2007 News

In this issue:

Introducing your new chairman

Flag of Honour report

Members’ meetings update

November event report

Meet your new committee

Subscriptions reminder

New members

New ideas

Twinning Quiz

Hello and welcome to the new-look Twinning Association newsletter. Firstly, thank you for affording me the honour of being your Chairman. My thanks go the Catharina for all her hard work over the past five years. She will definitely be a difficult act to follow. A little bit about me. I moved to Verwood nearly 3 years ago with my wife Anjie and almost immediately became involved with the Twinning. At Catharina’s request, in 2006 I put my 38 years’ experience in the Civil Service to use and drew up the submission that went to the Council of Europe and eventually secured the Flag of Honour award for Verwood and Three-Legged Cross.

I look forward to an exciting time as chairman of the Association. Everyone has their own style of course and you may notice some changes - this newsletter is the first and I am indebted to Julie for arranging for our new colour printing. However, this is evolution not revolution and I hope the end result will be the same - a successful and active Twinning Association with regular contact with our members and our twin towns.

Finally, this is YOUR newsletter. If there is anything you would like included (or excluded) please let me know. Above all, please read it for information about what is going on in your Twinning Association.

Flagfest. What a remarkable couple of days! On the 19th your committee along with former chairmen were at the Hub as guests of the Mayor, along with civic dignitaries from around the county, for the presentation of the Flag of Honour to our Hon President, the Mayor of Verwood, by Mrs K Eckman, a representative from the Council of Europe in Strasburg. After a fly-past by two Chinook helicopters, we gathered for the usual speeches then children from local schools sang the European and UK Anthems. Saturday 20th saw our Flagfest celebrations for the whole town, and it seems like pretty well everybody turned out to see us during the course of the day. The amazing Indian Summer weather helped, of course. Highlight was the cherry-picker lifts kindly provided by Manitou giving passengers a 25m high bird’s-eye view over Verwood. This raised a lot of money towards the Mayor’s charity appeal. Members celebrated with a glass of wine and a piece of the cake we had specially made. As well as a magnificent response from local businesses and traders, the small and very hard-working working group of your committee were rewarded with much praise and thanks for their efforts. On the day, every available member of your committee worked very hard, more than ably assisted by non-committee members Viv C, Julie L, Ed W, Olivia B, Joyce S, Dave T, Wilf S, Clive G, Anjie B, Alan W, Mike D, Sheila W, Jane L, Dave P, Janet C and Hughie on his new buggy! Many, many thanks to you all. If I’ve forgotten anyone, I apologise - there were so many of you it was overwhelming!

Members’ meetings. We have now had two members’ meetings in the Concert Brass Band Hall. At the first, a record number of us were entertained by a talk by Herr Peter Ritzer from the German Embassy on tourism in Germany and picked up many useful brochures. The second meeting, in November, had us all transported to India by bus in a talk by David Cornes. The December meeting on the 12th will be our usual Members’ Christmas Party. Do come along at 7.30pm and join in the fun. Among the other attractions, we will again be entertained by the jubilate singers. (NOTE changed venue of the Christmas Party. It is now at the St Michael's Parish Centre.)

The 9th January meeting will give you a chance to meet your new chairman (that’s me) in the flesh and share my experiences visiting French oddities.

Do come along and give it a try. We have a sociable cuppa (something stronger on special occasions) and a very entertaining talk. The hall is warm and we’ve even had the road tarmaced as far as the hall for your comfort!

Meet your new committee. With my taking the Chair, a vacancy has arisen for a minute secretary. Janet Coates has also left the committee, leaving us looking for a Treasurer. I am pleased to say that Sandra Grove has kindly agreed to take over as Treasurer and Barbara Bowey will be our minute secretary. Thanks to them for taking on these essential tasks. We also have new committee members “without portfolio” following the AGM. They are John Blackwell and Avril Pettitt. Welcome to them, I hope they have fun with us on the committee. We can also co-opt extra committee members so if anyone feels they have something to offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Subscriptions. 2007-8 subs are now overdue. If you haven’t yet paid your £5 and your newsletter deliverer has been unable to collect it, please drop in a note of your name and address together with a cheque (payable to Verwood & 3LX Twinning Association) to Sandra at 14 Aggis Farm Road. In exchange, you will get a shiny new 2007-8 events card telling you exactly what is on and when, which will enable you to get the most from your membership.

