Barnstaple celebrates 15 years of twinning with the Italian town of Susa

Twinners from Barnstaple have visited Susa in Italy for the first time since the pandemic to celebrate the 15th anniversary of bonds of friendship being forged between the two towns.

Barnstaple and Susa in Piemonte in Northern Italy have been officially twinned for that time, but the relationship began earlier in 2000 with two teachers, Ana Giaconne in Italy and Frances Bell MBE in Barnstaple striking up a friendship.

That led to Barnstaple Twinning Association, of which Frances is currently chair, and its Italian counterpart making several visits between the two countries, at least until Covid lockdowns restricted travel.

But in October a civic party from North Devon went to Susa to celebrate 15 years of official twinning, which included the Mayor of Barnstaple and Consort, Louisa and Keith York, Councillor Ian Roome, leader of North Devon Council, Martin Haddrill from Pilton, Frances Bell and Caroline Cassinelli, both of the twinning association.

The group met the Mayor of Susa, Piero Genovese, as well as councillors from the town and surrounding region, plus Mr Rome met with Andrea Tronzano, the Assessore Regionale for the area.

Frances said: “The Susa delegation had been involved in twinning with Barnstaple since the beginning and it was great to catch up with so many friends and familiar faces from all the past years and events.

“Mayor Louisa York delivered a speech outlining the importance of relationships across Europe and making friends across the world. She presented a certificate which was signed by both Mayors and also gave a gift of Barnstaple artisan pottery by Dos and Dave Rogers.”

Events during the visit included a tour of the Carabinieri headquarters and the opportunity to find out about local policing in the area.

That evening was spent with 60 people in an ‘Agritourismo’ restaurant on a farm a short distance from Susa. Past and current teachers from Susa and a folk group called Pro Susa all enjoyed a meal and more speeches, gift giving and entertainment.

The following day saw more celebrations, meeting students and young people who had previously visited Barnstaple, a choir sang English folk songs, plus a dance group formed by youngsters who use signing to communicate to the deaf also performed two numbers both accompanied by live singing from talented soloists.

Frances added: “During the pandemic, all twinning activities stopped and with the uncertainly in the world at the moment, a tremendous amount of courage and energy is needed to maintain and develop relationships with twin towns.

“This short trip was meaningful and reassures us that friends across the world are dedicated to welcoming us in the name of peace and prosperity for both all.”

Barnstaple Mayor Louisa York said: “I was delighted to renew our bonds of friendship with the people of Susa. I believe that the continued warm relationship between our two towns can only be beneficial to our economic and cultural lives.”

Mr Roome praised the strong bonds between the two communities, emphasising the importance of connecting regional industries and fostering mutual growth.

He invited their twinning friends in Susa to visit North Devon in January to witness the excellence local industries first hand.