Barton Stacey Twinning

Barton Stacey is a member of The Testbourne Parishes Twinning Association linked with Twinning with Neuvic-sur-l'Isle in the Dordogne district of France.

History and involvement

The Association was formed in 1979 as an independent organisation primarily for individuals and families who live or work within the catchment area of Testbourne School to promote friendship with French families residing in or around the town of Neuvic-sur-l'Isle in the Dordogne district of France.

The Testbourne Parishes Twinning Association grew from successful exchange visits by Testbourne School which resulted in the Mayor of Neuvic contacting Whitchurch Town Council to propose twinning between the two towns. In view of established contacts that already existed through school exchanges, it was decided to invite parishes from the whole catchment area of Testbourne School to become involved.

The parishes that accepted were Barton Stacey, Laverstoke, Overton, Whitchurch and Wonston. Twinning documents were formally signed at Neuvic and Whitchurch on the occasion of the first official visits in 1979. Since its inception many local families have enjoyed valued friendships with families in this beautiful and historic part of France.

Activties

The Association is financed entirely by membership subscription and fundraising activities. Biennial visits to Neuvic and, in alternate years, French visits to the Testbourne area are arranged by the Association. Over the years soccer, rugby, tennis and basketball matches have been played.

In recent years the Association has extended its social activities and in addition to the events arranged during the twinning weekend, a French Evening, Coffee Morning, Annual Dinner, Barbecue, Skittles and many open evenings form part of the calendar.

Easter 2004 was the 25th anniversary of the Twinning. 24 French people visited the district. A Reception and Dinner was held to mark the occasion and twin oak trees were planted in the Millenium Field at Whitchurch in commemoration of 25 years of friendship.

Membership

Membership is available to anyone who is interested in establishing a firm connection with a French family. For 2004 the annual subscription is £5.

Officers of the Association for 2003/4

• Ruth Wigmore - Chairman - Tel. 01256 893512
• Peggy Carter - Secretary - Tel. 01962 760590
• Nuria Pett - Treasurer - Tel. 01256 893631
• Maggie Atkins- Tel. 01256 770369
• Peter Carman - Tel. 01962 760261
• Ron Clowes - Tel. 01256 892073
• Geraldine Mouat - Tel. 01256 892149
• Pauline Rutter - Tel. 01256 892803
• John Saunders - Tel. 01962 760869
• Lesley Wade - Tel. 01256 892534
• Mike Williams - Tel. 01635 297558