JANUARY 2018 NEWS

2017 was an excellent year for the Twinning Association, with a couple of new fundraising events which we are intending to repeat in 2018.

In June we took part in the carnival for the first time and despite some fraught moments, this was a fun event, which not only raised a good amount of money, but also raised the profile of twinning in the town. The Carnival is to be held on June 9th this year – please save the date and join us in the parade. We will also have a stall on the Southern Rd recreation ground in the afternoon. Our children’s activity of biscuit decorating was extremely popular last year and the plan is to do the same again. If you would like to help out, please let us know.

Our other major fundraising success was the Quiz night and we have provisionally booked the Town Hall and Sue Boyle as quizmaster for Friday 2nd November. Tell everyone and organise your team!

The film nights continue to be popular and an excellent continuous source of income.

15 members enjoyed the classic “Jules et Jim” - a VERY French film, we agreed and not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, but so good for us
to be able to experience a wide variety of genres and to see films that we definitely wouldn’t see at the cinema. 

The next film is La Tête en Friche (My Afternoons with Margueritte) starring Gérard Dépardieu.
This is a gentle and heart-warming film and is being shown at 8pm at the Cross Keys on March 23rd.

More details of upcoming films on the French Film Page.

And now to the May weekend!

The Montessonnais will be here the weekend of May 11th - 13th and planning is already well underway. First of all, a big thank you to those who have already let me know that you will be able to host – it is really helpful to have this information now, because sorting out the accommodation is always the most stressful part of the whole weekend. As I said in my email, we often have to let some guests down, so if you can help out, please do. Just let me know once you know that you will be available.

Now to the really exciting bit!!!
Following our latest committee meeting, I can now confirm that this year we will be holding the communal meal on the Saturday evening in the barn at Towersey Manor.
We are immensely grateful to Marie-Jane Barnett of Towersey Manor who has offered us free use of the barn and even more generously, a ceilidh band to provide music and dancing. We hope that you share our excitement at the prospect of what promises to be a fantastic evening. 

Help Needed

We are desperately in need of willing volunteers to fill some of the committee roles. No qualifications are required and it may be that you could take on responsibility for or even help out at just one event. Many hands make light work!!!  

Meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of each month and discussions usually revolve around fundraising, the May visit to Thame, the September visit to Montesson and Xmas events. 

Do you have any ideas for fundraising?  Are you able to lend a pair of hand on one of our stalls?  We really do need your help for the association to continue to thrive. If you are willing to join us on the committee, even without taking on a specific role, please let Linda know    (lindaemery@btinternet.com) or find out more at the AGM.