It is almost 50 years ago since the mayors of Derby and Osnabrück met to sign a twinning agreement that would see links between local people of both places established and scores of people take part in events shared by both places.
February 17 will see the start of more than year of events celebrating both the 50th anniversary of the Anglo-German twinning agreement and also in 2027, the 50th anniversary of Derby gaining city status – named 50:50, it is designed to get as many people as possible involved in a large number of events.
The twinning agreement was signed on February 17, 1976 in the Hall of Peace in Osnabrück, in north-west Germany.
The origin of twinning links for British towns goes back to the end of the Second World War and in the years that followed matching them up was organised by the Local Government International Bureau, which worked as a kind of dating agency – and Derby was matched with Osnabrück.
Since then, it has been local people and councillors who have maintained links between the two cities. The most prominent sign of this has been the envoy scheme, whereby a resident from Derby and Osnabrück each live in their twin city for a year.
The exchange of envoys between two cities is very unusual. No other city in Germany participates in this exchange of envoys, and in Britain, only one other town, Wigan, receives and sends an envoy.
The first person to be involved was 18-year-old Lynne Atkin, from Littleover, in 1976. It was not until 1979 that Derby repaid the favour, agreeing to fund a year’s work for Karin Faenger.
According to a Derby Telegraph article from 2005, everyone at that point had returned home speaking fulsomely of their city’s foreign twin before settling down and pursuing their careers, although Lynne chose to stay. She married a German man, Ralf Kohler and, as of 1995, 19 years after her stint in Osnabrück, was living the life of a hausfrau in a town called Georgsmarienhutte.
When Derby first twinned with Osnabrück it was big news and very few people knew it had happened. Then annual search for the local envoy to go to Germany always caught the public imagination but over the years, interest feels like it has dwindled in comparison to 50 years ago.
But aside of all the specific groups which are linked, there are also other indicators of the twinning arrangement such as references on street signs such as Welcome to Derby and of course, the fact that we have an area known as Osnabrück Square, which was recently restored and relaid as part of the work to repair the city’s Market Hall and which involved an Osnabrck representative at the official reopening.
Last year, Derby City Council leader Councillor Nadine Peatfield visited Osnabrück to take a whistle-stop tour – fully funded by herself – to learn more about Osnabrück and represent Derby at their annual Derby Day.
She said: “It really was a jam-packed few days meeting with Osnabrück’s Oberburgermeister, or Lord Mayor, and visiting the Skulptur Gallerie (sculpture gallery).
“It was a privilege to also attend Derby Day at the Maiwoche Festival – an annual celebration of our city’s twinning. I joined some some Derby artists from Artcore and members of the public to create a peace-themed mural on the Platz der Stadtefreundschaften (City Partnership Square).
Then it was time for music, and I enjoyed watching Willow Bay, Scribble Victory and Dammit Jack flying the flag for Derbyshire with live performances. The Pipes and Drums of the Royal British Legion Osnabrück were a spectacular finale.”
Mrs Peatfield said she received a very warm welcome from the people of Osnabrück, including many who want to come to Derbythis year for the 50th twinning anniversary.
She said: “I’m now more passionate than ever about strengthening the ties between our two cities and ensuring that we educate future generations not only about the history behind our twinning, but the value that our close partnership holds.
“During my visit of Osnabrück I toured some areas of the city centre that are earmarked for regeneration, and it was interesting to see that they face many of the same challenges as we do in Derby. Empty shops and buildings are issues there too.”
Mrs Peatfield said that the city council is working closely with cultural and community partners to deliver a vibrant, inclusive programme to celebrate both the Osnabrück anniversary and also city status in 2027.
She said: “An exciting year of celebrations will take place across 2026 and 2027, marking two major milestones in Derby’s history.
“This dual celebration, named 50:50, will provide a unique opportunity to reflect on Derby’s heritage, celebrate our twinning relationship, and look forward to an ambitious future.
“50:50 will officially launch on Tuesday, Feb 17 2026 and a calendar of wide-ranging events will follow on from that date and span 2026 into 2027.
“The celebrations will aim to unite our communities both locally and internationally, and celebrate all that is great, innovative, and inclusive about our city.”
Osnabrück – Town Hall, St Peter’s Cathedral, founded in the 1th century, Osnabruck Zoo.
Derby – Derby Cathedral, Museum of Making, Derby Museum and Art Gallery, featuring Wright of Derby.
Industry:
Osnabrück – companies in the automobile, paper, steel and grocery sectors are located in the city and its surrounding area.
Both emphasise peace (Osnabrück as “City of Peace”) and industrial heritage (Derby as birthplace of Industrial Revolution).
There is an annual exchange between the wind bands of John Port Spencer Academy, Etwall, and its twin school Gymnasium Melle in Melle, Germany, District of Osnabrücker Land.
An exchange was established in 2009 between Allestree Woodlands School and the Gymnasium Angelaschule in Osnabrück. This exchange was originally based on a drama project by both schools in June 2009, which included performances in both cities with over 1,600 visitors. It is now a language and culture exchange between the two schools, run by the German department at Allestree Woodlands School.
There are also links between the two cathedrals and their choirs. The main choir link is between Derby Choral Union and German choir Marienkantorei.
