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WINTERTON/SAFFRE TWINNING
Winterton and Saffre Twinning Association
Minutes of last meeting: Monday 18th January 2010
Matters arising:
Lions Xmas Market very successful. Number-board game was won by Chantal Collingwood and Donna Manson.
Good support from plenty of members willing to man stalls; donate produce and prizes for number-board thanks to everyone.
Social Activities:
French evening Saturday 13 February with Ian Cawsey MP as Chef, serving up what promises to be an absolutely delicious 3 course meal. Supplementary drinks both non-alcoholic and alcoholic will be available on the evening.
Please try and support this event and bring along family and friends.
Venue Old School Hall, West Street Winterton time is 7.00 for 7.30pm.
Treasurer’s report:
Decision taken at AGM to increase annual subscriptions, £10.00 per individual and £20.00 per family.
Current financial report received.
2010 Visit to Winterton:
No news received as to date yet, though possibly late July or late August
Potential visits were discussed with further research being necessary in some cases; further options discussed.
AOB:
It was reported that one of our previous coach drivers would be interested in joining us on our next visit to Saffre as he had enjoyed the experience so much.
It was decided that minutes should be E-mailed to him to keep him on board and up to date with our activities.
Date and time of next meeting:
Monday 1st March 2010 7.30pm. At the Cross Keys Winterton.
Winterton and Saffre Twinning Association
Minutes of last meeting: Monday 2nd November
Matters arising:
Date for games evening to be organised
2010 Visit to Winterton:
A list of proposed visits was distributed and members were asked if they would be prepared to visit possible destinations to check suitability. A check list was provided so members would know what to look for. Driving time for a coach, interest time, actual mileage and accessibility. Members put their names to which visit / event they would check out or be prepared to organise.
Social Activities:
Date for the games evening Wednesday 25th November starting at 7 pm in the Cross Keys at Winterton £1-50 per person. Please come along and support this event if you possibly can.
Activities:
Lions Christmas Market:
This is on Saturday 28th November 1pm - 4.30pm in the Butchers Arms car park.
A rota of volunteers to man the stall on the day was drawn up.
Table 1:
All produce to sell on the stall is to be delivered to Westshores Nursery, either Friday 27th or Saturday by 11 am. Items should be priced and marked as to whether they contain nuts and if suitable for vegetarians.
Any more seasonally appropriate donations will be gratefully received.
Table 2:
The idea of a 100 board (£1-00 a go) with a prize of a wine hamper was agreed and 12 bottles of wine were offered by members
A 50 square board was also agreed with a chocolate and sweet hamper as a prize. Donations of chocolates and sweets suitable for children will be gratefully received.
Date and time of next meeting:
This will be the A.G.M. on Monday 18th January 2010 to begin at 7-00 pm and to be followed by an ordinary meeting at 7-45 pm. Calling notices, agenda and details of how to nominate offices will be sent out nearer the time.
At the Cross Keys, Winterton.
Winterton and Saffre Twinning Association
Minutes of last meeting: Monday 5 October
Matter arising:
Iona and Amanda had forwarded their accounts of their first visit to Saffre which are now on the web site.
2010 Visit to Winterton:
Members need to begin the preparation of planning an enjoyable and interesting week for our guests in the summer of 2010.
A list of previous visits was provided and also a list of excursion ideas for the next visit in 2010, after much debate a number of possible trips / activities was agreed.
Request for individual, couples or small groups to take responsibility for visit / excursion, once members have agreed which they prefer.
A list of questions to ask and points to look out for when assessing the suitability of a potential destination is to be supplied and discussed at the next meeting.
Social Activities:
To be organised towards the end of November, a fun and games evening with raffle.
Ian Cawsey MP has agreed to cook a French meal for us on Saturday 13th February 2010. Open to everyone in the community and beyond, the more the merrier.
Activities:
Lions Christmas Market:
We have two tables reserved.
Table one:
Members promised to produce the following for table one
Marmalade, mince pies, mint jelly, rosemary and apple relish, almond / date slice and plum bread etc.
