A new ‘Friendship Link’ group is to be set up between Burnham-On-Sea and the small French town of Vernouillet to the west of Paris.
Burnham’s former French twinning group with Louvigne du Desert has recently folded, so a group of Burnham residents are gauging local interest in forming the new group.
An open meeting is to be held in Burnham’s Princess Theatre at 11.30am on Thursday, 3rd October where the proposals will be discussed.
“The Louvigne Twinning folded because there is nobody in that area of Normandy who is willing to take on the task of leading the group,” said Burnham resident Tony Deahl, who is leading on the plans for a new group.
“The previous chairman had to stand down for health reasons and he was unable to find a replacement. Also, Louvigne du Desert is a small town at the centre of a group of villages each with its own mayor and the logistics of arranging twinning is greater than if dealing with a single place.”
“The Vernouillet connection has come about because the French town has a relatively large number of people who want a link with a town in this country.”
“A few of us in Burnham have stayed in Vernouillet and have found our French hosts extremely hospitable and we have successfully hosted them here in Burnham.”
“As there are a number of Cheddar people who are also interested in the link, we are looking at the possibility of setting up a Cheddar, Burnham and Highbridge Friendship Link.”
“This would not be an official Twinning as is the case with Fritzlar but just a Friendship Link and those showing interest need not necessarily travel to Vernouillet but maybe host a French person/couple.”
“They might not want to host but still want to be involved. This could be the case if, for example, health issues prevented travel abroad.
Many of us have benefitted greatly from links with families from other countries.”
“Personally, I have developed friendships with Americans, Spanish, French and Germans through Twinning and I’d like others to share similar experiences.”
“It is only by personal contact that we can break down the barriers between countries. After all, we are all human and care far more for our own families and friends than we do about politics.”
“I think that it’s important that we understand that people who live in other countries are just like us, albeit with different languages and culture. By getting to know them better we benefit and widen our own horizons.”
If you would like to book a place at the Coffee event, followed by a Buffet Lunch at The Princess, on Thursday, 3rd October, please phone Colette 01278 238583 or Tony 01278 783121 by Sunday 29th September.
