Seaton & District Twinning Association

French Film in Lyme Regis

2012-02-12T18:04:00.004Z

One of our members David Johnson is manager of the cinema in Lyme regis and has suggested that twinners might be interested in this weeks silver screen showing. He writes:

Silver Screen operates in the Regent cinema in Lyme on Thursday mornings. The film on Thurs 16 Feb (doors at 10am, prog start 10.30) is a delightful French film called My Afternoons with Margueritte, with Gerard Depardieu, finishing about 12.15. The film society showed it in October and it had 109 5* ratings from members! It isn't yet on DVD as far as I know. Tickets are only £3.25 incl coffee and biscuit and twinners are assured of a warm welcome!

Newsletter re AGM & Visit Details - Very Important

2012-02-10T21:39:00.005Z

Greetings Everyone,
Welcome to my final newsletter as Secretary, here’s hoping it will be as factually correct and entertaining as its predecessors!
As previously advised I will regretfully be resigning at the AGM on the 24th of February at Crossroads 7.30 p.m. start. However, even more regrettably, after 15 years as Treasurer Avis has decided to stand down as well. Please let me know as soon as possible please if you would like to offer yourself for either position or to serve on the Committee. To date and somewhat predictably there have been no offers! Irene has asked me to pass on to you the importance that these posts be filled otherwise the Association cannot operate. The Grizzly will be on the March. 11th.
The Association have volunteered to act as marshals once again. Gerry Dawson is kindly acting as co-ordinator but please advise me if you are available to marshal the event as soon as possible. Even if you have confirmed verbally I need these offers firmed up please. We get well paid for this event and I had hoped that we could run two points, but I suppose that everyone else has the same thought!
The date of the visit to Thury has been arranged for Friday June 8th, returning Monday June 11th. This will mean an early start around 4.00 a.m. as we have to sail from Portsmouth because as to date the Barfleur from Poole is not in service. If you are interested in going on the visit please let me know as soon as possible. Sweatshirts and polo shirts can be ordered and I will be looking into fleeces as well. I think the corporate look had a great effect on our visitors in June and I would like to think we could impress when we visit. Finally if you have anything you wish
to be placed on the agenda for the AGM please get back to me ASAP. There will be a bar and light
refreshments and an interval quiz amongst all the other joy. Thank you all for your patience and I
hope to see you at the AGM full of ideas.
Regards,
Glyn.

Request
Please can you contact Gail on 21833 with any prizes that you may have for the raffle for the AGM.
Suggestions: Bottle of wine, chocolates, unwanted presents, plant, fruit basket

Newsletter November 2011 - French Lessons etc

2011-11-17T01:54:00.005Z

Greetings everyone

Just a quick update to let you all know what is going on and hopefully you will come back to me with your opinions etc.

Firstly and most importantly the date for the visit to Thury next year has been set for Friday 8th June until Monday 11th June. It would be nice to get as many across as possible.

We will be running a tombola stall in the Town Hall on Sunday the 27th November.

Mavis and Tess have control of this one and are running a bottle stall. We would be grateful for any contributions which can either be taken to the Hall by 09:30 on the day, or to Janet at Panic Design in Marine Place. If you feel like assisting as well please give Mavis a ring as I’m sure she will be glad of your help.

The Grizzly next year will be on the 11th of March. As this is such a good earner for us the Committee has decided that this time will we be marshalling two points so we would like up to 12 volunteers please. Names to me at this stage please.

Various locations are being sounded out re our Christmas dinner, watch this space for a date in January, space will be tight so I’m afraid it will be first come, first served.

Doug and Shiona Rudge came up the idea of running French lessons. The Committee have taken this on board and think that it would work best if the more expert speakers

Doug and Shiona Rudge came up the idea of running French lessons. The Committee have taken this on board and think that it would work best if the more expert speakers among the members are willing to oversee the rest of the not so fluent. We think that we might meet once a month in a pub at 7:30 p.m. and speak French on a pre-determined topic for an hour. For a small charge the pub is willing to do some refreshments. Expressions of interest either as a tutor or student to me please.

Finally, the date for the AGM is set as Friday 24th February. I understand that The Chair and Treasurer are willing to stand again as are most of the Committee. If, however you would like to volunteer your services names to me please ASAP. If thereare more nominations than places we will have to have an election!

Glyn

Twinning Visit 2011

2011-07-05T14:50:00.007+01:00

Congratulations to everybody who helped make this year's visit from our friends in Thury-Harcourt such a success, and that includes whoever looks after the weather. The day at the Gold Hill Festival at Shaftesbury was splendid with something for everyone, especially Morris fanatics (that's everybody I believe). The meal at the Barley Mow at Chard where our MP Neil Parrish was guest of honour was equally splendid and enjoyable. Most people seemed to like the new timing of the visit in early July instead of late August, and the morning rather than evening arrival, but please let the committee know what you think. The French committee are seeking comments.A new photo album has been started, started being the operative word, since unless other people contribute it can only be the same old (sorry make that young) faces. The link is on the right.

Please let Graham Jones have copies of your photos if you want to share them on the website.

Marshalling the Grizzly 2011

2011-03-18T09:53:00.007Z

For the last few years, the association has contributed marshals for the Seaton's world (in)famous Grizzly Run. As well as doing it's bit for the community in this way, it also makes a considerable contribution to our funds - the classic win-win situation.

This year was no exception with association stalwarts maintaining the tradition of sartorial elegance

Some more photos can be found in the web photo album for miscellaneous twinning activities. Follow the photo gallery link on the right.

Skittles

2010-11-28T17:36:00.003Z

Around 30 members had a social skittle evening at PJ's (once the Social Club, and before that the Fisherman's) on 19 November. A good time was had by all, although I doubt if the Association will ever cause a stir in the skittle world. Our secretary Glynn was the sticker-upper and if scores were low, it was nobly done to save him bending too often. The buffet was excellent, good value and very welcome after some experiences elsewhere in Seaton. The Committee are to be congratulated arranging this.

Germany?

