Forres–Mount Dora Twinning Association meeting re-establishes link opportunities

Links between Forres and its American twin town were strengthened during a local meeting on Friday, August 29.

The ‘Cross Pond Connections’ community and business event at the Mosset Tavern brought together residents from both, to discuss reinvigorating the relationship of over 30 years developed by the Forres–Mount Dora Twinning Association.

Former chairman, Andy Hall, welcomed visitors including Mount Dora Sister Cities Association president, Eve Passmore, and vice-president, Taryn Souder.

“The event flew by,” said Eve. “New friendships formed and collaborative opportunities were dreamt up. Anyone interested in being part of this beautiful, decades-long story is encouraged to reach out.”

Following introductions, there was a brief history of the link between the towns before a focus on current connections as well as hopes for future collaborations.

Eve said: “While the relationship between the towns was once centred around student exchanges, the early re-focus will initially seek to build other connections. These will include business-to-business, person-to-person, and organisation-to-organisation links, to create a stronger bond between the two communities.”

New cultural and financial relations are already developing.

Forres-based recipient of Mount Dora’s Artist Exchange award this year, Morgan Jenkins, is travelling to Mount Dora in October. He will work on a tapestry project with the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, meeting other artists, and taking part in the town’s annual craft fair, one of the largest in the USA.

Twinned firms Speyside Brewery and Eden Abbey Brewing Community showcased new ‘Out of the Woods’ ale in February. Respective versions of the barrel-aged collaborative beer was made by both breweries.

Mount Dora-based children’s author, Taryn Souders, recently visited Pilmuir Primary School to discuss her career, gifting books thanks to a donation from the Kiwanis Club of Mount Dora. Souders also delivered hand-written letters from students in her town, hoping to start a pen pal connection.

Leader of one of Mount Dora’s run clubs, David Souders, recently joined Nadine Williams and her son Laurence for a hill run with Forres Harriers. Mount Dora Run Club is looking into joining the Harriers for a race in the next few years.

Various other tourism and cultural participants introduced themselves to the American visitors, who promised to share the contacts with interested parties back in Florida.

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