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Whitchurch Town Twinning

On 23rd April, 1975 the twinning oath was signed in Neufchâtel and consecrated the following year in St Alkmund’s Church at Whitchurch

The Twinning Oath

“We, Mayors of Neufchâtel-en-Bray and Whitchurch,

Being the freely elected representatives of our fellow-citizens,

CERTAIN that we interpret the sincere wishes of our populations,

AWARE that western civilisation found its origin in our ancient local communities, and that the spirit of liberty was first recorded in the freedom won by them,

CONSIDERING that history must continue in a wider world, but that this world will be truly humane only insofar as men live freely in free cities,

DO TAKE, ON THIS DAY, A SOLEMN OATH

- to maintain permanent bonds between our two municipalities, to promote exchanges of all kinds between their inhabitants with the aim of fostering, through greater mutual understanding, the true spirit of European brotherhood;

- to combine our efforts in order to further, to the greatest extent within our power, the success of that essential undertaking for peace and prosperity:

EUROPEAN UNITY”

The connection between the two towns of Whitchurch and Neufchâtel-en-Bray, as enshrined in the mutually exchanged twinning oaths, celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2005 and the oath was re-signed in Neufchâtel in 2006.

At a time when we are looking back in order to celebrate the achievements of the past thirty years, we are also looking forward to the future. The links that bind the two towns continue to be strong and we encourage participation from as many societies as possible. Those who have enjoyed French hospitality so far are:

Whitchurch Walkers - les Escargots Brayons

The Fire Brigade - les Sapeurs Pompiers

Sir John Talbot’s School - le Collège Albert Schweitzer and le lycée polyvalent

The Town Council - le Conseil Municipal

The Town Band - l’Harmonie

The Junior Football Teams - Equipe de Foot

Visits to France take place on alternate years. Many friendships are long-standing and it is our aim that each visitor should be accommodated in families, unless a preference is expressed to be housed in an hotel, so that better understanding may be established between the two communities.

While a knowledge of French is a help, it is not essential, as with goodwill on both sides, communication (especially when aided by liberal applications of the fruit of the vine!) is not normally a problem.

Neufchâtel-en-Bray, which translates as “Newcastle in the Mud”, is a rural town, situated in Northern France. It lies in the region of Normandy, an area famous for its cheese and cider.

It was Duc Henri de Normandie (King Henry I of England) who built the new castle in 1106 that gave the town its name and the town formed part of the dowry of Catherine de France, who married Henry V, thus becoming part of the English crown.

Its church, l’Eglise Notre-Dame, was built in 1263 and enlarged in 1558.

Being located in such a strategic situation, Neufchâtel suffered in many battles, from the Hundred Years War to the 1939-45 conflict when it was 80% destroyed by the Germans.

The current town thus consists largely of modern buildings, although the majority of them have been built in a traditional style.

Whitchurch Town Twinning Association Latest News

The regular monthly meeting of the Twinning Committee was held at the Dodington Lodge Cottage, Whitchurch, on Tuesday, 8th July 2008.

The Chairman welcomed two new members and ran through a brief résumé of the Association’s aims and history.

Andrew Richardson offered to host another social, at a time to be arranged.

The Treasurer reported that there had been a slight increase in the balance after the expansion in membership.

Aline Mariette, a 28 year old French student, who has had experience of working in catering in restaurants, hotels and cocktail bars, is looking for a work placement in or around Whitchurch.  She is currently completing training in Small Business Management and speaks English and Spanish.  Any establishment wishing to benefit from an exchange student should contact the secretary on the number below for further details.

Committee members were allocated tasks for the coffee morning on 18th July.  Doreen was unfortunately unable to run the tombola owing to a bout of ill health, although she would be able to assist.  The committee sent her their best wishes and Judy has taken over the mantle.  There were numerous offers of books for the bookstall, items for the tombola and a discussion of raffle prizes.  It was decided that there would also be a sales table to incorporate cakes and other items.

Arrangements for the Boat Rally were discussed, but will be finalised nearer the time.

There being no meeting in August as is customary, the next meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on Tuesday, 9th September 2008 at the Dodington Lodge, Whitchurch.  All interested parties are welcome to attend.  Membership enquiries to Mrs Val Webb, 01948 663948.

Forthcoming diary dates:

• Bastille Day coffee morning Civic Centre: 18th July 2008

• Boat Rally: 20-21 September 2008

• Bastille Day coffee morning Civic Centre: 17th July 2009

Contact details:

The Association is self-financing through fund raising efforts and all the members of the Committee are volunteers. It meets at 7.30 pm on the second Tuesday of the month at the Dodington Lodge Hotel, Dodington, Whitchurch.

Membership is open to all. £5.00 individual, £10 family.

To join, please apply to the secretary:

Mrs Val Webb
26 The Firs
Whitchurch
Shropshire
SY13 1NL

Telephone: 01948 663948

Email: williamwebb@fsmail.net or use the contact form below to send an enquiry.

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