The Twinning Association

The Twinning Association Closed in 2002. This is mentioned in Social Snapshots 2001-2022 inc

Reports in Hallmark were written on behalf of the Twinning Associaion by the following members of the Twinning Association Committee:- Ray Hewinson 8, Mary Highton 1, Tony Molesworth 8, Peter Trotter 1, Peter Morris (Chair) 6, Pauline Spence 4, Jane Brown 1, Pat Williams 3, Mike Piercy 1, Lillian Trotter 9, Bob & Kaye Forrest 1, D C & Faye Callagher 1, Liz Southon 1. Click Ray & Sylvia Hewinson, Peter & Mary Highton, Tony Molesworth, Peter & Lilian Trotter, Peter & Sue Morris, Mike & Pat Williams, Mike and Candy Piercy, Bob & Kaye Forrest and Vic & Liz Southon for more about Ray,Mary, Tony, Peter & Lilian, Peter Morris, Pat, Mike, Bob & Kaye and Liz.

Hallmark Aptil 1979. Twinning – 1st Meeting

Suggestions put forward by Peter Trotter through the Village Hall Committee and by the Vicar in a letter to Hallmark, resulted in the Parish Council calling a meeting and inviting up to five representatives from each of the village organisations. On February 12th surely one of the coldest nights of the winter, 50 people turned up, showing their interest and enthusiasm. A steering committee was set up, and we have since met Mrs. Hudson, the secretary of the Joint Twinning Committee of the Local Authority Association of Great Britain. No unsurmountable problems arose, although we are well aware that the choice of country and district will never please everyone, we agreed that Mrs. Hudson should enter into negotiations with a German or Dutch village or district about the same size as our Parish, with comparable interests in the economic and cultural fields, with similarity in vocations and occupations. Also, at a later date a Twinning Association be formed with an annual subscription, and maybe an organisation membership.

Briefly, for those not quite sure of the purpose of twinning. It is to widen horizons and promote international friendship, a conscientious attempt to under-stand another country through a place that represents a cross-section of the peoples of that country, and through that relationship, contribute to peace and goodwill between all the countries of the world. To involve people of all ages, levels and interests, to cut across boundaries including political and religious. A twinning is a special relationship between two communities, and is, not just an official agreement to be made, celebrated and then forgotten, but a desire of those concerned to share experiences, to exchange ideas, to become friends. The experiences of other 'twinnings' show what marvellous friendships are made. To visit each other, discuss communal problems, and try to understand each others point of view.

In the initial stage two or three people would visit each others country, and having accepted each other as suitable for twinning, ceremonies are arranged by the Joint Twinning Committee. After that it is up to what we put into it. Visits and correspondence of school children will greatly help with language, social, cultural and sports activities. In fact, every aspect of village life can be shared.

Experiences in other twin-towns and villages show that exchange visits are arranged between industrialists, farming and professional groups: trade unions, churches and chapels, women's organisations, the elderly and handicapped. Group holidays have been arranged, and of course family to family exchanges. Great reductions in fares are possible, with group travel.

We believe a willingness to share our interests with someone else offers an exciting challenge.

Steering Committee:

P. Trotter

D. Sanders

P. Salmon

J.L. Tempest

D. White

E. Janes

Hallmark June 1982. Chairmans Report to the First AGM of the Twinning Association

A welcome to the first Annual General Meeting of the Association.

I must admit when considering this report | found it very difficult to find words which truly reflect the experiences and attitudes, together with the many unselfish acts, which have taken place during last year.

I must, before reviewing the past events and future ones, pay a tribute to all Members for their support (the Membership is now over 160, The Treasurer will give the exact make-up in his report).

I would particularly like to thank the Members of the Committee who worked so hard and effectively to make the visit of our twin village, Hambye, a success, It was a privilege to work with them, each problem was approached with a very positive attitude and many were resolved with a flair which defies description, to all of them an extra thank-you.

