Calne Twinning Association

With the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching on July 4th,  I am honoured to share this message of friendship  with our counterparts in Caln Township, Pennsylvania during their celebrations between the 18-21 June 2026. On Monday, June 15th,  the Full Council of Calne Town Council  officially ratified this declaration that follows. This document has been signed by Tim Havenith, Town Mayor 2026-27 and Acting Proper Officer, Mark Edwards: Presented to Caln Township, Pennsylvania on the Occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America Whereas , the year 2026 marks the Semi quincentennial of the United States of America, a milestone of profound historical significance and an enduring legacy of democracy; Whereas , Calne Town Council recognises the deep cultural and historical ties between our communities, rooted in shared values of liberty, civic service, and community pride; Whereas , the Town of Calne and the Township of Caln, though separ...

  A twinning visit between   Eningen-unter-Achalm   and   Calne   took place from 8   to 12   May 2026 and provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen the long-standing friendship between our two communities. The visitors from Eningen included Mayor Eric Sindek, Ute Petrik, senior staff member from Eningen Council and her partner Rolf, together with Klaus and Luzia from the Twinning Partnership. During their stay, the group experienced a varied programme showcasing community life, education, heritage, recreation, and local culture in Calne and the surrounding area. Twinning delegation at Marden Vale Academy, where they were treated to a wonderful singing assembly by the children. Following their arrival on Friday 8 May, the delegation enjoyed lunch in Hilmarton before visiting Marden Vale Academy and taking part in a guided walking tour of Calne led by Nick Baxter. The evening included a traditional fish and chip supper and an informative discuss...

To mark this anniversary, I’ve included a digitised copy of the original twinning agreement signed by Calne Town Mayor Don Wiffen on behalf of Calne, alongside a full transcription for clarity and accessibility. This historic document, dated May 1988, formalised our enduring friendship with Eningen and laid the foundation for decades of cultural exchange and civic collaboration. Digitised copy of the agreement between Calne and Eningen. Whereas the Council for the Town of Calne Wiltshire England and the Council for the Town of Eningen unter Achalm West Germany have agreed by resolutions to form a twinning arrangement now this document records that they formally resolve: - 1. To honour this twinning arrangement by establishing and maintaining friendly relations with each other 2. To foster and develop mutual understanding and respect between the people of Calne and the people of Eningen 3. To encourage and assist youth and adult organisations, Clubs companies, groups and all classes of ...

We have some wonderful news to share regarding our town’s connection with Eningen. Calne Town Council has officially agreed on a budget to host representatives from our German twin town, ensuring a warm and proper welcome. A special thank you goes to Town Mayor, Cllr Ian Thorn, for his generous allocation of £1,500 toward the visit. Looking further ahead, the Council has also committed to including twinning in our future Five-Year Plan, securing a dedicated budget for years to come. Plans for the upcoming visit are already well underway. The itinerary is being expertly managed by Jon Fisher, who brings firsthand experience to the role after participating in our last visit to Eningen during his time as Mayor. Get Involved! Twinning is all about community. If you’d like to express an interest in getting involved or volunteering your time, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch at: calnetwinning@gmail.com

Seasons greetings to our twin towns of Caln Township , Ville de Charlieu and Eningen unter Achalm . We wish you all a wonderful time, along with a happy and healthy 2026.

  Dear Friends in Caln, On behalf of everyone here in Calne, I offer warm greetings and best wishes to all of you as you celebrate Thanksgiving.   This is a wonderful time to reflect on the importance of community, friendship, and our shared history. Our enduring bond as twin towns exemplifies the spirit of unity and collaboration that Thanksgiving inspires.   As you gather around your tables, know that your friends across the Atlantic are thinking of you and wishing you a joyful celebration.   Happy Thanksgiving!   Warm regards, Cllr Ian Thorn Calne Town Mayor 2025/26

In 1991, Calne stepped onto the national stage with a heartfelt submission to the Royal Mail International Twin Town Awards—a competition designed to honour towns that champion international friendship, cultural exchange, and community spirit. At the heart of Calne’s entry was a story of people-powered diplomacy. With no financial backing from the Town Council, the Calne Twinning Association had, for over two decades, built bridges across borders through volunteer-led exchanges with Charlieu in France, Caln Township in Pennsylvania, and Eningen in Germany. These weren’t just ceremonial links—they were living relationships, nurtured through school visits, concerts, civic events, and shared celebrations. The application, completed by Sheila Thornton and Ray Downham documented a vibrant calendar of activities: a 60-person delegation to Charlieu with a model of Calne’s town centre redevelopment; a French market in Calne’s Town Hall; the naming of “Calner Platz” in Eningen; and multi-g...