Curry Rivel & District Twinning Association

The Twinning Association exists to promote Anglo-French understanding through friendship and travel and to foster a special and lasting relationship with the people of Chevilly. Membership is £15 for a couple and £7.50 for an individual. There is a programme of social events through the year and members can choose which to join in. There is no need to speak French. Members from Curry Rivel can join a weekend visit to Chevilly by coach every other year and we host our friends from Chevilly on the alternate years.

What is the Curry Rivel Twinning Association?

The Curry Rivel Twinning Association is a group of individuals and families with a strong interest in the French language and culture
Contact 01458 252946

When was the Curry Rivel Twinning founded?

The Curry Rivel Twinning Association was formally constituted in January 1998 after successful negotiations with our partners from Chevilly.
The first charter was signed in Chevilly in May 1998.
A second signing took place in Curry Rivel in May 1999, attended by
-our MP (David Heath)
-our MEP (Graham Watson),
-the Chairman of Somerset County Council (Ralph Clark),
-the Chairs of the District & Parish Council
- the Mayor of Chevilly

What are the aims of the Curry Rivel Twinning?

To promote Anglo-French understanding through friendship and travel and to foster a special and lasting relationship with the people of Chevilly.
Further to explore and develop cultural, business educational and wider social links with Chevilly .... and to have some fun in the process!

Where is Chevilly & what is it like?

Chevilly is located in the "département" of Loiret, just north of the historic City of Orléans and close to the River Loire.
It is surrounded by rolling farm-land and forests and the area is essentially agricultural.
Although it has the same population as Curry Rivel, it has its own Mayor and "Mairie", many clubs & societies and a number of small & medium sized businesses.

What is there of interest around Chevilly?

Orléans
Chartres
Famous Cities
Numerous châteaux
... and, of course, the wine!

How many members does the Curry Rivel Twinning Association have & who can join?

We have a happy band of around 80 people – this includes families, couples & individuals
Everyone from Curry Rivel and neighbouring villages is welcome to join

Who are the Committee Members of the Twinning Association?

Committee members:

Barbara Hamlin – Chair
Laurina Deacon – Vice-Chair
Jenny Ludgate – Secretary
Harry Price – Treasurer
Victoria Fransham – Membership Secretary
John Andrew
David Cameron
Ginny Smith

Do I have to speak French?

Certainly not! .... .... there will usually be someone around who can speak French when the two communities meet – many of our French friends have little to no English, but still have good time when they visit

Do I have to participate in the social events, go on the visit to Chevilly or host a French family if I join?

Members are free to choose whichever activities they join in. There is a programme of social activities throughout the year.
Sometimes personal circumstances make it difficult to host a family at the time of the visit. Of course, we hope to take a good-sized party to Chevilly and are keen to find host families.

How often do the people from Chevilly visit Curry Rivel & vice versa?

Normally the "chevillois" visit us once every two years over the early May bank holiday (during the odd-numbered years)
Likewise, people from Curry Rivel and its environs visit Chevilly once every two years (during the even-numbered years)
We're also hoping for a few more exchange visits through the various clubs, societies & interest groups

What are the benefits of joining the Twinning Association? Where do we start?! Try: Making new friends both in and around Curry Rivel & Chevilly Understanding more about our two communities and culture A range of social events during the year The opportunity to practise or improve your French, no what matter level you may be The chance to visit Chevilly and stay "en famille"- for a real taste of French life ... oh, and did we mention the great food & wine?

What does it cost to join?

Individuals £7.50
Family & Organisations £15

##Who should I contact about joining the Twinning Association?

Application forms may be obtained from Victoria Fransham, tel 01460 281905
Just complete the form and return it to Victoria. She will also be pleased to take your membership fee (via cash/cheque/standing order)