On Thursday 6 March, a tree was planted at the roundabout on the Laan van Bath in Alkmaar-Noord. The tree was planted in honor of 80 years of friendship between Alkmaar and Bath. An oak (Quercus robur ‘Heritage’) was chosen because 80 years is a so-called Oak anniversary. Some members of the Alkmaars Exchange Committee were present at the planting. In Bath, a similar tree is also planted as part of 80 years of friendship.
At the tree in Alkmaar there will be a sign that will be unveiled on May 1 by Alderman Anjo van de Ven in the presence of a group of people from Bath who visit our city on the occasion of the anniversary in that period. On the sign is the following text: ‘this tree was planted on the occasion of 80 years of urban connection between Alkmaar and Bath 1945 – 2025’. With the city arms of Alkmaar and Bath.
Adoption
Alkmaar has an urban connection with Bath in England, a connection that dates back to March 1945. It was on 25 March 1945 that the city of Bath formally “adopted”Alkmaar. On that day, the Alkmaar appeal was launched, an appeal to the inhabitants of Bath to help the people in Alkmaar who were affected by The ‘Hunger Winter’. In July 1945, the first Alkmaar Week was held, including a surprise visit by the newly reinstated Mayor of Alkmaar, who had been given a special military pass to attend. Since then, many exchanges have taken place between young people and older people from different backgrounds.
Flower bulbs
As part of this urban link, 24,000 flower bulbs were donated to Bath by the Alkmaars Exchange Committee at the end of last year. The Globes are distributed among welfare institutions and parks in Bath to celebrate the 80-year bond of friendship through this floral tribute.
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