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Newsletter July 2011
A Royal Occasion –“Twinners” visit Windsor Castle
The group of about 40 French “Twinners” from Laon arrived at the Worthy Lane
car park in the afternoon of Thursday June 2nd. It was good to see all the
familiar faces and to welcome some new people for their first visit to
Winchester. It was encouraging, too, that we had several new hosts this year;
some were not members of the Association but will most probably join as they
have now had an invitation for a return visit! We dispersed to our homes and
entertained our guests for the evening.
Abbey House Reception
On Friday morning we assembled at Abbey House where we had been invited by
the Mayor for coffee and cakes, followed by a guided tour. During the
proceedings, gifts were exchanged, and we were welcomed by the Mayor, Councillor
Barry Lipscomb and his wife. Mme Sauvez replied on behalf of the Mayor of Laon,
and short speeches were made by Thierry and Celia De Nitto, and by the Laon
Chairman, Roger Malhomme on his first visit to Winchester. Laon’s former
Chairman, Philippe Bourgeois, gave a moving tribute to the late Harry Wright,
our beloved Treasurer and former Chairman, to his wife Pam, and to Robin Cork.
Kate Morgan was also in our thoughts as we observed a minute’s silence.
“Bring and Share”
On Friday evening we enjoyed a “bring and share” supper at Littleton
Millennium Hall. Musical entertainment was provided by Harry Haigh and friend on
the accordion, and a quiz by Phil Waterton exercised our brain cells while we
tucked in to the delicious and plentiful food.
 Royal Windsor
We were on parade at 8 o’clock on Saturday morning for our day out in
Windsor. Arriving at Windsor at about 10 am, our experienced Blue Badge Guide,
Lis Moll, escorted us to the castle. We were all given audio guides and were
able to explore the castle at our leisure. Most of us visited St George’s
Chapel, the State Apartments and the Dolls’ House, and many of us were lucky to
experience the Changing of the Guard – quite a spectacle and very colourful. For
lunch we moved on to the Thatched Tavern at Ascot, where we were treated to a
3-course meal with wine. The food and ambiance were excellent, the staff very
efficient and friendly, and the meal was enjoyed by all. The day finished with a
visit to the Savill Garden, on the Royal Estate, where we spent a couple of
hours exploring the garden and admiring the fine flowers and shrubs.
The weather had been very kind to us and the sun had shone all day. After a
refreshing drink in the cafeteria we returned to Winchester, arriving at about 7
pm.
Until the next time!
Our friends left on Sunday morning. It seemed strange to see them leave on
Sunday but we had the rest of the day to relax after a busy weekend! We now look
forward to our visit to Laon in 2012.
Phil Waterton.
Vive la Jeunesse!!
During the Hampshire May half-term holiday, a group of young French people
spent a busy 4 days in Winchester. They were 16 year old students from La
Providence School in Laon and were here on an educational, social, cultural and
language learning visit to their twin city.
The group stayed with host families who were made up of “Twinners”, Circle
Francais members and friends of friends. All the host families and guests had a
great time during the evenings and Sunday time off en famille.
During the days the group was all together they took part in a busy schedule of
visits to the Cathedral, Great Hall, Stonehenge, Jane Austen’s house and
Salisbury. They also took English lessons in Winchester plus had a formal and
friendly reception with the Mayor at Abbey House as well as, of course, some
shopping!
The teachers and pupils enjoyed the wide variety of activities and excursions
and are looking forward to another visit. It would be great if a local school in
Winchester could be involved in some way in a future exchange visit.
Many thanks to the host families who helped to make this experience so memorable
for all concerned.
Note: To read the French press report of this visit (and of the main twinning
visit, above) log into
http://www.lunion.presse.fr. and key in “winchester-laon-jumelle”.
Harry Wright- a tribute
The following tribute to Harry Wright was paid by Philippe Bourgeois at the
official welcome to our friends from Laon at Abbey House on June 3rd 2011.
Dear Friends
As the former chairman of the Laon-Winchester twinning association, may I
have your attention for a few minutes?
During ten years I was the “liaison” officer of our twinning association. This
role was very rewarding. It brought me a lot of satisfaction and gave me the
opportunity to meet welcoming and hearty people.
Today I would like to honour a man who contributed greatly to the success of the
Winchester-Laon twinning. During many years we used to exchange a lot in order
to prepare regular visits between our two cities. I want to honour Harry Wright,
the friend who has left us.
Harry, your spirit will live with us always, I do not forget your voluntary
task, your kindness and your smile. You were not only highly involved in the
twinning, but also in your family life, caring for your wife Pam.
Harry, you gave the best of yourself until the end of your life. That’s why I
want to take advantage of this official meeting at the Guildhall to express
publicly my gratitude in your accomplishments and honour you.
Harry, I feel happy to have met you.
Could we just observe a moment of silence in memory of Harry Wright, our former
friend and Responsible Member of our association?
I thank you sincerely.
SUBSCRIPTIONS TIME
A reminder to members that subscriptions for 2011/12 are now due.
Subscriptions are £8.00 individual, £10.00 family and £12.00 corporate
membership. Please send your subscription to Gill Foster.
URGENTLY REQUIRED!
A Treasurer for the Association or a member prepared to draw up the accounts for
this year’s Annual General Meeting. If you can help please telephone Thierry for
details on 01962 626962.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
OCTOBER 28th - Annual General Meeting.
The AGM will be held as usual at St Lawrence Hall, Colebrook Street
Winchester, commencing at 7.30pm. The Mayor will chair the meeting. Members with
items for the agenda should contact Phil Waterton.
NOVEMBER – Dinner at La Place bistro Winchester
Following the success of last year’s event a dinner is planned for a Sunday
in November. Members will be e-mailed with details shortly.
JANUARY 6th, 2012 – Fête des Rois evening.
The Associations most popular annual event will take place as usual at St
Lawrence Hall, Colebrook St Winchester, details to follow.
Newsletter published by the Winchester-Laon Twinning Association, Chairman Mr
T DeNitto, 88 Wavell Way, Stanmore, Winchester SO22 4EG
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