New members are always welcomed. If you have friends and neighbours who might be interested in joining us, please let us know. We have a new, updated information leaflet that tells them exactly what we can offer. It even has a membership form for them to send in! We’d be happy to let you and your friends have copies of the leaflet, so just ask your nearest committee member (details on your membership card).

So are ideas! If you have any ideas for new events we could put on to help us raise funds towards our next visits to our European friends, don’t hesitate to let any committee member know. If you’re prepared to help with organising it, that would be an extra bonus!

Twinning quiz - just for fun (answers below)

1. What are the French and German words for “twinning”?

2. What is the name of the Loire passenger launch based in Champtoceaux?

3. What is the literal translation of “Liederbach”?

4. How many stars are on the European flag?

5. What piece of music has been adopted as the European Anthem?

That’s all there’s room for this time, with so much going on last month we’ve had to hold over our report on the AGM and Race Night until the next issue. Until next time, a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year to you all.

Your Officers are:

Chairman:	Terry Bright tel 822959
Vice-Chair:	Carole Aisthorpe-Buckley - 824313
Secretary:	Julie Blackwell-West - 868763
Treasurer:	Sandra Groves - 826449
Minute secretary:	Barbara Bowey - 822299
Membership:	Bill E ggleston - 824066
Website:	http://twinning.verwood.org
Contact email

Quiz answers:

1. “Jumelage” and “Partnerschaft”
2. La Luce;
3. Songbrook;
4. 12;
5. “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (The Choral).

Produced by Catharina Green

ADIEU, FAREWELL, AUF WIEDERSEHN, GOODBYE!!

The RUSTIC FAYRE The weather plays a very important part in getting people to the event. Cafe Renee was very well attended. Great fun was had with the darts and the raffle. We signed up 5 new couples, so welcome to you all. Thank you especially to the non committee members who put in so much time. I think of Anjie, Alan, Audrey and David, Barbara, Joyce's Dave, Hughie, Jeannette and Ernie Hamp, John Blackwell and John Newman. That was help on the day by 12 non committee members. Thank you all very much, your help was greatly appreciated. Bread pud was lovely Barbara, thank you.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (See the 'What's On' Page)

Members' Meetings will be held again at the Band Hall every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. The first one will be on Wednesday, 10 October, Mr Rftzer from the German Embassy will speak about Tourism in Germany. He is coming all the way from London, so please come along and support us. Tickets £2.00. at the door on arrival. Coffee or tea and a biscuit included an price,

You can also renew your membership there. Bring a friend.

- PLEASE NOTE:

The AGM will be on Thursday 18 October. The AGM will take place this year the St Michael's Parish Rooms. You will be able to renew your membership there. Please come along. You will learn what has been achieved and what the plans are tor next year.

THE EUROPEAN FLAG OF HONOUR

As you all know by now THE EUROPEAN FLAG OF HONOUR, has been awarded to Verwood and Three Legged Cross by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg for our work promoting the Twinning Ideal to as many people in Verwood and Three Legged Cross as possible.!!! We are the only Town in the UK to be awarded this Honour this year.

The Civic Day, the official handing over of the Flag of Honour to the Town Council by a member of the European Council will take place in the Hub on Friday 19 October. This event is by invitation only.

The Town Celebrations will take place on Saturday 20 October with hopefully a Market (unfortunately there will now not be a market). The Celebrations will be centred round Ferrett Green, the Memorial Hall the Recreation Ground, the Hub, Police Station and Fire Brigade.

The Event will run from 10.00 to 5.00. There will be happenings on the Recreation Ground, and surrounding area. A Jumble Sale in the Memorial Hall was already booked, but from 1 o-dock we will move in there We'll be selling mulled wine on Ferrett Green earlier on. At 2 we would like all twinning members in the Memorial Hall for the official cutting of the Celebration Cake by the Representative of the Council of Europe. Cake and a glass of wine will be free for all our members on producing your new membership card. Come a little early and renew your membership there. The Heritage Centre and the British Legion will be open during the day as well.