It is probably unfair to single out any one person, but I am going to. She is Raymonde Prunier who, not only because she is French but because of her personality, is able 10 interpret both Communities! attitudes so well. The visit to Hambye in July last year was a huge success due in no small way to Raymonde’s efforts before we arrived in ensuring everything was prepared for us, Raymonde, may I add my personal thanks and congratulations to those of the Association for a job well done,

In May last year we decided to twin with Hambye and form the Association. This was as a result of a visit by 3 young Frenchmen, Francis, Joel and Phillipe, which resulted in 16 Members attending Hambye Liberation celebrations In July. That visit resulted In 324 Hambye Members visiting us in September, we in reply have returned with a Church Choir visit of 54 people. 1 think the exchanges speak for themselves, everyone who has been to Hambye return with stories of new friendships and hospitality which they wish to return. I hope these visits will] continue with, even more groups exchanging interests.

The first official visit in July will remain a vivid memory to those who made it. The warmth, friendship and hospitality extended to us, who have been on a diet ever since, will remain, I hope, for many years to come.

Hallmark May 1999. The following was written by Ted Janes to clarify some confusion that had occurred :-

In Peter Trotter’s article on the Twinning anniversary in the last issue, for obvious reasons he was unable to tell the whole story. True, the first public mention about the Village twinning was by the late Bernard Houghton, but it was an idea put to him by – Peter. (click Peter & Lilian Trotter for more about Peter)

When as the then Chairman of the – Parish Council I called that first meeting to discuss the idea, few of us would have known much about the practicalities of twinning, if Peter had not done his homework on the subject. After many months of hard work by the steering committee, it was decided to test the suitability of Hambye. Peter and Lilhan travelled to Normandy - paying their own travel and hotel expenses - and so the grant from the Twinning Association of Great Britain for that purpose was left intact, thus starting the Association off with a healthy bank balance.

There have been many memorable twinning exchanges, but none more so than that first one on the last weekend in July of 1981, when a handful of us travelled over for the signing ceremony. For me it was one of the most memorable and treasured moments of my life, for which I say “thank you” to Peter because without him I am sure twinning in a small community like ours would never have got off the ground.

June 1980 report in Hallmark from the Twinning Steering Committee.

We can't begin to express the frustration after two years of effort. Its unbelievable that no village in Europe is interested in twinning with us. Finding the right partner of course is important. The latest investigation is taking place with Hambe a small agricultural town of 1,318 inhabitants, 317 kms from Paris.

Charter of Twinning Lacey Green – Hambye

In the town hall of Hambye in the department of La Manche, France, on Sunday the twenty-sixth day of July, one thousand nine hundred a and eighty-one:

We,

Mr. Capelle, Mayor of Hambye

Mr. Janes, Chairman of the Parish Council of Lacey Green in the County of Buckingham, Great Britain.

Duly elected by the people of our respective town and parish in order to further the cultural, touristic and social exchanges between our peoples.

Do hereby reaffirm this compact of twinning, happy in the friendships already established between our people, and confidence in the growth of mutual understanding and amity between them.

In token whereof we have hereunto appended our signature.

Hallmark February 1981..Members of the Twinning Steering Committee conducted three young gentlemen, Francis Lebourvier, Philippe Lehodey and Joel Bregeault all from Hambye, France, around the Parish on Saturday, December 13th. They arrived in their own car after driving from Southampton crossing on the night ferry.

After morning coffee and a welcome by the Chairman of the Parish Council, there followed a whistle stop tour of the Church, School, Village Hall, both Chapels, the Windmill, our famous view from the Pink Road and the high quality work made at the Loosley Row Foundry. After lunch at the Black Horse, the tour continued with West's Farm, the time of year being appropriate to see the thousands of turkeys being prepared for the Christmas table, this was farming on the scale not seen in France. On to the Sports Ground to see the footballers and visit the club house, then to Speen A for a walk round the village circle, seeing the village hall, sports field and some old world cottages, ending with a visit to Speen Weavers to see types of cloth that ere exported all over the world. Councillor and Mrs. White supplied a typical, English tea, then back to Lacey Green for early evening drinks with Mr. and Mrs. Tempest before departing to Southampton and the ferry.

It was a whirlwind visit, but we surprised ourselves in what we had to show off, the visit was arranged at short notice, and some of our committee where unfortunately not free. Our thanks to ail the people who rallied round to assist in making the visit interesting and pleasant.

The three young men. were certainly great ambassadors for their country, they seemed favourably impressed with what they saw in such a few hours. Now it’s up to us to return their visit.

