NORTHAMPTON — On Thursday, David Narkewicz had lunch with the mayor of Northampton — the one in England, that is.
“We had a good conversation,” Narkewicz said.
The meeting was set up by longtime United Kingdom expatriate Jonathan Daube, who now lives in Florence, where he moved to two years ago to live nearer to his children and grandchildren.
Daube emailed Gareth Eales, the current mayor of Northampton, England, in the interest of fostering a relationship between the two Northamptons. It turned out that Eales and his wife had planned to holiday in New York City soon, and arrangements were made for them to visit and meet Narkewicz.
Daube picked the couple up in Milford, Connecticut, and drove him to Northampton. Lunch was had at the Hotel Northampton, where a painting of Northampton, England, hangs, one quite familiar to Eales.
“I have that in my office,” Eales exclaimed, as related by Daube.
Narkewicz said that he and his transatlantic counterpart exchanged gifts, and discussed possible joint initiatives for the cities in the future. He also noted how the position of mayor is more of a ceremonial one in Northampton, England. However, his counterpart does get to wear an immense gold chain as part of his regalia.
“They don’t let him take it home,” said Narkewicz.
This is not the first time connections have been built between the two Northamptons, as there were transatlantic dart games between the two cities in the 1980s, as part of the city’s Winter Festival.
Daube grew up in Cambridge, England, which is located near Northampton, although he says he’s never visited that community. Daube said that he plans on continuing to try to foster a connection between the two Northamptons, and noted that it’s an easy place to visit for those visiting England.
“It’s an hour from London,” he said.
Daube also noted that Eales is Northampton’s 777th mayor, and that he is a candidate for parliament for the Labour Party for the United Kingdom’s next election.