More than half a century ago people started to dream of a Europe where people could live in peace without returning to the carnage of the two terrible conflicts Europe had witnessed in the first half of the twentieth century.  Our young people today are indeed very fortunate never to have known a European war.

A vision of Europe began to develop where some envisaged closer relations between its peoples and the concept of twinning came to be established.  The inhabitants of towns and villages across Europe started to form links where they could meet as equals and explore their similarities and differences.

Since 1996 we can look back on the development of our relationship with La Séguinière and the growth in the number of people who have been involved. 

Sports twinning through football, table tennis and pétanque has ensured that a steady stream of youngsters has been engaged with many going abroad for the first time on a twinning weekend in France. 

Twinning has not only been about sport and many friendships have developed between individuals based on an interest in the other culture, a love of discussion, and the enjoyment of shared experiences.

We can look forward now to more exchanges and new projects.  During the 2008 twinning weekend we were introduced to the partnership between La Séguinière and the Romanian village of Marasu and there may be some in Coxheath who would like to join La Séguinière in this new adventure.  We will have to see how we can shape our common future!

Colin.