Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Association

Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Recognised in Coventry

On 6 November 2021 Peter Barker of Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Association was invited to the city of Coventry to receive a “Twin to Win” award for work in building international understanding and friendship between Exeter and Yaroslavl. The award was presented by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, who presented similar awards to people representing other twinning links i.e. Canterbury – Vladimir, Cheltenham – Sochi, London- Moscow and of course Coventry – Volgograd.

 

Coventry is currently “UK City of Culture”, keen to celebrate its diversity, youthfulness and links with the wider world. The presentation of the “Twin to Win” awards was part of a commemoration of the first contact between the citizens of Coventry and Volgograd on 6 October 1941. This contact eventually matured into the first formal twin city agreement, which was signed in 1944. At that time Volgograd was named Stalingrad.

 

Coventry and Volgograd have a special relationship, which grew out of their terrible war time experiences. Both cities suffered devastation during WWII. Coventry was blitzed from the air and Volgograd was the scene of the decisive battle of Stalingrad. During those dark years the people of Coventry and Volgograd supported each other with both practical and moral support.

 

There is also a connection between Exeter and both Coventry and Volgograd. Sadly, Exeter was also severely bombed during WWII. It was chosen for destruction because it was considered by the Nazis to be a city of cultural and historic significance. Aerial attacks on Exeter took place in April and May 1942. There was there was great damage and lost of life, but unlike Coventry the great gothic cathedral of Exeter survived. The Exeter – Volgograd connection is because Exeter was one of those British cities which sent aid to help the people of Stalingrad.

 

Special guest at the commemoration in Coventry was His Excellency Andrei Kelin, Russian Ambassador. The commemoration began with a visit to Coventry Cathedral, with an address and prayers about forgiveness and reconciliation. This was followed by a visit to the ruins of the previous cathedral, which was burnt out by incendiary bombs during the bombing of Coventry.

 

Next was a tour around central Coventry to view places with a connection to Volgograd, such as Volgograd Place, where His Excellency placed a wreath on a monument to Volgograd and Coventry and their friendship forged in time of war. The party also visited the Herbert Art Gallery Museum where the Coventry – Stalingrad exhibition will be going later this year.

 

It had been a valuable and enjoyable event. Particular thanks must go to all the organisers and the hosts from Coventry City Council. Special mention must be made of Olga Lawson who is doing great work bringing people together from United Kingdom and Russian twin cities.

 

After lunch the party were welcomed to Coventry City Hall by the Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor presented the “Twin to Win” awards and to conclude an excellent day there was time for the participants to share ideas over a cup of tea.

 

Аналогичный отчет на русском языке здесь