Articles

News Update

18/10/11 15:20

It’s been quite a busy summer for SHDOFA and there are still a few activities planned for the rest of the year. Hopefully, some of you will have seen our stall at the TS Brilliant Fun Day in May and at the Gala Day at Meadows School in June which has helped raise our profile within the community. A major attraction on both occasions turned out to be our pétanque competition which everyone could have a go at and it was amazing to see how addictive some people found the game to be. Pétanque has been an ongoing theme for us with regular sessions at the new ‘piste’ in Yew Tree Road. We now have over a dozen players and can easily field two or three teams which usually consist of four members each. Yet more encouraging is that we are gradually getting to grips with the rules and even with some of the tactics. These were used to great advantage when we trounced Tonbridge French Circle in September in what for us was our first ‘official’ match.

In June our twin town of Lambersart, near Lille in North Eastern France, joins with a number of nearby communes which are all connected by the River Deûle for the Fête de la Deûle. A weekend of fun, festivities and fireworks as well as numerous races between a number of weird so called ‘flying machines’ belching out fire and smoke all over the participating villages. It is also the time when the riverside beach makes its annual appearance in Lambersart. 700 tonnes of sand are imported together with palm trees, sun-loungers, children’s play equipment and a guinguette for eating, music and dancing. Some of our members were able to go and were hosted en famille. The locals certainly know how to enjoy themselves and we hope we can go again next year.

We try to organise at least one coach trip to France each year and this time we went to Arras for the day. The town, with its fine old centre, is said to be one of the prettiest in northern France. Around its two large squares are magnificent, restored seventeenth and eighteenth-century mansions built in the Flemish style as well as a grandly ornate, gothic Town Hall, not to mention the wide selection of cafés and restaurants.

The main purpose of the trip, however, was to visit the “Wellington Quarries” where 24,000 British and New Zealand troops lived for 6 months in the tunnels 20 metres underneath the town close to the German front line before breaking out for a major offensive in April 1917. Needless to say, this was a moving experience. It also reminded us of the importance of mutual understanding and strong relationships with our overseas’ neighbours, which is one of the major objectives of our twinning association.

North Eastern France has seen more than its fair share of conflict over the years. Nowadays, Lambersart is also twinned with Viersen, a town in Germany. On the 11th November, delegations from both Southborough and Viersen will be visiting Lambersart for their annual Armistice Commemoration. This year, being 11-11-11, is a special one and each of the nationalities will be laying wreaths at the town war memorial and at the British and German cemeteries in a display of international co-operation which would not have been possible during much of our turbulent histories.

Back on home soil, we managed to select one of the few sunny days in August for our annual barbecue having put up with rain on the previous three occasions. Hopefully, the weather won’t be an issue for our DVD evening in late October when we shall be showing a selection of French films – with English sub-titles of course! Soon we will be putting together our programme for next year and without a doubt the major event will be our 20th birthday celebrations in October. A full programme of events will be available ahead of our AGM next March.

The SHDOFA Constitution emphasises community activities and encourages visits in both directions by people of all ages to foster friendship and mutual understanding of the cultural, recreational, educational and commercial activities of both towns. We would like to do even more to further this objective so if you think you, either as an individual or as an organisation, like the sound of it and would like to be involved please contact our chairperson, Mrs Colette Marsh, on 01892 525042. Of course you can always visit the web site and become our Facebook friend too!

Web site: www.shdofa.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/shdofa

Tags: Lambersart, Arras, Viersen

LA LANGUE DE SHAKESPEARE

13/10/11 20:17

Here is another selection from the poem sent to us by Brigitte Clermont, “Only the English Could Have Invented This Language”.

One may be that, and three would be those
Yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
And the plural of cat is cats, not cose.
We speak of a brother and also of brethren but though we say mother, we never say methren. Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him. But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim!

Tags: Language

ON THE WESTERN FRONT – ARRAS REVISITED

13/10/11 20:16

On the 3rd September a contingent of SHDOFers assembled in the early hours outside the Royal Victoria Hall together with a number of guests from the Tonbridge French Circle and the Tunbridge Wells Twinning & Friendship Association. We were off to Arras to see where, 94 years earlier, as many as 24,000 British and New Zealand soldiers camped for 6 months in the tunnels 20 metres underneath the town only a matter of yards from the German front line. We were met at the tunnels by Thérèse and François Dupont, our very good friends from Lambersart, who stayed with us for the rest of the day.

