Bridgend Town Twinning Committee has now become an autonomous self-governing body to be known as Bridgend Town Twinning Association. The aim of the Association is to continue its successful links with its two European twin towns, Villenave d’Ornon in France, Langenau in Germany and its Friendship Link with Hechtel-Eksel in Belgium.
At the Annual General Meeting held on the 24th March 2017 a few new positions were made to administrative roles. The former committee would like to thank Mrs Carol James for the years of service she has given this organisation as a faithful and trusted Chairperson, always putting the interests of twinning at the top of her list. The Association is now looking forward with a positive mind-set to continue fulfilling its objectives in friendship, educational, cultural and economic links.
Last week Dawnswyr Penybont visited Villenave d’Ornon as part of their celebration for St. Patrick’s Day. This was a successful visit showcasing Welsh folk dancing, which was fully appreciated and enjoyed by our twin town in France.
On the 22nd of April a group of French students from Villenave d’Ornon will visit Bridgend to experience Welsh education and culture. These students will be hosted by pupils of Bryntirion and Brynteg Comprehensive schools. A full week of activities has been planned by the Town Twinning Association for these students including visits to the Principality Stadium, Big Pit, St. Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life and Dan-yr-Ogof caves. The Association is very grateful to all the families who will be hosting these young people during their stay in Bridgend.
On June 1st the Tabernacle Music Society, together with members of the Town Twinning Association, travels to Bordeaux to take part in a European Music Festival at Villenave d’Ornon along with musicians from Germany, Italy, Portugal and France. While there they will be taking part in two days of concerts and also have the opportunity of sightseeing in the beautiful regions surrounding Bordeaux.
Two more visits are being arranged for later in the year. The first with our Friendship link town of Hechtel Eksel and the second when Cor Bro Ogwr visit Langenau in Germany where they will put on a number of concerts.
To dispel any doubts the residents of Bridgend may have, Bridgend Town Twinning is still an active and forward thinking organisation who look for your support. We invite anyone to become a member of our Association, attend our meetings and join in our social events. We are always open to new ideas on how to fundraise, in order that we may continue to fulfil our Charter commitments.
As you can see, this Association is very much “ALIVE AND KICKING” thanks to a dedicated and active team. Despite much adversity Bridgend Town Twinning will continue to be a successful Association keeping Bridgend firmly on the European map.
