How it all began

In 1977, Gillingham Town Council received an invitation from the French town of Le Neubourg suggesting that we start a twinning link between our two towns. This followed the twinning of Shaftesbury with the town of Brionne, near Le Neubourg.  [Personal links with the town already existed, which were formed after the liberation – another very interesting story.]  After visits by our Town Mayor, local residents and councillors and a return visit to Gillingham, the association was born.  The official Charter was signed in 1977 and since then the Association has gone from strength to strength. 

More information on Le Neubourg can be found here or you can visit the town’s site site by clicking here or their twinning association’s site by clicking here

The main aims of twinning are to promote friendship, understanding and tolerance, to enjoy social and educational interaction – and to have a lot of fun!  During the visits back and forth each year, without a break since 1977, many local groups and organisations have joined us and have also enjoyed their own independent visits.  Amongst these are our Town Band, art and floral groups, local musicians and dancers, sports clubs and members of the Youth Club.  School exchanges and joint art exhibitions have also been held in both towns.

We enjoy learning about each other’s art, history, culture, language (see French Lessons below) and especially food and drink!  Close friendships have been formed and families have grown up alongside each other.

Gillingham Twinning Association also enjoys many other social activities and group visits both here and abroad.  We want to share our enthusiasm with new members: individuals, families and of course children, who will all be made welcome here and in Le Neubourg.  We want to keep the association alive!

In 2007 we celebrated our 30th Anniversary.  Our French friends came to Gillingham in July 2007 for special celebrations which coincided with Gillingham Festival.  In November 2007, we held a special Charter Anniversary Dinner and Dance in support of Salisbury Hospice Trust, for whom we raised over £2000.

Over the early Bank Holiday in May 2009 our French friends joined us in Gillingham once again; which just happened to coincide with the 150th Anniversary of our railway. 

In November 2009 we held another major charity dinner and dance and raised just over £2,000 for Julia’s House and Caring for Kids.

We hope you will decide to join us! Membership is drawn from many walks of life.  Knowledge of French is not a prerequisite of joining the association. A willingness to become involved with hosting and other social events  bring rich rewards and an extended circle of friends. A liking for French wine is a bonus!!!

We currently have a membership of over 80 comprising of.....families, couples and single people of all ages. We welcome new members to our friendly group at any event throughout the year. Details of our social activities are set out below, the newsletter which is sent to members twice a year, and will be advertised on the Gillingham website events page and in the local press. 

For information about membership or twinning activities please contact Chairman David Lloyd 01747 825558 or  Secretary Muriel Shean  01747 821604

The twinning committee are currently making  arrangements to  visit by our French friends on 28 May to 1 June 2010.

Learning and keeping up your French

We are presently running French conversation groups for three levels of ability; fluent, intermediate, and beginner. The groups meet on Thursdays subject to the requirements of the group, for about an hour. The beginners and intermediate groups are using the BBC’s French Experience, as a basis for their sessions, while the advanced group discusses various current affairs, in French of course. Should you wish to join us in exploring the delights of the French language and culture then please get in touch with Muriel on tel 01747 821604.

Gillingham Town Council website

Vivre Ensemble is the magazine published by the community of Le Neubourg and can be viewed / downloaded by clicking on the image to the left

The red pointer marks the position of Gillingham

The red pointer marks the position of Le Neubourg

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