The Hastings we all know acquired an African relation recently, after it was twinned with Hastings, Sierra Leone (SL).
Tropical temperatures, dancing and colourful bunting met a delegation from Hastings, England in its namesake African country for the twinning ceremony last February. The event marked the official twinning of the two towns, which have had a strong link for several years, thanks to local Christian charity, LOAF.
Making Hastings, SL, an official twin of our Hastings means financial support, resources and ideas can be shared, and importantly friendships made. Links between Hastings SL schools and their counterparts in the UK have been made and links are also developing between medical agencies, the Police and the Fire Service in the namesake towns.
The link will benefit both towns, the people of Sierra Leone will see more work being undertaken by the existing Friendship Link and we, in England, will see the cultural links strengthened.
LOAF is currently working towards a £100,000 fundraising target that will allow a Community Resource Centre to be built in Hastings SL, with a post office, bank, IT training suite and office space. At the moment people have to walk around 15 miles for their mail or to get to a bank and there are no computer facilities in the town for adults or children. This new centre will make a great difference in the lives of our African counterparts. The foundation stone for this building was laid during the twinning ceremony and former Hastings deputy mayor, Cllr Eve Martin, buried a time capsule.
While the delegation of LOAF members, councillors and volunteers was at work in Sierra Leone, those left at home celebrated the new link. A special event was held in the Town Hall on 14 February, where guests heard, via mobile phones, what was happening in Africa. On their return the delegation shared their experiences during a day of celebration.
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This page last updated: 13/06/2007