Visitors from Betzdorf, Germany along with their hosts were given a Civic Reception with a difference on Saturday morning. On a beautifully sunny day, members of the Ross-Betzdorf Twinning Association gathered at Ross Sports Centre for an official welcome from Ross Town Mayor, Councillor John Edwards followed by a cricket match.

Mayor Edwards' speech was both sincerely welcoming and light hearted and he and his Mayoress, Susan Edwards presented the visitors with a cricket bat and ball. The welcome by Mayor Edwards was answered by the Deputy Burgermeister of Betzdorf, Herr Werner Neuhaus, who presented the Mayor with a digital picture frame on which to play the photographic memories of this special 30th anniversary visit and a framed photograph, both of which will be kept in a special Twinning room at the Corn Exchange. Both speeches were brilliantly interpreted by Chairman of the Betzdorf contingent, Dominik Wichmann, who also read a letter from the original Chairman of the Betzdorf Association without the assistance of notes in English.

Once the speeches were over the mornings event was handed over to the Master of Ceremonies, who gave a brief explanation of how the morning would continue. Demonstrations of cricket techniques and equipment were given by members of Ross Cricket Club's youth squad, followed by a Short, limited overs, game with participants from both Associations. After the game, everybody was treated to a delicious lunch in the form of a traditional English cricket tea in the Sports Centre building, provided by members of Ross Cricket Club.