1 June 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

A delegation from East Grinstead will be visiting Bourg de Peage on 2 June to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the links between our town and its “twins” in France, Mindelheim in Germany and Verbania in Italy.

The first known “twinning” in the UK took place after World War II when a soldier returning from Poix-du-Nord to his home town in Keighley suggested maintaining a link between the two towns.

The idea spread rapidly and today there are more than 1,700 special relationships between towns in Britain and abroad. To join the East Grinstead Town Twinning Association contact Ken Averill on 01342 315375.

* Town twinners had a successful day at the May Fair when they raised almost £350 pounds with a tombola, and through the sale of cakes and plants.