Gdynia, Poland 1976

"Gdynia is a progressive and cosmopolitan city"

In 1976, Plymouth's already well earned reputation for friendly international links took a change of direction eastwards when it entered into a twin city agreement with Gdynia on the Polish Baltic Coast.

Unlike Plymouth, Gdynia was a relatively new city, having only been established in 1926. Associations between the cities however went back to the Second World War with close Naval ties and a large expatriate community in Plymouth.

With a population of around 250,000 Gdynia is a progressive and cosmopolitan city forming with neighbouring Sopot and Gdansk what has become known as the 'Troj-Miasta' or 'Tri-City'.

The links between the cities are very active and the collapse of Communism, abolition of visa requirements and availability of frequent and relatively inexpensive transport resulted in significant numbers of visitors to and from the respective cities.

At least four schools have taken part in formal exchange programmes with Gdynia. Two others are in the formative stages of specific projects with secondary schools in Gdynia.

Close links are maintained between the cities' theatres and there have been performances both professional and amateur in the recent past. Projects being developed include artistic exhibitions and sporting links.

Sport plays quite a part in the relationship and teams from Plymouth have competed in the annual Twin Cities Sporting Competition held in Gdynia.

A successful relationship with a twin city must however strive to be all embracing reflecting the very many facets of a community. It is important therefore that business and commerce should be encouraged, and supported wherever possible, to form productive links - usually between representative bodies such as Chambers of Commerce. Such a dialogue has already been established between the Plymouth and Gdynia Chambers and there is real optimism that this can be built upon in the years to come to the mutual benefit of the two local economies.

The success of the link was acknowledged in 2001 which witnessed the 25th Anniversary of the link.

Quite apart from these formal links, Gdynia is a wonderful place to visit. Like Plymouth, the visitor has easy access to both the sea and the splendid countryside forming the backcloth to the City - in Gdynia's case the picturesque Cashubian 'Switzerland' with its rolling hills and deep blue lakes

Why not consider getting involved in the link and have the opportunity to see for yourself?

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