Alresford Twinning Association

Newsletter - June 2009

Dear Members,

As you will see from this edition of the Newsletter, it has been a very active last few months. The main highlight being the visit by our friends from Bricquebec, amazingly managing to dodge the showery weather. Many thanks to all hosts and other members who
supported us in making this a very successful visit. We would obviously like to take as many people on the return trip as possible. To this end, I would very much appreciate an early response to the request included in this Newsletter.

You will also see that our Summer Wine is planned now to be held at Hinton Ampner House, where we will be allowed to have full access to the Gardens as well as of use of the Cafe extension barn in case of inclement weather. As this is a special event, outside the normal remit of the National Trust, unfortunately we will be unable to offer a reduction on the price to NT members. For catering purposes we will need to have approximate numbers and payment in good time, so we would appreciate an early response.

At the last AGM I had already announced my intention to retire as President this coming November. It has become more critical now to find a replacement, as I have agreed (must be mad!!) with my former employer to help oversee a project in France, starting probably in September. Similarly Marian has advised us that she will be retiring as secretary next year as she will not have the facilities to continue this role. In view of this we are actively seeking volunteers to take on these roles. If you are interested in learning about what is involved, please let me know.

Hope to see you all at the next few events ...if not, have a very enjoyable summer.

regards Terry

FRENCH FRIENDS VISIT ALRESFORD

(From information sent to local press)
SEE PHOTOS ON THE WEB SITE OR EMAIL

Over the weekend of 16th - 17th May New Alresford welcomed 25 visitors from their twin town of Bricquebec in Normandy. The visit was organised by the Alresford Twinning Association, which was established over 25 years ago.

The newly elected Chairman of the New Alresford Town Council, Steve Middleton, welcomed the guests at a
reception held on Saturday morning at the Arlebury Park Recreation Centre. The reception was attended by all the visitors, their hosts as well as guests from the Chamber of Commerce, local schools and sports clubs. Steve
underlined the continuing support of the Council in the development of links with Bricquebec and was pleased to
welcome the group to Alresford. Terry Foreman, President of the Alresford Twinning and his counterpart Chantal Greard from Bricquebec, reiterated their desire to expand the activities and thanked the NATC for their generosity in hosting the reception, with a special thank you to Sally Ramshaw manager of the ARC for the buffet
and drinks provided.

During the afternoon a tour of Winchester College had been organised, which also coincided with the activities of the Mayfest. The French group, were amazed at the English habit of dressing up in strange attire and dancing in public...., when they watched numerous groups of Morris Men performing !!!!.

On the Saturday evening 64 people attended a celebratory dinner at the Cricketers in Alresford.

Then, on the Sunday, between the showers, the group visited the Watercress Festival before returning on the afternoon ferry to Cherbourg.

Reports on Recent Events

Ooh la la!!! French Market comes to Town

Despite a wet start to the morning of Saturday 25th April (for those that were up around 6.00am!!) it turned
out to be a dry, sunny day with a chill breeze. That did not hamper visitors to the Market, which again was a
vibrant and colourful event.

Unfortunately this year, due to the economic situation and the adverse exchange rate, turnover and visitors
was down around 30% compared to last year. Nevertheless those that came enjoyed the day.

One visitor, carrying his young son on his shoulder (captured by the Alton Herald photographer) was quite
ecstatic about the experience of visiting Alresford....… "Not only have I had the chance to visit the Railway, decked out in St George’s day regalia, but I have seen an impressive exhibition of vintage Austin Healey cars
at the station and … now a wonderful French market ..… wow! My son (.. eyes closed and very sleepy) is having a great day out!"

The Twinning Stand attracted a number of visitors and was a focal point for members to meet and discuss
the finer points of "French cheese". Being so close to the cheese stand … it was more an invasion of the sensory organs!!

I am pleased to say we signed up 3 new couples on the day and left joining forms with a number of others.

My thanks to all who helped man the stand during the day,

Terry Foreman

SPRING WALK — Sunday 26th April

On 26th April, about 20 members of the ATA enjoyed a slow walk in glorious Spring sunshine, around Alresford, led by Charles Cuthbert. We started at the Arlebury Park car park and headed down to the river side then along to the Eel House. By the river, many warblers and other birds were heard and seen, the most unusual being a Cetti’s Warbler. Charles explained that this is a species which has colonised southern England from Europe in the last 30-40 years.

Leaving the river, we headed over farmland near Fob Down and followed the historical drove routes to Old Alresford. The hedgerows and sunken lanes were shown to be ancient, probably hundreds of years old, by the presence of a great variety of shrubs. Along the way, many wild flowers were seen and in the warm sunshine butterflies and other insects were plentiful. We saw swarms of St Mark’s flies together with Orange Tip, Brimstone and Peacock butterflies. At one point the walk came to a halt and the group waited as we watched a pair of Peacock butterflies engaged in serious courtship in the middle of the path.

