Sun, Sea & Solidarity: Celebrating 21 Years of Bristol's Link With Beira - Susie Weldon

"This book marks and celebrates 21 years of the twinning link between Bristol in the UK and Beira in Mozambique. Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, largely due to 500 years of Portuguese colonial oppression and a 'civil war' instigated and supported by South Africa.

One of the most important achievements over the last 21 years has been simply to keep in touch with Beira City Council for so long, when communication has often been difficult.

The link has always been about people. The founders of the link were sure at the start of this journey that they wanted to bring people together across continents, notwithstanding the huge distance that separate them, and their use of different languages. Projects have been set up in Beira that make a real difference to people's lifes whether they are children, HIV/AIDS sufferers, women or people disabled by landmines.

People around the world have always lived in uncertain times and that is especially true today.

Of course, despite the cuts being imposed on public spending in the UK currently, the UK is still a rich country. What the link organisers have found over the years, is that wealth is not just about money, but is also about friendship, solidarity, honesty, history, culture, sport, music, art, enthusiasm and a sense of international comradeship. It is difficult to predict what might happen in the next year, let alone the next 20 years.

But, with continued passion and hard work, there is every reason to believe that the wonderful link with the people of Beira will continue to thrive.

After all, helping to bring the people of the world a little step closer has rarely been more important."