Wigan has been twinned with Angers for over 30 years. This lasting friendship began in the late 1970s as a cultural exchange between two colleges. Wigan borough's Education Department asked George Harrison, Director of the Adult Education Centre, to look for opportunities to exchange with a similar institution elsewhere in Europe. It was then that he met Michel Leterme, Director of the Institut Municipal d'Angers.
The first meeting took place in Tyldesley in the 1978, when the British first met the Angevins. From a simple meeting, strong bonds between individuals were formed leading to a formalised relationship between Angers and Wigan years later.
The two twin towns were officially twinned on 10 September 1988 in Angers when the two Mayors Jean Monnier and Cllr David Caley signed the Twinning Charter.
The twinning has continued to grow over the years and now involves a wide network of organisations, including:
- Businesses
- Schools and colleges
- Activity clubs, including sports, culture and dance
- Music bands
- Community groups.
The Ambassador
Each year, both cities choose an Ambassador to work for twelve months at the Twinning Office of its counterpart city. This exchange is particularly unique as only Angers and Wigan have ambassadors dedicated to the twinning.
Along with representing and promoting their town, the ambassadors have the task of developing projects and initiatives that will link the twin cities together. They encourage cultural exchanges and help develop projects with a wide range of organisations.
To strengthen the links between the twin cities, the Ambassador organises exhibitions and film evenings, and works to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining this relationship.
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Interested in getting involved? Find out about the range of opportunities available.