Lympstone Twinning AssociationOur Association was formed in 1976 and following exploratory visits by small groups in 1978, the first trip by Lympstone Twinning Association members to Biéville-Beuville took place in 1979 during which the first formal twinning Charter between the two communities was signed. The following year, Biéville-Beuville Twinners made the return trip, signing a second Charter in Lympstone. Alternate exchanges have continued ever since by twinning association members. The Objects of the Association are to:
A small Committee organises the exchange activities as well as a year-round programme of social and fund-raising activities, funds from which are used to subsidise our twinning activities. We currently have 40 or so families as members. Lack of the French language is no obstacle to twinning! With a low membership fee (£5 per family, £2.50 per adult), members are encouraged to support all our social activities. It is not a requirement of membership to take part in exchanges every year but that is clearly our focus. Exchanges are usually made on Bank Holiday extended weekends and of 3-night duration including the boat crossings. Travelling is done by coach when numbers are sufficient and ferry. Our typical programme includes hosting or visiting the French during May, a Bastille Day celebration garden party in July, Furry Dance day barbecue and our main fundraiser, Jazz Brunch in November. Our AGM is in January or February. Our aim is to encourage families to twin, so financial assistance is offered. On your first twinning, you are allocated a French family and usually, this pairing may continue for many years. In fact some of the original 1978 members are still active. If your inclination is to twin with a German family, Biéville-Beuville also twins with Margetshöchheim just north of Wurzburg in Bavaria and there is the offer for Lympstonians to join in although this has yet to be taken up. Margetshöchheim families are particularly keen for their teenagers to make exchange visits during the same year - independently of twinning if necessary. If you would like to know more or discuss it further please contact the Chairman, Richard Crisp, 17 Birch Road, off Strawberry Hill, 01395 273211 e-mail: r @ rgtcrisp . plus . com We keep in touch at events and through occasional Newsletters, preferably by e-mail but also in printed form and this website. top>> |
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