DORKING and Gouvieux celebrated 15 years of town twinning with the visit of a delegation from the French town.
The outgoing chairman of Mole Valley District Council, Caroline Salmon, welcomed Patrice Marchand, Mayor of Gouvieux, to the council chamber on the anniversary of the formal signing of the twinning agreement 15 years ago.
Inspired by their original visit to Denbies, the French have now established their own vineyard and Councillor Salmon was presented with a bottle of their sparkling wine.
The weekend was packed with engagements to enable the French guests to see how the organisation and delivery of local services in Dorking had changed in that time, and also to identify new opportunities for twinning activities between clubs, societies and organisations in the two towns.
Acting town centre manager Simon Matthews and Yvonne Bavin, chairman of the chamber of commerce, highlighted how their roles helped support the businesses in the town.
Representatives from social services and the police explained the communication benefits that have been gained from the co-location of services in the council offices at Pippbrook.
Teachers from local schools then established a new link with the deputy mayor of Gouvieux, responsible for education, to exchange information between schools.
The community healthcare team discussed the advances that are being made locally in delivering as much care as possible in a home community setting, rather than in hospital.
The visitors were also clearly impressed with the thought that had gone into developments at the new library and M. Marchand was given membership of the library, so he could explore transferring some of the ideas that are such a success in Dorking.
The work of Transition Dorking highlighted the ecological initiatives in the town and the French guests visited the award-winning Food Float, purchasing local produce to enjoy at home.
They were also tempted to return to enjoy the annual Arts Alive Festival and new twinning opportunities were explored for football, tennis, cycling and gymnastics.
Town twinning chairman Anthony Wakefield organised a "soiree", with members of the association, at the White Horse Hotel and Denbies Vineyard arranged a return visit for French friends, including their wine maker who was fascinated to see for himself what had been achieved at what has become the largest English vineyard.
At a final, convivial Bring And Share lunch, all agreed that the visit had been a great success.
Margaret Cooksey, who organised the event, said: "It was a very busy weekend but well worthwhile. We have raised awareness of our twinning and paved the way for new groups."
Patrice Marchand, Mayor of Gouvieux, added: "It was good to meet with so many individuals and organisations and I look forward to the development of a range of new exchanges."
If your club or society would like to explore how to develop links with the equivalent French organisation in Gouvieux, please call Jenny Smith, secretary, Dorking and District Town Twinning Association, on 01306 884030.
Phil Smith
Dorking Town Twinning Committee member
