Douzelage Honours Long-Standing Members

Marsaskala, Malta – 5 September 2026

Two members of the Douzelage family whose involvement stretches back to the very beginning of the organisation have been honoured with the Douzelage Distinguished Service Award at the landmark 50th General Meeting in Marsaskala, Malta.

Jeremy Barker (Sherborne, UK) and Joe Mc Nulty (Bundoran, IE), both of whom attended the very first Douzelage meeting in Granville, France, in 1991, received the special award in recognition of their exceptional and enduring contribution to Douzelage European Town Twinning over the past 35 years.

L-R – Douzelage President Shane Smyth, Joe Mc Nulty and Jeremy Barker

The award was presented by Douzelage President Shane Smyth during the closing celebrations of the 50th General Meeting and carries the citation:

Douzelage Distinguished Service Award
Presented on the occasion of the 50th General Meeting and the 35th Anniversary of Douzelage.

Jeremy Barker was closely involved in the establishment of Douzelage and has remained a committed supporter of the organisation throughout its development from the original partnership of 12 towns in 1991 into the European network it is today.

Joe Mc Nulty was also present at that historic first gathering in Granville and has maintained his involvement with Douzelage over the following 35 years. He continues to play an active role in the organisation today, serving as Treasurer of Douzelage.

Joe and Jeremy are interviewed by President Shane Smyth during the General Meeting – pic Türi Vald

Speaking during the presentation, Douzelage President Shane Smyth said:

“As we celebrate our 50th General Meeting and 35 years of Douzelage, it is important that we recognise the people who have given so much of themselves to this organisation. Jeremy and Joe were both there in Granville in 1991 when the Douzelage story began, and it is quite remarkable that 35 years later they are here with us in Marsaskala for our 50th meeting.

Organisations like Douzelage are ultimately built by people – by their enthusiasm, their commitment, their friendships and their willingness to keep showing up year after year. Jeremy and Joe have demonstrated all of those qualities over more than three decades, and this award is a small but very sincere expression of our gratitude for everything they have contributed.”

The presentation was particularly significant during a year in which Douzelage is celebrating two major milestones. The organisation marked its 35th anniversary in May, having been formally established in Granville on 20 May 1991, while the gathering in Marsaskala represents its 50th General Meeting.

Jeremy Barker (1st left) on May 20th 1991 as the Douzelage charter was signed in Granville, France. He is pictured with town representatives present at the first event. 

President Smyth added:

“When those first representatives came together in Granville, they could hardly have imagined that the partnership they were creating would still be bringing Europeans together 35 years and 50 General Meetings later.

“Jeremy and Joe provide us with a very special living link to that first meeting. In recognising their contribution, we are also recognising all of those people across our member towns who have given their time and energy to Douzelage throughout its history.”

The Douzelage Distinguished Service Award has been created to recognise exceptional and sustained service to the ideals, development and work of Douzelage European Town Twinning.

The awards were presented as delegates from across Europe gathered in Marsaskala for the 50th General Meeting of Douzelage, hosted by Marsaskala Local Council from 3–6 September 2026.