The original tunnels were in fact medieval limestone quarries but were tunneled out further by the New Zealand sappers to form a vast network of underground quarters. In tribute to the New Zealand troops, the complex was named the Wellington Quarry. The murky fog we had traveled through that morning, together with a temperature of only 11 degrees in the tunnels were enough to send a chill through the spine as the realisation of what these men must have gone through became increasingly apparent as we were comfortably shown round by our guide.

We were only there for an hour or so and we had the benefit of electric light, well preserved walkways and strong railings to hold onto. We could come out whenever we wanted. They were not so lucky as they lived, slept, ate and prayed down there for weeks on end without seeing the light of day, wondering what on earth was going to happen to them and what sort of hell they would face when they finally broke out. The signs and notices on the walls looked as if they could have been written yesterday and the holograms which, with the benefit of modern technology, appeared from time to time, together with the sights and sounds of the troops talking and singing only added to the illusion.

The breakout came at 5.30 am on the 9th April 1917 with the troops pouring out of 20 different exit tunnels simultaneously. The Battle of Arras had begun and the Allies soon established the advantage of their surprise attack. Unfortunately it was short lived. After the first day they hesitated long enough for German reinforcements to arrive and the ensuing engagement dragged on for the best part of a month at a cost of 4,000 lives a day. If ever there was a lesson to be learned from these events it is surely that mutual understanding and the development of strong relationships with our overseas’ neighbours are vital in ensuring peace and stability whatever our differences. In a small way, organisations such as ours, and the many others like it, can play a part in preventing such a thing from happening again.

Unfortunately the fog in the morning had delayed our ferry and we were somewhat short of time to visit the rest of the town properly. We were able to have a quick look around the Place des Héros and the Grand Place as well as the fair which occupied it that day. Nevertheless, we had enough of a taster to want to return for a more detailed exploration and hopefully we can organise something next year.

(Please see Spring/Summer Newsletter for more information about Arras)

SHDOFA BREAKS WITH TRADITION

13/10/11 20:14

On the 21st August it was hot – very hot. It was also the day of our annual barbecue. This event has been accompanied by varying degrees of rain for each of the past 3 years ranging from intermittent drizzle to downright torrential, as was the case last year. No need to erect the gazebos this time and no need for plan B or plan C. Just a plain old-fashioned barbecue on a hot, sunny summer’s afternoon. The summer barbecue is always an enjoyable event but this time the weather really did provide a great lift although the dégustations of Petit Pont from ‘our’ wine merchant in Ardres may have helped too.

Whatever the weather, one of the reasons for the success of this event each year is the way so many people eagerly pitch in preparing food, making tea and coffee, organising the raffle, washing up etc and this year was no exception.

Thirty-three people attended including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor together with a few old friends including Richard and Diana Blackwell who, despite having moved away, remain staunch supporters of SHDOFA. The event raised £226.71, more than half our annual fund raising target towards next year’s 20th birthday celebrations.

Tags: Barbecue

LA PÉTANQUE, ÇA FAIT DU BIEN

13/10/11 20:13

Early in the summer SHDOFA set up its stall at two events namely the TS Brilliant Fun Day in May and the Gala Day at Meadows School in June. Very strong winds defied all efforts to keep our archive photographs and balloons firmly in one place as well as testing our ingenuity in keeping the gazebo anchored down. Despite these difficulties, the events not only provided the opportunity to raise our profile in the community but they also enabled us to try out our new pétanque competition. It is amazing how addictive some people found the game to be.

We learnt a lot from the experience and gained a few new members along the way. It is definitely an activity to be continued next year and fits in well with our objectives and the ongoing “Forward Thinking” project.

Throughout the summer months Maurice Verrall built up an ever-increasing band of aspiring boulistes, including the new members, who gathered at the Copse in Yew Tree Road to master the art of pétanque under the expert tutelage of Colin Murrells, our chef d’équipe. The practice sessions were a great success and proved to be excellent social occasions as well as good sporting workouts.

All the hard work came to fruition on 11th September for our first ‘official’ match against two teams from the Tonbridge French Circle. Modesty restrains us from crowing too much about the result which was subsequently, albeit euphemistically, described by Tonbridge as a ‘narrow victory’ for SHDOFA. Suffice it to say that all the members of our two teams turned out to be star players and did us proud and happily nobody had to ‘faire Fanny’ – (if you need an explanation of this expression please contact the Editor).