Table two:
At the meeting a bottle bag idea was discussed. However since the meeting further thought has been given to this and it is considered that a number board would be a better option.
Date and time of next meeting:
Monday 2nd. November 2009 7-30 pm. At the Cross Keys, Winterton.
PC Amanda Barnett
In July 09 I made the decision to join the Winterton Twinning Association on their trip to Saffre. I don't live in Winterton but I am from the area and as a youngster attended the comprehensive school. I'm now the local neighbourhood police officer and I thought what a great opportunity it would be to get involved with local people and support the association by accompanying them on their visit as the local bobby. I took my 11 year old daughter and my mum along too as neither had been to France before and are we pleased we went! I have to admit I was a little dubious about staying with a French family. I could only speak a little bit of 'school French' from all those years ago but I didn't really need it.
The family we stayed with made us extremely welcome and we very quickly settled in. They wanted to improve their English so we spoke in our native language most of the time which I was quite happy to do! The organised trips were excellent and we experienced French life first hand, something you don't get when just going on a package holiday. My daughter picked up bits of French with the children and she can't wait to go back again!
We had a fantastic time which was both a holiday and an educational experience.
I'm really looking forward to repaying the French hospitality next year and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Iona and Terry tell their story ...
What a start! We thought we were to set off at midnight Tuesday … but it was Monday midnight!
We had just gone to bed and the phone rang, Terry said “Leave it, let the answer machine take it.”
Next all hell broke loose … the door bell rang, bangs on door and windows, Terry went to the door and there stood John. “Are you coming?” he said.
Terry replied “Where are the cameras?” he thought John was pulling his leg. Finally John got through that we should be off to Saffre now!!!
He waited outside while Terry and I made a mad dash to get things together. We had already packed our cases (Thank you God!). 30 minutes later we were on the coach and away to Portsmouth. We got some minor leg-pull but nothing serious.
The journey down to Portsmouth was not too bad, we had two seats each and our pillows so we got some shuteye. We arrived at Portsmouth early and finally boarded the ferry.
The ferry was great and we where treated like first class passengers, two cinemas and plenty of rest places. We had breakfast at the ship’s restaurant (very nice) then had a stroll round and found some comfy seats to pass a very pleasant voyage away, Five and half hours later we all boarded the coach and then drove through the glorious French countryside.
When we arrived at Saffre lots of people gathered to greet us. We did not know our host but he had an original way of getting to know us. Gerard held up a board with the words in English ( IONA AND TERRY WANTED). We giggled at this. Gerard our host did not speak much English and we were hopeless at French. After much kissing and hugging finally Manee, Gerard’s wife appeared and lo and behold she was learning a “little Anglais.” They took us to prepared drinks and nibbles and we had speeches from the French Mayor and welcomes in English. An exchange of helmets was made between our police and the Gendarmes, and more good natured talking. Then off we went to Gerard and Manee’s house in the country just outside Saffre.
They where very pleasant people and after showing us our bedroom and facilities we had our first home cooked French fare. It was a lovely meal and of course wine with every course. By about 22.00 after our meal and limited conversation we were shattered and we went to bed.
The week seemed to fly by - we had a great time, some lovely trips, we enjoyed seeing parts of France never seen before, it was great seeing Terry and Gerard trying to communicate with lots of hand signals and the use of French / English dictionaries. The people were great and Terry tried to email Gerard to thank them with the address he gave us bourdavd.lapraie@orange.fr but it kept returning address unknown.
To sum it all up it was a long journey but I would not have missed it for the world. I have made new friends here in Blighty and also good comrades in Saffre, so I say thank you very much to Winterton Twinning for a very pleasant and entertaining week.
Iona Mitchell.
Winterton and Saffre Twinning Association
Minutes of last meeting:
Saffre visit August 2009:
Feed back on the visit was very positive a letter of thanks to be sent to our counterparts across the channel.
Various alternatives for crossing the channel were discussed.
A report and photograph will be submitted by the Police re: the helmet exchange, to the local press for publication.
Request for first time visitors to Saffre to write a few words on their experience for the website.
