AN AUTHOR from Coventry has strengthened ties with Germany through school visits and cultural exchange.
Aaron Ashmore traveled to Dresden in Germany to promote his work and the project which twinned the two cities.
The author of books such as Lady Godiva’s Birthday Suit and Coventry: The Phoenix City visited the city in partnership with CAIF, Coventry Association for International Friendship.
Aaron gave a talk about his books and gave the children a virtual tour of Coventry.
Aaron said: “I have long been aware of the various cities around the world that Coventry is twinned with, so it has been a pleasure to visit the schools.
“Over the week, I was fortunate to be given tours around the fantastic city so I could learn even more about Dresden.”
Coventry and Dresden were twinned in 1956 and became the first post-war twin city partnership.
Franca Funke, a teacher at Hans Erlwein Gymnasium, said: “The talk went very well. You could see from the response of the audience that the students listened attentively, asked lots of questions, and Aaron got them thinking about the connection between Coventry and Dresden.
“Aaron was able to motivate the students and shared lots of information about the city and the way he works.”
Julius, 17, a pupil at the school, added: “It was a pleasure to meet Aaron.
“My friends and I were really impressed because he illustrated the culture of Coventry very well and explained his influence and love for the city very precisely.
“I am really looking forward to taking him to an SG Dynamo Dresden football game in the future.”
Nikolai Press, part of CAIF added: “We are delighted that Aaron agreed to travel to Dresden – his passion for his city is infectious and we were hoping that he can pass some of that on to the pupils in Dresden – and he did not disappoint.
“Addressing and involving the young generation is one of CAIF’s key aims and Aaron’s visit to Dresden was a very important part if it.”