2010-07-27T14:54:00.003+01:00

Jeff Day, our illustrious chairman was in the last edition of one of our weekly papers; the "View from Seaton". In fact he made the front page by floating the possibility of a twinning arrangement with Germany. Over the last few years, both Weil-der-Stadt and Heimbuchental have sought links with us. The problem as always been the lack of resources at our end but as Jeff suggested in his article, all that is needed is someone to take the project on. It is a big task, but other towns manage two exchanges, and Seaton has a wealth of talent and dedication to call on, so their is no reason why we cannot do it. Anyone who is interested should contact our Secretary; Glyn Roberts.

Jeff Day becomes Thury's Citizen of the Year

2010-05-25T23:59:00.025+01:00

There is a lot of news and photos to to be added to the site over the next few weeks stemming from our twinning trip to Thury-Harcourt. Expect the normal appeals for anecdotes, stories and photos, as well as several new links. Before this, however, there is a need to highlight an exceptional achievement. Jeff Day, our chairman, has received a remarkable double honour by becoming the citizen of the year in both Seaton and Thury-Harcourt in the same week. Thury's Mayor Paul Chandelier (seen with Jeff above) presented Jeff with the award last Saturday at a reception held for the Seaton twinners. He congratulated our Association on having an excellent website and explained that through it, his Council had discovered the award bestowed on Jeff by the town of Seaton and decided that they too wanted to recognize his great work for international friendship and understanding. Consequently they had made him Thury's Citizen of the year, and had had a special medal produced. A reporter from the newspaper, Ouest-France was at hand and the next edition duly carried the headline

Jeff Day, décoré, devient citoyen de l'année

which can be loosely translated as Jeff Day, honoured for his service becomes citizen of the year.
The link to the online article in Ouest-France is on the list of external links on the right together with a second article on the twinning visit

The sentiment expressed in the article by Thury's mayor very roughly translates (and this is not a accurate word for word translation by any means) as -

It is friendship, not politicians that makes a better world . In twinning we are building a Europe with our fellow English and Germans. It is what Jeff has been doing for twenty-seven years and this deserves a medal!

A photos of close-ups of both the French medal and the English lapel badge have been added to
the photo gallery of commemorative items

Part of the presentation is shown in the video below

The inscription says Jeff Day 27 years service of Twinning Seaton-Thury Harcourt 22 May 2010

Our Chairman Jeff Day is Seaton's Citizen of the Year

2010-05-10T22:59:00.006+01:00

Two of our committee were honoured at the Seaton Town Council AGM on May 10th. Our chairman Jeff Day was elected as Seaton's Citizen of the Year 2010 in recognition of his sterling work on behalf of the twinning exchange with Thury-Harcourt for the past 27 years, of which 17 has been as chairman. The citation, after reviewing the benefits of the twinning arrangement went on to say - "None of this (the benefits of twinning) would have been possible without the dedication and sheer hard work Jeff has done. In Thury-Harcourt, as in many other European Countries, their twinning association gets financial and administrative help from the local council. In Britain, everything depends on individuals. In Devon, many twinning associations are in decline or are moribund. The reason that Seaton is not in this group is simply because of Jeff, and his very special qualities that include infinite patience, consummate diplomacy, total dedication, deprecating modesty and a wry sense of humour. Each time the Association has faltered, Jeff has come to the rescue. It is not too much of an exaggeration to say that today Seaton may be without its twinning dimension, if not for Jeff. Seaton values its relationship with Thury-Harcourt, and it is appropriate that Seaton acknowledges the service that Jeff has performed. Jeff hopes to stands down next year after 17 years of service as chairman and so next week when he and the twinners of Seaton visit Thury on his last trip as president, he goes with the citizen of the year award in recognition of the service Jeff has done, not only here but also for our French twin town. It is an award greatly deserved.

Congratulations also to our secretary Glyn Roberts who was praised at the meeting by County Councillor Jim Knight for his service as a Special Police Constable. Glyn and other Association members shown below were at the presentation to congratulate Jeff

Message from Glyn Roberts - Our New Secretary

2010-03-26T09:22:00.002Z

Greetings Everyone,

For the benefit of those of you who don’t know me, my name is Glyn Roberts and I am following in the illustrious footsteps of Clare, who stepped down at the AGM. Should you feel the need to contact me there are several ways as set out below;

By post, phone or fax to the details above; there is an answer machine on that number so please feel free to leave your name number and a brief message and I’ll get back to you – eventually!

By mobile or text to 07837793466

And finally e-mail to glyn.roberts@live.co.uk.

To the business in hand:
Firstly, there are a number of you who have not paid your membership. This is due NOW please - £7.50 for a single and £15.00 for family membership.

Even more importantly, there are only 10 weeks to go before our trip to Thury. So far only 15 members have confirmed they will be going. That leaves a lot of space on the coach and an even greater space in the bank balance! Names of those wishing to go must be with Avis together with your payment of £85 by the 29th of March please.

The coach will leave the Coach Park on the Underfleet at 10:30 a.m. Departure from Portsmouth at 15:30 with arrival in Cherbourg at 19:30 local time. The committee feels that this late arrival means we will have to forego our usual stop in Bayeux.

Departure from France on the Monday is earlier than usual. We need to be at the ferry for 16:00 check in. Regrettably this means that the market at St.Pierre is also likely to become a casualty but the committee is actively seeking other options – watch this space!

Once again a reminder please; names and money to Avis by the 29th of this month.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

See you soon,

Glyn

PS Apologies for the short notice of this letter but our computer has just undergone major surgery as is now on the road to recovery.

Visit to Thury May 2010 - Spoiler Warning

2010-03-12T13:38:00.009Z

Normally, this website encourages it's readers to visit the website of the Thury twinners, however be warned. If you like the destination of our Saturday excursion to be a surprise, DO NOT explore their website because the secret is disclosed on it. True, one has to search, but it is there nonetheless. If you have found it, and have now made a virtual Google Street Scene tour around the rather dreary ring roads (GSS only does the main roads) and have checked out the typically French net curtains in no 38 Rue Maurice Lemoing, do not despair, the centre is picturesquely medieval.

