The Cabinet International Links Committee is a sub group of the cabinet with responsibility for overseeing links and twinning activities between Rhondda Cynon Taf and its twinned towns in Montelimar in France, Nurtingen, Ravensburg and Wolfenbuttel in Germany.
The members of the group are:
- Jeff Fish
- Rhian Bosanko
- Austin Davies
- Craig Roberts
Montélimar
Located south of Valence, Montélimar is a welcoming city in the south of France, which is famed for its nougat and is the uncontested capital of this sweet treat.
Steeped in history, Montélimar possesses some beautiful built heritage represented by its flagship monument, the Adhémar Castle. Built on top of a hill, it overlooks the city and offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Once a medieval palace, its architecture dates back to the 12th century. Today, it is a contemporary art centre that hosts temporary exhibitions. Within Montélimar there in is a historic centre filled with shops and a number of old mansions and buildings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Rhondda Cynon Taf and Montélimar have been twinned since 1993, when Cynon Valley Borough Council formed a Twinning link with Montélimar and also with Ravensburg, Germany. In 1996 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council was formed, incorporating Rhondda Borough Council, Taff Ely Borough Council and Cynon Valley Borough Council, and adopted all four twin towns.
Ravensburg
Ravensburg, "The city of towers and gates" is situated in southern Germany in a scenic landscape with a view of the Alps. In the past, the city was a major, medieval commercial centre. Today, with its 50,000 residents, it is a lively, economic hub.
Rising high above the roofs of Ravensburg, the Blaserturm marks the town’s centre. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside as far as Lake Constance and the Alps or look down on the brightly coloured roofs of the old town below. Down on the town’s main square Marienplatz, the narrow streets and alleys round about teem with life. It is a colourful pageant in which people lingering at leisure mingle with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In the warm months of the year, Ravensburg exudes a Mediterranean flair.
Rhondda Cynon Taf and Ravensburg have been twinned since 1993, when Cynon Valley Borough Council formed a Twinning link with Ravensburg and also with Montélimar, France. In 1996 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council was formed, incorporating Rhondda Borough Council, Taff Ely Borough Council and Cynon Valley Borough Council, and adopted all four twin towns.
Nürtingen
Nürtingen is a town on the river Neckar in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The town is located in the heart of a region with one of the strongest economies in Europe, with the state capital of Stuttgart a short journey by train.
Nürtingen is mentioned for the first time in 1046, however finds indicate that the origins of the place are centuries earlier. The centre of Nürtingen is dominated by St. Laurentius Church, which has stood at the centre for hundreds of years. The picturesque old town at the foot of the church is worth a visit alone, you’ll find delightfully renovated buildings, small shops and cafés which will transport you back in time, a quintessential German town.
Rhondda Cynon Taf and Nürtingen have been twinned since 1968, when Pontypridd Urban District Council established a formal Twinning link with Nürtingen. In 1974 Taff Ely Borough Council was formed and continued with this official twinning link. In 1996 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council was formed, incorporating Rhondda Borough Council, Taff Ely Borough Council and Cynon Valley Borough Council, and adopted all four twin towns. In 1996 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council was formed, incorporating Rhondda Borough Council, Taff Ely Borough Council and Cynon Valley Borough Council, and adopted all four twin towns.
Wolfenbüttel
Wolfenbüttel is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is best known as the location of the internationally renowned Herzog August Library and for having the largest concentration of timber-framed buildings in Germany. It is also home to the Jägermeister distillery.
The city resembles a page from a fairy tale book. Everything is quaint - no two houses are alike. This is coupled with grand buildings such as Wolfenbuttel Palace and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary which are imposing upon the town. Also found in the town is the Herzog August Library, constructed between 1883 and 1887 in the style of a Florentine palazzo, it is an internationally renowned research library. Here you can find the Gospels of Henry the Lion, one of the most magnificent medieval manuscripts in the world and also some of the most expensive and historical in existence.
Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wolfenbüttel have been twinned since 1993, when Rhondda Borough Council formed a twinning link with Wolfenbüttel. In 1996 Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council was formed, incorporating Rhondda Borough Council, Taff Ely Borough Council and Cynon Valley Borough Council, and adopted all four twin towns.