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Although a little late owing to an earlier slight problem at the Eurotunnel, we arrived for lunch at the Auberge du Lac at Ardres which we also visited on our previous trip. We were greeted there by Gérard Tancré and his wife Josette, Thérèse Dupont and her husband François, Bernard Coffyn, the Lambersart councilor responsible for twinning and his wife. Also still waiting for us was Guy Boursôt which was fortunate because Guy was responsible for bringing the wine. Unfortunately the crémant de Bourgogne which he had poured out as an apéro had gone a little flat due to our tardiness but that didn’t affect our enjoyment of it, or indeed that of the other different bottles he had brought for our dégustation during the meal.

After an excellent repas we repaired to Boursôts Wine Collection in the centre of Ardres with a view to stocking up ahead of Christmas. We also had some spare time to wander round this lovely old town once again renewing our acquaintance with the local shopkeepers.

SHDOFA Summer 09 Newsletter

Best wishes

Colette Marsh

DAY TRIP to ARDRES

On 15th November a group of SHDOFA members set off across the Channel. Their destination was the medieval town of Ardres, less than 30 minutes from Calais. On the agenda was a guided tour of the town, a wine tasting with a spot of light lunch and finally the opportunity for some pre-Christmas shopping at Cité Europe on the way back.

On our arrival at the town centre we were immediately confronted by dozens of gendarmes.

CHANGES AT LAMBERSART

In a move supposed to strengthen the Lambersart council’s involvement with the town’s twinning activities, last November saw some changes on the Amitiés Internationales committee. Our old friend Gerard Tancré remains President and Thérèse Dupont, who we also know well, was re-elected as one of two Vice Presidents. However, Brigitte Clermont has been replaced as the other Vice President by Bernard Coffyn, a Lambersart councillor whose brief includes European affairs.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS

Following the decision by the ‘Courier’ to take a new direction with the local correspondents’ role, Julie Dunn and Jancis Wilson, a SHDOFA member, have decided to hang up their notebooks and pencils after many years of reporting and promoting local events and other ‘goings on’, including our own, in a most interesting and informative way.

Julie wrote the Community Life columns covering High Brooms and St. Johns whilst Jancis covered Southborough and we would like to record our thanks for all the help they have provided in the past. Our new reporter is Claire Cromie and she can be contacted at the ‘Courier’ or at Southborough library between 2pm and 4pm on Mondays and 10.30am to 12.30pm on Fridays.
 

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Both the Lambersart and Southborough Associations have held their Annual General Meetings this year. The Amitiés Internationales function was held as usual at la ferme du Mont Garin in Lambersart and a contingent from Southborough, including the current mayor and two of his predecessors, attended on behalf of SHDOFA. On the Lambersart agenda this year is a visit to Rye and Pashley Manor on 23rd May and it is hoped that as many SHDOFA members as possible will be able to join them. Please see Mireille Marchant for details. Also, there are plans to visit Berlin in May for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Hopefully we will learn more about this in due course.

Brigitte Clermont spoke with emotion about her departure from the committee with which she had been inextricably involved for many years. The mayor, Marc-Philippe Daubrese, made the point that despite the current global economic problems, the encouragement of the younger generation for the European ideal also remains a major priority. The occasion provided the opportunity for our Chairman and for our President to make use of the language of Molière and, as usual at these events, the proceedings were followed by an excellent lunch.
Our own AGM at the Salomons Centre on 15th March was very well attended. Also present were Gérard Tancré, President of Amitiés Internationales Lambersart, Thérèse Dupont, Vice President, Brigitte Clermont, former Vice President and their respective partners. The formal business was over in record time. Gérard spoke of the many friends he has made in Southborough over the past seventeen years and he too emphasised the need to include the younger generation in our European relationships.

A special medal was presented to Brigitte Clermont to mark our very close rapport over many years and to express our thanks for everything she has done to ensure a successful and vibrant twinning association. Brigitte responded in excellent English explaining that she had spent a few years learning our language and the rest of her life learning all the exceptions to the rules! It is clear that the Clermonts have many friends in Southborough and we look forward to meeting them again soon. An excellent carvery lunch followed after which we were treated to a magnificent recital by members of the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band. Everyone agreed that they would go out of their way to hear them again at one of their local performances.

