Matlock - Eaubonne Twinning Association

Twinning is a marvellous way to increase the understanding between people of different countries and cultures. By bringing people together, it helps us to understand the differences and similarities of people from different walks of life in another country; and if you are learning French at school or at an evening class, what better way to improve the language?

Differences in the way people speak or cook or dress, or in their religion or the colour of their skin can breed misunderstandings. Misunderstandings cause fear and fear can breed hatred, as witnessed by the many conflicts that have raged over the centuries.

How did the twinning start?

Ever since the Second World War, communities have been encouraged to form a friendship or "twinning" with a town in a different country but with something in common.

When the new Matlock Town Council was formed in 1983, it wasn't long before councillors looked for a "twin" town. This culminated in the present "friendship" with Eaubonne, which was eventually signed officially in 1992.

Why twin with Eaubonne?

Eaubonne is about 20 km north west of Paris, the capital of France. Like Matlock, Eaubonne used to be a spa town, where people came to take the "water treatment". Like Matlock Bath, it betrays its origins in its name -

Eau = Water, Bonne = Good, so Eaubonne = Good Water

What do we do?

Members of the twinning association can be as much or as little involved as they want to be. There are opportunities to meet at social events organised throughout the year, but our main activity is the annual trip to Eaubonne or Matlock.

The French visit us in the "odd" years (2003, 2005, 2007, etc). Members stay with "host" families whilst in France and play host themselves the following year, usually but not always to the same family.

Some members form close friendships with their hosts and visit each other more often. Other members have no involvement, apart from the annual visits.

We try to ensure that you are hosted with people of a similar age, and if you are a smoker, we'll try to pair you with smokers. You do not need to be able to speak French - of course it makes life easier if you try just a little to learn the basics, but you don't have to. We have members who are fluent and members who don't know more than a dozen words. If your house or flat is not big enough to play host to visitors, don't worry. We have members in the same situation and their French family can usually be accommodated elsewhere, usually with someone who may not belong to the twinning association but is happy to take occasional guests.

What next?

If you think that you would like to take part in our activities, and perhaps make friends with a French family, why not join the association? Membership is open to anyone living in or near Matlock. The annual rates are £7.50 for an individual and £15 for a family; children under 16 are free.

We are always looking for new members, young members, members with children, people with new and fresh ideas. So come on, what have you got to lose? Give it a try... and you just might make some new friends, both here and abroad!

To find out more about what we do -

you can telephone or email any of the people listed below.
Why not come along to one of our social events (in the past these have included quizzes, wine tastings, country walks, games of boules)?
Visit the Imperial Rooms to see the new display of pictures and information.
have a look at: www.eaubonne-matlock.com - it was created by our friends in Eaubonne and can be viewed in English or French.

M for Meta, Matlock and Macmillan Nurses

Wine, Cheese and Pate evening held on Friday 19 October at the Imperial Rooms in Matlock raises money for Macmillan Nurses.

Thanks to the generosity of French Wine People, Sainsbury's, Somerfield's, Palins of Tansley and several local residents, the Matlock Eaubonne Twinning Association was able to turn its most recent social evening into a fund-raising event for Macmillan Nurses.

Jean Claude Schmitt, of French Wine People in Matlock, gave an entertaining and knowledgeable commentary throughout the wine tasting as he introduced us to a variety of different regions and types of French wines. Palins of Tansley donated the apples which helped us to clear our palates as we moved on from one wine to the next. Sainsbury's and Somerfield's made a contribution towards the French bread, cheese and pate. And thanks to Terry Gregory we even had live accordion music!

We would like to thank all those who bought a ticket to support the event. Part of the funds raised will be used to cover costs and support the association's future activities, but we have also been able to make a contribution of £150 to Macmillan Nurses.

Of the 53 who attended, there were around 22 potential new members for whom we had prepared displays about Eaubonne and the twinning activities. The display boards will remain on show in the small hall at the Imperial Rooms. (Please ring on 01629 57488 to arrange suitable time to visit).

Our aim is to encourage as many people as possible living in Matlock and the surrounding area to take part in the annual programme of exchange visits between residents of Matlock and Eaubonne. So why not join us in 2008? We have been invited to visit Eaubonne during the last weekend of May.

Contacts:

Secretary: Peter Vincent, telephone: 01246 590259
email: petervincent299@btinternet.com

Chairman: Martyn Moss, telephone: 01629 56764
email: martyn@martynmoss.orangehome.co.uk

Treasurer: Jane Nelms, telephone: 01629 583541