Grass Valley town crier recounts visit to Bodmin, Cornwall; twinning approaches 30th anniversary

Paul Haas, Grass Valley—s town crier, reported to council on a recent civic exchange visit to Bodmin in Cornwall, United Kingdom, that reestablished ties and added artifacts to the Grass Valley collection.

"It was a tremendous trip," Haas said, describing a program of receptions at Shire Hall, meetings with Mayor Liz Ahern and Deputy Mayor Mike Barberi, and presentations of gifts. Haas said the delegation carried the city—s proclamation and a key to the city; the key briefly went missing in London but was recovered before the Bodmin events. Bodmin officials presented Cornish items including an autographed rugby ball and other artifacts intended for display in the Grass Valley Room at Shire Hall.

Haas described cultural highlights including visits to St. Paul—s Cathedral, BBC Radio Cornwall, and local music groups. He said portraits of Cornish bards Eleanor Kennitzer and Gage McKinney will be added to Bodmin—s Grass Valley room, and that Bodmin officials invited Grass Valley residents to visit. Haas noted plans connected to Cornish Christmas and observed that the upcoming year will be significant for the choir director Eleanor Kennitzer, who is retiring after long service.

Council members thanked Haas for representing the city and discussed arranging student and school exchanges or other cultural activities. No formal council action was taken on the presentation.

Ending: The council expressed appreciation and encouraged continued cultural and school engagement between Grass Valley and Bodmin.