Polegate welcomed Alexa Felicitas von der Recke from RTL Nord on Saturday 19 September for a special filming visit celebrating the town’s international twinning links, civic life, and vibrant community.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase Polegate, highlight the value of its international friendships, and demonstrate how twinning fosters community connections, cultural exchange, and understanding between towns and communities across Europe.
Alexa’s visit began at the Polegate Council Chamber, where she was welcomed by Mayor Stephen Shing, Deputy Mayor Cllr Dan Dunbar, and the Chair and Secretary of the Polegate Twinning Association, Dr Yusaf Samiullah.
Filming at the Council Chamber focused on the town’s civic life and its longstanding commitment to international twinning. The visit highlighted how these partnerships continue to strengthen relationships between communities and encourage cultural understanding.
Following the Council Chamber filming, Alexa visited the town grounds and several twinning road signs, including those near the Polegate and Willingdon Windmill site. She was also given a tour of Polegate, including the Community Centre, before attending the Late Summer Fête in Polegate High Street, which took place from 2pm to 5pm.
The fête provided an excellent opportunity to capture the character of the town, its residents, community activities, and local businesses. With a lively atmosphere and strong community spirit, the event offered a fitting backdrop for showcasing Polegate at its best.
During the visit, Deputy Mayor Cllr Dan Dunbar shared the story of the close friendship between Polegate and its German twin town, Appen. Following the Great Storm of 15 to 16 October 1987, Appen generously gifted 500 replacement trees to Polegate to help restore those lost in the storm. In appreciation, Polegate presented Appen with a traditional red telephone box, which remains in use today outside the Appen Council offices as a miniature library.
Mayor Stephen Shing said: “We were delighted to welcome Alexa to Polegate for this special filming visit. The opportunity to film in the Council Chamber and around the town helped showcase both our civic life and the strong international friendships developed through our twinning activities.
It was wonderful that Alexa was able to experience not only our civic setting but also the warm and welcoming atmosphere of our Late Summer Fête. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to highlight Polegate’s community spirit and the valuable relationships we continue to build with our twinning partners.”
The visit also highlighted recent exchanges and ongoing links with Appen, reflecting the continued development of Polegate’s international partnerships.
By bringing together elements of the town’s civic life, community events, and twinning history, the filming visit celebrated the friendships and connections that have grown through Polegate’s international relationships.
Polegate looks forward to continuing to strengthen these partnerships and creating further opportunities for residents to engage with and learn from its twinning communities in the years ahead.
