A delegation from our German ‘twin’ – the town of Horb am Neckar – visits Haslemere next week, marking the 25th anniversary of the towns’ twinning.

Mayor Sahran Abeysundara has asked that Haslemere shops – and other local businesses – add to the town’s official welcome with use wherever possible of the German flag colours of black, red and yellow.

“It can create a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere when the whole town is involved in this way,” he says.

The delegation arrives in Haslemere on Wednesday. One of the highlights of the visit will be the planting of a ‘friendship tree’ on Lion Green at 18:00 on Saturday, 17 September.