COUNCILLORS in Marlborough were paid visit by their New Zealand counterparts recently to swap knowledge about their respective namesakes.

Councillor Cynthia Brooks from Marlborough District Council in New Zealand arrived in the town to meet Mayor of Marlborough Noel Barrett-Morton with the two swapping books about their homes as well as sitting down for tea and cake.

Coun Barrett-Morton said: “Cynthia and her husband Graham came over with Ruth and Ross Simonsen and took part in the book swap. We had a wonderful time meeting them and what’s more is they came on the opening of the Jazz Festival, they were most impressed by the Town Council and enjoyed visiting us. As well as presenting us with books, councillor Brooks gave us a present of a painting by artist Clarry Neame.”

The collection of books from Wiltshire, now in libraries in Blenheim and Picton, included The Savernake Big Belly Oak by Barbara Townsend and The Western Kennet Valley in the Great War by Roger Day. In return Coun Brooks left a copy of Marlborough: Celebrating 150 years, written by herself.

“We put them up in the Bear Hotel, as it was quieter due to the festival, and they said they had a lovely time. The idea started a while ago when Nick Fogg visited them when he was mayor, I also received a letter from the Marlborough council congratulating me on becoming mayor. We have a very good relationship with them. Now we both have a special place in each other’s homes,” added Coun Barrett-Morton.