Local groups and sports clubs have been invited to join in. Police and Fire Brigade will be involved. Manetou will come with a cycle display team, performing their 20 minute display every 90 minutes. Band and Choral Society will perform in between. You can go and have a bird's eye view of Verwood in one of Maretou's Cherry Pickers. Societies and Clubs will have stalls on the Recreation Field. We really hope that most of you will be able to partake in the Celebrations some time during the day but look forward to seeing you in the Memorial Hall at 2.00. pm.

We will be sellng tea, coffee and home made cake in the Memorial Hall during the afternoon and wine as well.

The NOVEMBER EVENT

This will take place again this year In the British Legion Hall on the 3rd of November at 7.30 pm. It is a great evening. We would love to see more people supporting us this year. Tickets £3-00 from Brian 822299.

Christmas Markets and Shopping Weekend 30 Nov - 2 Dec .

No places left but If anyone is interested they should let me know as soon as possible and I’ll try to get more rooms allocated. We will be going to the Christmas markets in Valkenburg, Holland.

For further details contact Terry on 822959.

Goodbye

This will be my last Newsletter. I am stepping down as your Chairlady and from the Committee. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the Committee, past and present for their invaluable help and support to me over the years. I trust you will all stand behind the new Chairman and Committee who all have the best interest of our Association at heart. Look forward to seeing you all around the different functions.

Milk Bottle tops to Hughie please, Kids at the Youth Club do use them.

Twinning Website - http://twinning.verwood.org .

Produced by Catharina Green

PETANQUE

We still have practice matches on Wednesday evenings after 6pm, weather permitting. Do come along. Matches:- 23rd August home against Sturminster Newton at 6 pm.
For details call Brian on 822299.

ROUNDABOUT

John Pettitt and I spent a good hour de-weeding our roundabout close to Trinity School. Thank you John, it looks very cared for again.

SUMMER OUTING on 21st July.

The trip was very successful. Fully booked.. Thank you to those members who supported us and enjoyed the cruise! .

WEBSITE

Stuart Clifton has created our own Website. Thank you very much Stuart.. Do have a look on: http://twinning,verwood.org . (If you've got this far your already looking at it!)

Christmas Markets and Shopping Weekend 30 Nov - 2 Dec

39 People have now booked for the trip to Valkenburg in Holland. There are 2 more rooms available. These markets are unusual in that they are held in the local caves, which makes them both atmospheric and immune to the prevailing weather conditions. Those of you who put your name down for the trip have by now received your booking form. If by any chance you have not yet received this form please contact Terry on: 822959 or (email terryandanjie.bright@virgin.net ).

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (See the 'What's On' Page)

Bank Holiday Monday 27 August Rustic Fayre at Potterne Park. Please do come along and support us, we will be once again serving wine and cheese rolls at Café Renée.

Members’ Meetings will be held again at the Band Hall every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. The first one will be on 10 October. Mr Ritzer from the German Embassy will speak about Tourism in Germany.. Please come along and support us. Tickets £2.00, at the door on arrival. Coffee or tea and a biscuit included in price.

The AGM will be held Thursday 18 October 7.30 pm at St Michael’s Church Hall. Would love to see as many of you there as possible.

THE EUROPEAN FLAG OF HONOUR. has been awarded to Verwood and Three Legged Cross by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg!!! The only one in the united Kingdom his year.

The official handing over of the Flag of Honour to the Town by a member of the European Council will take place in the Hub on Friday 19 October. That happening is by invitation only.

The Town Celebrations will take place on Saturday 20 October with a French or Continental Market. Performances by Verwood Brass Band. The Celebrations will be centred round Ferret Green, the Memorial Hall and the Recreation Ground.

Local groups have been invited to join in. We will also be asking sport clubs to be involved so that as many young people as possible can take part.

All this to promote the Twinning Idea to as many people in Verwood and Three Legged Cross as possible.

We would hope that most of you will be able to put in an appearance at some time during that day.

