Nailsea is twinned with Norwegian town

Did you know Nailsea has been twinned with a town in Norway for more than 30 years?

Most people are aware of the community service and the humanitarian projects at home and abroad run or funded by the Rotary movement worldwide and the Nailsea & Backwell Club in particular.

Less well known is the Rotary committment to fostering good international relations with other countries by 'twinning'.

Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club has been twinned with the Rotary Club of Nittedal, Oslo, Norway for 35 years.   

Nittedal is a community a few miles north of the capital Oslo and is remarkably similar to Nailsea.   

Both have populations nearing 20,000.   

Both have very active cultural and charity groups and both have high quality schools.   

However, they have more snow than us.

The entire population of Norway is about five million of which a quarter live in or near Oslo.   

The country is rich in timber and now even richer through North Sea oil.

There have always been close ties between Norway and the UK.   

In 1940 the King of Norway was welcomed to England, and at the same time the Norwegian merchant fleet escaped to Britain and played a major part in keeping us supplied despite great losses 

Since World War II Norway has given a Christmas tree each year to stand in Trafalgar Square.

The Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell was founded on May 17, 1977, which is Norway's National Day.   

From time to time exchange visits take place.   

Good friendships have been forged, and we have been proud to represent Nailsea & Backwell to our fellow Rotarians across the North Sea.

Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club offer practical service to the local community and raise funds for worthwhile causes at home and abroad.  

It also hasa very active social programme.  

The club meet on very nearly every Thursday evening at the Mizzymead Recreation Centre in the middle of Nailsea.  

New members are always welcome.  

A newer satellite Rotary group known as Nailsea Miners which caters specifically for people aged 20-50 something meets on most Tuesday at 7.45pm at The George public house on the A370 in Backwell.  

For more information click HERE.