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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 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. 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.

Since 2002, we have exchanged visits with Bievre in Belgium, one of the Charter towns.

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.