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FRITZLAR TWINNING SOCIETY
Formed just before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, The Burnham-on-Sea
& Highbridge-Fritzlar Twinning Society is now celebrating its
20th Anniversary with a visit to Germany in August.
Although the image of Twinning is often, stereotypically, something
for “older people” we have been instrumental in encouraging
links between different sections, interests and age groups of our
Communities over the years from young Dancers, Musicians and Football
Teams (with a different outcome from the norm against Germany!)
to Community Nurses, Priests, Artists and Cultural Events such as
the Fritzlar Horse Fair and Christmas Market.
Many friendships formed over the years have grown stronger, with
students meeting as young teenagers now continuing their contacts
into their 20s & 30s. In recent years our German friends have
given Bursaries for local students to travel free to Germany and
learn about the Language and Culture through staying with host families
and a programme of activities, which many have found beneficial
as well as hugely enjoyable
Home-hosting is the core of our exchanges fostering better understanding
and language  skills
(the plumbing arrangements are always a hot topic in both countries!)
Last summer, we fed and entertained a group of 40 from Fritzlar,
almost entirely with funds we raised ourselves.
We normally meet on the 3rd Wednesday each month, except August
& December, in St John’s Church Hall, Highbridge at 7.30
pm. Speakers have ranged from the Burnham-on-Sea Website and the
Lifeboat to Polar Bears, Childhood in Wartime Germany, Taunton’s
County Stores, Arts & Crafts and Submarines. Most months we
also have a Social Event to raise funds, eg Quizzes, Wine &
Cheese, Barbecues, Lunches & Suppers.
New members are always welcome. For more information please contact
the Treasurer (01278 - 782902) or Secretary (01278 786789)
TOWN TWINNING ASSOCIATION
Twinned with Pays de Louvigne du Desert - Louvigne du Desert - St
Georges de ReintembauIt - La Bazouge du Desert - Le Ferre Melle
- MonthauIt - Poilley - Villambe
The French Twinning Association started in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge
just over 30 years ago, and initially we were twinned with Cassis
in Provence, a coastal town near to Marseille. This was a lovely
place, but not really practical because of the distance.
In 1996,our Chairman, Mike Mansfield, was travelling home to the
south when he stopped in a small town called Louvigne du Desert
- he liked what he saw, made contact with the Town Hall, and we
now have a thriving twinning in Brittany. We are especially pleased
because we have been able to involve King Alfred School in the relationship,
with visits back and forth with the youngsters from here going over,
and young French people coming here.
Whenever possible, during visits, we stay with families, and our
French friends do the same when they visit us. Even for those who
don't speak their hosts' language, there does not seem to be a problem.
The Canton of Louvigne du Desert consists of 8 communes - two fair-sized
towns - Louvigne itself and St Georges de ReintembauIt - and six
small villages/hamlets. It is in north-east Brittany, about 7 miles
to the border with Normandy. This is very much farming country,
though there is a thriving granite industry in the quarries in the
surrounding area. The stone is much in evidence in the local buildings.
After several visits, the formal twinning documents were signed
in 1998.
We have about 60 members, and hold regular social fund-raising events,
with short visits  across
the Channel where we are always sure of a warm welcome. The Brittany
coast is within easy reach, as are many other places of interest.
One important aspect of life in the area is that they have Flower
Festivals, with agricultural shows, carnival processions, markets
and general celebrations lasting
three days. This moves around the area, coming to Louvigne every
four years. It is as much looked forward to as our own Carnival,
though much smaller in scale.
New members are always welcome, and if you are interested, please
contact our Chairman, Mike Mansfield (782371) or Membership Secretary
Colette Winfield (789824).
Chairman - Mike Mansfield. Treasurer - Rod Winfield. Secretary -
Pat Finnerty
www.burnhamandhighbridgetowntwinning.org.uk
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