Twin town swimmers take on Wycombe (From Bucks Free Press)

Twin town swimmers take on Wycombe

3:54pm Saturday 18th October 2008 in News By Andy Carswell

SWIMMERS from High Wycombe's twin town in Germany were taking on their English counterparts in the pool at Handy Cross today.

The youngsters from Kelkheim were among 350 swimmers from 22 clubs taking part at Wycombe District Swimming Club's annual meet.

The 15 German pupils arrived in Bucks on Thursday and are set to return home tomorrow after a sightseeing trip to London.

Steve Vine, chairman of the Wycombe club, said: “We've got very close links and it's important we've made that sort of link with Kelkheim.

“The kids have all had a great day.”

Sharon Maitland, a coach at the club, said: “The swimmers here are all really good friends – they all mix very well and it's the same with the Germans.

“They are getting to know the German kids and making new friends and will keep in touch with each other.”

The German children are staying with host families in High Wycombe and went to the town's schools yesterday.

Petra Haas, whose daughter Sabrina was taking part in today's swimming event, said: “The families here have very nicely accommodated us.

“The children have experienced quite a lot of differences in England – even the way you hold a swimming gala is different, so it's quite interesting for the children.”

Sabrina said the main differences she experienced were the school timetable, having to wear a school uniform – and travelling on a double decker bus.