2010 Visit to Winterton:
Activities:
Various ideas were suggested to raise people’s awareness of the Association
Lions Christmas Market and Appleby Fayre were agreed as definite events we would attend.
Local MP Ian Cawsey to be contacted and asked if he would be prepared to do a French meal on our behalf.
A Christmas quiz sheet to sell was suggested.
The possibility of having a table / stall at the church garden party and coffee mornings was also suggested.
Stall at Winterton Show would be dependent upon the timing of the 2010 visit.
2010 visit excursions request for individual, couple or small groups to take overall responsibility for planning of activities.
A games evening was discussed and members were encouraged to take charge of social events if they wished to organise one.
Minutes of the meeting held 4th May 2009
Apologies - C.Burnett, L.Betts, Janet Morton, L.Hopkins, E.Wilson, M.James and
M&J.Piattt.
Present.- G. Summerfield, H.Collingwood, M.Burnett, Jack Morton, A. Kitchen, N.Piatt and
T. Roys (who was welcomed back by Gail after his trip round the world)
Minutes of previous meeting accepted.
Matters Arising-
1. Mary contacted R Kimberley-Scott. Minutes to be on Winterton website.
2. A new home card has been sent to Liz and Richard at their French address.
Visit Update-
1. We have one more person to add. A friend of Terry Roys.
2. Lucinda has followed up the contacts with the schools. The 18th May is the deadline for anyone from either wanting to travel.
3. Timetables distributed showing events and deadlines leading up to the visit.
Recruitment -
1. Threefold leaflet approved. This is to be used to give to people who show interest at Winterton Show and to be left in the library and village halls at Burton and Winteringham.
2. Information Booklet for "would be" twinners almost completed. Various comments for slight amendments were agreed.
3. Copies of both will be sent to the Town Council asking for a grant towards the production costs
4. WINTERTON SHOW - Mainly a recruiting exercise, but as an attraction we have devised a form of Tombola with a prize every time. Entitled "Water into Wine", suggested price £1 a go, other details to be finalised later.
Gail has flags and some photos Jack has a gazebo. He and Gail will erect this early on the Saturday morning and set up the stall. WE NEED AS MUCH HELP AS POSSIBLE. A ROTA WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE JUNE MEETING. PLEASE SIGN THIS SHOWING WHEN YOU COULD HELP FOR AN HOUR OR TWO.
Any Other Business -
1. Jack to work out for Liz the cost of fuel and boat fare for the return journey.
2. Brush up or begin learning some French with free lessons on the internet.
Look at - www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french.
3. A useful and interesting dictionary available from Amazon £5.19 Inc p&p.
Title A French-English Menu Dictionary "Bon Appetit" Judith A White.
NEXT MEETING MONDAY 1st JUNE 7.30pm
Minutes of the meeting held 6th April. Chaired by Lucinda.
Apologies from:-G. Summerfield, C. Card, C.Burnett, H Collingwood and A. Nunn.
Lucinda welcomed a new member Ted Charlton.
Present:- J.& J. Morton, L. Hopkins, M Burnett, E. Wilson, M.James, L.Betts,
T. Charlton, M.Piatt and M. & A. Kitchen.
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true record.
Matters arising:-
1. Emails check made of those members able and willing to receive the minutes and print them for themselves.
2. Alan has already put the March minutes onto the Winteringham site. Jack promised to email Mary with the information for the Winterton site. So future minutes will be on both sites.
Visit Update:-
1. Dates have been confirmed in writing to Saffre.
2. 18 Adult places booked, we need at least 7 more. Jack said he would send the list with Richard next weekend to pass on. Lucinda will let the French know in good time that we have a family travelling with 2 small children.
3. People travelling were reminded to check their passports, obtain own travel insurance and E111. It will also be necessary to supply the name of a contact in England in case of accident.
4. The question of travel costs for the 2 children under 5 years was raised. After some discussion the price FOR THIS VISIT was fixed at £90 for the two. The meeting voted 10 in favour with 1 abstention. NB on future visits the cost for children under school age will be reconsidered.
