Celebrating a Lifelong Commitment to German-British Friendship

Long‑serving Leeds Councillor Bob Gettings has been honoured with the German‑British Friendship Award in recognition of his decades of work strengthening the relationship between Leeds and Germany. The award was presented by German Ambassador Susanne Baumann at a ceremony in London.

Councillor Gettings' contribution centres on the partnership between Morley in Leeds and Siegen in Germany, one of several long‑standing links formed in the post‑war period as European towns began twinning to promote peace and cooperation. The Morley -Siegen relationship dates back to the early 1950s, when youth exchanges first brought young people from both communities together.

Bob’s involvement began in 1959, when he joined the exchange as a 13‑year‑old participant. By 1967 he had become leader of the Siegen Circle Youth Exchange and, as a teacher at Woodkirk High School, helped establish three new school partnerships. At its peak in the late 1970s, the exchange saw 110 students from Morley travel to Siegen and the same number hosted in return the following year. Bob and his wife Lesley played a central role in sustaining the programme for more than forty years, raising funds and coordinating activities with local schools and families.

Over time, the partnership expanded beyond Morley, with Roundhay High School also twinning with a Siegen school. The various twinned schools developed exchanges focused on sport, musical theatre, and joint art projects. Community groups also formed enduring links, from football and swimming clubs to brass bands. A longstanding exchange between Morley Elderly Action Group and a partner organisation in Siegen even resulted in a bilingual book of wartime and post‑war memories, a tangible reminder of the power of international friendship.

Bob and Lesley’s personal connection to Siegen has remained strong, culminating in their private golden wedding celebration held there among lifelong friends.

The partnership with Siegen remains strongly community-led, with volunteers promoting grass root links between the towns. Councillor Gettings’ recognition reflects not only his leadership, but also the many community members who have nurtured these ties across generations.