Curry Rivel and District Twinning Association

Chevilly
What is Curry Rivel and District Twinning Association?

The Curry Rivel and District Twinning Association is a group of individuals and families with a strong interest in the French language and culture.
Contact: Mrs Barbara Hamlin (Chairman) 01458 252946

The Association and it’s aims

The Curry Rivel and District Twinning Association exists to promote Anglo-French understanding through friendship and travel and to foster a special and lasting relationship with the people of Chevilly. Also, to explore and develop cultural, business, educational ad wider social links with Chevilly.

About the twinning

The Curry Rivel and District Twinning Association was formally constituted in January 1998 after successful negotiations with our partners from the French town of Chevilly.  The first  charter was signed in Chevilly in May 1998, followed by a second signing in Curry Rivel on 1 May 1999.  This was a glorious occasion in full sunshine and was  attended by our MP, David Heath, our Euro MP, Graham Watson, the Chairman of Somerset County Council, Ralph Clarke as well as the Chairs of the District and Parish Council, and, of course, the Mayor of Chevilly.

Since then the friendship and understanding between our two communities has gone from strength to strength.  We visit Chevilly on alternative years and they come here in-between.  We stay in French homes for a weekend usually in early May and are always warmly welcomed.

We have a committee of nine members and a membership of around 80 people from Curry Rivel and the surrounding area.  We organise a series of fund-raisers to help us host our French friends and we are involved in other French-related projects locally.

About Chevilly

Chevilly lies in the Department of Loiret, just north of the historic city of Orleans and the beautiful River Loire with its celebrated wines and chateaux. Further north is the cathedral city of Chartres with its famous spire and stained glass.

Chevilly is surrounded by rolling farm-land and forests and the area, like our own, is essentially  agricultural.  The town has roughly the same population as Curry Rivel, though , typically for French rural communities, it has its own Mayor and ‘Mairie’ and a strong sense of local identity, with many thriving community organisations, sports clubs, a pre-school and a primary school. businesses.

Our French partners take this twinning very seriously and together we are working to encourage young people and families to participate and take an interest.

 In addition to the ancient towns of Orleans and Chartres, there are numerous chateaux and vineyards within reasonable travelling distance.

 

Some Questions Answered

How many members does the Curry Rivel and District Twinning Association have & who can join?

We have a happy band of around 80 people — this includes families, couples & individuals
Everyone from Curry Rivel and neighbouring villages is welcome to join.

 Do I have to speak French?

Certainly not. There will usually be someone around who can speak French when the two communities meet; many of our French friends have little or no English, but still have a good time when they come.

 Do I have to participate in the social events, go on the visit to Chevilly or host a French family if I join?

Members may choose whichever activities they join in. There is a programme of social events running throughout the year.

Sometimes personal circumstances make it difficult to host a family at the time of the visit. Of course we hope to take a good-sized party to Chevilly and are keen to find host families. 

 How often do the people from Chevilly visit Curry Rivel & vice versa?
Normally the “chevillois” visit us once every two years over the early May bank holiday (during the odd-numbered years). Likewise, people from Curry Rivel and its environs visit Chevilly once every two years (during the even-numbered years). We’re also hoping for a few more exchange visits through the various clubs, societies & interest groups.

What are the benefits of joining the Twinning Association?
Where do we start?! Try:

    • Making new friends both in and around Curry Rivel & Chevilly
    • Understanding more about our two communities and culture
    • A range of social events during the year
    • The opportunity to practise or improve your French, no what matter level you may be
    • The chance to visit Chevilly and stay “en famille”- for a real taste of French life … oh, and did we mention the great food & wine? 

     

What does it cost to join?

  • £7.50 Individual
  • £15.00 Family
  • £15.00 Organisation

How can I join?

Download and fill in the application form before sending it to Membership Secretary 

 

Contacts

Membership Secretary

Victoria Fransham

West Barton

Lower Swell

Fivehead

TA3 6PH

01460 281905