VISIT: www.oswestrytwinning.org.uk
Oswestry Twinning Association aims to strengthen links between our two towns and our two countries, and to give young people the chance to broaden their education and enhance their experiences culturally, socially, and through sport. The Association is now over 20 years old, and is fiercely independent. We do not receive any financial backing from the council 'rates' - rather, our members support the twinning link with a number of fund-raising efforts throughout the year.
WITH WHOM ARE WE TWINNED?
We are twinned with Combs-la-Ville, a town just south east of Paris. Combs was originally a rural village, as can be seen in the heart of the town round the old church. But the commuter community has seen more modem parts of the town spread out in ail directions. Nevertheless, Combs is still surrounded by fertile farmland and woodland.
WHEN DO WE VISIT EACH OTHER?
Each year, either a party of French friends visits Oswestry or we visit Combs la Ville. Our visits normally last five days, and travel is by coach - although some members make their way independently by car. Combs la Ville is also close to Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TWINNING VISIT?
Twinners from Oswestry who visit Combs la Ville go as ambassadors of our country, and we are all very conscious of the role we play in encouraging friendship and understanding among peoples of different lands. When we visit Combs, there is a programme of visits to places of interest, often of the sort that a tourist would never see. Our French, however weak it might be, improves with use. And we are welcomed into the private homes of our French hosts who, while they might speak a different language, are really no different from us!
We strive in particular to encourage contact between young people of the Oswestry area and the young of Combs la Ville. We have developed a number of links between individuals and between local schools and colleges.
Members are also invited to be hosts to French twinners visiting Oswestry. As hosts, we provide bed and board and hospitality to our guests in our own homes. Many activities are arranged for the group of visitors as a whole, while time is also reserved for hosts to make their own arrangements for their guests. Through these home contacts, guests are infroduced to our own local way of life.
WHAT DO WE DO FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?
Our visits may only last for about a week, but planning meetings take place throughout thfe year to make sure our twinning goes smoothly. We have a variety of fund-raising efforts during the year, which enables us to mix socialising with raising money for twinning activities. These can range from the big Annual Dinner to skittles nights - with everything in between! All in all, it enables a group of like-minded people to get together and enjoy themselves - while fostering their own links of friendship and contact across the Channel, as well as those of Oswestry as a whole.
HOW CAN I JOIN OR GET MORE DETAILS ?
Just ring Diane Cater on 01691-622125 or Brian Willis on 01691-656006
OR VISIT: www.oswestrytwinning.org.uk
