Earls Colne Twinning Association
The Earls Colne Twinning Association has since 1975 created and maintained friendship links between Earls Colne and Nonancourt our twin town in France.
What is meant by Twin Town?
Basically, it is where two communities in different countries establish a link which enables the citizens of both those communities to get to know each other. The aim is, quite simply, to let people discover what life is like in the twin town - how the people live, work and play. The building of individual friendships and shared experiences plays a vital part in better overall international relations.
Where Is Nonancourt?
Nonancourt
is a small market town with approximately 2500 inhabitants.
Situated on the north bank of the River Avre and is just inside Normandy
as the river at that point marks that region's southern border.
It is about 60 miles due west of Paris on the N12 and 50 miles south
of Rouen on the N154.
Nonancourt was founded at the beginning of the Middle Ages and the
old fort and the church date from that time. It is now the county town
for the district.
What do we do?
We operate biannual visits so in April 2007 we visited Nonancourt where we enjoyed a dinner dance on the Saturday night, a barbeque in the woods on Sunday and a visit to Paris on the Monday.
We live in the homes of our French friends in Nonancourt and they live in our homes when they come to us.
When we go to Nonancourt the main expense is the cost of the coach. We usually leave Earls Colne at about 7.30am on the Friday and return the following Tuesday. The visits usually include a dance on the Saturday evening and a trip on the Monday.
In 1995 to celebrate 20 years of twinning we installed an English Telephone Box in the High Street at Nonancourt which is fully operational. The French presented us with a bell which is in the Village Hall.
In 2004, we arranged for a road in the new Wimpey development to be called "Nonancourt Way". Our twinning memorabilia is now kept in the village museum.
Everyone who goes to Nonancourt is overwhelmed by the welcome and hospitality.
If you would like to join the association and host guests from Nonancourt please contact Alan & Aileen Jones 01787 223048.
If you wish to stay the night in Nonancourt try "Le Grand Cerf"
address - 17 Grande Rue, 27320 Nonancourt, France
Tele 02 32 58 15 27
Fax 02 32 58 10 25
Report of our visitors from Nonancourt 28th April to 2nd May 2006
Friday 28th April - at 6pm 47 adults and 14 children arrived by coach from Nonancourt to a waiting reception at the Village Hall. There were the usual welcome speeches, introductions to new twinners and greetings amongst old friends. This was the 31st anniversary.
Saturday evening there was a Barn Dance with entertainment by "Itchy Feet" and their bi-lingual caller. Sunday 30th April - at midday we met at Earls Colne Recreation Club for a Hog Roast followed by petanque. Monday 1st May - In pouring rain we set off for a visit to Cochester but when we arrived the sun came out and we were shown places we had never seen before by Caroline and Dick, the official guides. The tours lasted one and a half hours. We returned to Earls Colne at 4pm to enjoy a free evening. Tuesday 2nd May- we waved good bye to our tired but happy friends for another year. ( we visit Nonancourt 4th to 8th May 2007) |
Saturday 29th April - at 11am we all gathered outside
Earls Colne Heritage Museum for a tree planting ceremony in the
nearby gardens close to Nonancourt Way. A 6ft blue Cedar
Atlantica tree was planted to match the tree planted in Nonancourt
last year to celebrate 30 years of friendship between our two
towns.This was followed by drinks and speeches and
a visit to the Museum which now contains the Twinning Memorabilia.
Jacques Bion, the Mayor of Nonancourt and David Hart, Chairman
of Earls Colne Twinning Association, planted the tree accompanied
by Christian Breux, President of Nonancourt Twinning Association,
and Brian Alderman and Brian Taylor of the Museum. This was followed
by drinks and a visit to the Museum which now contains the Twinning
Association's memorabilia. Upcoming Events 2007/8
Friday 2nd May to Tuesday 6th May 2008 – Visit of our French Friends.
Committee Members
The names and telephone numbers of the 2005/2006 committee are as follows
| Chairman | David Hart | 01787 224432 |
| Vice Chairman | Martin Carter | 01787 224827 |
| Secretary | Aileen Jones | 01787 223048 |
| Treasurer | Andy Gribben | 01787 223313 |
| Membership | Alan Jones | 01787 223048 |
| Publicity | Tim Brown | 01787 224905 |
| Parish Council | Janice Carter | 01787 224827 |
| Newsletters | Ruth Cornell | 01787 222926 |
| Pat Hughes | 01787 222005 | |
| Duncan McCubbine | 01787 224348 | |
| Gill McCubbine | 01787 224348 |
How to Join
Annual membership of the Twinning Association costs just £12.00 per family on joining then £10.00 per annum, £6.00 for individuals.
Membership will also bring you a regular newsletter giving details of future visits to and from Nonancourt and of the Association's open meetings and social events, to which all (both members and guests) are welcome.
The Association organises visits to Nonancourt, open to all members. This is a wonderful way to visit another European country; we are hosted by the people of Nonancourt, whose hospitality is legendary.
To Join contact Mr. A. Jones 01787 223048 or any other committee member.
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