Soham On-Line - Amenities - Soham Twinning Association

Soham Twinning
	Association

The Pavilion, Fountain Lane, Soham, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5PL
Chairman - Mrs Anne Pallett
Tel: 01353 721440
Vice-Chairman/Secretary - Mr Peter Beer
Tel: 01353 624932
E-Mail:

It should be noted that Town Twinning for Soham is a Major Unique Event of Local, National and International Importance. Its value for Soham cannot be emphasized enough. Where appropriate, and where possible every opportunity should be taken to further the development of the town. We should consider our community as a whole making sure current and future prospects for all age groups especially our younger members are helped by positive actions.

The advantages of Town Twinning with Andrézieux-Bouthéon a town in France similar in population to Soham are considerable; progress has already been made in respect to International Exchanges between the two towns in quite a number of areas. We each celebrate a Pumpkin fair and exchanges have proved popular.
It is well worth noting that Andrézieux-Bouthéon is situated on the river Loire in close proximity to both St Etienne and Lyon. There are direct flights from Stansted to Lyon with an hours transfer to Andrézieux-Bouthéon. This can be done by arranging collection from the airport with twinning members or by taking the train to St Etienne and be collected from there.

It would seem that unlike many conventional twinning situations where large groups go by coach to visit each other on an annual basis, Town Twinning as far as Soham is concerned has initially had a different approach and functions within five principal categories.

1. The Town Council
Soham Town Council has been the starting catalyst to get twinning off the ground. It has sorted out the municipal technicalities associated with necessary official twinning requirements. Whilst the council played a major role during the initial stages, Official twinning protocols are complete and Charters between towns have been exchanged. The Soham Twinning Association is self-funding and relies on members' subscriptions and donations for its survival.

2. Education
This is where different types of official twinning activities at different levels with different objective take place between schools in both towns. It must be noted however that in some cases, twinning simply means individuals interchanging ideas and experiences without actually travelling abroad. This is particularly the case when young children simply exchange ideas using the Internet or via pen pal relationships.

3.The General Public & Family
This is where local people of various age either in groups or singularly make inter-town twinning visits. As the number of personal contacts increase, this could develop into situations where coach loads of people visit each other on a regular basis. The twinning offers an opportunity to meet new people and also have the opportunity to get to know each other’s customs and way of life by being accommodated in members’ homes. By visiting each other through the Soham Twinning Association it all becomes a very pleasant personal holiday. Travel costs are the foremost obligatory expense.

4. Business
As the number of contacts between Soham and Andrézieux-Bouthéon increase, opportunities may arise for some Business Activities to develop.

5. Members
Anyone can join for a very small annual fee. This allows you to be accommodated with families in our twinned town and reciprocate the hospitality in Soham or surrounding villages. However if hosting is not possible that does not preclude people from being hosted in France. If the language is a problem, there are quite a few English speakers in the town. Please contact either the Chairman or Secretary of Soham Twinning Association listed above for further details.


Twinning Ceremony - Andrézieux-Bouthéon, France 15/04/2006	Twinning Ceremony - Soham, England 29/05/2006

It will soon be the Second Anniversary of the Official Twinning between Soham and Andrézieux-Bouthéon. A number of events between our towns have taken place during these past 2 years. These were all reported in the local newspapers at the time.

During September 2006 we had visitors from Andrézieux-Bouthéon attend our Annual Soham Pumpkin Fair. We had a stall inviting the public to taste French and English foods, competitions and prizes. Some of our members reciprocated the visit and attended Andrézieux-Bouthéon’s very own Pumpkin Fair called 'Le Fete a La Courge'. Our members also had a stall representing Soham and among some of the attractions they offered face painting.

In December 2006, a dozen French townsfolk came to celebrate our Christmas Shopping Night and experienced a traditional pantomime in Cambridge as there were none locally at the time. The visitors were well received by our volunteer hosts who made their stay a memorable occasion. They were also able to see all the pretty decorations. The guests also had time to visit the Wisbech Market before their return home.

April 2007 saw exchanges between Soham Village College students, led by David Tickner and French music students from Andrézieux-Bouthéon. Both students enjoyed their respective visits and would like more exchanges. They performed in both towns and were proud to represent their respective countries. They also made friends and some are communicating with each other.

Later in April 2007, a group of runners living in Soham but from the Ely Runners Club were invited by Andrézieux-Bouthéon to take part in their Annual 10km 'Eurofoulée' race. They had a very good time with their respective hosts and enjoyed the whole trip. They hope to be invited again next year.

At the end of May 2007 we will be celebrating our First Anniversary and hope to be prominent at the 54th Soham Carnival & Heavy Horse Show 2007 promoting Soham Twinning Association and attracting new members.

The last weekend in June 2007, a group from Soham Twinning Association have been invited to join in Andrézieux-Bouthéon’s 'Fete de Bord de Loire' festival with a view to setting up a typical English pub. They hope to take local beer with them for the French to sample. They will also provide typical pub games like darts and dominoes, maybe even a pub quiz!

The local newspapers have reported all events. However to keep up with modern technology they will also be mentioned here on the Soham On-Line Community Website.

SOHAM TWINNING ASSOCIATION