HENLEY is to be twinned with a Slovenian town famous for rowing.

The town’s partnership with Bled, which hosted the world rowing championships in 2011, will be its third twinning link following previous agreements with Leichlingen in Germany and Falaise in France.

A ceremony will be held on April 22 in the town hall to sign and seal the twining charter of the latest partnership.

At a meeting of the Henley Town Council’s town and community committee, Mayor Elizabeth Hodgkin said she was “absolutely delighted” to cement the arrangements.

A steering group discovered that Bled, which has a population of 5,000, has strong links with rowing and the Slovenian national team train at its rowing centre.

Bled also hosts an international music festival with similarities to the Henley .

There are already plans for a group from Henley, including Leander Club captain Debbie Flood, two junior eights from Henley Rowing Club and Upper Thames Rowing Club and civic dignitaries, to visit Bled.

Published 15/03/13