Stratford NZ welcomes its sister cities | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

A wonderful week of events
THE Stratfords of the World reunion committee, with the generous help of many groups and individual volunteers, has put together a Stratfords of the World Reunion Week full of fun and engaging activities.
Public playtime
Members of the public are invited to enjoy a whole range of events, including the madness that is Stratford On Stage’s theatre production of  ‘A Midsummer Nightmare,’ directed by Ray Cleaver.
For something a little less crazy and a little more symbolic, members of the public are more than welcome to come along to a very special Stratfords of the World tree-planting ceremony, on the afternoon of Friday, March 5.
Why not spend Saturday, March 6 enjoying a visit to the town market day? On that day, you could also let yourself by entertained by all the shenanigans going on at ‘Baldrick’s Big Day Out’ – complete with Best Baldrick, Sauciest Wench and Raggediest Urchin competitions, refreshments and craft stalls, and Medieval combat demonstrations.
For something a little more reflective, join the church service on the morning of Sunday, March 7 at the Holy Trinity Church.
Making a fuss
As well as getting to enjoy all the public events, the special international visitors will get to have fun at some exclusive events put on just for them. These include an opening Marae ceremony, a Civic Reception, a Medieval Banquet and local sightseeing tours.
Most of the visitors are being hosted at the homes of 34 locals and some of the overseas delegates will be visiting local organisations such as schools, farms, and service clubs.
All will get the chance to enjoy our town, our rural landscape, our gardens, mountain, and local attractions like Pioneer Village, and a number of local businesses are offering discounts to visitors.
The committee is in no doubt that Stratford’s informal friendliness will be experienced by all the overseas ‘Stratfordians,’ as well as a group of Lions Club delegates who will also be in Stratford at the time.
Generous sponsorship has been received from the British Council, local authorities (Stratford District Council and Taranaki Regional Council), the TSB Trust and the Taranaki Electricity Trust, and the Stratford, Ontario City Council. This has allowed the committee to entertain and provision our visitors, and include local sightseeing tours, at minimal cost to the other ‘Stratfordians’. 
A special website – ww.stratfordsoftheworld.com - has also been up and running since last year.