Google Street Scene reaches Thury

2010-03-11T09:32:00.010Z

Love it or hate it, Google Street Scene (GSS from now on) covers part of Thury-Harcourt along some roads (basically Thury to Caen and Thury to Falaise. For those not familiar with it, GSS provides 360 degree views from street level. One can move along a street looking right, left, backwards and forwards, and as one goes, see buildings, street furniture, street signs etc, and anybody who happened to be passing when the photo was taken (including a lady picking up a dropped 50c coin at the Place Heimbuchental who is just out of shot in the picture below). For those who are interested in Thury, it has a obvious attractions, but in a sense, it has perhaps also a downside in being a another step to a virtual reality universe. Why bother to go there, when one can explore via remote control?. When the Association started in 1982, our twin town must have seemed a very distant place for the earliest twinning travellers who perhaps arrived with a sense of discovery. Now someone, who has never visited, can if they wish, thanks to the internet go with a very good idea of what to expect, even down to the colours of curtains in particular houses. As internet bandwidth and resolution increases, one will soon be able to read the small ads in the shop windows. How long before there seems no need to go at all?

The three photos show two scenes from Thury (Place Heimbuchental and the main street near the post office) and for the nostalgic among those who have been before, the third shows: (albeit from an unusal angle ), a place that has always featured in our visits, and which now, because of altered ferry times, is a place that we are unlikely to visit again in the foreseeable future. A honourable mention to anyone who recognizes it

The Grizzly and Tripping the Light Fantastic

2010-03-07T17:46:00.006Z

First the Grizzly Run. Today, Sunday 7 March two thousand and one intrepid runners slogged their way round the 20 mile cross country course from Seaton in the internationally renowned race. Congratulations to all of them, however, this posting is to thank the six intrepid members of the Twinning Association who did their bit by marshalling. Last year, the Association was given £350 by the race organizers for our funds in recognition of our efforts then. Hopefully this year, the Association will be in line for a similar bounty thanks to the the work of our members, particularly Gerry Dawson who had the task of marshalling the marshals. - So thanks everybody

And the Light Fantastic?

Check out the 20 new photos added to the album of the French visit in 2009. There was some pretty fancy footwork on show when the rock and roll music started.

Additions to Photo Links

2010-03-02T19:23:00.004Z

On the list of photo albums to the right you will see that a (very) small collection of photos of the visit by our French visitors in August 2009 has been added to the online collection. There must be a lot more photos out there. If you would like your photos added, please contact contact any member of the committee. It would help greatly, if you could supply them in digitised format on a CD or memory stick which could be copied and returned. You could even email them if you wish, (but remember that nowadays even a modest digital camera takes around 7meg photos and that it can take a long time to load even a single photo)

Changes at the AGM

2010-03-02T15:41:00.005Z

The AGM was held on Friday 26 February 2010 at the Crossroads Christian Centre.
Following the resignation of Clare Jones as secretary, Glyn Roberts, to be ably assisted by his wife Diane volunteered to take over the onerous role.
Graham Jones stood down as Vice-Chairman and this position is now vacant - Graham maintained this site until last August (Hence the lack of recent updating). The new committee is keen to maintain the site, and hopefully things will get back to normal now. If any computer savvy member feels they would like to take responsibility for this, the committee will be very keen to hear from you

A fuller details of the AGM will follow

Newsletter 17th July 2009

2009-07-17T16:26:00.000+01:00

Dear Members,
We are writing to you to confirm arrangements for the forthcoming visit of our friends from Thury-Harcourt. Please read this letter carefully and reply as soon as you can if you wish to participate in any way.
The dates are 21st August to 23rd August. The French party will arrive at St. Clare’s at about 5pm on Friday 21st August, and that first evening will be spent at home with host families. On Saturday 22nd we will meet at the coach park opposite the tram station at 8.30 am, to travel to Exmouth for a boat trip from 10 o’clock until 12 noon. The coach will then collect us and take us on to Exeter. We will be dropped at the quayside . Pick up from the quayside will be at 6pm and we will then go straight to the Harbour Inn at Axmouth for the dinner at 7.30pm. It may help your daytime choice of meal to know that the menu for dinner is roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
The boat trip and meal for our guests are as always paid for by the twinning association, but hosts pay for their own meals and entertainment. The costs are
Boat trip: £6.50 per person
Dinner, including wine and entertainment £20 per person
Please note that it is not necessary to attend both boat trip and meal. We are hoping that there will be a good number taking part in the boat trip. Please feel free to invite friends and family to come along and join in the day.

Please find attached booking slips for both the meal and the boat trip. It is important that you make your bookings and pay by cheque by the 1st August. We need to know numbers in order to make final arrangements.
We are also looking for people to host our guests. We have already spoken to some of you who have hosted before, but would like to give everyone the opportunity to share in this rewarding experience. If you would like to host, please contact any member of the committee, as soon as possible so we can answer any questions you may have

Garden Party - 26 June

2009-06-30T09:14:00.005+01:00

The second posting is about the garden party on 26 June. More than 20 members were there for a memorable evening, and the Association is indebted to the Bradshaw family who not only opened their beautiful garden, (surely one of Seaton's hidden gems) but also did all the hard work providing a splendid meal together with a number of tempting raffle prizes including one of Bob's prints.

Photos of the event have been added to the on-line album of social events at

http://picasaweb.google.com/Seatontwinning/SocialEvents

or via the blogs album links

2 New Postings Today - This one forthcoming events

2009-06-29T22:26:00.003+01:00

Two postings today

The first gives advance notice of two events, both on Friday July 10th

In the morning between 10 - 12 a.m there is a coffee morning in the upstairs in the Town Hall at Seaton organised by Chris, Tina and Avis who are looking forward to meeting everyone for delicious homemade cake and coffee.

In the evening, weather permitting there will be a Boules evening at 7 p.m. at Cliff Field Gardens. Come along and enjoy an informal boules session, watching or trying out this dece[tively pitching a few ends

Thury-Harcourt - Google Earth Upgrade

2009-06-24T15:34:00.005+01:00

Just in case anyone has missed it, Google Earth has been slowly upgrading its coverage in France, and Thury is now available in much higher detail than before. The print below does not do it justice, so for the first time individual houses etc become clear. Well worth a look to find your way around, and work out the shortest route to Lidl's.

