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Mindelheim – Germany
  The town of Mindelheim lies in the State of Bavaria, in the south-western region known as The Allgau, about 80 kms west of Munich, lying between the Black Forest and the woods of Bohemia.. The River Mindel, which runs through the town, is a tributary of the Danube. The town has developed from a population of just over 1,800 inhabitants in the last quarter of the eighteenth century to the present population of around 12,500, which is about half that of East Grinstead.
It is a very historic town and there are many links between the Mindelheim area and this country. The first Duke of Marlborough was given land in the surrounding area to mark his victories, for example at Blenheim, in the war of the Spanish Succession. The ancestors of Queen Mary ruled over Mindelheim and are buried in the Parish Church there, and their reign is commorated in a street name.
 The first impression that a visitor to Mindelheim gets, is that this is a town that cries out to be photographed. The mixture of medieval towers, wonderful churches and modern buildings is almost unique. There are many Festivals celebrated during the year and every third year is celebrated the Frundsbergfest, a ceremony which dates back to the early beginnings of the town, some 500 years ago.
One notable feature about Mindelheim life is that there is a great abundance of societies and organisations catering for all ages and tastes. One especially, the Alpine Club, has been most generous to the English visitors offering free ski training. Football and other sports clubs have extended invitations for exchanges and visits. The Mindelheim Choir has been to East Grinstead and our own Operatic Society had a very successful visit when they performed the ‘Mikado’. The town band of Mindelheim has had three rousing visits to East Grinstead and nearly had the roof off the King’s Centre with their beerfest music. The East Grinstead Fire Service has exchanged and individual friendships continue to this day.
The schools have all the most modern facilities and until recently an annual exchange was made with Sackville School, including work experience.
Mindelheim is within easy reach of Munich, is close to the Austrian border and some of the best ski slopes in Europe. It is also close to the Ammersee and Bodensee lakes for water sports, and ideally situated as a centre for visiting other parts of Bavaria, including the palace of the ‘mad’ King LudwigII , Schloss Neuschwanstein.
Those fortunate enough to visit Mindelheim will invariably report that they have been overwhelmed by the cordial hospitality and friendship afforded them by the Mindelheimers. They will also feel at home when visiting the Town Square which contains two red English telephone boxes which were presented to the town of Mindelheim on the 10th anniversary.
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