Wheaton Aston, England
In the spring of 1990, an official sister city relationship was enlisted between Wheaton, Illinois, and Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire, England.
Situated in the heart of the English countryside, the village of Wheaton Aston is part of a small, rural community whose original ancestors were skilled in farming and timber-felling. Its name, which refers to the wheat and other cereal crops grown there, reflects this heritage.
Though many of the villagers are now employed in nearby cities such as Birmingham, all who dwell here appreciate the gentle, natural beauty of this area and the fertile fields in which farmers have grown their traditional crops for over a thousand years.
In 1835, when Wheaton, Illinois, was being founded, Thomas Telford, famous as a civil engineer, built the last of the great national canals, which passes through Wheaton Aston. In those days, it was used to carry industrial cargo, but is now used for relaxing cruises. Part of the village logo shows a canal boat passing under the bridge. The other component of the logo design is a flowering meadow plant, Folfalarum, for which Wheaton Aston is famous. In early May, the flowers of this plant dot the meadows with a delicate display of purple and cream blooms - the furthest point north it grows wild in England.
The Stafford Knot
Dating back to 1400, this heraldic badge was originally used by the Earl of Stafford's family to identify its property and loyal followers. In recent times, it has become the symbol of the county of Stafford .
Points of interest within a half hours drive of Wheaton Aston:
* Wedgewood Vistors Centre. Factory, museum, and gift shoppe.
* Izaak Walton's cottage and museum.
* Ancient High House. Largest timber-framed townhouse in England.
* Stafford Castle. Early Norman earth and timber fortress.
* Eccleshall Castle. Residence of the Bishops of Lichfield for over 1,000 years. A William and Mary Sandstone mansion house now stands. Ruins of the medieval castle remain.
A message from Ken Harris, a member of Wheaton Aston's "Friendship Committee", for visitors from Wheaton, Illinois.
"To you our new friends in Wheaton , Illinois , we extend a welcome for you to come over and visit us. You will be most welcome in our village. We look forward to meeting you and showing your our lovely English countryside.
Meanwhile, we send to you, citizens of Wheaton , our warmest wishes, hoping that both communities will draw closer in friendship and appreciation as our new Sister City relationship develops." K.H.