Whether we shall feel able to recommend Hambye as a suitable twin for us is too early to say, certainly the first step was encouraging and a place only some 100 kilometres from Cherbourg would be easily accessible.

-2002 Report in Hallmark. In 1981 two very similar villages – Lacey Green in England and Hambe in Normandy, France, arranged a cooperative venture known as Twinning.

1981   LACEY GREEN PARISH TWINNING ASSOCIATION.   By Ted Janes WE’RE TWINNED

News of the marvellous reception our 15 strong party received in Hambe, both for the twinning ceremony and the celebrations of the weekend of July 25/26^th,will have reached you, by the sheer enthusiasm and elation of our party.   Now is the time for the preparation of the return twinning ceremony, and to offer hospitality and friendship as did the hundreds of people in Hambe to us.

Comment by Joan West

Whilst touring in France with the children, we noticed a signpost to 'Hambe', the village with which Lacey Green was to be twinned , so we thought we would have a look at it.   We drove into the square only to see Ted on the balcony of the Mayor`s parlour expressing greetings from the people of Lacey Green to the people of Hambe.   He looked resplendent, wearing his parish chairman`s chain of office.

Hallmark September 1981. The Norman Invasion - 1981 by Mary Highton.

There could not have been anyone in the whole of Lacey Green, Loosley Row or Speen who was unaware that the last weekend in September was going to be something of an historic occasion. Preparations had been going on for weeks and willing helpers had volunteered from every corner of our extended parish. We were are least going to be able to reciprocate to our friends from Hambye the incredibly warm welcome and the good time that we had been given in France.

The weather could have been kinder; as Saturday 26th September dawned, the skies wer laden and the trees were being lashed by gale force winds and rain. However, undaunted by the elements, a reception committee of 4 (Peter Trotter, Gordon Lennard Mandy Stein and Nicola Bolton) left Lacey Green at 5 o'clock in the morning and drove down to Southampton in a limousine to meet the 34 strong French contingent and escort them back to Lacey Green Village School in their 50 seater coach. Having visited Runnymede, Windsor Castle and Eton School enroute, they all arrived at the school hall on time, looking happy, if somewhat weary! The elderly people among them had travelled in the comfort of the limousine, forming an advance party, and had arrived ten minutes earlier.

It was delightful for those of us who went to Hambye to see our friends again, and a great deal of kissing and hugging went on. We seem to have adapted to the customary French greeting very easily - it's so much warmer and more friendly than a British handshake! The weather was also becoming more friendly and the rain had stopped, not that it would have mattered anymore, because by this time old friends were recounting stories and new friends were making contact over cups. of coffee and biscuits. The photographs taken in the school hall will bear witness to the. joy on this occasion.

Princes Risborough suffered a second Norman invasion as many of our visitors had a look at the shops before lunch with their hosts, though some used the time to become better acquainted, or to take some rest. Many hosts had combined with neighbours to give a luncheon party for two groups of French people, thus sharing the work. Our party consisted of 11 people, 5 French and 6 English, and was an enormous amount of fun. The language used at the table was a mixture of English and French, perhaps ‘Franglais' would be the best name for it. It was difficult to drag people away, as we were all having such a good time, but we had to take advantage of the fine spells of weather between the ‘showers and visit local places of. interest, i.e. the Windmill, the Forge and the Horses Home at Speen. These visits culminated in a delicious cream tea at the Barn – and what a delightful place it is! I, for one, had never been there before, and was totally captivated by it. The atmosphere was welcoming and intimate, and full of 'magic' for me. I am sure many of our French friends felt the same.

Speen Village Hall was the venue for the evenings event ~- a buffet supper, (superbly organised) and entertainment by local people — Will McBurnie and his friend Allan Singing folk songs accompanied by guitar and piano, and Dorthy Willett, with her incredible voice and talent, who won the hearts of all the Frenchmen, both young and old I'm sure, by her fabulous, professional. performance of Marie Lloyd songs. There will be a few interesting photographs to be seen in Hambye within the next few weeks, I'll be bound! The lads managed to infect us all with their high spirits, and we were all singing before long. A fantastic evening was enjoyed by all – it was an outstanding and undisputed success.

