went to a community area with an orchard and honey farm.

“On Saturday we were taken to the Abbey of Piona, a still active Monastery, on the shore of Lake Como which dates back to C7th. and then on to the very small, mostly medieval mountain village of Parlasco in the Upper Valsassina. The village sits beside several mountain walking and cycling routes, and in contrast to its antiquity has E bike chargers in the main square!”

Dubbed the “Village of the Frescos” most of the houses have paintings, by various artists, on their outside walls with inspiration taken from an 1871 novel ”Lasco, the Bandit of Valsassina” by Antonio Balbiani.

Ian continued: “Sunday, our last day, saw us visit a Medieval Fair followed by a tour, for those interested, of several castles in local villages which ranged from totally derelict through music venues, to expensive retreats, hotels and restaurants, to lived in family properties.

“It was three wonderful days spent with very hospitable Italians anxious to share their homes and show off a varied selection of local attractions in bright sunny spring weather.”

The aim of twinning is to promote and foster friendship between the populace of two towns, by sharing sport, music, crafts or employment.

Sadly, Minehead FC who had intended to play in a friendly four way competition in St Berthevin in France, with Germany and Spain during the late May Bank Holiday had to withdraw, however Ian said this is the sort of engagement they hope to continue promoting in the future.