In 1995, the Sevenoaks Town Council received an approach from Rheinbach about forming a friendship link. Following a Council-backed open meeting 'Friends of Rheinbach' was formed, and first met in November 1995. Early visitors to Rheinbach, including the then Town Mayor, felt that a link with Rheinbach would be of mutual benefit. After an active year we held our first AGM in November 1996 and became properly constituted.

Group and individual visits continued, including exchanges of musical groups - for example, the Lydian Orchestra helped to celebrate the 700th Anniversary of Rheinbach's incorporation. We also arranged work experience for a few students each year. Sevenoaks Town Council and the Council of Stadt Rheinbach resolved to enter into a twinning agreement. This was formalised in ceremonies in Sevenoaks and in Rheinbach.

So, what and where is Rheinbach? It is a small, pleasant modern town with some earlier features - the attractive inner town has many striking half-timbered buildings, and the remains of a castle. It is a commuter town for Bonn and Cologne. It lies in agricultural environs but includes, on its outskirts, significant industrial and commercial areas. Its population, taking into account the surrounding villages, is about 30,000.

Rheinbach has three grammar schools, a music school, a College of Technology, and a superb sport centre. It is well-known for its glass industry, including a major training facility. Glassmakers from Bohemia moved to Rheinbach in 1945. That connection has been revived, and in 2003 Rheinbach formally twinned with Kamenický Šenov, formerly Steinschönau. Rheinbach lies on the A61 autobahn, between the Rhein and the Eifel.