Next day, St. John's Church, Lacey Green, was looking it's most beautiful in the morning sun as we entered to attend the Harvest Festival Service. The sunshine was streaming through the stained glass windows on to the altar decorated with flowers, and fruit and vegetables round about, providing a perfect background to the service, parts of which were translated into French for the benefit of our friends from Hamby

Taking advantage of the warm autumn sunshine, many of us walked back from the church to the final gathering of the parishioners of the twinned villages, which was of course, the most important, and was attended by more people than anything else over the weekend.

In Hallmark December 1982. Report by Chairman Peter Trotter

"When one stops to think of the progress the Twinning Association has made it is unbelievable that it was only December two years ago that Francis, Phillipe and Joel travelled from Hambe to 'vet' us as a suitable twin partner, and only 20 months since my wife and I first travelled to Hambe for the same purpose. Since then several large official groups and many more small private parties have crossed the channel in both directions - getting to understand one another, making lasting friendships , simple acts by ordinary people, that seem to defy the politicians.

On behalf of myself and a hard working committee, I wish you all a Happy Christmas, and my sincere thanks to members and non-members who have helped to make twinning such a rapid success."

Lacey Green Parish Twinning Association By Mary Highton

The Twinning Association is about to enter a new era in it’s existence, under the chairmanship. of Ray Hewinson, and may I, on behalf of the committee members, propose a Vote of Thanks to Peter Trotter, our retiring Chairman and Founder, without whom. we would not exist.

It was Peter who had a 'dream' about four years ago and, with his unfaltering drive and enthusiasm, made it happen. His enthusiasm is catching and all of us on the committee have been infected by him, and have in turn infected many other people. As far as I know, the epidemic has not been contained and is spreading still. (However, do not be alarmed ~ to catch this fever can only do you and the community good!).

Peter had worked unstintingly to create this feeling of great camararderie that we have with the villagers of Hambye, giving his free time willingly, and those of us who have enjoyed the visits to Hambye and their return visits to us, would like him to know how much we appreciate his dedication and leadership. We would also like to add our thanks and appreciation to Lillian, his wife, on whom much of the work has inevitably also fallen.

The AGM on 18th May in the Village Hall was well attended by about 60 people. The ‘business! of the evening took place very quickly at the beginning, and all current members of the committee were re-elected. Fiona Bowman was co-opted as a representative from the newly-formed Youth Group, and we welcome her aboard. I am sure her contribution will be very valuable in spreading the 'fever' among the young people of the parish.

The rest of the evening was spent very pleasantly in watching a presentation by Saturn Travel of Princes Risborough (who arrange our transport to Hambye) about travel in the Far East and also answering all our questions on travel in general, and supplying. us with brochures afterwards.

Refreshments came in the form of some delicious English Cheeses and some excellent French wine (twinning at its best!).

Richard Binns, the local well~known author on travel in France with several top-selling travel books to his credit, was invited -to become an Honorary Member of the Association, and was presented by our retiring Chairman with a plaque commemorating the occasion. Richard has mentioned Hambye Abbey in all his recent writings, and we are told that the Abbey and the village in general have been reaping the benefits already.

We were also pleased to see David Green, the recently appointed Headmaster of Lacey Green School, and his wife, at the function and we hope to create a stronger link with the school than we have had in the past. The intention is to arrange an exchange between a party of some 9 French School children in July for a period of one week, just before the end of the summer term, and for a similar party of our children to go over to Hambye sometime later, probably next year. The children. range from 12 - 16 years old, and we would be very interested to hear from anyone with similarly~aged children who would be willing to host them. Details are not yet finalised but will be available from me, (P.R. 6376 evenings and weekends) or any other committee member. We are arranging this exchange before the end of term so that the French children can benefit from going to school with their hosts for a few days. The visit will also cover a week-end so that they can be taken out and about as well.

Our next official visit to Hambye will take place over the August Bank Holiday, leaving on Saturday morning and returning on Monday night as last year. Bookings. on the 45 seater coach are already being made, and the cost will be £34.50 each, half-price for children under 16. A place can be secured with a deposit of £5, deductible from the price of your ticket. Please contact any member of the committee if you wish to book some seats.