Give it a try

New Photos and French Newspapers

2009-05-30T22:50:00.003+01:00

If anyone wants to see what is happening in Thury-Harcourt, the regional French Newspaper Quest-France has a website which has a easily accessed search engine for its archives. Go to the Ma Commune tab, which brings up a menu of departments - click on Calvados. then clink on T which brings up a list of communes beginning with T, including Thury-Harcourt
Two recent offerings relate to the visit to Thury by Heimbuchenthal, (spot the stray Englishwomen in the photo) and details of the Battle of the Green Way (don't ask)
The Thury Page on Quest-France is at
http://www.ouest-france.fr/actu/actuLocale_-Thury-Harcourt_14689_actuLocale.Htm
and the German Visit on
http://www.ouest-france.fr/actu/actuLocale_-Une-quarantaine-d-Allemands-accueillis-a-l-Ascension-_14689-avd-20090527-56115874_actuLocale.Htm

While at it, a new photo album of some 40 photos has been acted of the visit. At the same time a few additional photos have been added to the Thury Town file

The links are listed in the list of albums to the right. and also below

http://picasaweb.google.com/Seatontwinning/Thury2009HeimbuchenthalVisit#

June Newsletter

2009-05-27T17:38:00.002+01:00

Dear Members
Firstly huge thanks to those members who helped in marshalling the Grizzly Run. They raised for us the staggering sum of £350, whilst having a very good time in the process they say, so many, many thanks!
Secondly we are approaching the arrival of our French visitors this August and we want to update you on the programme we have arranged; more on this below. Then we have some social events to announce.
Also very importantly, and despite as excellent AGM, an unprecedented number of members have overlooked their subscription and we urgently need them to contact Avis with their payment, please. If this refers to you there will be a handwritten note here or a separate email. The subscription is £7.50 individual, £15 for couples/families.

Social events:
Bob, Audrey and Mark Bradshaw have very kindly offered to host a garden party at their home. This will take place on Friday 26th June beginning 7-7.30pm. Tickets costing £10 per person include a meal and a glass of wine. Places are limited to 30 people and demand is expected to be high so it will be first come first served. To secure your places send £10 per person to Avis, with a covering note, as soon as you can.
Jerry announces the first walk of the season on Wednesday June 3rd meeting at 6.30pm at the Old Inn in Kilmington. This will of course be followed by a sociable gathering in the Old Inn.
We would also like to start a series of boules meetings. We can provide the boules, but would any member like to come forward to organise a programme? Contact Graham Jones if so.
Programme for the twinning weekend:
Friday 21st August: French guests arrive about 4.30/5pm at St. Clare’s. The evening will be spent with hosts.
Saturday 22nd depart 9am for Exmouth for a cruise from 10 to 12 noon. The coach will then take us on to Exeter where hosts will make arrangements for lunch. The afternoon will be spent in Exeter. A drop-off and pick –up point have to be finalised but the quayside has been suggested.
Saturday evening: dinner at the Harbour Inn Axmouth.
Sunday 23rd : nothing is planned but it is anticipated that people may want to get together to entertain their guests during the morning and for lunch.
This is the broad programme. It is subject to change if necessary and more details will be forthcoming as we have them.
Looking forward to a very sociable and congenial summer!
Best wishes from your committee.

Taking Coal to Newcastle - Heimbuchenthal Visit to Thury

2009-05-27T17:27:00.003+01:00

Nathalie was clearly intrigued by the concept of English white wine

Thury-Harcourt celebrated the 20th anniversary its twinning with the Bavarian town of Heimbuchenthal between May 21-24 and invited representatives from Seaton to join them during the Germans four day visit to France. Clare and Graham Jones, Secretary and Vice-Chairman of the Seaton Association attended and took full part in the varied program that the hosts put on which included visits to the picturesque town of Honfleur and to the fashionable resort of Calbourg, a canoe trip down the river Orne, and a cider tasting. The 20 anniversary itself was celebrated by a dinner and folk dance as well as more formal presentations including exchanges of gifts between the two towns and dedication of a bench on the town’s scenic footpath called the Chemin des Jumlages (Twinnings Way). The new bench complimented the existing one dedicated last year to celebrate 25 years of twinning with Seaton.
As well as taking greetings from the Seaton Association, Graham and Clare also presented a gift of bottles of white wine to the French mayor, Paul Chandelier. The wine was a gift from Seaton Town Council to the people of Thury-Harcourt on behalf of the people of Seaton and came from a Devon Vineyard. Paul Chandelier was both delighted and intrigued by the gift which he accepted on behalf of Thury Harcourt. Nathalie Casas, president of the French twinners said that there would be a special tasting at a future date, but before Thury visits Seaton in August.

Request from Thury-Harcourt

2009-04-18T13:23:00.002+01:00

Our Association has received a request from Guy Le Coz to help in accommodating a 45 year old French woman for between 2 and 4 weeks in May this year. The woman is currently unemployed and seeks to improve her English in order to widen her job prospects. She is willing to pay towards her keep, but would hope that she will be able to offset costs by baby-sitting, etc. With the examination season arriving, she might also be able to help with French conversation practice.
If anybody is interested in helping can they contact Graham Jones and he will put them in contact with Guy who is dealing with it at the Thury end

News (and Photo Appeal)

2009-04-09T14:22:00.005+01:00

The inactivity of the blog recently should not be taken as a indication that nothing has been happening with the Association. In fact a lot has been going on unreported and members have been involved with both social and fundraising events. Last month 10 members travelled to Axminster to play the Axminster twinners at skittles. Last month also saw the Grizzly Run and the Association supplied a number of race marshals, and in return the organizers made a very generous donation of £350 towards the work of the Association. This is possibly the biggest single donation in our history the Association is grateful to the members who made this possible by volunteering to be marshals.
Does anyone have photos of our members at either event for our archives and/or publication on the blog?. Please contact our archivist Graham Jones or any member of the committee .

