Newsletter - January 2008
Dear Members,
What an exciting time to be President of the Association! This year we will be celebrating over 25 years of Twinning with Bricquebec and to mark the occasion we are hoping to organise a number of events through the year with this as the theme. I have already discussed this with Chantal the President in Bricquebec and she is keen to replicate activities in France. Key to this will be our exchange visit that we are hoping to plan in early June, probably the weekend of 6th-8th. We will try and have the French agreement to this as soon as possible. Please make a note in your diary and try to join us for the weekend. We plan to make it a memorable trip and involve as many of the Town's clubs, schools and businesses as we can.
The other encouraging fact is that our membership continues to grow with more members oining at the recent President’s Evening.
I would also like you to join me in welcoming Margaret Lumb to the committee. She has agreed to take on responsibility for liaison with the local schools.
Enjoy the newsletter and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
President’s Soirée 12th January 2008
The Alresford Twinning Association kicked off the New Year with the annual President’s Evening at Terry Foreman’s house in Bishops Sutton.
The event was attended by seventy eight (78 ) people, making it the most popular event for some time.
The Association provided wine and an extensive buffet which everyone enjoyed to the full.
We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated the great raffle prizes which made a very successful raffle.
Membership continues to expand with another 6 people joining on the night.
Terry briefly reminded attendees that this year the Association is celebrating over 25 years of twinning with our friends from Bricquebec and a diary of events will be issued shortly to mark the occasion.
He also confirmed that on 26th April the town would be welcoming the return of the Normandy market which was a great success last year.
Annual General Meeting—16th November
On Friday 16th November the Alresford Twinning Association held its AGM at Perins School.
The AGM was attended by 35 members who enjoyed a few glasses of wine and tasted a selection of "nibbles" provided by Caracoli of Broad Street.
Prior to the business part of the evening Alison and Gareth Longhurst from Caracoli gave a brief talk and answered questions about the unique concept they have introduced to Alresford. The idea behind the Coffee Shop had been inspired by their experiences with the Hotel du Vin group and their travels through Australia and New Zealand. Twinners were delighted to be able to sample several of their specialist foods.
They also confirmed that following demand from local residents of Alresford they will be opening shortly on a Friday and Saturday evening. As innovation is very much their theme, the concept for these evenings will be fine food and B.Y.O. (Bring Your Own) wine !!
During the A.G.M business session the President, Terry Foreman commented on 2007 as a very successful year for the Association. There were many highlights but in particular he referred to the visit from our French counterparts from Bricquebec in May and the inaugural French Market in Alresford which took place in April. On the social front many Twinners had enjoyed the exceptional and unique experience of visiting Highgrove House in August.
Membership of the Twinning Association has also expanded over 2007 with 18 new members bringing the total to 118.
2008 will be a busy year for the Association as they will be celebrating over 25 years of being Twinned with Bricquebec in Normandy. The visit to Bricquebec will take place at the end of May/early June. It is hoped that as part of the celebrations the Association will be accompanied by members of other town sports or social clubs.
It is also hoped that the Association can find a way of involving the local schools more in the Twinning activities.
Terry closed the meeting by thanking members and the Committee for their support during the year and invited all members, potential new members and friends to attend the Presidents Evening on Saturday 12th January 2008 to kick off the New Year.
Skittles Evening & Supper
at the Swan Hotel, Alresford
Friday, 22nd February, 7.30pm
at the Swan Hotel, Alresford
Friday, 22nd February, 7.30pm
Cost: £3 per person + menu choice
Please return form by Friday 15th February to: Pauline Ward 17 Orchard Close, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9PG