Desborough is one of the founding 12 members of the
Charter of European Communities (www.europeancharter.eu)and through this has
links with 24 other EU members. Through the Desborough and District Twinning
Association (www.desboroughtown.co.uk/twinning) the town is twinned with
Neuville de Poitou in France and with Bievre in Belgium.
DDTA has been in existence since
July 1986.
We are twinned with Neuville de Poitou, a French canton comprising 11
communes and, since 2002, with Bievre in Belgium. Historically, twinning
with Neuville has its roots in school exchanges between Montsaye School in
Rothwell and the College Jean Rostland.
Until recently we have hosted an invitation visit during alternate summers.
Visits now take place every third year.
Visiting is not limited to invitation visits and we encourage continued
contact by mail, phone and in person. Many lasting friendships have been
established and flourished over the years.
There is an annual membership fee that guarantees us a
certain income. To finance our hosting we supplement this with an extensive
programme of social events. Whatever the occasion, we usually manage to eat
(and take a little wine). Our funds allow us to provide a full schedule of
excursions and social events for the week we host a visit.
The cost of visiting our twinners in France or Belgium is
limited to the cost of travel, a small gift of appreciation for our hosting
family and some spending money. As is the case when they visit us, the cost
of all meals, entertainment, excursions and accommodation is met by the
hosting association.
A regular newsletter keeps
everyone informed about visits and social events throughout the year.
Part of the community of local websites hosted
on the Desborough Town website -
www.desboroughtown.co.uk
