Twinning Fingerpost
To raise awareness about the Twinning link between Cheltenham US and Cheltenham UK, the Township Twinning Committee will install a Twinning Fingerpost at the Township Administration Building that points to our official twin as well as to other Cheltenhams in the world with links to our Cheltenham UK forbearer. The manufacture of the post began in late 2010.
Installation
Dedication
Twinning Charter Signed
After more than 50 years of friendship and reciprocal visits, Cheltenham Township formalized our relationship with namesake Cheltenham, UK, with the signing of an official Twinning Charter on October 11, 2003.
The Board of Commissioners created the Twinning Committee to develop a regular program for exchanges between the two communities. The Twinning Committee will establish programs to develop cultural, social, educational, governmental, fraternal, sporting or other connections to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two communities. For example, the group recently helped organize email "pen pals" for students in Elkins Park School with counterparts in Cheltenham, UK, schools.
Any groups or organizations interested in forging a link with Cheltenham, UK, are welcome to contact the Twinning Committee for assistance. Committee meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Township Administration Building, beginning at 7:30 p.m. In addition, the committee invites residents who would like to be more involved to become members. Eligible candidates must be registered voters.
The committee is also looking for local hosts who would welcome Cheltenham, UK, guests in their homes during future visits. Staying in private homes instead of hotels is preferred since making friends and experiencing different lifestyles are major goals of the twinning program. Anyone interested in serving as host or taking part in other twinning activities should email their name, address, telephone number and any special interest.
2009 TWINNING FITNESS CHALLENGE
On May 18, 2009, a gym in Cheltenham Township, US, and Cheltenham Borough, UK, launched a “race” across the Atlantic in the First Annual Cheltenham Twinning Fitness Challenge.
This friendly competition between the two Cheltenhams, which are officially designated as twin cities, was designed to foster goodwill between the communities. “We have helped students, firefighters and others connect with UK counterparts,” said James McCann, III, who chairs the township twinning committee, “but this is our first ‘race’.” In addition to increasing public awareness about the twin Cheltenhams, the event is an excellent way to promote fitness for the summer.
The Gym in Elkins Park, US, and the Leisure at Cheltenham Fitness Center, UK, were the challenge competitors. Each logged the daily miles accrued on one treadmill, one elliptical and one recumbent bike. The first gym to total 3,450 miles – the distance between the two Cheltenhams – wins. The Cheltenham Township Twinning Committee supplied the trophy, which The Gym in Elkins Park -- the winning gym -- will get to display until the next competition.
2010 Fitness Challenge
Leisure@cheltenham, UK, won the 2010 contest with The Gym in Elkins Park, US by achieving a weight loss of 68 lbs, representing 2.1% of their total. By comparison, The Gym lost 51 pounds or 1.5% of their total. The Cheltenham Township Twinning Committee will have the trophy engraved and sent to the winning team.