City of Dodge bid delegation farewell

The delegation were bid farewell at Dodge City airport by the Mayor and Vice-Mayor (who I'm sure just wanted to make sure that we actually left!). We were sad to leave Dodge City after what had been a very successful and enjoyable three days during which we were made to feel extremely welcome.



Crucially, we left the City feeling that we had reinvigorated the relationship between Offerton, Stockport and Dodge City and that the foundations had been laid for future close working between our two communities.

Delegation treated to best of Dodge City hospitality at Boot Hill Bed and Breakfast

On Sunday afternoon, the delegation were treated to lunch at the Boot Hill Bed and Breakfast hosted by the proprieters, Kurt and Enid Scadden and found the tour of this historic building in downtown Dodge in which the B&B is housed fascinating - aided by the enthusiasm of its owners. The building comprises five rooms able to cater for all types of parties with a friendly, homely atmosphere.




The delegation were truly honoured to be so well accomodated and welcomed into Kurt and Enid's home and B&B, and were enjoyed a fabulous meal prepared by Enid's own hand - if you are ever visiting Dodge, we would suggest that you check this place out!

Pictured above are the delgation from the Parish with Kurt and Enid outside the Boot Hill Bed & Breakfast.

You can visit the website of the Boot Hill Bed & Breakfast by clicking here.

Delegation discover Dodge City hisory

On the last full day of the delgation's visit to Dodge City, we were given the opportunity to wander the streets of the City and uncover some of Dodge's historical landmarks. In particular, we visited the statue of the most famous member of the Dodge City Peace Commission, Wyatt Earp.

Shortly after, we visited the monument to the infamous Texas longhorn cattle upon which the fortune of Dodge City was founded. Dodge City became a boomtown, with thousands of cattle passing annually through its stockyards. The peak years of the cattle trade in Dodge City were from 1883 to 1884, and during that time the town grew tremendously.

Delegation relive historic Dodge

At the conclusion of the second day in the City, the delegation visited historic Front Street which has been painstakingly recreated. The museum interprets life in the 19th century through audio-visual programs, exhibits, and a reconstruction of Dodge City in 1876, Old West restorations and history demonstrations. They were also shown around Boot Hill where gunslingers who came off 'second best' where buried following a gunfight in the City. The delegation were then treated to a live performance by the resident cowboys.

The delegation are pictured above with the afternoon's performers.

From tracks to trains

The development of the Santa Fe railroad thrugh Dodge City played a major part in the development of the City. The delegation took a tour of the railroad station which has recently been renovated and brought back into use for the community as a theatre. Additionally, volunteers are used to staff the ticket office for the two trains that arrive and depart daily showing an innovative way of accomplishing regeneration for the benefit of local residents.

Dodge business and industry

Dodge City's fortune was built upon the key role played by its cattle industry. The delegation were given a clear view of the importance of cattle to the City as they toured the Winters Feed Lot were some 50,000 cattle are housed prior to slaughter.

Councillors D'reen Ryan and Lynda Russell (pictured) were given a demonstration of the mechnisation and computerisation of the feed system and the difference that technology has played in improving the efficiency of the plant.

Fort Dodge

After leaving behind the trail tracks and the gateway sign, the delegation moved on to visit Fort Dodge. Long before Dodge City was a hustling, bustling cattle town, Fort Dodge was established to protect railroad workers and travelers on the Santa Fe Trail from the Plains Indians.

Today the Fort is utilized as a retirement community and nursing facility for retired Kansas veterans. A historic library and self-guided walking tour tell the fort's history to visitors. Many of the original buildings are still in use.

Pictured are Councillors Lynda Russell, D'reen Ryan and Brian Russell after leaving the visitors' centre at Fort Dodge.

Gateway to Dodge

After visiting the trail tracks, the delegation made an impromptu stop-off at this impressive gateway sign welcoming visitors to Dodge City.

Santa Fe Trail Tracks

Saturday morning started with a visit to the Santa Fe Trail Tracks - these are the tracks of the original wagon trail used by pioneers from 1821 to 1872 are located nine miles west of the City. The delegation were left with a real understanding of the heritage of the City and its people and the arduous journey that the pioneers had to make when traversing the US.

Spotted in Dodge!

The Parish Council has been officially spotted in Dodge! The delegation had a busy first day in Dodge City, and one which was also covered by the Dodge Globe (Dodge City's daily newspaper) in their 'Spotted in Dodge' section. The full gallery of images can be viewed by clicking here.

Dodge City Community College

Following the visit to the High School, the delegation moved on to Dodge City Community College. The College caters for students aged 18+ from the Dodge City area and neighbouring districts. The college boasts an impressive array of courses ranging from the academic to the vocational.

The President of the college (Richard Burke) gave the delgation a tour of the expanding campus and introduced his management staff who were keen to further the link between Dodge City, Stockport and Offerton for the benefit of students both here in Stockport and in Dodge City.

High School Days

Following the tour of the police department, the delegation moved on to visit the local High School. Dodge City benefits from a contemporary building for its high school with excellent facilities across the board. The delegation were impressed with the level of extra-curricular activities provided at the school, and the way in which they were welcomed by staff and students as they toured the bulding.



The Parish Council hopes that students in Offerton and Dodge City will be able to develop solid links between each other and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and views.

Pictured above are the impressive sporting facilities at the high school.

Offerton's most wanted!

Following the breakfast with the City Commissioners, the delegation moved on to visit the city's police department with a guided tour by Chief of Police, John K. Ball, following which he kindly posed with another officer and a squad car for our photo below.

The Dodge City Police Department is the proud custodian of the city's heritage from its days as a frontier town. Contemporarily though, while the Department acknowledges its past, it looks forward to the future as a modern force for good in the city. The delegation were impressed with the force's professionalism and the way in which it tackled the problems that are faced by the city (and the tour of the patrol car also went down well!)

Meeting the Dodge City Commission

The delegation from Offerton had the privilige of meeting with the City of Dodge City Commission for breakfast at 8am on Friday morning. Additionally, the heads of the various departments in Dodge City were also at the meeting which allowed for a detailed discussion to take place about the differing challenges and priorities for our two communities. It was reassuring to note that in many respects we held the same concerns and we shared our methods for tackling the problems in our communities.

Also at the meeting, the Offerton delegation presented the City with a commemorative 'Dodge Fold' street sign which signifies the long and historic links between our the two communities and the hope for a long-lasting productive relationship in the future.

Pictured above at the presentation of the Dodge Fold sign from left to rightare Damian Eaton (Deputy Parish Clerk), Commissioner Rick Sowers, Councillor D'ree Ryan, Commissioner Kent Smoll, Councillor Brian Russell, Commissioner Jim Sherer, Commissioner Jim Lembright, Councillor Lynda Russell and Craig Ainsworth (Parish Clerk).

We finally arrive in Dodge City!

The Parish Council delegation has finally arrived in Dodge City, and judging by this photo (taken at Dodge City airport) have not been too adversely affected by the long journey! - although they were eagerly looking forward to a relaxing night's sleep before they start the busy programme of engagements over the next three days.

Offerton delegation leaves for Dodge

The first hurdle in the 19 hour hour journey to Dodge City was surmounted when the whole delegation assembled at Manchester Airport at 7.00 am on 3 April. Pictured are Councillor Lynda Russell, Jennifer Faricy (Offerton School), Councillor Brian Russell, Councillor Lynda Russell and Craig Ainsworth (Parish Clerk). Damian Eaton (Deputy Parish Clerk) had the honour of taking the photograph.