“To promote and foster friendship and understanding between the people of Bridport and the surrounding area and those of St. Vaast La Hougue and the surrounding area”.
To encourage visits by individuals and groups to and from the linked towns.
The development of personal contacts and by so doing broaden the mutual
understanding of the social, cultural, educational, recreational, civic and commercial activities of the linked towns.
The Twinning Association has enjoyed over 40 years of exchange visits with ever deepening friendships on both sides. St Vaast is a working fishing port in the unspoilt Nord Cotentin. East facing, with a balmy climate, its two Vauban Towers are now a World Heritage Site. The port also boasts an integrated 600 berth marina, and above all, very hospitable and ‘sympa’ inhabitants. And the world’s best oysters too!
We organise and pay for two Bursaries for local students and reciprocate in finding host families for two Bursary winners from St Vaast. These Bursaries have proved to be very successful and have helped many students to a francophone future.
To help with our French we have for many years supported a Conversation Group which meets bi-weekly in the West Dorset Club. We always try to have a native French speaker to lead us. Great fun at whatever your level of French.
We visit our friends and host them on alternative years. In recent times, these parties have reached some fifty twinners on both sides which is encouraging. We always seem to find something new about our communities and it has been fascinating to follow the development of our two towns over the past 36 years.
Annually we celebrate Mardi Gras, Bastille Day and enjoy a French Carol Party at Christmas. Fund raising activities include Cabaret Nights, Quizzes and Treasure Hunts.
We participate in the United church Christmas Tree Festival and St Mary’s Flower Festival. We enjoy the odd skittle match with the Beaminster and Charmouth Twinning Associations.
Membership secretary: Rachel Maltby Telephone: 01308 482246
Email: maltbys77@btinternet.com
For more information, please visit: http://www.bridport-and-saint-vaast-twinning-association.org.uk/