What is a Twinning Association?

Twinning Associations' work, to bring together ordinary people from different countries. They are part of an international movement whose aim is to promote links between countries, so that understanding and friendship may take the place of hostility and strife.

This is done in a practical and enjoyable way, mainly by exchange visits, where it is hoped that longstanding friendships within other communities abroad can be formed.

With which community is Birstall twinned?

Birstall is twinned with the town of Rixensart in Belgium. Twinning ceremonies took place in both communities in 1981.

Who manages the twinning arrangements?

The Twinning arrangements for Birstall are in the hands of the Birstall Twinning Association which is an Association made up of ordinary people who are resident in Birstall and the surrounding area. The members of the Association elect annually, a committee which oversees the day to day business. There is no formal link with any local Government Council, and the Association is apolitical.

What does Birstall Twinning Association do?

Since the beginning of the twinning with Rixensart, the main aim has been to work towards European unity through the medium of family exchanges. We believe the surest way of two communities learning to live and work together is to welcome each other into our respective homes.

Each year a Twinning Weekend takes place in May. One year a visit is made to Birstall by the people of Rixensart, the following year Birstall people make a visit to Rixensart. Over the life of the twinning arrangement, literally hundreds of people have been involved in Twinning Weekends. During this time, many valuable friendships have been formed and we have learned a great deal about each other

What about young people?

We believe the involvement of young people is vital to future European unity. We encourage visits by families. For seven years exchange holidays also took place for young people aged 8 - 17 years. Over 200 different children took part during this time Meanwhile, many young people have benefited from the football tournaments which have taken place on Twinning Weekends. There have also been several long-term visits, on both sides, by teenagers wishing to increase their command of their second language.

In 2000, Leicestershire Arts Symphonic Wind Band and Birstall Brass accompanied members of the Association to Rixensart and gave several concerts.

Who can join the Twinning Association?

As stated earlier, the Association is for local people, anyone in Birstall or the surrounding area is eligible for membership.

What does it cost?

Family Membership is £7.00 per annum. Individual Membership is £3.50 per annum. Of course, charges for the cost of travel become payable if anyone wishes to take part in a Twinning weekend in Rixensart.

What do you get from membership?

News about exchanges and social events, the opportunity to take part in exchange visits or to entertain guests from abroad. It should be made clear that you are not obliged to make visits aboard. Similarly, if you accept hospitality abroad you are not obliged to offer it at home, though obviously, we sincerely hope that a genuine friendship would develop within the spirit of the Association's aims.

For more information about the Twinning Association and its activities you can contact:

David Bark (President) 0116 2677576
Joy Bark (Chair) 0116 2677576
Steve Preston (Treasurer) 0116 2387992

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