Stratford Sister Cities World Reunion 2010
New Zealand 4th – 10th March 2010
BACKGROUND
Stratford, Ontario and Stratford, Connecticut, have had a long history of cultural, sporting, and social exchanges.
In 1985, Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, became involved and since their involvement, a reunion has taken place every two years.
Stratford, Prince Edward Island and Stratford, New Zealand, joined the group in 1997.
Stratford, Australia, joined the group in 1998, so there were six Sister Cities involved in the 1999 reunion in Stratford, New Zealand and also the 2001 reunion on Prince Edward Island, Canada.
The principle objective behind the Sister Cities program is to promote friendship and cultural exchange between participating countries. Membership is restricted to those Stratfords which have a Shakespeare Theatre or Festival.
Stratford, Victoria, has had a Shakespeare Festival for over 10 years and therefore qualified and was duly accepted into the program.
Reunions are held every two years and are hosted in rotation by the member Stratfords. Since Australia joined in 1998, reunions have been held in New Zealand in 1999 with 5 Aussies attending, Prince Edward Island in 2001 with 7 locals attending and in 2003 our Stratford hosted the World Reunion.
In 2005 37 Aussies traveled to the UK and in 2007, Stratford Ontario had the honour of hosting this fabulous event. The NZ Committee has already received enthusiastic response from Stratfordians involved in past Reunions.
Each of the member Stratfords create a Friendship Garden. The Stratford Lions Club and Wellington Shire Council collaborated on a Friendship Garden, which is adjacent to the Library in Tyres Street.
How Can You Be Involved?
Plan to be there in 2010!
Spread the word
Contact us for more information