Bright future for link-up

Twinning between Southwell and Sees, Normandy, looks to have a bright future after the latest visit, according to the group’s chairman.

Mr Barry Pearson, chairman of Southwell Twinning Association, said last week’s visit by the French was the most successful for more than 15 years.

More than 40 people from Sees stayed with host families in Southwell.

Mr Pearson said: “The whole thing went very well which was, I think, because we involved the town and different groups.

“Instead of having a few people over and going on a few trips we had the whole community involved.”

Highlights of the visit included a trip to York and a formal reception at Southwell Town Council.

The visitors also attended a ceremony on the Burgage to mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

It was the first time a group from Sees had formally visited Southwell since 2005 and it was feared the twinning would end in 2007 because of a lack of interest.

Mr Pearson said: “The idea now is that we try and develop the association, and by involving the community it seems to have helped get people interested, so now the future is looking very encouraging.”

Southwell Twinning Association will travel to Sees next year.

Mr Pearson said: “This time we had a group of children come over and go the local schools and that seemed to work very well.

“We are hoping some of the children who have become penfriends and made friends will want to make a return visit with their families next year.”