Recruitment:-
1. No response at the moment from either the comprehensive or the junior school to the letters inviting pupils to take part. Those from the juniors must be accompanied by an adult. Reminders will be sent after the Easter break.
2. The "handbook" that Gail is producing was discussed. Ideas for the Any Questions section included special diets, vegetarians, and any health problems.
3. The 3 fold leaflet for initial information will hopefully be available at the library and will be used at such events as Winterton Show.
4. Winterton Show - An information/tombola stall with a French theme offering French wine and water as prizes. Helpers needed for both days.
Correspondence:-
1. Letter from Richard expressing his thanks for the gift and plaque, he enclosed photos of the house which we passed round.
A O B :-
1. Moyra commented on how nice the plaque is.
2. Liz Patchett has asked to travel back with us.
3. Margaret reported on the possibility of a meal at North Lindsey College. She has no up to date information but will follow up the college's future plans.
4. Mike Piatt is unavailable to do a games evening until after the middle of June.
5. Send new home card to Liz and Richard
THE NEXT MEETING MONDAY 4TH MAY 7.30pm AT THE CROSS KEYS
Minutes of meeting held 2nd March 2009
Present:- New members Clair Taylor and Julie Freeman.
M.Burnett, G Summerfield, J. Morton, H.&C Collingwood, C.Card, A&M Kitchen, M.J.&N Piatt, J.Summerfield, M.James, L,S,&M Hopkins, I & D Liversedge and Janet Morton.
Special guests Liz & Richard Patchett.
Apologies Colin Burnett
Business
1)Update on the visit to Saffre. Jack explained the arrangements made for the visit and the reasons for the decision. Hazel collected several deposits.
2) Recruitment.
Gail outlined the methods we will be using to encourage new members.
Out and About in Winterton, in the next issue we have a full page which will have a list of contacts for people who are interested in joining us.
Websites. We have information on the Winterton Town Council site and thanks to Alan Kitchen also on the Winteringham site.
Comprehensive School Lucinda has written to the school inviting French students in their last school year to take part in the visit.
Parish Magazines Both Winterton and Burton to be approached.
Winterton Show To have a stall hopefully on both days.
Meetings Mary booked the future meetings until August. They will take place on the first Monday of each month.
Richard and Liz arrived about 8.00pm and Jack presented him with a set of garden tools from the members and thanked him for all the work he has put into the Twinning group.
Gail presented him with a plaque from the group and added her thanks.
After Richard had expressed his surprise and thanks for the gifts we had a very good buffet supper provided by the members..
The next meeting Monday 6th April 7.30pm at The Cross Keys
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Our First Visit to Saffre
In early 2007 Ida and I were asked if we would be interested in going to Saffre with other members of the Town Twinning Group. We were assured that our very limited knowledge of the French language was not a problem. We agreed to give it a try and joined the twinning group and attended the meetings to learn more about our forthcoming visit.
The day of our departure, in July, eventually arrived and armed with our pillow for the overnight journey to Dover we boarded out luxury coach. Keith our driver would be one of our group and take part in all the activities our hosts had planned for us.
The ferry crossing was very pleasant and gave us an opportunity to stretch our legs and have breakfast before we disembarked in Calais. Then it was on with the final leg of our journey. We arrived in Saffre a bit tired and travel weary but it was now time to meet our hosts and refresh ourselves with the food and wine before the speeches of welcome. Now came the exciting part we were transported to the home of the family (Sylvie and Joel) who would look after us for the remainder of our visit. After we had managed a conversation with our limited French and sign language and had many laughs we retired to our beds feeling assured that we would enjoy our stay.
The rest of the week was a joy, we just sat back and enjoyed every trip and activity that had been carefully planned. Meals were always accompanied with dictionaries on the table and we found our French improving each day. The evening meals were leisurely affairs with plenty of wine and good conversation. We had to insist that we be allowed to help with meal preparation and washing up. We also had to insist on paying for the odd ice-cream or drink on our days out.
All too soon the end of our stay arrived and our hosts presented us with gifts and snacks for our return travel. We both felt rather emotional saying farewell to the friends we had made, but there was always next year when we would all meet up again in England. We exchanged addresses and email details and have had contact with Sylvie and Joel who we now regard as friends.
