The twinning charter between Sandwich Massachusetts and Sandwich in east Kent was signed on Friday.

The town sergeant Kevin Cook, Deputy Mayor Pip Russell and members of Bringing Alive Sandwich History were present to see the four copies of the charter signed by the Mayor Cllr Paul Graeme, the town clerk Laura Fidler and James Frost, chairman of BASH.

It was signed in the Mayor’s parlour at the Guildhall, Cattle Market, and two copies have now been returned to the American counterparts.

One copy remains with the Mayor and one remains with BASH, which they will display at the Twin Town Tea Party, held at St Peter’s Church, on June 21, from 3-5pm.

Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Paul Graeme said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity, on behalf of Sandwich, Kent, to sign this twinning charter with Sandwich, Massachusetts.

“Our towns share more than their name, not least local and national distinction as historic communities.

“I hope that we can grow closer in mutual understanding and appreciation of each town’s heritage and community life.”

The proclamation was signed in Massachusetts on Wednesday morning at their town hall in time for their Heritage Day on June 14, to celebrate their 375th anniversary.

There are hopes that trips will be made across the water as a result, in 2008 the Mayor of Sandwich and his wife, Sue Graeme, paid a four-hour visit to the American Sandwich which included a lunch hosted by town manager George H. Dunham.

BASH are still collecting postcards and pictures for their Messages to Massachusetts project which has seen postboxes at the Phoenix Centre, Jubilee Road, the Guildhall foyer and Sandwich Library, Market Street.

These will be parcelled up and sent to America in time for their Heritage Day on June 14.

n To find out more about the group visit the website at www.B-A-S-H.org.uk