On June 18th 1992 Bridgwater and Uherske Hradiste became the first British and Czech towns to twin after the 1989 Velvet Revolution. The date was chosen specially as it was the date of the battle in the Crypt in Prague in 1942 when the British trained Czech paratroopers who assassinated Heydrich fought to the death in a glorious act of resistance to the Nazis. However, back in 1992 the first of a 2-leg twinning link-up happened in Bridgwater.
Mon June 15 a coach full of Czechs from the UH area arrived in Bridgwater. Consisting mainly of the folk dance band VLCNOVJAN they were home hosted by people around the town. There was a reception at the Art Centre for them
Tues June 16 The Czechs toured down to Exeter and up to Glastonbury
Wed June 17 Brian Smedley drove a Skoda on loan from Rob Williams of Bristol Road Motors up to Heathrow to collect Deputy Mayor Jaroslav Petrik and Petr Tatak. That evening there was a Mayors reception and a visit to the popular Sedgemoor Splash
Thurs 18 June the Mayor and the Czech dancers performed in Bridgwater High street to open the new Tourist information centre (now the second studio of the Engine Room) then in the afternoon performed again at Sydenham Manor where the twinning document was signed. The Police took the Mayors for a drive in a patrol car and in the evening a party was held at NJRs.
Friday 19 June The Czechs visited Blake School, Bridgwater College, the Labour Club and to Cheddar Caves
Saturday 20 June The Bridgwater Twinning group formed a football team and played against the dancers. Bridgwater lost 5.4. In the evening a packed Bridgwater art centre saw the Czechs perform. It was there that the Mayor Mr Petrik announced from the stage that he had just heard that Czechoslovakia was to split into Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Sunday 21 June The Czechs performed at Burnham on sea esplanade