We would encourage anyone to take advantage of the opportunity of a trip to France and live with the locals and enjoy their way of life. We can hardly wait for our next trip in August.
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Winterton and Saffre Twinning Association
History
In 1992 the Mayor of Saffre visited North Lincolnshire with a view to twinning with a comparable Town in our region. Saffre is a small town of just over 3,000 inhabitants in the Loire-Atlantique Department of France (Brittany) and is 2 hours drive south from the port of St Malo. It has many clubs and societies, both sporting and cultural. The nearest large town is Nantes, about 20 minutes drive.
After visiting Winterton it was agreed to form Associations to foster better understanding between our two communities. In 1993 a Winterton Twinning Association was formed with a formal Constitution.
In 1993 Winterton made the first visit to Saffre with 40 persons and were met with warmth and the greatest of hospitality. This included dances, parties, barbeques and shopping trips. We now visit each other on alternate years and stay with families during the visits.
The transport costs are met by the visiting members but during the visits the costs for accommodation, entertainment, visits etc are met by the Host Association. Over the years we both have learned a lot about each other's local government, education, culture and life styles. Friendships have formed between families and private visits have resulted.
We receive funding from both our local councils but for most part we are self supporting, raising funds from quiz nights, raffles and stalls at local events.
We have monthly meetings on the first Monday of the month at the Cross Keys in Winterton and an A.G.M. annually.
New members of all ages are welcome to join and being unable to speak French is not a problem.
Winterton and Saffre Twinning Association newsletter
Dear all
Welcome to the first newsletter for 2009
The Saffre Twinning Association is a group of people that have come together to form a close friendship with a town named Saffre in Brittany in France. We visit them one year and the next they visit us and this year 2009 it is our turn to visit them in August. They are wonderful hosts and we are taken to places of interest while we are there and we are wined and dined and always made to feel welcome. There is no problem if you are not able to speak French as we all seem to get by quite well with the aid of a dictionary and a lot of hand waving and gestures...... in fact most of the French do speak adequate English and put us to shame with our limited knowledge of any foreign languages. The costs of our visit to France is just the price of the journey there and back and any "spending money" that you may wish to take, as the lodge of the stay is completely paid for by your French hosts while you are there and the same applies to the French when they visit us, as we are the English hosts. If you feel that you would like to get involved in this pleasant and friendly way of making friends with a small community in Saffre then please contact the people below as we would be please to give you any information you would like to know. Families and children are most welcome as this is an excellent way for our younger members getting to know the way of life in another country.
Our visit to Saffre
Attached to the newsletter are the travel arrangements for our visit to Saffre in August, I hope that you will be able to join us. Since our last visit in 2007 much has changed with the ferries, only Brittany Ferries operate from Portsmouth and there has been quite a reduction in the number of crossings offered.
A provisional booking has been made with Applebys and in order to ensure these ferry bookings, costs will be £265-00 per adult, children of school age travel for half price.
If you wish to travel with us a deposit of £30-00 per adult is required.
Visit to Saffre August 18th from Portsmouth
Depart Winterton 00.30 Tuesday August 18th
Sail from Portsmouth 08.30am
Arrive Caen 15.30*
Arrive Saffre 18.00 approx*
Depart Saffre 09.00* Monday August 24th for Cherbourg
Sail from Cherbourg 17.30*
Arrive Portsmouth 19.30
Arrive Winterton 01.00 approx
By taking the cruise ferry out it gives time for relaxation and meals and we will arrive at a time to suit our hosts.
Return by express ferry enables us to leave Saffre at a reasonable time and also gives us time on route to Cherbourg to shop and also we should arrive back in Winterton at the usual time.
Note *
French time is 1 hour ahead of UK time.
Chair Gail Summerfield - telephone 733940
Vice Chair Lucinda Hopkins
Treasurer Hazel Collingwood
Minutes Secretary Mary Burnett
Publicity/Travel Officer Jack Morton, telephone 732868
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