Hailsham Mayor Attends Twinning Association AGM

The Mayor of Hailsham attended the Hailsham & District Twinning Association’s Annual General Meeting and Pre-Christmas ‘Eat and Meet’ on Friday evening [18 November], at which reports were given of the organisation’s activities during the past year.

As always, an end of year party for members and guests followed the business of the AGM, which included wine and light refreshments, and information on the Association’s activities for those interested in joining. Members of the public also attended the event.

Outlining the activities carried out this year by the Association, Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook, who was guest of honour at the event said: “I’d like to thank the Twinning Association for its hard work in organising enjoyable social events this year, and a big thank you to the host families who once again have been most generous in opening their homes. Town twinning is still very much alive as Hailsham continues to welcome visitors from Gournay on a regular basis.”

Hailsham has a well-established Twinning Association for the Hailsham area and Gournay-en-Bray in France (situated 1 hour from Dieppe and only 2 hours from Calais). The original Twinning Charter was signed in Hailsham in October 2000 and was officially renewed in October 2011.

The organisation is self-funding – raising money through its many social events – and arranges three or four trips a year for large or small groups to visit Gournay-en-Bray. These trips include sightseeing, carnivals, music festivals, choral events, sporting events and other events.

The Association holds monthly social events which include treasure hunts, cream teas, quizzes, beetle drives, musical events and cycling groups. It also has its own French Language groups for beginners, conversation and intermediate (all reasonably priced).

The Association is currently looking for new members, who can be as much or as little involved as they want to be in the group’s various activities.

Cllr Holbrook added: “Through membership, a myriad of opportunities exist to take part in individual and group hosting exchanges, and to meet other people at social events organised throughout the year, such as quiz nights, open evenings and annual trips to Gournay.”

Annual membership costs £10 per person per year and £40 for groups. For further details on joining, contact John Puttick (Membership Secretary) on 01323 441787 or visit hailsham-gournay.org.