Twinning
Redruth is proud to be twinned with three towns around the world: Plumergat et Meriadec in Brittany, France, Mineral Point in Wisconsin, USA, and Real del Monte in Hidalgo, Mexico. Each partnership has its own dedicated twinning association, which looks after the relationship through exchange visits and local fundraising.
Plumergat et Meriadec, Brittany
Redruth’s link with Meriadec began in 1988, following a visit from junior footballers from the Redruth area. A formal meeting followed in 1992, where representatives from both communities explored the idea of an official partnership. Their shared enthusiasm led to the Twinning Charter being signed in Redruth on Murdoch Day in May 1993, with a reciprocal signing in Plumergat the following October.
Since then, numerous exchange visits have taken place, giving residents the chance to experience one another’s culture, heritage and language, and building friendships that often last a lifetime. The Redruth Twinning Association has also helped arrange work placements for students wanting to experience life in Cornwall, supported by local businesses including hoteliers, equestrian centres, solicitors and shops.
For more information, email Alan Jewell alanjewell180@btinternet.com
Mineral Point, Wisconsin, USA
The twinning relationship with Mineral Point began in 1997, after a visit by Jim Jewell, a postman from the town researching Cornish migration to Wisconsin. His work uncovered strong historical links between the two communities and led to him being honoured as a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd.
Many families in and around Mineral Point proudly trace their roots to Cornish settlers, some with connections to neighbouring communities such as Camborne. Despite the distance between Cornwall and Wisconsin, the two twinning associations remain in regular contact, with school exchange visits helping young people learn about each other’s culture, heritage and community life, keeping the shared history between the two towns alive for future generations.
For more information, email Alan Jewell alanjewell180@btinternet.com
Real del Monte, Hidalgo, Mexico
Redruth’s third international twinning link is with Real del Monte, a small town in Mexico’s Hidalgo province. The connection dates back to the 1820s, when Cornish miners travelled to Mexico to work in the region’s silver mines, leaving a legacy that can still be seen today.
One of the most striking reminders is the English Cemetery in Real del Monte, where many headstones bear familiar Cornish names, still carried by generations of local residents who trace their ancestry to those Cornish miners. Real del Monte also celebrates its Cornish links through its many paste, or pasty, shops, a tradition introduced by the miners, and its annual Paste Festival each October, a celebration of food, heritage and cultural exchange that draws visitors from across Mexico and beyond.
The town tries to integrate this tradition into its own annual International Mining and Pasty Festival, celebrating the rich, shared heritage and traditions.
For more information about the Real del Monte Twinning Association, visit redruthtwinning.org.