KÖNNEN SIE HELFEN?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the twinning between Tunbridge Wells and Wiesbaden in Germany and we know only too well what such occasions mean in terms of extra work and involvement. Tunbridge Wells Twinning and Friendship Association is arranging a programme of events over the May Bank Holiday weekend full details of which can be obtained from Christine Philip on 01892 513944.

In the meantime we have been asked if we can provide bed and breakfast for a number of the 32 strong Wiesbaden Brass Ensemble who have numerous performances and engagements during the weekend. They will be arriving late on Thursday 21st May and leaving in the evening of Monday 25th. They have their own transport and will not need any other looking after. If you are able to help please contact Sheila Kirby on 01892 526891 or e-mail here

POINTS TO PONDER

• The committee is in the process of commissioning a SHDOFA tie which should be available soon. If you would like to express an early interest in buying one or more please contact any committee member and we will make sure they are set aside for you.

• Until recently Diana Blackwell has been keeping a beautiful archive of our activities much of which was on display at the recent AGM. If anyone is interested in taking over as archivist please contact our Chairman, Colette Marsh.

• In order for our Association to survive we need to attract new members especially from the younger generation. We have begun a programme of school visits but would welcome any thoughts as to how we can increase membership and in particular how to make SHDOFA more appealing and relevant to younger people. For example we have recently organised a pen friend (although these days it is more likely to be by e-mail) for the daughter of one of our Lambersart colleagues. We could always do with more potential correspondents from this side of the Channel and it would also be great if we could also organise some exchanges for anyone here learning French or provide some host families for Lambersart students learning English. Please give it some thought.

• Do please also have a look at our web site at www.shdofa.com The site is still very much in the development stage and any comments and ideas would be most welcome. One way of doing so would be to leave a message on the blog. Perhaps there is even a ‘web master’ out there who would be prepared to take on the project. If so please contact Jackie Prance

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

• 14th May: You will have received details about the Day trip to Ardres. Please contact Mireille Marchant for further details.

• 23rd May: Amitiés Internationales visit to Rye and Pashley Manor. Come and join our French friends on all or part of their trip to our lovely corner of England. Further information from Mireille once detailed itinerary available.

• Sunday 14th June: Mid Summer lunch in the conservatory at the Salomons Centre. Details to follow.

• Sunday 23rd August: Summer Barbecue at 17 Harland Way. Details to follow.

• 5th & 6th December: Amitiés Internationales visit to the Christmas markets at Metz and Trèves

EGGSTRA (Sorry but the Editor couldn’t resist this seasonal word play)

Pourquoi devrait-on chercher un seul oeuf ?
Parce qu’un oeuf est un oeuf !

Editor’s notes: Due to technical problems the format of this edition of the Newsletter has been changed.
Please send articles, information, photos and comments for the next issue to the Editor: jackie@prance.org.uk

On our arrival at the town centre we were immediately confronted by dozens of gendarmes. However, they turned out to be friendly and were just about to begin their annual commemoration ceremony. This included a march through the town with their own musical accompaniment followed, as far as we could tell, by a visit to le pub. We were met at the Chapelle des Carmes in the main square by a representative from the Tourist Office together with Sophia Boursot who was to be our interpreter. Dating from 1679, the building was originally a Carmelite convent but has also been used as a town hall and a market hall. It is now the Office de Tourisme. The town visit included the old underground wheat vaults which had only recently been opened up again and which had served a less benign purpose during the War. Also en route was l'Eglise Notre Dame de Grâce dating from 1503. The ‘gothic’ stained glass windows incorporated during the late 19th century restoration were quite fantastic.

By this time, refreshments were definitely required and the group made its way to ‘Boursots Wine Collection’ a few metres down the road. This establishment is run by Guy and Sophia who are well accustomed to fulfilling the requirements of English, and indeed French, visitors to the town and to their shop. It’s worth looking at their web site http://www.boursot.co.uk/ which is packed full of useful information and offers. Guy had selected a number of whites, reds and sparklings for us to try and buy while we tucked into a magnificent spread of cheeses, pâtés and biscuits. Having loaded a vast quantity of economically priced cases into the coach we set off for what proved to be a very crowded Cité Europe. Perhaps a Saturday afternoon during the run up to Christmas was not the best timing!

This trip proved very popular and will be repeated in the Spring. That will give us the chance to try out some of the town’s excellent bistros and to have a look at some of the many other attractions attraction which Ardres and the surrounding area have to offer.

