Cathedral, Novi Sad

There are many similarities between the cities of Norwich and Novi Sad - our twin town in Serbia. Both are the main city in a fertile agricultural area with associated food processing and agricultural-related industry; both have an imposing castle and important churches; both are cultural and educational centres with a history of independent thinking.

Novi Sad is a multi-national community with 5 ‘official’ languages and a wealth of variety and culture.

Old Town Hall, Novi Sad

Links

The link between Norwich and Novi Sad was set up 40 years ago after visits between city officials. Since then there has been continuing contact between the two cities with official visits, cultural exchanges and, for many years, a biennial pupil exchange.

Contact was maintained during the difficult period of changes in Yugoslavia. Now that the situation is more settled activities are being re-established, developed and extended.

The Clock Tower, Novi Sad

The Association

The Norfolk and Norwich Novi Sad Association was set up in 1985 to support the twinning of the two cities and to further twinning links and activities. The Association is very active in:

• providing programmes of talks
• organising outings
• presenting fund-raising concerts
• arranging trips to Novi Sad
• developing exchanges between students in both cities and their regions.

Links have also been established between the Rotary Clubs and Fire Brigades in the two cities.

For several years the Association has provided a liaison between Norwich Central Churches Together and the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organisation in Novi Sad. This has led to very successful exchange visits by clergy.

The Association has also been active in supporting institutions and charities in Novi Sad - particularly for the relief of those affected by the dramatic changes that have taken place in the region during the past decade. The Association continues to help a school for children with special needs.

The Novi Sad Friendship Bridge, Norwich

The Novi Sad Friendship Bridge over the River Wensum opened in November 2001 and marks the close contact between the two cities and their citizens.

Finding out more

If you would like to contact the Association or apply for membership, please email the Honorary secretary at Diana.beckley@tiscali.co.uk or call 01508 480262.