Hailsham and Gournay-en-Bray Renew Twinning Charter and Long-Standing Friendship

Hailsham Town Council has marked more than 25 years of friendship with French twin town Gournay-en-Bray following a successful visit to France last weekend, during which representatives of the two communities formally renewed their Twinning Charter.

A delegation of 24 members of the Hailsham & District Twinning Association travelled to Gournay-en-Bray from Friday to Monday, joined by the Mayor of Hailsham, Cllr Chris Bryant, Hailsham Twinning Chair Keith Townsend and members of the Twinning Committee.

The visit provided an opportunity for Hailsham representatives and members of the Hailsham & District Twinning Association to spend time with their counterparts in Gournay-en-Bray, celebrate the long-standing relationship between the two towns and reaffirm their commitment to continuing the partnership into the future.

The visit began on Friday evening with a Welcome Reception hosted by Eric Picard, Mayor of Gournay-en-Bray. Members of Hailsham Choral Society, Gournay Choral Society and Remshalden Choir also attended. Remshalden is a town in Germany which is also twinned with Gournay-en-Bray.

On Saturday morning, the delegation took part in a guided walk around Gournay, with historical information provided about the town. This was followed in the afternoon by a choral concert at St Hildervert Church, featuring individual performances from the Hailsham, Gournay and Remshalden choirs, as well as joint performances.

The Saturday evening celebrations marked the 25-year relationship between Hailsham and Gournay-en-Bray and were held at the Salle de Fete. The occasion included the reaffirming and re-signing of the Twinning Charter by the Mayors of Hailsham and Gournay-en-Bray.

On Sunday morning, representatives took part in the planting of an Edward VII apple tree in the garden of Gournay Town Hall, which the French hosts provided to represent a lasting symbol of the continuing friendship between the two communities. In the afternoon, the group visited the historic French commune of Auvers-sur-Oise, which was previously associated with several famous artists, most notably Vincent van Gogh.

The visit concluded on Monday with farewells before the delegation returned home to Hailsham.

The twinning relationship was established in October 2000, when the original Charter was signed in Hailsham. It was subsequently renewed in 2011, with this latest signing providing another opportunity for both communities to reaffirm the importance of their links.

Over the past quarter of a century, the relationship has developed well beyond the formal twinning agreement. Through the Hailsham & District Twinning Association, residents from both towns have enjoyed regular opportunities to visit one another, develop friendships and experience different aspects of British and French culture and community life.

Visits and exchanges over the years have included sightseeing trips, carnivals, music and choral festivals, sporting activities and social events, while the Association also organises a programme of activities for its members in and around Hailsham.

The Mayor of Hailsham, Cllr Chris Bryant, said: “It was a privilege to join our friends in Gournay and to renew the Twinning Charter. The occasion was a fitting recognition of everything that has been achieved since Hailsham and Gournay first became twin towns more than 25 years ago.”

“What makes this relationship particularly valuable is that it is built on people rather than paperwork. Friendships have been formed, families have welcomed one another and countless shared experiences have helped bring our two communities closer together.”

“I would encourage people to consider joining the Association, as it provides unmissable experiences with the various cultural exchanges and the creation of new friendships.”

Town Clerk John Harrison added: “The Charter renewal was an important milestone, but the real strength of the twinning relationship can be seen in the connections that have developed between residents over many years.”

“The visit provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the history of the partnership while also considering its future. International links such as this continue to provide valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, learning and friendship, and the Town Council is pleased to support the work being undertaken by the Hailsham & District Twinning Association.”

The Town Council continues to support the Hailsham & District Twinning Association, which welcomes new members who would like to become involved in Hailsham’s international links.

Membership costs £10 per person per year or £40 for groups, providing opportunities to participate in social activities, organised visits and events involving residents and visitors from Gournay-en-Bray.

Anyone interested in joining the Association or finding out more about its activities can contact Pauline Townsend, Secretary, on 01323 846539, or visit the Hailsham & District Twinning Association website.