Comment by mark rix on May 11, 2011 at 18:31

(The Formation of)

The Ottery St. Mary - Pont L’Eveque Twinning Association

 

The first firm step towards the formation of the Twining Association took place on   20^th March 1975, when residents of Ottery were invited by Don Ryan, under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, to a meeting to discuss the principle of twinning with a town in Northern France. From the 23 attendees, a steering committee was formed, chaired by Dr. Michael Denning, the Headmaster of the King’s School in Ottery. The meeting was addressed by Mr. F.S. Claxton, the Devon County Twinning Secretary.

 

On May 20th 1975, Mr Claxton wrote to Dr. Denning saying that Cullompton had decided not to twin with Pont L’Eveque, but had chosen Ploudalmezeau in Britanny instead. He doubted that the Mayor of Pont L’Eveque would be prepared to try again for a twinned town in Devon, but if he did, Mr Claxton would suggest Ottery St. Mary. This did in fact transpire, and a letter from Dr. Denning dated 4th November 1975 stated that the Mayor of Pont L’Eveque would be pleased to go ahead with twinning arrangements, and that a visit (in either direction) should be instigated as soon as possible. He proposed that the Mayor of Pont L’Eveque, his wife, and M. et Mme Suberchicot should be invited for a visit to Ottery later that year.

 

In the Minutes of a meeting of the Twinning Committee on 14th July 1976, it was decided to invite a party from Pont L’Eveque in either September or October, and it was hoped that a return visit from Ottery could be made in November. Four members of the Steering Committee (Cllr. George Hansford, Dr. Michael Denning, Mr. Rex Luke and Mrs. Carol Collison) travelled to Pont L’Eveque late in November 1976, and were received with great cordiality and hospitality. Mrs. Collison, Secretary to the Steering Committee, wrote letters in December 1976 to possible sponsors.

 

The first meeting of the duly constituted Ottery-Pont L’Eveque Twinning Association committee on 1^st Jan. 1977 recorded the success of the recent visit to Pont L’Eveque.  A visit from Pont L’Eveque was discussed for February 1977, at which the charter would be signed and the twinning arrangements formalised.

 

The Ottery version of the Charter was duly signed by representatives from both towns at a ceremony held at The Institute, Ottery St. Mary, on 17^th February 1977. Another version of the Charter was signed during the first official Twinning visit to Pont L’Eveque on 11^th June 1977. On this occasion, the Charter was signed by Cllr. George Hansford and M. David de Rothschild, Mayor of Pont L’Eveque.

 

THE CONTINUING STORY

 

Since 1977 reciprocal visits took place every year, and spare seats on the coach from Ottery were rare. However, number did diminish a little in the late 1980’s, and the finding of hosts in Pont L’Eveque seemed to become more and more difficult. In 1988 Bernadette Hélin stepped in to steer the Association to back onto a firmer footing - the job which she still continues to do successfully twenty-three years later!  One outcome of the difficulties encountered during this period was the agreement that visits would take place on alternate years as from 1990.

 

During the first year of the new century a move was started to expand the activities of the Twinning Association by establishing links with a town in Germany.  John and Chloe Brice, together with Michael and Margaret Kerr, did the preparatory work, including making a number of visits, which resulted in the signing of a twinning charter with Ilsfeld at Ottery on 4^th October 2003. A small delegation from Ilsfeld visited Ottery early in February 2001, and a large party of 50 residents of Ottery made the first group visit to Ilsfeld in August 2002. This expansion caused the name of the Association to be c

Comment by mark rix on June 9, 2011 at 19:30

TWINNING VISIT TO PONT L’EVEQUE MAY 2011

 

Twinning Association takes English folk dancing to France

 

Over the Whitsun bank holiday, a group from Ottery Twinning Association spent 3 highly enjoyable days with friends in our French twin town of Pont l’Evêque, Normandy.  We were joined on this visit by a group of English folk dancers and the excellent folk band “Jigs for Gigs” from Somerset. 

 

The French, as usual, were generous hosts, ensuring that their guests were never at a loss for something to do - a boat trip in the mouth of the Seine at Honfleur, parties, barbecues, walks, sight-seeing – all contributed to a lively and varied weekend.

 

The highlight of the stay came Sunday afternoon: our folk dancers and the band had prepared several traditional dances for demonstration.  They had also prepared a number of dances where the public would be invited to join in.  Taking place in a large hall in the centre of town, open to passers-by, the music soon attracted a large audience …. many of whom were soon persuaded to ‘have a go’.  At times the French on the floor outnumbered the English as they came to grips with the rhythm and moves of the English country dance.  A wonderful afternoon!

 

The day ended with a delicious dinner and speeches of thanks from both sides.   Special thanks for her long-standing service to twinning were expressed to Pont l’Evêque’s chairwoman, Madame Bernadette Hélin, as Ottery Chairman Mark Rix presented her with a watercolour of Silver Street, Ottery.

 

After a visit to Pont l’Evêque’s Monday morning market, we began our journey home by coach, stopping off at a hypermarket for a last-minute shop before boarding the boat.

 

Our thanks to all involved, both English and French, and particularly our dancers and musicians, for making this a weekend to remember.