Hallmark March 1991. Multum in Parvo – Ten Years of Twinning. Report by Peter Morris – Chairman, Lacey Green Parish Twinning Association

From the germ of an idea in 1978 much has grown. Few would have given it five years, let alone ten – yet here we are in 1991, still going strong!

An exploratory meeting was held in February 1979 where about forty people heard Peter Trotter explain his idea of finding a similar community in Europe with which we could twin. A steering group was formed and the patient search began, taking two years to settle upon Hambye, near Cherbourg in Normandy. Quite apart from the size of the population there were other considerations; a rural village with multiple farming activities, a small business community and a handful of professional people. It should be near enough to make regular weekend visits for the ordinary residents of the villages a realistic prospect – not just the occasional ‘jolly on the rates’ for civic dignitaries and their wives.

Three representatives from Hambye visited Lacey Green Parish in December 1980, a similar deputation making a return trip the following April; thus was the decision made, and in July 1981 the first official visit took place. This coincided with La Fete de la Liberation, the annual celebration of the day Allied Forces freed the area from German occupation in 1944. On the Sunday a wreath was laid at the War Memorial, and later at the Town Hall the bond was forged – a Twinning Charter was signed in English and in French.

Peter Trotter was elected Chairman of our Twinning Association which grew rapidly to over one hundred supporters scattered throughout Lacey Green, Loosley Row and Speen. There have so far been two successors to the post, though many of the original group are still actively involved; Ted and Jean Janes, Mary Adams, Nellie Stein..... Don White the Parish Council Chairman has served on the committee in some capacity or other through most of the ten years. Sadly, there are those we have lost - ‘Frankie’ Plowman and 'Tich Leonard among them.

We are keen to encourage any village resident to visit Hambye; many are surprised to find how like the Chilterns and the 'Bocages' country seems – also the small scattered hamlets very like Hampden and Parslow's Hillock. You can be sure of a warm welcome when you arrive. Our biennial official trip takes forty people who are accommodated and fed by individual families at no expense; we repay the compliment the following year - all it costs is the fare (always reduced for twinning groups). We have at the moment of writing a group of teenagers in Hambye for a weeks holiday; again this is a biennial exchange visit, costing only about £20 per head.

Over the years several lasting family friendships have been forged, but even total strangers are assured an incredible weekend; it is surely true to say "there's never a dull moment in Hambye". Ask our coach driver – he's been with us four times so far!

10 years of Twinning Chairmen :- 1981, 82 & 83 - Peter Trotter. 1984, 85 & 86 - Ray Hewinson. 1987, 88, 89 & 90 - Peter Morris.

Ray Hewinson was Chairman of The Twinning Association. He and Sylvia accompanied children to Hambe for school exchange visits

2002. Twinning Report in Hallmark.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Call for volunteers for twinning committee.   2003.  No volunteers so Twinning “put on ice”.

Since then, although several approaches have been made to Hambe, there appears to be very little enthusiasm from their side and no volunteers from our side.   Now that travel has become commonplace between the UK and France the need for twinning has become less imperative.

Twinning Association, in common with many others, is not the only one which has had, sadly, to close down for lack of support.

Hallmark May 2010. Lacey Green Parish Twinning Association signed by Liz Southon, Tony Molesworth, Mel Webster.

At the Annual General Meeting in 2002 the then Chairman of the Twinning Association, Mrs Pat Williams, indicated that unless there were volunteers to take over from the long-serving Committee, the Association would have to be discontinued. At the AGM in 2003, there being no volunteers, the Association was ‘put on ice’.

Since then, although several approaches have been made to Hambye, there appears to be very little enthusiasm to resurrect the Association from their side and there have been no volunteers to resuscitate Twinning from our side. Now that travel has become commonplace between the UK and France the need for Twinning has become less imperative. Consequently, Lacey Green Parish Twinning Association, in common with many others, has had, sadly, to close down for lack of support.

Under Item 14 of the Lacey Green Parish Twinning Association Constitution any surplus funds that are still held must be transferred equally to the village hall funds of Speen and Lacey Green for specified use. The remaining members of the old Committee will undertake to wind up the Lacey Green Parish Twinning Association in accordance with the Constitution.