HIP Trustees, Mary Fennimore and Nigel Clay, and their partners, made their first visit to Harrogate’s twin town in Northern Tuscany in early May. Despite some knowledge of the town and area, all four were blown away by the beauty of the town and the surrounding countryside.

The similarities to Harrogate with the 19th century spas, and the open parklands in the centre of the towns, were matched by the range of activities and places to visit nearby.

The convenience of getting their, with direct flights from Leeds/Bradford to Pisa, and with the rail link from the airport to Montecatini also providing easy access to the local delights of Florence, Sienna and Lucca.

Montecatini’s long history can be experienced  by a funicular railway journey up to the ancient settlement of Montecatini Alta, overlooking the town and providing panoramic views of the rolling Tuscan hills.

As well as exploring the medieval castle and church, and taking in the surrounding landscapes, the compact square is filled with shops and restaurants.

Casa Gala proved to be an excellent choice for lunch and Maître d’, Valentina, is looking forward to welcoming more guests from Harrogate in the near future!

 

 

A group of four young musicians from Luchon is visiting Harrogate this weekend as part of the International Youth Music Festival.

‘Eths Lobetons’ are a four piece group who play a style of folk music of the Pyrenees, with both French and Spanish influences, and performed on guitars, violin and accordion.

The group, and their support team, took some time out to visit and perform at Fountains Abbey on a glorious Easter Sunday afternoon.

Their concerts included a performance at Ripon Cathedral on Easter Monday evening

and in Harogate’s iconic Royal Hall on Tuesday.

 

Harrogate is a ‘Sister City’ with Wellington in New Zealand.

There is  New Zealand Garden in Valley Gardens.

This is what the Yorkshire Post reported in 2010……

Harrogate’s New Zealand Garden, a special corner of the Valley Gardens, has received a traditional Maori blessing following a restoration and replanting scheme. Kaumatua (Elder) Sam Jackson, above, travelled from Wellington in New Zealand – Harrogate’s sister city – for the re-dedication. Also attending from Wellington were Coun Ray Ahipene-Mercer and Sam’s wife June Te Raumanga Jackson. The New Zealand Garden was established in the 1950s in honour of 23 New Zealand airmen stationed in North Yorkshire during the Second World War, all of whom lost their lives.

We hope to re-establish links with Wellington and are trying to encourage participation in the ‘Golden Oldies’ cricket tournament in 2020!

One of the great European Mountain Fell Races takes place in Bagneres de Luchon , Harrogate’s long-standing twin town. Harrogate International Partnerships has ambitious plans to enter a team from Harrogate for the July 2019 event. Please contact us if interested, or pass on to local athletic and running clubs.

To find out more you can visit their website: http://www.luchonanetotrail.fr/