Roland Lienard, First Deputy Mayor of Louviers, looked back to the origins of the twinning with Weymouth & Portland in 1958, saying “wise men and women had decided after World War II to rebuild relationships and the whole concept of twinning came from international reconciliation.” He told about 100 English and French members, assembled at the Twinning Dinner at the Prince Regent Hotel, that it was a pleasure and an honour for him to represent Louviers Mayor Franck Martin in Weymouth. “The twinning began at the Alexandra Gardens Theatre 55 years ago,” continued Monsieur Lienard, “and our links of friendship are as strong now as they ever were. Later this year, young people from Weymouth and Louviers will be travelling on the TS Pelican together- a sailing ship built in Normandy, at Le Havre in 1948 and I wish them a good voyage.”
Weymouth & Portland Mayor Councillor Margaret Leicester led the welcome to First Deputy Mayor Roland Lienard, who with his wife Martine, has represented the Normandy twin town on many occasions. “We extend a warm welcome to the 42 Frenchmen and women who are visiting the borough this weekend,” said Councillor Leicester. “I recall my splendid visit to Louviers last year, when we were entertained at French homes.” She regretted that the First Deputy Mayor and the French delegation had not been able to see HMS Portland exercising the Freedom of the Borough along the Esplanade the previous day. “Long may the twinning with Louviers continue,” the Mayor concluded. Mayor’s Escort Ken Leicester accompanied Councillor Leicester.
Chairman of the Weymouth Twinning Committee Cath Irving welcomed the three Mayors, including Les Ames MBE, newly installed Mayor of Portland and his Mayoress Jean. She said Weymouth & Portland Mayor-Elect Councillor Ray Banham and Mayoress-Elect Councillor Pam Nixon would be taking over the chains of office in a few days time and will lead the August delegation to Louviers. “Our friendship with Louviers has been constant and enduring,” concluded Cath Irving, “but we do want to encourage many more exchanges, particularly between young people- they are the future of the twinning.”
The new Chairman of the Louviers Twinning Committee is Jacqueline Hamon. She first paid tribute to her predecessor Georges Veyrat, who had led the French committee for ten years. “I have been to Weymouth many times and have always received an excellent welcome,” concluded Mme. Hamon.
Earlier, fourteen young people from WOW Weymouth Musical Theatre sang and danced, under the direction of Janet Stockley, receiving an enthusiastic standing ovation from French and English members, having to perform several encores.
The Louviers delegation also visited Swanage, taking in the town, seafront and Durlston Castle. Weymouth has been twinned with Louviers, near Rouen, since 1958 and a reciprocal visit is arranged every year.
Michel Hooper-Immins
Photo: [Left to right:] Cath Irving, Chairman of the Weymouth Twinning Committee; Jacqueline Hamon, Chairman of the Louviers Twinning Committee; Roland Lienard, First Deputy Mayor of Louviers; Coun. Margaret Leicester, Mayor of Weymouth & Portland; Ken Leicester, Weymouth & Portland Mayor’s Escort; Doris Eastwood, Honorary Town Crier of Louviers and Town Crier of Weymouth; Jean Ames, Mayoress of Portland; Coun. Ray Banham, Mayor-Elect of Weymouth & Portland; Coun. Pam Nixon, Mayoress-Elect of Weymouth & Portland; Coun. Les Ames MBE, Mayor of Portland.
Photograph by Michel Hooper-Immins.
