Twin towns are friends once again

9:00am Monday 11th August 2008

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ONE of the founding figures in the building of relations with Stourport’s twin town has said he is “delighted” that ties seem to have become re-established.

The Shuttle/Times & News revealed that relations were breaking down between the two towns and there had been no contact with Villeneuve-le-Roi since last September.

Stourport Town Council clerk, Dennis Rook, explained on Tuesday last week, however, there had suddenly been “a flurry of activity” between the two councils.

George Smart, 84, both a former Stourport Mayor and chairman of the twinning committee, said: “I am delighted at this news.

“Let’s hope things can get cracking again. It would absolutely be to the benefit of both towns if relations became strong again.”

Mr Smart recalled the bonds that used to exist with the French commune and explained that the twinning had “overwhelming support” from the public and town council when it began in 1971.

He was then on the carnival committee and kicked off reciprocal relations by visiting the area with Stourport’s carnival queen.

He said: “Villeneuve-le-Roi and Stourport are natural twin towns. We both have an annual carnival, we are about the same size and we are both situated on a river.”

“It soon developed into a great thing and was very popular in both areas. There was a regular interchange of sportsman, schoolchildren, anglers, horticultural societies - people from every walk of life.”

Mr Smart said he used to visit two or three times a year and often two coaches were needed to take people from Stourport to the commune for their carnival weekend.

He added it was an important part of people’s outlook in Stourport and had helped broaden horizons.

He explained: “It has given us the opportunity to take part in French life and given us a strong connection to that part of the world.

“Children have also benefited greatly. It has helped them to understand how people in France live and given them the chance to take part in a range of activities.”A delegation from the French commune will attend Stourport carnival next month, (September) while Stourport’s Mayor and other dignitaries will attend Villeneuve-le-Roi’s carnival at the end of September.