From 6 to 9 June youth conferences on Catering, Foundation for Jobs, and Government were held in Darlington as part of the 60th anniversary of twinning links. Many young people from Darlington were involved along with young people from Mülheim, Amiens and Opole. As well as group discussions on the subjects, social events were also held, including singing and salsa dancing, with visits to Council Chamber, Clock tower, 150th anniversary of Indoor market, (with ox roast!), and the Race for Life in South Park. On the Saturday evening catering students from the four countries each prepared a course for invited guests and the other students involved in the conferences. Young musicians and singers also performed at this event which was held at Darlington College. Previously another cookery competition was held at QE college - the students had been given an amount of money to buy ingredients in the town and prepare a meal - the Principal of the College declared the Polish team as the winners.
Other youth conferences mainly about employment and job finding were held in Delft (Holland), Mülheim (Germany) and Amiens (France) and many young people from Darlington travelled to be involved in these, arrangements being made by DTTIA. These events were of great value to the development of the young people involved.
Many thanks to County Durham Community Foundation, Darlington Champions Enterprise Association Grassroots Fund, for their generous grant towards the running of this event.