The Mayflower

The weather may have been inclement, cool windy and overcast but there was no doubting the warmth and importance of the occasion which was the opening of a leisure/sports facility in our twin town of Fishers, Indiana, USA. The Chairman of the Billericay Town Council been invited  to be guest of honour at the opening ceremony of this 29 acre park, soon to be extended to 46 acres, built at a cost of $2,650,000 by the Town Council of Fishers and named Billericay Park to commemorate and celebrate the twinning of our two towns. A large sign at the entrance to the park shows the logos of the Sister Cities Association of Fishers and the Billericay Twinning Association. Inside there are designated play areas one for children aged 2 to 5 called "Mayflower Tot Lot" and another called "Norsey Wood Playground" for children aged 6 to 12 years old.

The opening ceremony was an emotional experience to say the least and the Chairman was very moved by the Guard of Honour provided by the American Legion carrying the flags of the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Fishers Town Council and also by the lone trumpeter who played the National Anthems of both countries. Several teams of baseball players from schools in Fishers lined the ceremonial area, including a team of veterans who were dressed in old fashioned baseball strip, whilst speeches and presentations were made.

The Chairman was privileged to receive a key mounted on a plaque presented to "The Citizens and Leaders of Billericay in Honour or the Grand Opening of Billericay Park in Fishers" by the consultants for the project, an aerial photograph of the site and "Certificate of Appreciation" presented by the American Legion to the Billericay Town Council. Unfortunately due to the inclement weather a fly past by a Dakota aircraft of the second world war had to be cancelled. Finally the Chairman had the honour, suitably clad in baseball shirt and cap, of pitching the symbolic first ball which signified the beginning of the first baseball game to be played in Billericay Park.

Of course there were the usual interviews for local and national TV and also for the local radio stations but it was a day which made the Chairman feel not only very privileged but also envious of the enthusiasm and the ability which caused the dream to become a reality. It is a great pity that Billericay cannot hope to match this achievement but at least we can appreciate the warmth and esteem the people of Fishers have for our town. This is what real twinning is all about - reaching out and demonstrating friendship, love, affection and a desire to please in whatever manner one can.