2008 Photo Competition Result

2009-03-02T22:45:00.005Z

Those of you at the AGM will know that Peter Motson emerged as the winner of the 2008 photo competition, winning a bottle of wine (French of course). Many asked for the winning photo to be published on the blog so here it is

Val and Jeff listening out for the death watch beetle on the ferry. Peter also submitted some others, and these have been loaded onto the Association's Picasa web album
http://picasaweb.google.com/Seatontwinning/PeterMotsonsPhotosThury2008#

The link has also been added to the photo links to the right

February Newsletter about AGM

2009-02-19T11:16:00.001Z

Please find enclosed the minutes for the 2008 AGM. Please bring them with you to this year’s AGM on Friday the 27th February at 7.30 in the Crossroads Christian Centre in Homer Lane Seaton. If you’re not sure where this is do phone a member of the committee to find out. Please also remember that the annual subscription is now due (£7.50 for individuals, £15 for families). It can be paid to Avis in advance or at the meeting itself.
There will be wine and nibbles available and the evening is always a pleasant one.
After the business of the meeting there will be a quiz, as well as the usual raffle, for which donations of gifts would be appreciated.
At the meeting you will learn about arrangements for the visit of the French this August. Our plans are almost complete and we believe we have a very enjoyable programme.

Bookings for the skittle evening with Axminster Twinning Association on March 16th may also be made at the meeting.

Members of the committee are helping with the marshalling of the Grizzly Run on March 8th this year, in order to raise funds for the twinning. If any member would also like to help please inform the committee at the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM

Thury-Harcourt makes "The Independent "

2009-01-02T23:49:00.005Z

Our twin town got a rare mention in a British national newspaper on the 1st January. The "Independent" ran a small article about the introduction of the euro into Europe and cited some experiences from Thury-Harcourt which are reproduced below. The only greengrocers I can remember on the market square is shown below in a photo from our archives taken in 2004 , so perhaps that is the shop in question . The resolution is not enough to blow up the price tags clearly, but there does seem only to be the one price. Pity the article was less specific about the nearby shop of Marie-Elizabeth
(thanks to our members Richard and Sandra Worthington for flagging this article up)

(From the Independent)

Catherine, a green-grocer in a small Norman town, has all her prices neatly marked in euros and nothing but euros. Ten years after the creation of a single European currency, seven years after the appearance of euro notes and coins, large French shops and most restaurants and cafes still defy Brussels and list their prices in two currencies.
In Catherine’s small shop on the market square of Thury Harcourt, the prices are exclusively chalked up in euros and euro-centimes. Does this mean that she is a fan of the euro, which is ten years old tomorrow?
“No, not all. The euro has been a calamity for ordinary people. Inflation has been higher, whatever the politicians say. The gap between rich and poor has grown. In France, there are no in-between people left any more. Either you rich or you are struggling.”
Marie-Elisabeth, a shop-keeper in the next street, is more positive – sort of. “Most customers think only in euros now. It is just the very old ones who like everything to be converted into francs. And yet there is no real affection for the euro yet, not like we had for the franc. The franc was like our mum. The euro is like our step-mother.”

December 2008 newsletter

2008-12-18T14:28:00.002Z

Dear Members,

Please note the following important dates and information:

1 AGM This will take place at the Crossroads Christian Centre in Homer Lane on Friday 27th February at 7.30pm. There will be wine and nibbles and the meeting will be followed by a quiz.
Please note that membership subscriptions will be due. As notified at last year’s AGM the payment will be £7.50 for individuals and £15 for families. There will also be a raffle. Please bring a prize if you can, be it a spare bottle or box of chocolates that has survived Christmas or any Christmas present that is surplus to requirements.

2 Axminster Twinning Association have invited us to an event they are organising in March, as follows: a social evening with a skittles tournament and a finger buffet, from 7pm on 16th March 2009 at the Harbour Inn in Axmouth. The cost will be between £9 and £10 per person. If you would like to join in what promises to be a very enjoyable evening you can sign up for it at our own AGM on 27th February.

3 Fundraising: as ever, with the visit of our French friends due next August ( Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd) the need for fundraising activities becomes more urgent. We are always looking for fresh ideas for fundraising (and funraising) and for new people to get involved with activities. If you have any ideas please bring them to the AGM. Also if anyone feels they have anything to offer in terms of committee membership please come forward.
We are very pleased to announce that the Carnival Committee has generously given us the sum of £100. This is a very welcome boost to our funds, but there is much still to do.

4 CHRISTAS SOCIAL: As usual this will take place in January, when all of us have a little more time than in the pre-Christmas rush. This will be at the King’s Arms in Seaton, on January 16th at 7.30pm. The cost will be £10 per person. This is less than a month from now, so we really do need you to BOOK STRAIGHT AWAY PLEASE. Bookings with payment should be made to the Treasurer, Avis Hilder at the above address. Cheques should be made payable to Seaton and District Twinning Association.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Fund Boost

2008-12-02T09:56:00.003Z

The Association is delighted to report that the it has received a donation of £100 from the Seaton Carnival Committee. Our Chairman Jeff Day went along to the town hall on 26 November along with representatives of other local groups to collect the cheque and made a short speech of thanks stressing that the Association is not a clique but a but a part of the town, and open to all.

The Association's Contribution to Public Art

2008-11-17T11:12:00.004Z

The photo below, shows the Association's contribution to the "Windows on Seaton" public art project sponsored by the Town Council (see previous postings for details). It was a great effort, and thanks to everyone concerned.

Windows on Thury-Harcourt

2008-10-21T21:55:00.006+01:00

Twinning members and artists Carolyn King and Philip Clayton may be in France at the moment enjoying the good life, but they have responded to a previous plea (see blog entry 11 October) for help with a design for the "Window on Seaton" community art project. In this, individuals and groups in Seaton are decorating the hoarding around the old Racal site by painting views from windows and doors, each one showing some aspect of Seaton. Our Association, to be different are doing a view of France, and Carolyn emailed the above working drawing. The splendid somewhat bucolic scene shows an aspect of the wine harvest. Watch this blog to follow developments.

