The Haltwhistle & District Twinning Association

The Community
Recent News
Haltwhistle Town Twinning is in the middle of exciting new developments.  After more than 18 successful years creating strong, affectionate links with St Meen le Grand in Brittany, we have now developed a three way twinning to include Valentano in the Lazio area of Italy, north of Rome.  The Medieval town of  Valentano is beautifully situated on a mountainside overlooking the largest volcanic lake in Europe, and in common with Haltwhistle and St Meen, has strong links with Roman history and culture.
In August 2008, Haltwhistle hosted our French friends, joined for the first time by a small delegation of Italians, following an introductory visit to Valentano by two committee members in April 2008.  A development visit of a 6 Italians to Haltwhistle took place in April 2009, followed by the signing of the official 3-way Town Twinning agreement in June 2009 in Valentano. A delegation of 13 representatives from Haltwhistle and 10 from St Meen were generously hosted for 5 days during which many magnificent ceremonies marked the formal occasion of the 3-way Town Twinning.  The Agreement was signed by Life President John Dixon on behalf of Haltwhistle and District Town Twinning.
In preparation for this exciting addition to our Twinning family, an enthusiastic group of local people have been meeting in a variety of venues in villages around Haltwhistle to practice their Italian conversation skills.  The first Twinning visit to Valentano by people from Haltwhistle and St Meen is currently being planned for August 2010.
People from Haltwhistle and the surrounding area travelled to St Meen in August 2009, joined by representatives from Valentano.  We travelled by luxury Euro coach with extra leg room, and by cross channel ferry, enjoying a five day holiday among friends in the relaxing and absorbing Gallic culture and countryside (Mon 24th – Sat 29th August).  There is a deliberate emphasis on family and young people, and we aim to make this opportunity available as widely as possible.  We have a child friendly policy (21 members recently trained in Safeguarding), with costs kept low to make this a holiday for all the family to share.  Travel costs for last year’s trip to St Meen were £150 per adult and £100 per child (under 18).  As well as the engaging hospitality, French cooking and entertainment experienced in our French host’s homes, there is always a fascinating and enjoyable programme of activities and visits organised by the Bretons.
In 2008 when we hosted the last Twinning visit, a group of about 50 French and Italian people joined us on visits to Vindolanda, Allendale Brewery, Edinburgh, a BBQ on the Galloway coast, a Ceilidh plus a dinner at The Twice Brewed Hotel.  Young people also enjoyed a day at Haltwhistle leisure centre and pool, and a trip to Carlisle by train for Laserquest and shopping at the continental market.
If anyone would like to join us as members to receive our newsletters and participate in our regular local programme, please contact Malcolm Todd on 01434 320560.

© Haltwhistle Partnership