The final section of the walk followed the cress beds at Manor Farm to the Fulling Mill, passing through a meadow yellow with a thick carpet of buttercups and cowslips. At the end of the walk, everyone felt that they had seen and learned a little bit more about their local wildlife and appreciated just how rich this part of Hampshire is when you really look at what’s there!

Spring Walk Species List Pictures

Eileen Cuthbert

THE ARC BIG QUIZ — Friday 6th June.

On Saturday 6th June a Quiz Night was held at the Alresford Recreation Centre to help re-launch the facility
to local Associations.

Eight Teams took part including the Pigs, Rugby Club, Youth Football, Wine Circle and Guides.

David Lord organised a team to represent the Twinning Association, who managed a credible third place.

Highlight of the Team's display was amassing a full one point from their Joker round... Geography !!!

The Winners on the evening were the Girl Guides, pipping Bob Mitchell's (another Twinner!!) team into second place.

Well done Team!

FRENCH CONVERSATION GROUP

Anyone interested please ring Derrick on 01962 733131 to find out what we do and when the next meeting will be held.

Derrick Hudson

Forthcoming events

Details of all our events can be found here.

VISIT TO FRANCE 11-13 SEPTEMBER 2009

As time flies past and with summer holidays looming it is important that we start to organise our visit to Bricquebec. The above weekend was chosen sometime ago, to ensure that we still had the summer fast boat option with Brittany Ferries and the possibility of fine weather. We would also encourage those of you with children to join us if you can.

The proposed schedule would be:

Friday, 11th September, Portsmouth – Cherbourg: 15.45 Fast Boat

Sunday, 13th September, Cherbourg – Portsmouth: 20.30 Fast Boat

Dependant on numbers there is the possibility of having a coach to Portsmouth for drop off/pick up.

Approximate costs, again dependant on numbers, including coach (based on last year actuals) – £50.

To help us with the organisation I would be grateful if you could confirm your intentions on the form below or email me a response.

To: Terry Foreman, Fiddlers Green Bishops Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AW

I wish / I do not wish (please delete one) to join the trip to Bricquebec, 11-13 September 2009.

Names in Party:

Preferred Host:

I would like to use a coach to / from Portsmouth, if available. YES / NO

I wish to join the trip but not available this weekend. Please give alternative dates:

SUMMER WINE EVENING

To be held in the grounds of Hinton Ampner House
(café, chairs, tables and toilet facilities available)
Cost including entrance, finger buffet and wine £10 per person in advance, or £12 on the night. (Children no charge)
We hope during the evening to be able to arrange a guided tour of the gardens.
Please let Jean Hudson know before 5th July if you would like to attend and forward payment of £10 per person. (Cheques payable to ATA.)
Replies to: Jean Hudson, 2 Dover Close, Alresford, SO24 9PG
Tel: 01962 733131 or email jeana_hudson@yahoo.co.uk

Petanque

On Friday 19th June, 6pm
Meet at the Tichborne Arms for an evening playing Petanque. If you have a set of boules please bring them. Help and guidance with the game will be available.
Enquires to Barry Cope, tel: 01962 733451

Itchen Abbas Petanque Club Invitation
Barbecue and Open Day from 2—9pm, 12th July
Cost: £10+ to be confirmed.
Please let Philip Ferris know if you are interested in attending. mail:ferrispp@tiscali.co.uk or tel: 01962 732054

Email from: Brian.Ranger@wanadoo.fr

Thank you for the latest copy of the newsletter - very 'newsy' as usual!
Unfortunately it is unlikely that I will be in Alresford for any of this year's events. But please pass on a reminder to all members that I would be very pleased to hear from any who might be planning to visit the Côte d'Azur. I would be very happy to meet up with them during their visit if I'm around. Please feel free to pass on my email address to anyone interested.
Good luck with this year's events Regards, Brian

Brian

JOINING THE TWINNING ASSOCIATION

You can join the Twinning Association by completing the on-line form and we will acknowledge receipt of your application by e-mail or you can write to Alresford Twinning Association, c/o 2 Dover Close, Alresford, SO24 9PG. The annual subscription is £5 per individual or £10 for a family. The subscription can be paid by internet banking direct to our bank account or by cheque made payable to Alresford Twinning Association.

We welcome all new members just as members, but if you feel you can offer additional help please let us know.

Terry Foreman, the President, can be contacted by phone 01962 733769 or by email.

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