The Mayor has taken a trip to one of Malvern's European twin towns.

Cllr Clive Hooper visited Czech partner town Mariánské Lázně in early May following an invitation from its Mayor, Martin Huračík, for the annual Opening of the Spa Season.

The event featured a performance from the West Bohemian Symphony Orchestra, followed by a dedication service led by Abbot Lobkowicz of Tepla Monastery.

 

 

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A formal lunch was also in the schedule followed by a tour to various Bohemian towns in the U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site area to study tourism developments.

The event marked the fifth time that a mayor from Malvern has honoured the annual invitation in the community partnership's 13-year history.

The town is one of 11 European Spa U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Sites, with a spa tradition of over two centuries.

Czech scientist, former research associate at Cambridge University and regular Malvern visitor Dr Petr Somol also made an appearance, receiving two books about the area from Cllr Hooper; 'Most Secret - Boffins Come to Malvern' sheds light on the development of Radar and associated inventions during WWII, while 'Inspiring Outside the Box' is about the town's Festival of Innovation.

The presentation was at the Royal Golf Club Mariánské Lázně, in homage to King Edward VII, who founded the club in 1905.

The club was given the title 'Royal' by Queen Elizabeth II, who's portrait hangs at the venue's restaurant alongside that of her great-grandfather's, the club's namesake.

Following talks at previous editions of the event, Dr Somol has also accepted his invite from Cllr Hooper to Malvern Civic Society's 'Midsummer Malvern' for a discussion on 'Artificial Intelligence; the Opportunities and Safeguards'.

The Czech town's Fontana Choir is set to visit Malvern at the end of June following the visit of the Hills Singers to Mariánské Lázně in 2018.