 

Our next event will be the CarTreasure Hunt on Friday, 10^th June.  On Saturday, 25^th June we shall be at West Hill Village Fête running a stall making and selling French crêpes – do come and help, or buy, or have a chat – or all three!

 

September 1^st – 5^th, we shall be hosting a group from our German twin town of Ilsfeld.  If you can offer accommodation, or if you wish to know more about any of our activities, then please contact chairman Mark Rix, markrix@talktalk.net, tel: 01404 813123

 

Finally, an advance notice of a “Fest Noz” or Breton Dance at the King’s School on Saturday, 6^th November.  This is a folk dance evening, open to all. Dancers will have the chance to experience authentic Breton folk dancing – tuition given to the inexperienced.  Further information from Hugh Sutherland, hugh@hughs.plus.com, tel: 01395 514618

 

Comment by mark rix on October 21, 2011 at 20:48

Hi our new web site is

www.otterytwinners.org.uk

Comment by mark rix on January 31, 2012 at 20:59

OTTERY ST. MARY TWINNING ASSOCIATION

www.otterytwinners.org.uk

Newsletter No. 48  February 2012

 

Bonne Année - Gutes Neues Jahr – Happy New Year to you all!

 

As I write, snow is forecast after a miserable, warm, wet start to the year – anything, I think, would be preferable to eternal rain!  Whatever the weather, we have, as usual, a range of activities to distract and entertain you throughout 2012.

 

= The first scheduled event is our AGM & SOCIAL EVENING on TUESDAY 28^th FEBRUARY (please note the change from our usual Wednesday) at 7.30pm, at West Hill Village Hall.

As in the past, we shall begin the evening with the AGM (see agenda posted on our website), followed by a social gathering and supper. We look forward to hearing from any of you who would like to join the committee and have a greater say in the running of the association.  Please, contact chairman Mark Rix on 01404.813123, markrix@talktalk.net if you are interested – you will be made very welcome.

-          At this meeting we should like to hear from anyone who can offer hosting for our French guests in May.  We shall also be taking bookings for our June visit to Ilsfeld.

Following the ‘business’, there will be a finger buffet, plus a glass (or two!) of wine. There will be no charge for the evening – just come along and enjoy an evening with like-minded folk.  As usual, all donations to the buffet (sandwiches, savoury nibbles .. etc.) and/or good quality prizes for the raffle gratefully received.

 

= MAY 17^th – 20^th we shall host a visit from Pont l’Évêque.  Our guests plan to arrive early evening on the Thursday and leave on the Sunday morning.  As usual, we have a dinner and reception planned for the Saturday evening, but will leave some free time during the weekend for you to spend time with your guests on your own activities.  Since families will be joining the French group, we should particularly like to hear from families with younger children who are keen to host – Please contact Irene Gardner  on 01404.811098, e-mail avandigardner@btinternet.com

 

= Our VISIT TO ILSFELD will be from 14^th - 18^th JUNE.  We shall fly Birmingham – Stuttgart, travelling by coach at either end.  This seems the most convenient and easiest route.  The total cost for all travel will be £240 pp.  If you have not already put your name down, then we need to hear from you as soon as possible in order to take advantage of cheaper group fares.  The list of those wishing to join the group will be finalised at the AGM.  A deposit of £40 per person will secure your place on what is always a highly enjoyable few days.  If you are unable to attend the AGM, then a call to secretary Keith Spittlehouse, 01404.812155, keith.spittlehouse@btinternet.com will ensure that your name goes on the list.  If you wish to travel independently (we make a small charge of £25 to cover general costs), we shall also need your name to send to Germany.  Travel insurance is available if required, please consult treasurer Hugh Sutherland on 01395.514618, hugh@hughs.plus.com

 

= CRÊPES AT WEST HILL FÊTE, SATURDAY 30^th JUNE – we shall again be running our stall making and serving French-style crêpes. Please come and support us – this is an important fund

Comment by mark rix on January 31, 2012 at 21:00

Ottery St Mary Twinning Association

 Annual General Meeting 2012

 West Hill Village Hall  Tuesday 28th February 2012

Agenda

1)Apologies –

2)Minutes of AGM 10^th February 2011

3)Matters Arising

4)Chairmans Report

5)Treasurers Report

6)Elections

7)Any other Business including  updates on 2012 visits from Pont l’Eveque and to Ilsfeld

                 

 Committee Members and Elections

HOLDER 2011	OFFICE  2011	Proposed for  2012
Mark Rix	Chairman	Chairman
Tony Potbury	Vice Chairman	Vice Chairman
Keith Spittlehouse	Secretary & Publicity	Secretary & Publicity
Hugh Sutherland	Treasurer	Treasurer
Sylvia Gehring	Liaison Officer ( France)	Liaison Officer (France)
Margaret Kerr	Liaison Officer (Germany)	Liaison Officer (Germany)
Gill Spence	Committee member	committee member
Chris Saunders	Archivist	Archivist
Cllr  Lynn Harding	Town Council member	nominated by Town Council
Hugo Gehring	Committee member	committee member
Arthur Gardner	Committee member	committee member
Irene Gardner	Accommodation officer	Accommodation Officer
vacancy		vacancy

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