Great news! Bagni di Lucca is twinning with Llandrindod Wells in mid-Wales. Nothing could be more apt in these difficult times and the two towns have so many things in common that it’s a wonder they haven’t been twinned earlier. For a start, they are both spa centres with a glorious past in the nineteenth century and somewhat mixed fortunes since. They have a similar population size: Llandrindod Wells with 5,309 inhabitants and Bagni di Lucca with 6,127. They are both situated at nearly the same height above sea level: Bagni di Lucca at 741 feet and Llandrindod Wells at 709 feet and both are placed in lovely hill country with extensive walks and swimming in pools and rivers. Even their annual rainfall is similar; Bagni di Lucca’s 53 inches comparing well with Llandrindod Wells’ 44 inches. Both towns accommodate many summer visitors and their economy is largely based on tourism. They also have extensive pastoralist activities with many sheep populating the surrounding hills.

(Some characteristic views of Llandrindod Wells)

This will be a fine opportunity for cultural and social exchanges. For example, Welsh lessons are to be started at Bagni di Lucca’s library in the old English church and Italian classes are already proving most popular in Llandrindod Wells. There will be an exchange of mayors as soon as the pandemic is over and the road leading to Fornoli from Ponte a Serraglio is to be renamed ‘Via Llandrindod Wells’. (A special language course is underway to teach the correct way for Italians to pronounce that elusive Welsh double el sound.)

(Pictures of Bagni di Lucca)

Welsh farmers will join their Italian counterparts in the great harvest festival at Fornoli this autumn and many other collaborations between the two communities are planned. Provided the projected Plaid Cymru independence referendum takes place and proves successful the founding of a new Welsh republic and its rejoining the European Community will be celebrated in grand style in both Bagni di Lucca and Llandrindod Wells with a spectacular fireworks display at Ponte delle Catene.

A new superstore is to open in Villa selling such typical Welsh products as cawl, bara brith, (fruit cake) leeks, cwrw (Welsh beer) and crempogs (pancakes). A similar shop will be set up in Llandrindod Wells selling such characteristic Bagni di Lucca products as local cheese from Albereta, Colombina cake, vino and necci (pancakes).

It’s going to be a great year for both Bagni di Lucca and Llandrindod Wells and there is even a contract for a charter air company to fly direct from Bagni di Lucca’s airport at Capannori to Llandrindod Wells terminal at Welshpool.

With these exciting times ahead of us I take this opportunity of wishing all my readers a very happy start to April and the Easter festivities. Evviva and….Croeso!