The special relationship between Warminster and its namesake in Pennsylvania, USA, was celebrated in style last weekend as the town hosted Leo Quinn and his wife Claudia for a memorable twinning visit.
Leo played a pivotal role in establishing the link more than a decade ago while serving as Chairperson of the Warminster Board of Supervisors (the American equivalent of mayor). He and Claudia were treated to a packed itinerary, taking in some of Wiltshire’s most famous sights, including the Westbury White Horse, the scenic Wylye Valley, the 13th-century St Lawrence Chapel in Warminster and Salisbury Cathedral.
The couple also enjoyed a relaxing stroll through Warminster Town Park, an informal dinner at The Old Fire Station, a celebration party at the Prestbury Sports Bar and a trip to Imber as part of Imberbus – the once-a-year vintage bus service from Warminster to the abandoned village on Salisbury Plain.
The highlight of the weekend came on the fairways of West Wilts Golf Club, where Leo faced club captain Colin Fourby in a Ryder Cup-style challenge match. Despite a valiant effort, Leo conceded victory to Colin, who lifted the Warminster Ryder Cup trophy. The scoreboard now reads: UK 1 – USA 0!
The twinning connection began in 2013 when local businessman Nick Pitcher, then on a road trip from New York to Washington, made a stop in Warminster, PA. “I was given such a warm welcome by Leo and their Rotary Club,” Nick said. “That visit was the start of something special, and two years later, in 2015, the link was made official.”
Since then, the twinning links have flourished with an official party from the USA, including Leo, visiting Warminster Wiltshire in 2023.
In the spirit of friendly rivalry, Leo has extended an official invitation for Warminster residents to travel to Pennsylvania in 2026 for Independence Day celebrations, which promise to be spectacular as they coincide with America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The challenge for the Warminster Ryder Cup 2026 has already been issued – and accepted.
“We’ve been made very welcome here in Warminster,” said Leo. “It’s wonderful to see how the relationship has grown since that first meeting and we’re excited to welcome our friends back to Pennsylvania in 2026.”
Anyone interested in joining the celebrations in the USA or taking part in future events here in Warminster can contact Warminster Town Council, who will be happy to provide details.
