“No matter what happens with Brexit and the European Union, it must not be allowed to interfere with the twinning with Louviers,” said Councillor Richard Kosior, Mayor of Weymouth & Portland, who presided at the Society’s Annual General Meeting in his capacity as President. “It is important we all get to know each others culture. Many people may ask why- in these times of change- should the tradition of town twinning continue. I believe it is an official relationship builder, encouraging people to meet, mix and get along. That’s why town twinning- at its core- is a good and important activity.”
The Mayor, accompanied by Mayoress Caroline Churchill, made his first visit to Louviers last September and was received by Louviers Mayor Francois-Xavier Priollau. The new Mayor of Weymouth & Portland, Councillor Kevin Brookes, will welcome the delegation from Louviers on Friday 2 June and the Weymouth delegation sets-off for Louviers on 30 August.
Chairman Geoff McDonnell reported it had been a good year- financially and socially- for the Society. £472 had been raised from the one day stall on the seafront, which has contributed to a healthy financial surplus on the year. He thanked Mayor Richard Kosior for his support of the Society, which organises the twinning link begun in 1958.
Guernseyman Geoff McDonnell was re-elected Chairman, having been first elected last year. Other Officers re-elected were Cath Irving & Ted Nicklin [Vice Chairmen.] Pam Nicklin [General Secretary,] Michel Hooper-Immins [Public Relations Officer,] Alderman Peter & Ann Rendall [Welfare Secretaries,] Janette Martindill [Accommodation Secretary] and Tom Martindill [Membership Secretary.] Mike Beecroft was re-elected to the committee. Bob Scott becomes the new Treasurer, while Joyce Scott takes over as Minutes Secretary. Richard Prior was newly elected to the committee.
Councillor Richard Kosior, Mayor of Weymouth & Portland, continues as President, with the Deputy Mayor and the Mayor of Portland as Vice Presidents. Aldermen Roy Gainey and Peter Rendall remain as Life Vice Presidents.
The annual subscription is £10. Enquiries about joining the Louviers Society should be directed to Secretary Pam Nicklin at 01305 771773.
The twinning between Weymouth and Louviers began in 1958 at a special meeting of Weymouth & Melcombe Regis Borough Council at the Alexandra Gardens, during the mayoralty of Alderman Iseult Legh. Portland has been included since 1974 when the amalgamated council was inaugurated. An English delegation travels to Louviers every September and the French delegation visits Weymouth every May or June. Louviers is a historic market town near Rouen in Upper Normandy, 62 miles north west of Paris, with a population of 17,697.
Michel Hooper-Immins