Community Activity Fair 18 October 2008

2008-10-21T11:37:00.005+01:00

The Association was one of forty groups represented at the Community Activity Fair at Seaton Town Hall. The display boards were revamped for the occasion with an emphasis on our last visit to France and our range of activities. We generated a lot of interest, and a number of people expressed interest in joining the Association. Thanks to those who gave up their time to look after the stand and answer queries from the public

Two Events - Community Fair and Windows on Seaton

2008-10-11T23:50:00.007+01:00

Advance notice and a plea for help

On Saturday 18 October there is a Community Activity Fair sponsored by the Town Council in Seaton Town Hall between 10 and 3 where about 40 community groups active in Seaton will be there to tell the world what they do. We were there at the 2007 fair (photo) which was was highly successful, and will be at this one as well, publicizing our events, our website and hopefully getting more people interested in joining us. To add a little interest there will be a quiz similar to the one at our last AGM for the public to do with a prize of the fizzy plonk left over from the boules events.

We need help in manning the stand. If anyone can spare an hour or so, it would very welcome. Even if you cannot help, still come to the fair. It is free, highly worthwhile, and you are bound to find something of interest. You can watch the majorettes, have a game of chess if you want, or who knows, even win some fizzy plonk

The second event starts on the weekend of the 25 October when the Town Council is organizing a community art project when a series of "views from windows" are being painted by individuals and local groups on the hoardings around the Racal Site in Harbour Road. We have sponsored a window. The particular theme is "Views of Seaton", however the Twinning Association as gained dispensation to do a view of Thury-Harcourt instead. At the moment, we have no artist lined up, and will have to use the "resident" artist so if anybody out there fancies themselves as an artist and wants to have a go, let us know,

If you can help at either event, please contact Avis, Margaret or Clare or email the Association as soon as possible

And the answer is "Court"

2008-09-29T12:16:00.003+01:00

It seems hopscotch is played on a court (see previous posting).

For those who are interested, which assuredly is everybody. Hopscotch dates from the time of Rome and in Britain it was (according to Wikipedia) initially used as a training regimen for Roman infantry who ran the course in full armour and field packs, as it was thought this would improve their footwork. In other words is was not a kid's game
And for those interested in the French connection, which again is assuredly everybody. In Thury they call hopscotch "marcelle" (fem)

A French variant of hopscotch is known as Escargot (snail) or "La Marelle Ronde" (round hopscotch). It is played on a spiral course. Players must hop on one foot to the center of the spiral and back out again. A player marks one square with his or her initials, and from then on may place two feet in that square, while all other players must hop over it. The game ends when all squares are marked or no one can reach the center, and the winner is the player who "owns" the most squares

OK next question - what do the French call a hopscotch "court"

Update to Thury's Twinning Website

2008-09-29T11:52:00.003+01:00

It has only just been noticed at the website of the Thury-Harcourt Twinning association has been updated (you can find the link on the right under external links). A selection of photos from their archives have been added (found under the heading Diaporama) including the one above showing the inauguration of the EU hopscotch box*** in Thury in 2002. The EU bit comes from squares being designated by countries rather than numbers. (The young man appears to be straddling Austria)

** Does anyone know the correct term for a hopscotch grid/box/set/pitch/ground?

"Holy Relics"

2008-09-18T10:55:00.006+01:00

Between the start of the exchange in 1982 and the 25th anniversary in 2007, both Seaton and our Association have received a number of gifts and other commemorative items from our friends in Thury. Some of these now lie in odd corners half-forgotten except by their guardians. For this reason some attempt has been made to catalogue everything. So far, the list is confined to items in the town hall, Seaton museum and Cliff Field Gardens, namely:

Football trophy, enamelled glass plate, and pottery vase in the museum

Twinning charter and framed picture of Thury-Harcourt in the town hall (upstairs landing), and

Park bench with brass plate in Cliff Field Gardens adjacent to the boules pitch

Photos of all these items have been added to this site and can be found by following the link which has been added to the list on the right under the title "Catalogue of commemorative items".

If anyone is aware of any other item not listed, could they let the committee know please. Equally if anyone from our 2007 visit has a commemorative coaster presented at they are willing to donate for display in the museum, could they do likewise.

Seaton Town Council Website

2008-09-04T13:21:00.008+01:00

Because the twinning is run by the volunteers of the Seaton and Thury associations and has been for the last 25 odd years, it is sometimes forgotten that technically they do so on behalf of the respective Town Councils. This is perhaps more evident in France, where they get much more recognition, (and often more financial help) from the civic authorities. This became very noticeable after the revamp of the Thury municipal website, which has a page dedicated to their twinning committee as well as the occasional news item. In contrast, Seaton Council's website had no reference at all to Thury-Harcourt. Happily, this omission has now been rectified following a request from our twinning committee . There is now a page about the twinning at www.seaton.gov.uk/twin.htm

Newsletter September 2008

2008-09-02T13:26:00.004+01:00

Below is the text of the Associations printed newsletter - much of it is hardly news for those of you who keep up to date with the blog .

The text

Hopefully, you will find a number of items of interest in this issue of the newsletter. We have news of social events, both past and future, and some exciting developments with our website

Blogsite

The old defunct website has been replaced by a new blogsite at the address given above, The blogsite does all that the old site tried to do and more. Its format makes it easy to update on a daily basis and without the need for specialised file transfer software. It contains news of events, the text of newsletters, photographs, links and the occasional exhortation leavened with a bit of whimsy. Go to it and you will find links to online photo albums with over 250 photos of present and historical Thury-Harcourt, past visits and shots from the archives. There are also links to useful sites like Thury’s municipal and twinning association sites and the local French newspaper Ouest–France in case you want to keep up with the local gossip over there. Perhaps the most useful feature is that anyone can post comments, suggestions and features easily.