3 NOVEMBER, RACE NIGHT. This popular event will once again take place at the British Legion starting at 7.30 pm. If you have never been to this event do come and join us, it is great fun. Tickets are £3.00. Food and drink can be purchased at reasonable prices. For tickets please ring Brian Bowey on 822299.

2nd Members’ Meeting will be on 14 November 7.30 pm. David Cornes, a member of Sturminster Newton Twinning Association will talk to us about 2 trips to India by coach in the 70ties. He will be showing slides as well.

3rd Members’ Meeting will be on 12 December at 7.30 pm. We have been able to book the Jubilate Choir again this year. This will be our Christmas evening.

Produced by Catharina Green

WEEKEND AWAY

The trip to the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens on 21/22 Apia 2007 was a great success. Terry, and of course Angie, thank you for all the work involved in providing us with a fantastic weekend. Terry cleverly arranged very good weather for us. The journey was uneventful and we arrived at the appointed time at The Eden Project. I was surprised at the size of the place. Everything looked bright and cheerful. I loved the tropical gardens, showing plants from the tropics all around the world and the same applied to the subtropical globe. There was a choice of food to be had. Cornish pasty was one of the favorites. The visit lasted about 4 hours. From there we went to Newquay.

The next day we left early for our visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The morning had started with a bit of drizzle, but that soon cleared and we were in full sunshine once more. We had a very good guide, who gave us a detailed and interesting explanation on how and why the project was started The restored gardens and greenhouses were really good to see. After the guided tour we had time to roam on our own. John and Pam Bainbridge and Wendy and Harold Sibley became members on this trip. Welcome to our Association. We arrived home tired, having had a great weekend away. Thank you again Terry!!!

PETANQUE

Thank you Brian, Barbara, Terry, and Angie for the sterling work

tidying up the petanque pitch which began in May. We will now be practicing on Wednesday evenings after 6pm, weather permitting. Do come along.

Matches:

16 June home against Poole.
23 June at Stirminster Newton.

For details call Brian on 822299.

The 4th Companion Dog Show

This was again organised by Audrey and David, took place on 12th May. We were lucky with the weather; many dogs came with their owners. Thank you Audrey and Dave, the organisation of this event starts a year ahead and is all done by Audrey and Dave. Also thank you Joyce Stainer and Hughie. Neither of them are on the committee any more but they still gave us a full day of their time. Thank you to those members who did come and help for the day or part of it.

VISIT FROM CHAMPTOCEAUX 17th to 20th May 2007.

Our friends from Champtoceaux arrived on 17 May for an Ascension weekend visitt. Their coach arrived only 30 minutes late at the Hub (their coach was at the back of the ferry and last off!) where we welcomed them with tea or coffee and biscuits before they dispersed with their hosts. Friday was a very busy day, starting with a guided tour of the Cranborne Ancient Technology Centre, then on to Southampton for a fish and chip lunch before boarding a Blue Funnel boat for the three-rivers cruise. The highlight of the cruise was seeing the Queen Mary 2 set sail Friday evening. Saturday was spent with the hosts before our soiree at the Hub with a typically English meal (accompanied by fine French wine supplied by our guests'). This was followed by some brief speeches when we were presented with a fine Magnolia tree. Finally, some energetic Barn Dancing directed and accompanied by "Pass the Buck" who discovered that bi-lingual Barn Dance calling is no easy matter! However, everyone enjoyed themselves and went home happy just before midnight. After a relaxing morning on Sunday, we returned to the Hub at 1.30 pm to wave a fond farewell to our visitors with many old friendships renewed and several new ones made. Stuart Clfton has put pictures on http://twinning.verwood.org/2007_champtoceaux.htm

SUMMER OUTING

This is on the 21st July. We will leave Verwood at 6pm going to Poole. From there we will board the boat to Swanage via Old Harry Rocks. We will have fish and chips on board. We'll have one hour at Swanage, then back to Poole. Arriving back in Verwood toward 11pm. Price £18.00 pp. To book contact Brian on 822299.

Christmas Markets and Shopping Weekend 30 Nov - 2 Dec.

We are in the process of organising a weekend trip to the Christmas markets in Valkenburg, Holland. These markets are unusual in that they are held in the local caves, which makes them both atmospheric and immune to the prevailing weather conditions. Full details are still being finalised but an early morning departure from Verwood will enable us to catch a lunchtime ferry from Dover, with arrival at our 3* hotel dose to Valkenburg in late afternoon. Saturday gives us time for visits to the markets in Valkenburg and Maastricht. The return journey on Sunday will include stops at a Belgian chocolate and tobacco outlet and a Calais Wine and Beer warehouse. Return to Verwood would be late on Sunday evening- Cost will be in the region of £130, with supplements for single rooms and insurance (if required). Places will be limited, so it is important to book early. Full details and booking forms will be available in late July, but to register your interest before then, contact Terry Bright (email terryandanjie.bright @ virgin.net).

LATEST NEWS!!!

THE EUROPEAN FLAG OF HONOUR has been awarded to Verwood and Three Legged Cross!'' Only 1 in UK this year?

Produced by Catharina Green

Members Meetings

Our 5th members' meeting took place Wednesday, 12th February. Francis and Gwen are fundraisers for the Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth. Francis gave a very interesting talk. Pity that the 'old' slide projector decided to stop working!

Gwen set up shop; cards, posters, key rings and other trinkets. The aims and objects of the Donkey Sanctuary charity are the provision of care, protection and/or permanent security anywhere in the world for donkeys and mules which are in need of attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances, ill-usage or other like causes, and the prevention of cruelty and suffering amongst donkeys and mules.

A few different members attended this time. It would be so nice to see more support from members. We tried out these evenings for your benefit and to encourage social contact amongst members during the long dark writer evenings.

Wednesday, 14th March was our 6th members' meeting- Bob Green, from Sturminster Newton Twinning. spoke about the liberation of Montebourg, their Twin Town. It was a very interesting talk, informative and amazing to hear after all the bombardments how many people survived sn their cellars. The town had been virtually flattened but is now back to its old original vitality. It was our last members' evening until October 2007.

We hope to see many more of you when we start again in October this year.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

If you have not yet paid your subscription of £5.00 for the year 2006 - 2007, please send a cheque, made payable to Verwood and Three Legged Cross Twinning Association, to Bill Eggleston, 19 Sleepbrook Close, Verwood, BH31 6QE. Thank you.

WEEKEND AWAY

The trip to the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens on 21/22 April 2007 is very dose now. Those of you coming on this trip will have received the information by now.

If you have any questions, please contact Terry on 822959 or 'terryandanjie.bright@virgin.nef. Subject Twinning weekends".

PETANQUE

Poole has taken on the organisation of the matches between Twin Towns this year. We plan to continue our practice games on Wednesday evenings from 6pm, weather permitting. Please contact Brian Bowey on 822299 if you want to come and join us.

The 4th Companion Dog Show

Once again organised by Audrey and Dave Palmer, will take place on 12th May this year. Tell your 'doggy* friends about IL If you can help on the day please contact Audrey on 822160. Schedules have been sent out far and wide. Even if you do not have dog, come and have a look. Enjoy a tea or coffee and try one of Hughie's now famous bacon butties and support us that way.

VISIT FROM CHAMPTOCEAUX 17th to 20th May 2007.

Our friends from Champtoceaux will be arriving around 2.45 pm at the Hub. More information for host families to follow from Joyce.

Friday 9.00 am a visit to the Ancient Technology Centre in Cranbome has been arranged. You can join us there. From there, visitors wfll go to Southampton for a boat trip. Please contact Brian 822299 if you wish to join that outing, you will have to make your own way there. Price £13.50 includes a fish and chips lunch. Guests arrive back in Verwood at 7pm.

Saturday to be spent with families. In the evening the soiree will take place at the Hub this year commencing 6.30pm for 7pm. If you are not hosting and would like to join us for dinner, the cost will be £15.00 pp. please contact Joyce on 824469. Hosts are asked to pay £5.00 towards the cost to Janet at the Hub. Visitors wiO be leaving Sunday after lunch at 13.30 pm..

Summer Outing

On 21st July we'll be taking you on our Summer Outing. Destination not known at this point.

Old Phones for Radio Solent

Hughie is still collecting old phones for recycling for carers via Radio Solent.

EMAIL - If you have an e-mail address could you please send me a mail, (subject Twinning) so I can send you a message should the need arise. My address is below.

FERNDOWN TWINNING. - The Femdown Twinning visit to Segre on 13, 14, 15,16 July is now fully booked.

Verwood & 3X - February 2007

Produced by Catharina Green

Happy New Year - Love, Peace and Plenty to you all.

Our 3rd members meeting took place Wednesday, 13th of December. 40 people were present, it was a very informal evening- Pam Reeks kindly played the piano for us and we sang 5 Carols with her. Mulled wine was served by Terry and Anjie and committee members made mince pies, all well received- Terry and Anjie had organised the Raffle. Christmas poems were read out and then the Jubilate Choir arrived dressed in Victorian outfits. They looked splendid and sang even better. A few times we, the audience, were invited to sing with them. It was a lovely old fashioned Christmas celebration.

On that evening Karin Hepp offered to serve on the Committee, welcome Karin.

Our 4th members meeting took place Wednesday, 10th of January. Mrs Pam Smith talked to us about her treks for MacMillan. We saw slides about 2 trips to Iceland, China and the Wall, Peru, the Pyrenees, and Greenland, The evening was enjoyed by all those members present One lady remarked it was a wonderful way of keeping in contact with others during the dark winter evenings,

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Your subscriptions of £5.00 for the year 2006 - 2007 are now due. If you have missed your representative, can you please send a cheque, made out to Verwood and Three Legged Cross Twinning Association to Bill Eggleston, 19 Sleepbrook Close, Verwood, BH31 6QE. Thank you.

NOTES FOR YOUR DIARY
Also listed on the "Verwood Heritage Website" and printed in the monthly "Roundabout Verwood".

REGULAR MEMBERS MEETINGS

14 Feb Mrs Francis Rawlings, - on the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.
14 March Bob Green, - on liberation of Montebourg.

WEEKEND AWAY - 21/22 April 2007 (Bookings now closed)

Terry Bright is taking your booking for the visit to the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens on 21/22 April 2007. The one night stay in Newquay. Esplanade Hotel, including coach, half board. entrance to the Eden Project and Heligan gardens will cost £99.00 for members. £109.00 for non members. Places are still available so please contact Terry on 822959 or terryandanjie.bright@virgin.net, subject "Twinning weekends". If you have friends who would like to come, please give Terry a ring to book. So far 30 people have booked.

BOULES - 2nd May 2007

2nd May the Boules season starts- Contact Brian Bowey on 822299 if you want to have a go.

THE DOG SHOW - 12th May 2007.

This is again organised by Audrey and Dave Palmer, and will take place on the 12th of May this year. Tell your 'doggy" friends about it. We have already started going round the shops for Sponsorship, If you would like to sponsor one of the categories for £10-00 please contact Audrey on 822160.

VISIT FROM CHAMPTOCEAUX - 17th to the 20th May 2007.

Our friends from Champtoceaux will be visiting us from the 17th to the 20th May 2007 . Please contact Joyce on 824469 if you are willing to host and please put the dates in your diaries. A visit to the Ancient Technology Centre in Cranbome is on the programme, a good opportunity for you to visit and worth it The visitors will also go on the boat trip through Southampton harbour, you can join if you wish, but will have to go there in your car.

SUMMER OUTING - 21st July 2007

ADVERTISING

If you would like to advertise your business please contact Janet Coates on 827096. (Printed version only)

SOUTHBORNE COMPUTER CLUB.

Please call Catharina 813564 for information.

Unused and unwanted Christmas gifts.

We will be most grateful to receive any unwanted and unused Christmas gifts, which we can use in our raffles.

E-MAIL - addresses please

If you are on e-mail, would you please send me an email (subject Twinning). My address is below. When you change addresses please send me your new address.

Old Phones for Radio Solent

Hughie is still collecting old phones for recycling, to send to Radio Solent.

FERNDOWN TWINNING TRIP.

On 13, 14, 15. 16 July it is Bastile Day and Jazz Festival weekend in Segre , France . The cost for the weekend is £100.00, which includes travel, accommodation and full board. For further information or to book a place, contact Douglas Lock on 896984