The players were: Colin Murrells and members of Colin’s family, Trevor Poile, Ken Poonoosamy, Bob Marsh, Clive Eastwood and Maurice Verrall. Since our official trophy had been lost to Lambersart last year, a temporary one consisting of a large French onion in a pot was presented to the winning SHDOFA team captains, Colin Murrells and Ken Poonoosamy, by Jacqui Jedrzejewski, our town mayor. After the official competition, a series of social matches took place aided no doubt by a copious supply of wine and nibbles to ensure the afternoon was as much in the French style as possible. It was certainly good to get together and meet people from another local organisation whose objectives and issues are similar to our own. A return match has already been penciled in and who knows, we may throw down the gauntlet to more local teams next summer! For more information on pétanque training please contact any committee member.

Tags: Pétanque

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

13/10/11 20:12

Dear Friends,

How hardy we English have to be to cope with our ever changing weather. I don't know whether to get out my sun hat, my cardigan or my wellies. Rumour has it that I might need my snowshoes in November. Will we all be snowed in again? I must remember to stock up with a few extra tins.

What a wonderful trip we had to Arras, a long tiring day, but very enjoyable. The weather was very hot and sunny and so it was for our very successful barbecue last August. My thanks to the organisers of both these events. But the year has not ended yet and I hope to see a few new faces attending the Soirée DVD evening on the 28th. A chance to improve your French and nibble popcorn in the back row, beware "the corsiteer". Keep practising your pétanque, gird you loins; 2012 looks like being a very eventful year.

Best wishes
Colette Marsh.

Tags: Arras

Message from the committee

15/05/11 20:24

The Committee would really appreciate your support and input into these events and we especially need aspiring pétanque players and helpers for the SHDOFA stand. We could take the stand to more events if we have the resources and this would help develop our relationship with the wider community and assist in our membership development.
We have other ideas too for possible events this year or in the future, including a Southborough Town and Common ramble with our French friends and a cricket match against them so that we can recover from the ignominy of losing at pétanque last year.

PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE contact Mireille Marchant:

If you can help with the SHDOFA stand

If you wish to be in the SHDOFA pétanque team

If you have any thoughts and ideas about what we might or should be doing.

Tags: Pétanque

The Programme 2011

15/05/11 20:12

15 May : SHDOFA stand at TS Brilliant Fun Day - Volunteers requested

21 and 22 May : St Calyxte Choir at St Thomas’s and St Peter’s – Volunteers requested for help on SHDOFA Stand

4 June : Fête on the River Dêule Lambersart – Independent Arrangements

18 June : Organised Visit to Lambersart – To be Confirmed

19 June : SHDOFA stand at Lions Fun Day - Volunteers requested

Late JuneMid Summer : Lunch TBC

21 August : Annual Barbecue

2-3 September : Organised Visit to Arras

11 September : Pétanque match against Tonbridge French Circle at the Copse – Players requested for the SHDOFA team please

22 October : Soirée DVD – venue to be confirmed.

Tags: Diary

Newsletter Summer '09

16/08/09 13:04

The SHDOFA Summer ’09 newsletter is now available to read on line, if your browser supports .PDF files or for download by clicking here.

SHDOFA Summer 09 Newsletter

Twin Oaks Newsletter Spring 2009

28/04/09 18:29

Dear Friends,

It was lovely to see so many members at the A.G.M. on 15th March and it was really nice to welcome our dear friends from Lambersart, especially Brigitte Clermont to whom we gave a special medal to thank her for all the work she has done to promote twinning between our two towns. The weather was beautiful and the meal afterwards excellent.
We were lucky to be entertained by some of the members of the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band. The music they played was not only varied and interesting but also beautifully enhanced by the acoustics in the Science Theatre at the Salomons Centre. I certainly will be looking out for any concerts they are playing at in the future.
I hope to see as many members with their friends and families attending SHDOFA events in 2009 starting with our trip to Ardres on 14th May. Please come! Mireille has been working her usual magic to organise the day for us.
Many people have already paid this year’s membership subscription. Thank you, but if you haven’t, please do so and encourage new members to join as well.

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.

However, they turned out to be friendly and were just about to begin their annual commemoration of their patron saint, Geneviève. This included a march through the town with their own musical accompaniment. 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. 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, bread 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 on Thursday 14 May (market day). That will give us the chance to try out one of the town’s excellent bistros, indulge in another of Guy’s dégustations and to have a look at some of the many other attractions which Ardres and the surrounding area have to offer. More details have already been sent out so do please come along.

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.

Whilst these and other changes bring to an end a lengthy period of uncertainty 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 last September.

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

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

Tags: Lambersart

DAY TRIP to ARDRES

10/12/08 11:14

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.

CHANGES AT LAMBERSART

10/12/08 11:13

In a move supposed to strengthen the Lambersart council’s involvement with the town’s twinning activities, 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.

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.

Southborough Past And Present Exhibition

29/10/08 17:41

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

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