Funds

The Association manned a tombola stall at the August bank holiday street fair in Seaton as part of our all so important fund raising effort. Next year, perhaps as many as 50 French guests may appear, and we need to provide hospitality for them, and this includes all entry fees, transport, snacks and a formal dinner on our big day out. Fund raising is therefore not just an important issue, it is a vital issue. Thanks then to all who helped on Monday, and thanks to all who provided prizes. After expenses, we made just over £50 (that is not finalised) which all helps but there is still a lot to do. Nevertheless as the French proverb goes "Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid" (little by little the bird makes its nest)

Obviously, fund raising is becoming a priority, so please get your thinking-caps on, and come up with some fundraising proposals, especially if it entails a couple of hundred plastic ducks. The Association has had a stock of these for some years.

Future Social Program

Events are
Friday 5 September 7pm
Boules Cliff Field Gardens

Wednesday 17 September 6.30pm
Gerry has arranged another walk. Meet at Musbury Church for a choice of walks to and around Musbury Castle. This will be followed by a get-together at the Harbour Inn at Axmouth around 8.15. As at the earlier walk this year on the Undercliff local historian, Derek Stevens will be on hand to liven up the walk with his historical anecdotes and local knowledge.

Saturday 18 October 10am-3pm
The Association will be manning a stall at Seaton’s Community Activity Fair at the town hall. This is a great opportunity to showcase ourselves to the town and potential members. Any help in manning the stall or in effective presentation will be gratefully received

Christmas Festival- Seaton
Watch this space. The Committee have a few ideas for contributing to the festival in December and details will be forthcoming later

Finally:
We have just heard that Ralph Ravenhall has died recently. Long standing members will recall that he was Chairman of our Association in the early days. The Association remembers the work he did in laying the foundations of our links with Thury Harcourt and promoting international friendship. Our sympathy goes out to his family

From the archives Ralph Ravenhall (on right) welcoming French Visitors to Seaton, date unknown but possibly 1986

Carnival Week 2008 - Showing the Flag

2008-08-27T21:24:00.007+01:00

The Association manned (and womanned) a tombola stall at the August bank holiday street fair in Seaton as part of our all so important fund raising effort. Next year, perhaps as many as 50 French guests may appear, and we need to provide hospitality for them, and this includes all entry fees, transport, snacks and a formal dinner on our big day out. Fund raising is therefore not an important issue, it is a vital issue. Thanks then to all who helped on Monday, and thanks to all who provided prizes. After expenses, we made just over £50 (that is not finalised) which all helps but there is still a lot to do. Nevertheless as the French proverb goes "Petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid" ***

It is not all fund raising of course, we were also there to show the flag, literally so, as the photos show.

*** Little by little, the bird builds its nest

Walk 17 September

2008-08-20T09:08:00.007+01:00

Gerry has arranged another walk. This one is on Wednesday 17 September. Meet 6.30 pm Musbury Church for choice of walks to and around Musbury Castle. This will be followed by a get together at the Harbour Inn at Axmouth around 8.15. As at the earlier walk this year on the Undercliff, local historian, Derek Stevens will be on hand to liven up the walk with his historical anecdotes and local knowledge

Pre-1945 Thury-Harcourt

2008-08-17T17:12:00.003+01:00

If you have ever wondered what Thury-Harcourt looked like before the war, check out the new photo album of 24 old postcards that has been added to the list of albums to the right. Of especial note is the chateau showing that it was much larger than the current ruined facade suggests and the rather interesting market hall. Both these buildings were casualties of the battle of Normandy in 1944.

Seaton Carnival Week - Street Market and Boules

2008-08-14T10:52:00.006+01:00

The Association will be involved with two carnival events
Saturday 23 August 12-2 pm Cliff Field Gardens
The Association has accepted a request from Seaton Carnival Committee to host a boules event at Cliff Field Gardens as part of the Carnival Week. It will be a sort of taster event and, - try a few ends, "how do you play", etc. and will form part of a series of events during the day along with other things such as a fancy dress competition and pebble, face and pavement painting. Accordingly there may well be a number of children having a go. We are pleased to have the opportunity to be able to contribute towards the success of this years carnival campaign.
Anybody who wants to come along and help out will be most welcome. We will be there with publicity, and will hopefully raise our profile some more.

Monday 25 August 8-12 (approx) Street Market on the Esplanade. We are running a tombola stall to raise funds using the items bought and donated by members as part of our twinning visit to Thury in May. We aim to set up at 8am ready to open at 9. Help is always welcome so please contact Rose Tidball or Clare Jones if you can help in manning the stand or have any more prizes (not just French ones) you can donate.

2008 visit - French Newspaper Coverage

2008-08-08T12:10:00.005+01:00

For those that missed the local French newspaper coverage of the 2008 visit, a link to the appropriate web page has been added to the list of links on the right. The visit was unusual in that this time no less than seven Seaton twinners travelled independently, and all turned up at the Thury Town Hall in time to welcome the main party. Those with a wry sense of humour will note that the paper Ouest-France chose to lead with a picture of Seaton's Association chairman Jeff Day being warmly welcomed by .... argh hum..., his own vice-chairman.

Committee Meeting 13 August and Agenda Items

2008-08-07T12:01:00.002+01:00

There is a committee meeting on 13th August at 7.30pm at the Crossroads Centre. If anyone would like to put an item on the agenda please let the Secretary know as soon as possible. This applies to anyone, not necessarily just committee members. The committee is always keen to hear the views or ideas of all our members (or indeed non-members) so get your thoughts on fund raising, events, publicity together please

Photo Gallery

2008-08-06T23:49:00.007+01:00

The blog has been changed to allow better access to the photo galleries by adding links to individual collections held on the web. These links are permanently displayed in the right hand margin. The previous small slide shows have been deleted because of technical problems of compatibility with the web storage

More photo albums have been added including archive and event photos and records from our 2004 visit. All these are accessible through the links. Some of the 2004 photos tie in quite nicely with the last posting about the Liberation Memorial

Liberation Memorial and Interpretation Board

2008-08-01T16:12:00.008+01:00

Because many of our french hosts live in isolated hamlets outside Thury-Harcourt, there is limited opportunity to explore the town. Those who went in 2004 may remember visiting the planned site of memorial to the liberation of the town sited where the British 59th (Staffordshire) infantry division first came in sight of their objection, but may have missed visiting it later after its completion. Hence this photo. The interpretation board gives a account of the battle, and shows photos of the aftermath with much of town centre destroyed.

