Swanley Twinning

Welcome to the first newsletter from the new committee of Swanley Twinning Association. I won’t go into details of the extraordinary meeting of the Association that appointed the new committee as a draft report of that meeting posted separately. Suffice it to say that the committee is determined that twinning between Swanley and Verrieres should continue successfully.

We are delighted that so many members have responded positively to Grace’s letter and renewed their membership of the Twinning Association. I am sure this bodes well for our future success.

Eighteen members, mostly from the earlier days of twinning, met up at the Farningham Lion for lunch on Saturday 6th August to share a meal and a pleasant afternoon with our old friend Maureen Cope. Since Brian and Maureen moved to New Zealand they have kept in regular touch with members of the Twinning and all other friends in England and France so it was good to see Maureen on this visit. Both she and Brian are planning to visit in 2013 so no doubt that will be cause for another get together.

We have held two meetings of the new committee so far and are still seeking ideas as to how we are able to take twinning forward in addition to continuing many of the events that have been the mainstay of twinning in the past. We would welcome ideas from any members who feel that they can contribute to our future development.

We are now updating our membership details and hoping to communicate as far as possible by email. If you have an email address but are still getting this newsletter by post please let Brima know. Also if you know of any member who is not receiving the newsletter or other information please tell me as it may be the fault of my system. All our news letters and information also appears on the Swanley Twinning Website so please be sure to take a look from time to time.

Forthcoming events

Forum des Associations de Verrieres le Buisson – Saturday 10^th September

Members of the committee have attended this event over many years. It showcases all the clubs and associations in Verrieres and is well attended by local people. Traditionally we have provided tea and cakes as a taste of Olde England but this year we have decided to offer Kentish Cider and local seasonal fruits instead. There is also usually a social event in the evening along with our French and German colleagues. At present only Sue and I will be travelling over by car on the Friday with Chrissy and David Hudson and Tony Searles arriving by Eurostar on Saturday. We would very much like some more support so any member of the Twinning Association is welcome to join us.

Please get in touch with me if you would like to come along. It is a fun event but can be quite hard work if only a very few people support the display so the more the merrier. We shall also be putting up a display of photos of Swanley and recent twinning events so if you have any that could be displayed please send or email them to me.

Joint Committee Weekend October 8^th/9^th

This is a working and social weekend primarily for committee members and their families, which takes place every other year either in England of France. This year we are planning to host the weekend in Cambridge. Traditionally other members have joined us for all or part of the weekend and all are welcome this year. Plans are still quite tentative as we are waiting to know how many of our French friends will be taking part and that will not be clear until September. However we are looking to meet at Saturday lunch time in Cambridge, spend the afternoon visiting the university and taking a punt ride on the Cam, Holding the formal joint committee meeting in the evening followed by dinner. On Sunday morning we will make another visit in the area before lunch after which our French Guests will depart.

If any members would like to join us please let a member of the committee know and we can let you have more details as they are confirmed.

Theatre Visit

Janet Mitchell has arranged a visit to the Orchard to see “Guys and Dolls” on the evening of 20^th October. Tickets cost £15. Please ring her on 01322 663076 or07505890587 if you would like to go along.

Christmas Meal

This is planned for Friday 9^th December 2011. It is always one of the highlights of our twinning year. More details to follow in the autumn but please put the date in your diary now as we all know how busy we get around that time of year.

Rambles

Jim Dunn has planned the walks for the remainder of the year. We are delighted that he is continuing to support the twinning activities in this way and very grateful for all his efforts. The rambles are all listed in previous newsletters and on the website but just to remind you they are;

• Sept 25^th Reculver
• Oct 30th Upnor
• Nov 27^th London
• Dec 26^th Farningham

 Please look at the website or ring Jim on 01474 709610 for more details and to book your place and lunch if appropriate.

Annual Exchange Weekend

Next year our annual May exchange will be in Verrieres. After the success of recent exchanges we expect it to be another excellent visit. We shall no doubt be discussing ideas in Cambridge so will have more details in the New Year. We would welcome any ideas to put forward to the Verrieres committee

Richard Chapman