A group of Labour members went to Watford’s former twinned town Mainz in Germany.

Councillor Dennis Watling and prospective parliamentary candidate Matt Turmaine were joined by Labour members, Laura Griffiths and Seamus Williams.

Watford Observer: The trip was predominantly a social exchange between the two parties. The trip was predominantly a social exchange between the two parties. (Image: Watford Labour)

The September trip was predominantly a social exchange discussing the links between the two towns.

Robert Herr from the Social Democratic Party of Germany presented the group with a coat of arms, which was brought over by the Watford Borough Council in 1981 in a sign of solidarity, not only between the towns but also the incumbent parties at the time.

Watford Observer: The coat of arms.The coat of arms. (Image: Watford Labour)

Mr Turmaine, who is also a councillor for Hoylwell ward, said: “It’s great to be able to continue the relationship between our towns and parties. I only hope it can continue to grow again.”

Watford Observer: Matt Turmaine at a meeting with members of the Social Democratic Party of Germany Matt Turmaine at a meeting with members of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (Image: Watford Labour)
The trip coincided with the region’s annual wine festival, where Cllr Dennis Watling volunteered at the stand with Mainz Friends of Watford and their Chair Herbert Engar.

Watford Observer: Chair Herbert Engar (left) and Cllr Dennis Watling (right) volunteering at a wine festival stand.Chair Herbert Engar (left) and Cllr Dennis Watling (right) volunteering at a wine festival stand. (Image: Watford Labour)

“It was fantastic to meet so many people who were happy to see Watford represented in Mainz,” said Cllr Dennis Watling.