More details of the board with close-up photos can be found on the very worthwhile site

www.normandie44lamemoire.com/versionanglaise/fichesvillesus/thuryharcous2.html

The site also covers many of the sites visited during our visits in 1994 and 2004 which coincided with the the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the D-day landings

Social Events

2008-07-09T12:35:00.002+01:00

First a reminder that the next social event is boules at the town's boules pitch at Cliff Field Gardens at 9:45 on Tuesday 15 July, weather permitting. There will be the usual supply of bucks fizz to refresh oneself.

Secondly, a few ideas for social events based on french food have been put forward, and the committee is keen to hear from everybody, so if anybody has suggestions or wants to arrange a snail tasting or anything else, please leave a comment

Kings Arms (2) Blog photos query

2008-07-02T22:55:00.009+01:00

The blog came up a few times in discussions. One query was about the slide shows within the blog such as that of Thury which shows very small pictures . The question was "how to access the slide show photographs and see them full screen?" In answer to this I can only say that I am sure there must be a very elegant way of doing it, but I am still feeling my way at the moment, and the only way I can think of is the link to http://picasaweb.google.com/Seatontwinning which will give access to all the photographs on the public folders. Crude but it seems to work. Try it!

Social evening at the King's Arms 2 July or think of a title for this picture

2008-07-02T22:32:00.003+01:00

17 people turned up at the social evening at the Kings Arms, including a new prospective member, and the usual suspects. It was good good to see some of a newer members and representatives from far flung corners. Our title is after all Seaton and District, and we are accordingly proud that we have many supportive members from outside the metropolis of Seaton town.
Peter Motson exhibited the attached photo, which is just asking for a caption. Any ideas?

Animated Slide show of twinning Visit 2008

2008-06-26T16:31:00.002+01:00

The moment everyone has been waiting for - the latest muvee at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs4qBdpUObg

Highly Enjoyable Walk 25 June

2008-06-25T22:24:00.005+01:00

Gerry laid on a added treat to the walk along part of the landslip during the first walk of the season. Twinning Association member and local historian Derek Stevens was there to regale the group with sparkling stories and anecdotes of the war years and other times, all delivered in broad dialect.
Many people will know Derek from his regular "The view from the country" column in the Marshwood Vale magazine, and the stories certainly added piquancy to the walk. It was not that difficult after his vivid descriptions to imagine marauding Focke-Wulfs skimming over cornfields or the deafening roar of massed Lancasters passing overhead at 50ft. Afterwards the party was joined by Gail and enjoyed a pleasant drink at the Harbour Inn at Axmouth.

No date is fixed for the next walk, but watch this space

photos Derek describes the Lancaster raid, and then on the landslip

Thury-Harcourt the animated slideshow

2008-06-19T13:49:00.003+01:00

If anyone has had problems accessing the site recently it may well be because of botched attempts to embed a video. Safer to follow this link if you want a animated slideshow to get the atomsphere of Thury
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezBw5mrp0x0

Newsletter June 2008

2008-06-19T10:06:00.001+01:00

Newsletter June 2008

Dear Members,
Please read this newsletter carefully as it covers events going through to September.

1 Gerry has arranged another social walk for Wednesday 25th June. Details are as follows:

An easy walk out to the landslip, 1h to 1h15 minutes in total.
Meet at 6.45pm at the top of Steppes Lane in Axmouth (where it levels out and joins the green lane to the landslip on the right). Afterwards to the Harbour Inn in Axmouth for an informal social evening/drinks/food.
If the weather is wet it will be postponed until mid July, date to be notified later if so.

2 Following the very enjoyable visit to Thury-Harcourt, we would like to give everyone the opportunity to get together again soon and enjoy each others company. This applies to all members of the twinning not just those who went on the recent visit. If you were not able to go this time it will be all the nicer to see you again now. If you did go it will be a chance to share photos, exchange stories and enjoy memories as well as catching up with old and new friends. It was good to see so many new members enjoying the visit and we hope we will all get to know each other better. To this end, there will be an informal gathering at the Kings Arms in Seaton on Wednesday 2nd July from 7.30pm. Just turn up and enjoy yourself.
3 There will be a series of friendly matches at the boules pitch in Cliff Field gardens as follows. Beginners are welcome as well as more experienced players. Boules are provided.
FRIDAY 4TH JULY 7PM
TUESDAY 15TH JULY 9.45AM
FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST 7PM
FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 7PM
4 French photo competition. To enter, get your photos to Graham Jones by post, by email to
seatontwinning@yahoo.co.uk, by bringing them to a social, or by any other means you can devise. If you don’t want to enter the competition but still have photos you would be happy to share, we would love to have them as Graham will compile a CD of photos and videos as a souvenir of the visit. This will be available to purchase for a modest sum to raise money for the visit of the French next summer.
5 Not many people know this, but the souvenir enamel coasters which were given to us by our French hosts at the dinner on the Saturday evening were manufactured in the enamel factory in Thury-Harcourt and followed a design by Gerard Gehanne, a member of the Thury twinning association. So take good care of yours, if you are lucky enough to have one!

If you have any queries, ideas or comments please don’t hesitate to contact me or any member of the committee. Hoping you enjoy the summer (when it comes back), and that you make it to as many events as you can.
Yours sincerely,
Clare Jones on behalf of the committee.

On the trail of the lost plaque

2008-06-18T22:08:00.004+01:00

Stop Press The Twinning Committee have confirmed that that they are writing to their French counterparts to try and find out what has happened to the missing plaque. If it is lost efforts will be made to produce a replacement

Loss of plaque on oak at Thury-Harcourt

2008-06-15T22:32:00.001+01:00

Seaton presented Thury with am English Oak. Spot the difference between the view above taken 2008 and that of the left taken in 2006, apart from two years growth in the tree that is. The plaque which is the only reference to the gift has disappeared

There is clearly a need for a replacement and all ideas for a more long lasting feature are welcome