Twinning Golden Anniversary Celebrations
PR 133
20 February 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A great deal has changed in the last half century but the relationship between Great Yarmouth and its twin town Rambouillet is as strong as ever.
To celebrate this success, visitors from France will be in Great Yarmouth in April to take part in events to mark the 50
th anniversary of the twinning.
The towns became ‘twins’ in 1956 to enable citizens to understand one another’s culture better.
Early trips were mainly by school children but, in 1961, The Friends of Rambouillet was formed to promote visits by people of all ages.
Now known as the Great Yarmouth and Rambouillet Twinning Committee members arrange bi-annual trips to France, with visitors coming to Great Yarmouth in the alternating year.
Guests stay in each others homes and enjoy a week of activities put on for their benefit. Rambouillet, which list a chateau, historic buildings and a park among its attractions, is also close to the Palace of Versailles and the artist Monet’s garden at Giverny.
This year Great Yarmouth will welcome dignitaries and citizens to five days of events (April 19 to 23) which will include a town walk, a 1950s style tea dance, and a formal dinner in the 50s style - and that includes clothes!
The Mayors of both towns will also sign a Twinning Agreement, to mark the 50
years, on the 21
st April – the anniversary of the first signing.
Laura Goodman, the Mayor’s Secretary, is keen to hear from any schools/organisations that would like to take part in the civic day to witness the signing. Please contact her on 01493 846125
“Members of the public will also be welcome to the ceremony which will take place in St Nicholas Church at 11am.”
“The anniversary will be an excellent opportunity for the people of Great Yarmouth to make our French friends welcome, and show them that we have a town to be proud of,” said Jane Dibb, Social Secretary of the Twinning Association.
Membership of the Twinning Association costs just £4 per annum, and includes the opportunity to take part on the visits to France.
For more information on the association visit
www.gytwinning.co.uk.
For further information call Mayor’s Secretary Laura Goodman on 01493 846125, or Jane Dibb on 01493 730647.Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513