Whilst these and other changes bring to an end a lengthy period of uncertainty and some problems within the conseil d’administration, the loss of Brigitte is a very sad one for us in Southborough. She has been in the thick of the organisation for 14 years as an active supporter and as a proactive organiser of many trips and projects in France, in Britain and in Germany. Recently Brigitte played a prominent role in our 15th Anniversary celebrations and also in the Armistice commemorations which took place in September.

Our very best wishes go to Brigitte and to her husband Pascal. Hopefully we will see them again on future occasions. In the meantime we look forward to a continuing active relationship with the ‘new look’ committee in our twin town.

Day trip to Ardres: 15 November. Wine tasting, guided tour of 17th century town and Christmas shopping. (See article).
Special Meeting to ratify 2009 subscriptions: 29th October, The Ark, London Road, Southborough at 7.00 p.m..
AGM: 15th March 2009 at Salomon’s Centre

TWTFA events will be held at St Johns Church Centre, St. Johns Road at 7.30pm.: Please contact Christine Phillip on 01892 513944 for further details.
- Ightham Mote - Life Upstairs Downstairs:, 29 October.
- Richard Milton introduces his new book “Best of Enemies Britain & Germany”: 18 November.

Please, please can you send articles, information, photos etc. for the next issue to robert@prance.org.uk

Please note: SHDOFA now has its own web site; http://shdofa.com It’s still in the development stage and your comments, suggestions and contributions will be very welcome so please get blogging!.

Editor: Jackie Prance, 17 Harland Way, Southborough (01892 517324)
SOUTHBOROUGH HIGH BROOMS AND DISTRICT OVERSEAS FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION

TWIN OAKS NEWSLETTER
Autumn/Winter 2008

www.shdofa.com

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

The bad news is that the summer weather has been very disappointing. The good news is that it has been much sunnier for SHDOFA with an excellent trip to the Abbaye de Valloires and a splendid barbecue in the lovely garden of Robert and Jackie Prance. My thanks to every one involved in organising these two very successful events.

Sadly all the hard work involved in organising the 13th and 14th Sept trip to commemorate the Armistice to end World War 1 was wasted when a fire in the Channel Tunnel prevented us from travelling to France. Mireille our secretary, Bob our Treasurer and Colin our President all tried every which way to make it possible but it wasn’t to be. I am very grateful to them for their tireless endeavours. I also feel very sad and grateful to our colleagues in Lambersart for everything they did on our behalf. We are all pleased that the ceremony went ahead even though the group from Viersen in Germany arrived late, having been delayed by officials at the Belgian border.

Not going to France on that weekend did mean that we were able to attend the Southborough Past and Present Exhibition held in the Royal Victoria Hall. Maurice Verrall provided a splendid display to promote SHDOFA. Our thanks to him and Jackie for manning the stall and a big thank you to SAKA for letting us share their table.

We still have one more trip this year to look forward to: a day trip to Ardres on Saturday 15th November. Food, wine and Christmas shopping. Don’t miss it!

Best wishes Colette Marsh

ARDRES – (Not so ‘ard to get to)

On 15th November a number of members will be off to Ardres, just 25 minutes south of Calais, for an official tour of the town, a spot of wine tasting and the chance to do some Christmas shopping at Cité Europe on the way back. Hopefully, we will also be joined by some of our Lambersart friends. We are assured by the coach company that there should be no problem with the Tunnel this time so it’s all systems go. The trip has proved very popular and is now fully booked but it is quite likely that it will be repeated next year in view of the demand for places.

The tasting, to be accompanied by cheese and pâté, will take place in the cellars of ‘Boursot’s Wine Collection’ just off the cobbled Place d’Armes in the centre of this 17th century town. The guided tour of the town will be conducted by a guide from the Tourist Office. A full report of the visit will appear in the next Newsletter. In the meantime, for further information on Boursots and on Ardres itself, it it worth looking at these web sites:

http://www.boursot.co.uk/index.html
http://www.ardres-tourisme.com/intro.htm

90th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMISTICE

Despite all our efforts, the fire in the Channel Tunnel the previous day prevented SHDOFAs English contingent from joining the French and German participants (who came from Lambersart’s other twin town of Viersen) for the 13th September weekend of Armistice commemorations organised by the town of Lambersart and Amitiés Internationales. We have, however, received reports of the event and a very moving experience it must have been.

