Swanley is officially twinned with Verrieres-le-Buisson
in France. The twinning charter was signed in November
1985 following initial contacts made between individuals
from the two towns some time earlier. Since then it
has developed to the point where up to 100 people, school-children,
families and individuals representing different organisations,
visit their hosts each year.
The aims of the Association are to foster the links
and friendships between Swanley and Verrieres-le-Buisson
and to promote similar links with places in other countries.
It is a purely voluntary organisation though it does
receive some financial assistance from Swanley Town
Council. It hopes to ensure that everybody with an interest
in twinning, improving their language skills or international
understanding, especially the young, has an opportunity
to take part.
Swanley Twinning Association is a group of people
from Swanley and the villages nearby who enjoy exploring
France, the French way of life and of course, French
cuisine and wine! A key feature of this Anglo-French
relationship is the annual exchange visit, usually the
first weekend in May, with each taking turn to host
the other on alternate years. There are many other less
formal individual, group and family visits and exchanges
going on nearly all year round. Some members have planted
a Swanley garden in Verrieres to commemorate the Millennium.
The Association is pleased to assist and promote other
links of a cultural, educational or sporting nature
and, in addition, opportunities exist for linking pen-pals,
student exchanges and work experience placements.
Back home there is a busy social calendar that includes
a monthly ramble (never too arduous) usually followed
by a Sunday pub lunch. Members play petanque (boules)
and darts, have barbecues and wine-tasting and enjoy
outings, an annual dance or social and a Christmas dinner.
All members receive a quarterly newsletter and a copy
of the annual report and accounts.
If you are interested in:
• Making new friends here and in our twin town
• Exchange visits with French families
• Social events
Join Swanley Twinning Association by contacting the
Town Council or email
Twinning@Swanley.zzn.com
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