THORNBURY’S mayor joined volunteers to fly the flag of friendship during a visit to towns in Uganda this month.

The three-and-a-half-week trip saw started with a visit to the town of Busia to meet with gold miners who are in the process of getting Fairtrade accommodation.

Meeting with the mayor of Busia, Thornbury mayor Cllr Helen Harrison discussed the differences and similarities to Thornbury life and the possibility of linking the two towns in the future.

She said: “It was interesting to know that wherever you go in the world, there are aspects of local authority and daily life that are so similar.

“From a Fairtrade perspective it was great to hear form the miners just how much of a difference it makes.”

Cllr Harrison then went on to Mitynaiana, where she took part in judging a Dragon’s Den style competition, with villagers and farmers presenting ideas that could improve their industry and the community.

The final stop on the trip saw Cllr Harrison join St Mary’s Church vicar Rev Jan van der Lely and a team from the parish church in a visit to Bufumbo, a district of Uganda which has been linked with the St Mary’s Parish for more than 20 years.

The visit, organised by Fiona and Kenneth Mitchell, saw the team visit the different parts of the district to speak to residents in the various towns and strengthen the existing relationship.

“It was a wonderful trip,” said Cllr Harrison, who wore a specially made new mayoral chain on the trip made by Mick Horton from Gems of Thornbury.

“It is a real privilege to have the chance to represent Thornbury and take the role of mayor to visit an entirely different culture, make a real occasion of it and forge new friendships.

“It’s always great to go out there. It is a trip that reinforces the importance of relationships, that life isn’t just about what you have got, it’s about community.

“While some people didn’t have much to share with us, they still showed an inspiring generosity towards us.

“Whenever I go out there, the generous hearts are what I always think of, and how they set an excellent example that others should look to follow.”