Our Twin Towns
Twinning encourages relationships
between the people of our own twin towns of EPINAY-SOUS-SENART (FRANCE) and
ISERNHAGEN (GERMANY). Sometimes
friendships arise from individual visits and often when clubs and organisations
get together. Exchange visits between
football clubs, dancing schools, choirs, Scouts and other societies have
resulted in many happy memories.
People from all three towns
regularly have visitors in their homes.
Whether you are visiting a twin town or receiving visitors, the
opportunity is there to broaden your horizons and make new friends - this is
the main benefit of being a member of a Twinning Association. The warmth of the welcome we receive from our
friends in
EPINAY is situated some 25km south
east of
One of the impressive features of
the town is the Town Hall, known as the Hotel de Ville, an imposing
chateau-style villa standing in its own grounds. Although the town does not have its own
railway station, it is less than 2km from BRUNOY where one can board the train
into
The town of
However, these developments do not
intrude upon the rural nature of ISERNHAGEN which is made up of 7 small
villages covering an area of some 15 miles.
Amongst the many farmhouses can be found detached family houses, and a
few low rise flats accommodating the 28,000 population.
Modern ISERNHAGEN now boasts
extensive shopping facilities, modern schoolsand many sporting facilities. Even a large lake where water sports are
enjoyed. These are all well-used by the
active townspeople (over 70% are under 45 years of age).
Our town’s main claim to fame is that Peacehaven stands on
the Prime Meridian (0% Longitude). An
obelisk on the cliff top marks the exact spot.
Since the late 60’s the town has continually grown. A town centre was developed in 1979 with
shops, library and community hall. In
the early 80’s, the industrial estate was built providing local employment.
Much of north Peacehaven has been developed over the last
two decades with new housing, parks and a primary school. In 1990 a Medical Centre was opened to
provide care for the 18,500 population.
Towns who wish to be linked forward their details to an
International Bureau. Their details are
then available to Town Councils who can select a likely partner based upon the
country, size of population, location, historical connections etc.
Peacehaven Town Council decided in 1982 to link with
Epinay-sous-Senart. The population was
about the same, it was also a developing area and like Peacehaven, was much of
a dormitory town. Thus the first links
with
The French town already had links with Isernhagen - they were
looking for an English partner too.
Learning of the Anglo/French connection they approached Peacehaven. Following discussions and a visit to both
countries, a German/Anglo charter was signed in 1983. This historic event made Peacehaven &
District Twinning Association the first triangular twinning arrangement in
Now whenever we meet there are representatives from all
three countries present. It does mean
that we have to use three languages, but many speak English.
Having a twin town enables its residents to explore
language, culture, customs, trade, friendships, history – all of which lead to
closer connections and better understanding of each other. The children in school today are truly
European citizens – forging closer links with our twin towns can broaden their
horizons through opportunities for exchange visits and this will benefit their
future enormously.
We’re part of
WHAT GOES ON IN
PEACEHAVEN & DISTRICT
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Association Members enjoy a programme of social activities
here in
VISITS
Each of the three towns takes it in turn to host the Three
Town Meeting every year. In addition to
these main visits, often there are additional opportunities to visit our twin
towns during the rest of the year.
Members receive details of all the visits in our Newsletter. Members stay in the homes of residents in our
twin towns and accordingly are requested to host visitors when it is our turn.
However, not being able to accommodate visitors does not
preclude anyone from joining the association or taking part in the various
activities which take place when it is our turn to host.
Fundraising comprises a considerable part of our
activities. We hold Car Boot Sales at
the Dell, Mini-Markets at the Meridian Centre on Saturday mornings and raffles
at various events. There is usually a
very small charge for Social activities.
This is a necessity as we have to raise funds to pay for the
activities enjoyed by members and guests when we host the visits from our
friends in Epinay and Isernhagen. In the
same way as all the entertainment is paid for when we visit them, we the
Associations funds have to pay when they come to us.
As a non-profit making organisation, we have to be totally
self-sufficient and these fundraising activities bring in considerable income
which we use when it is our turn to host.
These include events such as day trips out by coach (including lunch),
buffets, dinners, entertainment and BBQs.
For more information contact our Membership Secretary
Keith Davey or complete the application form enclosed to become a member.
We will shortly be launching our own website where more
details and photographs of many of our activities will be available to
see. Our website address is
peacehaventwinning.org.uk .
We look forward to seeing you!
Copyright (c) 1996-2000 Namo Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.
membership@peacehaventwinning.org.uk