We welcomed a party from Derval 21st-26th July, 2012
What is Town Twinning?
Town twinning was developed after the Second World War to promote European integration. Its aims are to enhance mutual understanding between citizens, fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union and developing a sense of European identity.
Twinning in Practice: Llanidloes - Derval
For the past 17 years, Llanidloes has been twinned with the town of Derval. Derval is in the Loire Atlantique region of France, on the eastern fringes of Brittany and roughly half way between the cities of Rennes and Nantes.
Twinning has involved bi-annual exchange visits between Derval and Llanidloes. Accommodation during these visits has been provided in the homes of the host community. Each Twinning visit has a theme and a programme of events and activities.
The last visit to Derval was in August 2010 which celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the towns’ Twinning. The very full programme of events included visits to La Gacilly to view a photo exhibition, Yves Rocher gardens and company shop and Nantes to visit the Regional Council Chamber and meet with a Councillor, and exploration of the City itself. Also included were visits to an ecocentre, the wind turbines, organic farms and a chapel restoration project. However, most enjoyable were the picnic lunches, evening meals and entertainment, particularly the 15th Anniversary Meal followed by Breton music and dancers.
The people of Derval are very friendly and enthusiastic – and always able to fill the coach when they come to visit!
A love spoon was presented to the town of Derval from the Llanidloes Twinning Association
Visit 21st July – 26th July, 2012
Plans are being made for a group from Derval to visit this summer and the Llanidloes Twinning Association is currently seeking families who are willing to offer hospitality to our friends from Derval during their time here.
What does hosting involve?
Providing bed and breakfast for 5 nights.
The visit will involve a programme of events each day. As hosts you will be requested to transport your guests to the pick up point for the coach each morning and collect them at the end of the day's events.
Only one or two evening meals need to be provided as the programme for the visit includes entertainment and meals out. Sometimes, host families are asked to provide a picnic lunch or a plate of food for a communal buffet.
It is hoped that hosts attend some or all of the events, as this enriches the twinning experience; however there is no obligation as other commitments may preclude this.
Buffet Meal to Celebrate 15 years of Twinning
What if you cannot speak French?
Don't let not being able to speak French deter you from hosting visitors. Some of the Derval participants speak English, while those who don't manage to communicate sufficiently with gestures, and a dictionary and there will always be someone on hand to translate if necessary.
Most of the people involved in previous twinning events cannot speak French either, but have enjoyed having visitors from Derval staying with them.
Sometimes, host families join together for an evening meal. This helps to minimise language problems as the visitors have other members of their party present and Llanidloes people have the support of each other.
When people from our area have visited Derval the townspeople have always been very hospitable and generous in the welcome they have given us.
Could you help to give the people of Derval a warm Welsh welcome in July? If so, then please contact the Llanidloes Twinning Association by calling Diana Whittal-Williams on 01686 411237
Town twinning was developed after the Second World War to promote European integration. Its aims are to enhance mutual understanding between citizens, fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union and developing a sense of European identity.
