Rotherham-Riesa Language Project recognised at regional awards
The English language course (details below) offered by the Language College at Wath Comprehensive and supported by RMBC has won 3rd place at the 'Making A Difference in Yorkshire & Humber 2007 Awards.
The Regional Awards, organised by Local Government Yorkshire & Humber and held at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on 29 November 2007, are designed to celebrate the difference made by local government across Yorkshire and Humber and recognise the success stories and excellent work taking place in the region.
The Riesa English Language project came third in the category, 'Looking beyond our shores: Award for transnational working'. The certificate was presented by Claire Frisby of BBC's Look North Breakfast programme.
Nigel Bemrose, Director of the Language College commented: "It's the first year we've linked up with Riesa, so I think we've done very well. There will be a second course next February, and we hope to build on the contacts in the future". Joanne Wehrle, Principal Officer (Regional & International Affairs) at RMBC added: "We're delighted that our hard work has been recognised in the region".
Joanne Wehrle and Natalie Hunter from RMBC's International & Regional Affairs Team with Nigel Bemrose from Wath Comprehensive as they pick up their certificate.
Riesa visitors are top of the class
A visit by a group of business people from Rotherham’s partner town of Riesa in Germany has been hailed as a great success. Whilst in the borough, the delegation took part in an English language course offered by the Language College at Wath Comprehensive School in a bid to improve their English skills.
Nigel Bemrose, Director of the Language College, said: “Our German guests have worked very hard. They have made a real effort and some excellent progress. I hope they will be confident enough to use their English when they get home.”
Nigel Bemrose, Director of the Language College at Wath with our German visitors outside the Rotherham Town Hall
As part of the programme for the two week stay, the Council presented its vision for the future development of Rotherham and set up a range of meetings with local businesses. Visits to major development sites helped to demonstrate how Rotherham is regenerating its economy following the demise of traditional coal and steel industries.
The partnership with Riesa was established in 1998 due to the common problems being experienced by the two towns following the closure of the steel plants and restructuring of the economy.
The group also made a visit to the town’s new radio station, Rother FM, where Riesa TV boss Marco Branig was interviewed about his trip to Rotherham.
Joanne Wehrle, Partnership Officer for European and Regional Affairs, who helped to put together the programme for the visit, said: “This was an excellent opportunity to show off the town and promote all the exciting new development that is taking place and planned for the future. By sharing best practice and making new links we can strengthen the partnership between our two towns.”
“A big thank you must also go to the host families who offered accommodation and showed some true Yorkshire hospitality to our guests.”
But the last word must come from the Riesa visitors themselves who said, “We have met some very nice people during our stay. The visits to the companies were very interesting and we were impressed to see how the Council is working together with local business for the benefit of Rotherham.”
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