4.9 Google
Graham and Sue are and have been members of the Mansfield Sister Cities Group for a good number of years now.
The Sister Cities Association of Mansfield in England are dedicated to forging links between other Mansfields in the world. They also work closely with Mansfield District Council who have a formal twinning relationship with Mansfield, Ohio, USA and Mansfield Rotary Club who are twinned with Mansfield Rotary Club in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
The Sister Cities Association has been in existence since 1989, and has close links with its namesakes all over the world. Over the years there have been many international contacts, both personal and business, and citizens of nearly all the Mansfield’s in the world have visited – or been visited by! – citizens of other Mansfield’s around the world. There are 40 places called Mansfield, or at least with Mansfield as part of their name. In reality there are actually 33 habitable cities, towns, villages, suburbs and hamlets which are formally named Mansfield. There are 7 other “places of interest” with Mansfield in the name.
Graham and Sue have visited:
Mansfield, Pennsylvania
Mansfield, Tennessee
(with a planned trip to Mansfield, Texas when Covid allows!)
Obviously at the moment, travel has stopped for a while for most of us but we are still in regular contact with our friends in the various Mansfields across the world! Many of them have been to stay with Graham and Sue in Mansfield also, most recently from Mansfield, Ohio.
Here at Mansfield Garage Doors in Mansfield UK, we celebrate 53 years in business this year. Our incorporation was 29th May 1968! To coincide with our anniversary, we have asked our friends over the pond to send us their stories about their garage doors as it’s a completely different market over there. Here are a few of their stories:
Firstly John Franklin from Mansfield, Canada.
Mansfield-et-Pontefract is a United Township in the Pontiac region of western Quebec, Canada. It is located on the Ottawa River, northwest of Gatineau. It was formed from the merger of Mansfield Township and Pontefract Township.
It is home to the main tourist attractions of the Pontiac region: the Chutes Coulonge and the Marchand Bridge.
John says:
“Firstly, greetings from Canada and especially me, John Franklin. My association with Stewart and Sharon goes back to the turn of the century when Mansfield, Notts invited folks now referred to as Mansfielders to your city for an inspiring and momentous celebration welcoming in the new Century # 20. Indeed Mansfields from around the world responded enthusiastically by sending their representatives to this glorious occasion which to this day continues to cause us to reflect on the events that thrilled us then and continue to remind us of your hospitality, and, like the true bonds of friendship, we have been enjoined to such a large number of friends who keep us apprised of occasions they feel of significance to us. And, we are very happy to hear of them.
Now, as to the matter of doors, I am unable to forward photos as requested since my PC is not equipped to forward same, at least, that is what I believe. Yes, my new garage door is electrically operated and when I leave my condo I close said door electronically, and, on arriving back home I press the hand-held closer button when I am a block distant, et voila, the door is open ready to admit the wayward one. And, surprise, I close the door whilst sitting behind the steering wheel of the car, and, avoid the scrutiny of the neighbours who might be saying to themselves “Ah, another case of wine!” – we missed!!
Peradventure (that’s a good word) I should resolve the dilemma of being unable to forward photos via my PC, I shall attempt to comply with your wish for visuals. Until then, when necessary wear your mask, keep your distance 2m, wash your hands .
All the best to everyone.”
We love this message from John, very amusing!
Next to hear from is Bryan Pfeiffer, son of Jim and Sandy Pfeiffer from Mansfield, Ohio. Graham and Sue have seen Jim and Sandy several times in the US on various occasions and also hosted Jim and Sandy when they visited Mansfield UK.
Bryan says:
“I am helping mom and dad in sending these pictures. Jim and Sandy Pfieffer.
One picture is of mom and dads garage door for their condo. The black one is mine. Also sending pictures of Bob and Bob garage door company who is also has celebrated 50 years. In fact I am awaiting a new door from Bob and Bob. Not till end of July. Any how I meet your parents on a zoom meeting with mom and dad a few months ago. Congratulations on 50 years in business.”
The picture below is from Mansfield, Pennsylvania where Graham and Sue stayed with a lady called Stacey and her family. The garage (or condo, as they call it!) is a separate building behind the house. The have all sorts in there, including quad bikes which Stacey’s sons took great delight in giving Sue and Graham rides around the estate on!!!
Another email from Louise Jacob in Mansfield, Australia:
“All we’ve got and most people in this country is boring old roller doors. However we have a “Sunshine” gate which is a farm gate. It has been on our property for as long as we e owned it, about 46 years and was rather old then.
Here is a photo of it. They are quite valuable in an Aussie kind way. We sold this the other day for $AU600. About £330! If they have been restored, that is sand blasted and repainted they can go for $AU1-2000 or £500-£1000.
It had been sitting around for so long, since we re-fenced in the 1980s, and a guy offered to buy it so we said yes. It was totally original and he didn’t want to restore it but use it as is on his new property across the valley from us.
Happy to see it go to good use and to stay locally.”
Louise then went on to say, “I have a few more photos for you. Again not related to garage doors I’m afraid. I am always in awe of the gate catches we come across. Some are so creative.
These were taken a couple of kilometres from our Mansfield”
