How we began

English telephone box in Eppingen

Twinning partnerships between European towns and cities began soon after the end of World War II, as part of a concerted effort to rebuild relationships following that conflict. The Epping-Eppingen twinning was founded somewhat later in the same spirit of international cooperation, and has grown from strength to strength during the intervening 40+ years.

Eppingen is somewhat larger than Epping but in other respects they share many similarities, not least in having near-identical names.

It began with a holiday visit in the late 1970s. Alan Swann, who lived in Epping and was a member of the Epping Forest Band, got to know Eppingen when travelling through Germany. He met the then leader of the Eppingen Town Band, Herbert Höge. They put the respective mayors in touch with one another in order to broach the idea of a twin-town partnership. The idea took off.

The first meeting of the joint organising committee took place in Epping in March 1979, and then in September of that year an English delegation visited Eppingen. The twinning agreement was ratified in Epping in 1981, and in Eppingen in 1982.

Other local organisations soon became involved including of course each of the towns’ bands. From the beginning there has been a lively exchange between individuals and families in both countries.

On this page you’ll see some photos from the early days of our partnership. For example, the Epping association donated the red English telephone box to Eppingen in 1985 and it now stands near the town square there.

What we do

A varied programme – that is what you can expect from any of our activities, whether in England or in Germany. Exchange visitors generally stay with host families or individuals, which has resulted in many close friendships over the years.

Travel is usually by air between Stansted (convenient for Epping) and Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport. Some visitors make the 550 mile (900 km) journey by car – or in the case of large groups, by coach.

Annual week-long language courses take place in each country. One year it is an English course in Epping, and the following year a German course in Eppingen. Each course has separate sessions for beginners and advanced, and these just take place in the mornings. The rest of the time is spent on excursions to places of interest in the local area and further afield. Everything is organised to give participants the maximum exposure to the language and culture of the other country in a welcoming atmosphere.

Epping at the Altstadtfest

Each year there is also another visit in the opposite direction, which may be informal or linked to a special event in the host country. For example, a group from Epping always attends the biennial Eppingen ‘Altstadtfest’ (Old Town Festival). Major events in Eppingen also welcome visitors from their two other twin towns, Wassy in France and Szigetvár in Hungary – this offers an extra dimension for everyone involved.

During the Covid pandemic international travel was of course not possible, and we began regular joint Zoom meetings. These have continued, and are proving a popular way for members in both countries to keep in touch.

The UK association also organises various local activities, including quiz nights and ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ (coffee & cake) afternoons. They also have a presence at community events in Epping, such as the annual Christmas Tree Festival and the Epping Town Show.

The associations in both countries hold a regular local ‘Stammtisch’, which is a get-together in a pub or restaurant.

Members of the Eppingen association participate in local municipal events, and every year they create a ‘Living Advent calendar’ in a shop window in the town, raising awareness of the twinning by featuring an English Christmas theme.

The years 2022 and 2023 were particularly busy ones for our partnership. In 2022 the 40th anniversary of the twinning was celebrated in Epping, followed by an ‘action replay’ in 2023 in Eppingen. (These had been delayed because of Covid.) In addition, Eppingen hosted a large regional garden festival in 2022 – each of Eppingen’s three twin towns including Epping had a stand showcasing their own country.

Things have not been quite so hectic since then, but there’s still plenty to choose from. You can see what’s in the pipeline by looking at the Homepage and the Events pages.

The association is keen to attract new members, and we welcome enquiries from anyone interested in joining us or who would just like more information. Please get in touch by using the appropriate contact form below.