BROMSGROVE District Council chairman, Coun Sam Ammar gave a welcome speech in French to visitors hosted by Bromsgrove International Link for this year’s twinning association visit.
BROMSGROVE International Link hosted residents from the French town of Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin to show them what the region has to offer.
25 members of the French delegation from Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin were treated to a meal at Cofton Village Hall on Saturday (May 27) after Coun Sam Ammar’s speech marked her first official engagement as new chairman of Bromsgrove District Council.
Each year members of Bromsgrove International link and Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin take it in turns to visit their twinned country to explore local places of interest and experience different cultures.
This year, the delegation was also taken to Malvern on Sunday (May 28) for a short look at the picturesque Malvern Hills before being given a tour of Malvern Priory, conducted by a French speaking tour guide.
Two visiting children, Lola, aged six and Baptiste, aged 13 were gifted a Bromsgrove Sporting Football Club kit top as the delegation were given a tour of the stadium and grounds by club captain, Rev Steve Levett.
Lola and Baptiste wearing the shirts presented to them by Bromsgrove Sporting FC. s
The delegation also enjoyed a meal at the football club as part of one of the many visits arranged since the French town became twinned with Bromsgrove in 2000.
Bromsgrove International Link chairman, Roger Westbury said: “We really look after them, it’s absolutely about hospitality and forming relationships with neighbouring countries.
“Rather than being at war with each other, it’s about breaking down barriers and appreciating “other cultures.”
Annick Boisard (left) from French twin town thanking Bromsgrove for hosting their visit. s
Bromsgrove International Link, formerly known as Bromsgrove and District Twinning Association, first met in 1978 to propose a link with the German town of Gronau which was officially marked by a formal civic twinning charter in 1980.
In the past, the association has had links with Frisa in Italy and Janjang-Bureh in Gambia.
The link with Gronau in Germany has since ceased however the associations chairman hopes to rekindle the link in an upcoming visit to Germany.
Bromsgrove International Link are always looking for new members and funding to help organise visits.
Roger said: “We welcome new members to Bromsgrove International Link. Many are French speaking “but it not a requirement.
“We are always grateful for donations.”
Contact Roger Westbury on 07415 874 616 for more information.
