Croydon’s Civic Mayor is visiting the Dutch town of Arnhem, the borough’s twin town, on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem.
Croydon has been twinned with Arnhem in the Netherlands since 1985 and Croydon Council has since sent civic representatives to this important event of remembrance to the thousands who lost their lives in the Battle of Arnhem in 1944.
The battle saw Allied paratroopers – including those from Croydon – bravely attempt to liberate the town through Operation Market Garden.
The three-day trip, starting on Friday (20 September), will see the Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Kola Agboola, and the Mayoress, Mrs Helen Agboola, represent the borough in Arnhem.
The Civic Mayor and Mayoress will attend the commemoration service at Eusebius Church, followed by a silent walk through the Airborneplein Cemetery to lay a wreath. On Saturday, they will drive in convoy with Mayor Marcouch and the King’s Commissioner to airborne landing sites and commemorations. On Sunday, they will pay their respects at an Airborne Memorial Service at Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
Croydon’s ties with Arnhem go back to 1946, when business and cultural links were formed following World War II. With both towns heavily bombed, a common bond was formed over the years of recovery and rebuilding.
Councillor Kola Agboola, the Civic Mayor of Croydon, said: “We are really looking forward to meeting our Dutch colleagues there and witnessing the bond between our twin towns. There has always been a vital connection between Croydon and Arnhem, which makes this trip even more special for the 80th anniversary.”
“The visit this week by our Civic Mayor is important in forming a key element of civic pride, as it recognises the sacrifices of so many and the rebuilding of our links with Croydon’s twin town of Arnhem.
“That is why I have made sure that these connections are reinstated and that the Civic Mayor will be in Arnhem this year to remember the 80th anniversary.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon