ROAD SIGNS in and out of Leatherhead proudly proclaim that the town is twinned with Triel-sur–Seine.
Yet few Leatherhead residents are aware of this quiet French town and its people.
But a group of residents has been working hard for more than 20 years to build links between the two towns.
Inspired by a shared interest in French food, wine, culture and the French language, small groups of Leatherhead residents first began to visit the town of Triel in 1992 and these exchanges eventually became the basis of the official town twinning in 2004.
Triel-sur-Seine, a town of some 11,000 inhabitants, sits on the banks of the Seine, about 30 km north-west of Paris.Surrounded by wooded hills, it is a quiet town, a world away from busy Parisian life.
It has retained much of its historic character, with a medieval church, St Martin's, and a small 18th century theatre.
Paula Hancock, chairman of the Friends of Triel, said that it is the warmth and hospitality of the people, the 'Triellois', that has made the biggest impression on the group.
"Staying with a French family is the best way to learn about the French way of life," she said.
"Every year we either stay with host families in the Triel area or we welcome our French friends into our homes in Leatherhead and the surrounding area.
The twinning of the two towns was formalised with a shared charter, signed by the mayors of both towns in 2004.
Exchange trips between the towns now take place each year, over long weekends.
Over the years, some enduring friendships have formed, meaning that members of the group often visit or host one another informally at other times during the year.
This has provided individuals within the group with opportunities for exploring areas of particular interest.
More recently, members of Oxshott Petanque Club have joined the group's ranks.
As a result, a Petanque tournament is one of the activities planned for this year's trip to Triel in June.
With a few vacancies still available for this year's trip, the committee is keen to attract new members to the group.
They would also like to see a greater number of young people involved in the group.
Mrs Hancock said: "There is a huge enthusiasm for learning English in Triel which sadly doesn't seem to be mirrored by our enthusiasm for learning French."
She added: "We do feel that the future of the exchange lies in developing a strong schools link and would like to hear from a French department or teacher who is interested to work to develop such a link."
The Friends of Triel will be travelling to Triel by coach via Eurotunnel on Thursday, June 6, and returning three days later.
To join The Friends of Triel, membership costs £5 per annum for individuals or £10 for organisations.
For further information visit www.friendsoftriel.com or call Paula Hancock on 07767 833427.Thomas Coffey
Yet few Leatherhead residents are aware of this quiet French town and its people.
But a group of residents has been working hard for more than 20 years to build links between the two towns.
Inspired by a shared interest in French food, wine, culture and the French language, small groups of Leatherhead residents first began to visit the town of Triel in 1992 and these exchanges eventually became the basis of the official town twinning in 2004.
Triel-sur-Seine, a town of some 11,000 inhabitants, sits on the banks of the Seine, about 30 km north-west of Paris.Surrounded by wooded hills, it is a quiet town, a world away from busy Parisian life.
It has retained much of its historic character, with a medieval church, St Martin's, and a small 18th century theatre.
Paula Hancock, chairman of the Friends of Triel, said that it is the warmth and hospitality of the people, the 'Triellois', that has made the biggest impression on the group.
"Staying with a French family is the best way to learn about the French way of life," she said.
"Every year we either stay with host families in the Triel area or we welcome our French friends into our homes in Leatherhead and the surrounding area.
The twinning of the two towns was formalised with a shared charter, signed by the mayors of both towns in 2004.
Exchange trips between the towns now take place each year, over long weekends.
Over the years, some enduring friendships have formed, meaning that members of the group often visit or host one another informally at other times during the year.
This has provided individuals within the group with opportunities for exploring areas of particular interest.
More recently, members of Oxshott Petanque Club have joined the group's ranks.
As a result, a Petanque tournament is one of the activities planned for this year's trip to Triel in June.
With a few vacancies still available for this year's trip, the committee is keen to attract new members to the group.
They would also like to see a greater number of young people involved in the group.
Mrs Hancock said: "There is a huge enthusiasm for learning English in Triel which sadly doesn't seem to be mirrored by our enthusiasm for learning French."
She added: "We do feel that the future of the exchange lies in developing a strong schools link and would like to hear from a French department or teacher who is interested to work to develop such a link."
The Friends of Triel will be travelling to Triel by coach via Eurotunnel on Thursday, June 6, and returning three days later.
To join The Friends of Triel, membership costs £5 per annum for individuals or £10 for organisations.
For further information visit www.friendsoftriel.com or call Paula Hancock on 07767 833427.Thomas Coffey