In addition to seeing a traveling exhibition staged in Lambersart by la mission Mémoire et Patrimoine, the combined group visited Vimy Ridge and other memorials and cemeteries at Lambersart, Péronne, Lorette, and Neuville-Saint-Vaast. Three wreaths were laid at the tomb of the unknown soldier, one British, one, German and one French. One of the Viersen councillors, Hans-Henning Von Bassewitz, whose wife is French, spoke of his grandfather who was killed in 1914. He also made the point that ‘we are different nations but we have the same values and the same culture’.

Perhaps, more than anything, this was an occasion for the young French and German participants to say what they felt. The annual Armistice commemorations don’t often involve our youngsters for whom both world wars are a matter of history which they learn about at school. The following are some of the answers to the question, ‘Is peace a utopia’?
Clearly people were touched by the sincerity with which they spoke to their large audience:

“Peace is important. After the visit to Péronne, Vimy etc., we can really understand that.” - “If, 90 years ago, there had been exchanges between the young people of different countries there wouldn’t have been the war.” – “In 1946, the creation of the UN, countries promised each other eternal peace. Why then the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan. Algeria, Morocco, Indo-China, Georgia, Tibet and so many others? Why not use dialogue instead of weapons? We don’t go to the ballot box to choose what war we would like to see on TV.”

In response, the mayor of Lambersart, Marc-Philippe Daubresse, said that “at Lambersart, peace is no longer utopia but a reality for all time”.

This was a wonderful project conceived by the Lambersart branch of Amitiés Internationales and on which work began back in January. It was a great idea to include the children of all three countries as a central theme and a great shame that SHDOFA was not able to be present and play its part.

PAST AND PRESENT EXHIBITION

 
With the support of SAKA we were able to share a stand at Southborough’s Past and Present exhibition in Victoria Hall on Saturday 13th September that attracted a good turnout of people to look at many photographs and other items of interest from Southborough’s past. The present was represented by several local groups including churches, youth, amateur dramatic groups and the cricket club, all showing their achievements and future plans. There was also a large television screen continuously showing interesting recordings of events that have happened in Southborough over the last few years.
 
Our stand showed photos of the 15th anniversary celebrations both here and in Lambersart together with information on our twin town and the twinning charter. As well as showing the townspeople what our Association stands for. One of the main purposes was to attract new members and we await the outcome.
 
Several people showed interest and took membership forms together with newsletters and Lambersart brochures. My thanks goes to Jackie Prance who looked after the stand while I had a break and Brian Dobson of SAKA with whom I shared the work load of erecting and dismantling of the stand.
 
Maurice Verrall

SUMMER BBQ

As we have come to expect, the weather forecast for August Bank Holiday was awful, so again we had to prepare for the worst. Although it was a little wet to start with it wasn’t only the barbecue which heated up as the afternoon progressed. Eventually it was possible to venture outside and an excellent afternoon was enjoyed by all, including the dog who successfully managed to convince his admirers that he hadn’t been fed for a week. Thanks to everyone who helped with cooking, preparing salads and desserts and clearing up. And a special thanks to Pat Heyward-Young for another brilliant raffle. The event was not only great fun but also raised £373 in total.

OUR ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

In case you haven’t spotted our Honourary Founder President and former Southborough mayor on one of your visits to the gym at the Sports Centre in St. John’s Road, here is Daisy Fletcher putting us all to shame and showing us how to use the rowing machine. The wonderful news is that Daisy is back on her feet again. The next time we try to cross the Channel to Lambersart is Daisy going to row across?

PAST AND PRESENT EXHIBITION

With the support of SAKA we were able to share a stand at Southborough’s Past and Present exhibition in Victoria Hall on Saturday 13th September that attracted a good turnout of people to look at many photographs and other items of interest from Southborough’s past.

 
The present was represented by several local groups including churches, youth, amateur dramatic groups and the cricket club showing their achievements and future plans. There was also a large screen television continuously showing interesting recordings of events that have happened in Southborough over the last few years.
 
Our stand showed photos of the 15th anniversary celebrations both here and in Lambersart together with information on our twin town and the twinning charter.
 
As well as showing the towns people what the association stands for including exchange visits by various groups and social activities one of the main purposes was to attract new members.
 
Several people showed interest and took membership forms together with newsletters and Lambersart brochures and so it is eagerly awaited if it proved worthwhile.
 
My thanks goes to Jackie Prance who looked after the stand while I had a break and Brian Dobson of SAKA with whom shared the work load of erecting and dismantling of the stand.
 
Maurice Verrall