Twinning

Twinning in Gedling

On this page you will find information on:

Gedling Borough Council is currently twinned with three European towns - Rotenburg an der Fulda, Germany, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France and Messolonghi, Greece.

We are trying to strengthen links between our twinning partners by encouraging local like-minded groups to organise their own exchanges and Gedling Borough Council will offer financial assistance with travel and accommodation costs. Our partners are also keen to take part in exchanges and are more than willing to assist with arrangements to build stronger relationships that will continue for many years to come.

Often links have been made with local schools; arts and sports groups and therefore activities are often based around events; such as a Basketball tournament, Concert or Art exhibition.

Previous Twinning Visits to Rotenburg an der Fulda

Carlton Forum Swimming Club

Every two years Carlton Forum Swimming Club takes part in a twinning event with the Rotenburg an der Fulda Swimming Club. This twinning has been taking place for over 25 years and there are many long lasting friendships that have grown over this period of time.

Bestwood Male Voice Choir

Bestwood Male Voice Choir first visited Rotenburg in 2007 and the following year they hosted a return visit by the Kantorei to the Nottingham/Gedling area. Subsequent visits have taken place both here and in Germany.

Grant Aid Support

Grant aid is available to support and encourage twinning links between Gedling and its recognised Twin Towns. It can be applied for by voluntary organisations based in the Borough. Gedling Borough Council will consider supporting activities that meet the following criteria:-

Offer people the opportunity to take part in an event within the official Borough Twin Towns.
- Encourage like-minded activity groups to become involved in Twinning.
- Complement other Twinning activities.
- Encourage and stimulate new Twinning arrangements.
- Each application will be considered on its merits.

A wide variety of twinning events may be supported, for example:

Exhibitions, visits to Borough attractions, cultural visits, environmental events, sporting links, arts links.

For an application form please contact 0115 901 3602 or email leisure@gedling.gov.uk

We would also suggest trying the Grantsnet and Funding Central web sites for advice on funding proposed visits.

Calverton Twinning Association

Longue-Jumelles France

Calverton Twinning Association was established in 1974, since then, many long term friendships have been made. Also romances, culminating in three marriages.

Their twin town of Longue-Jumelles is in the Loire Valley region of France sometimes called ‘The Garden of France’. The nearest large town is Saumur, 15 miles away, famous for it’s sparkling wine, it’s chateau and the world famous ‘Cadre Noir’, rival to the Vienna Riding School.

Longue has a good selection of shops and cafes and a market is held every Thursday, Jumelles is a small village very close to Longue. Longue has its own fire station and hospital and administers it’s affairs from an active and imposing town hall, it also has a large church comparable almost in size and grandeur to Southwell Minster.

Along the Loire there are many beautiful chateaux and the area produces many well known wines, Anjou Rose, Saumur Champigny, Coteaux du Layon and Vouvray. The Bezau factory employs many local people and produces ‘Door furniture’ (knobs, handles etc) which they export all around the world.

Frequency and types of exchanges

The twinning associations visit every year (biannually for each association), these visits are on a cultural/educational theme. Many families visit privately for holidays and to celebrate family occasions with their friends.

We are currently trying to restart exchanges between local schools.

Other Twinning Activities

We have regular social and fundraising events throughout the year, and meet on the third Thursday of the month except August at the Council Rooms, Main St, Calverton at 8pm.

New members living anywhere in Nottinghamshire are welcome to join. Subscription is yearly at £5 for an individual or £10 for a family.

Contact Details

Mrs. Maureen Mart (Secretary) Maureen.mart@ntlworld.com
Mrs. Anne Poyser (Chairman) merann@mpoyser.fsnet.co.uk
www.Calverton-twinning.org.uk

Nottinghamshire's Twinning and Friendship Organisations

A twinning link is really a friendship between two communities in different countries. The two communities organise activities and projects and develop an understanding of historical, cultural and lifestyle similarities and differences, involving a wide range of community members.

There are about 2,000 twinning links in the UK, half with France, and a quarter with Germany. The Local Government International Bureau is responsible for coordinating twinning activities in England and can provide advice on all aspects of twinning and at all stages. Visit their website at www.lga.gov.uk

European Commission twinning grant

Finding the resources to support twinning activities is always an important issue for community groups and local authorities. The European Commission established a town twinning grant in 1989 to support exchange activities between European twined towns. It aims to support activities that raise European awareness and connect people from different European countries. Towns in the 25 EU member states are eligible.

For more information contact the Citizenship section of the European Commission web site where information on town twinning is available. We would also suggest trying the Grantsnet and Funding Central web sites for advice on funding proposed visits.

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Rotenburg an der Fulda, Germany

Gedling's twin-town of Rotenburg an der Fulda is a picturesque holiday town located some 80 miles east of Frankfurt in the State of Hess.

In the mid 1960s links were established between the schools of Albert Schweitzer Schule in Rotenburg and the former Carlton-le-Willows Technical Grammar School in Carlton. This laid the foundations for the twinning of the old Urban District of Carlton and the German town, which saw exchange visits develop between Civic Heads, local schools and local clubs and organisations.

Following the formation of Gedling Borough Council in 1974 the links have remained strong. There have been some excellent exchanges among groups and organisations from the two towns, including the Carlton Male Voice Choir. The Borough Council continues to encourage such contacts and official biennial exchange visits are maintained between Gedling and Rotenburg.

For more information on twinning with Rotenberg click here: www.rotenburg.de

Messolonghi, Greece

In 1991, the Borough Council signed the Protocol of Brotherhood linking Messolonghi, of the Hellenic Republic and Gedling as Sister Towns and friendly relationships between the town have been promoted ever since.

The connection between the Greek town and the Gedling area goes as far back as 1824. The then resident of Newstead Abbey, Lord Byron, was welcomed as a benefactor and a citizen of Messolonghi and he became officially registered in the City’s archives. Exchanges have taken place between the Nova Basketball Team who have played in local tournaments.

For more information on twinning with Messolonghi email alemous@hol.gr or contact Arts and Events at Gedling Borough Council by emailing arts&events@gedling.gov.uk

Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France

Gedling Borough was officially twinned with Vandoeuvre Les Nancy during a visit by council delegates to the French Borough in March 1996. A return visit to sign the twinning document in Gedling was made in 1998. As a result of the twinning agreement, many friendships and exchanges have taken place and these have included the Bestwood Male Voice Choir, Bestwood Black Diamonds Band, Lace City Singers, Carlton Male Voice Choir, Arnold Art Society and Arnold Town Football Club.

Vandoeuvre is a self governing Borough of 35,000 inhabitants lying between the Rivers Meurthe and Moselle. Situated within the conurbation of Nancy in the Lorraine region of Eastern France, it is 200 miles from Paris, 90 miles from Strasbourg and 70 miles from Luxembourg.

Vandoeuvre dates back to before the Roman conquest of France. Until the early part of the 20th century it was a rural wine and cereal producing village. Following housing development in 1950s and 1960s the modern residential Vandoeuvre began to shadow the ancient village. Today it is home to France’s third most important science and technology park providing over one thousand jobs for the local community.

For more information on twinning with Vandoeuvre email mdibetta@mairie-vandoeuvre.fr or alternatively contact Arts and Events at Gedling Borough Council by emailing: arts&events@gedling.gov.uk.