TROWBRIDGE will celebrate 20 years of being twinned with Charenton-le-Pont this year with a special visit from a French delegation.

The Trowbridge French Twinning Association, which now boasts 72 members in and around the town, was first set up in June 1996 when the charter between the two towns was signed.

Liz Summerson, who has been a committee member since the idea of twinning was first proposed said: “Before the twinning happened, there was a notice in the Wiltshire Times from the town council about a meeting to discuss the idea of a potential twin town in France.

“The creation of the twinning was perfect timing for me and because of it, I have been able to learn the French language and now teach it to others.

“The way the twinning came about was almost like an arranged marriage and on the committee we had one or two ideas about what towns we thought would be good to twin with.

“We looked through the local government twinning bureau and they match towns based on population size. At the time, Trowbridge only had 28,000 people which is what Charenton-le-Pont also had.”

Over the two decades, representatives from each side have visited the other town, going on numerous trips to learn more about the area.

Schools have also benefited from the twinning relationship with young people from John of Gaunt going on an exchange programme with French families.

In return, Trowbridge has hosted students from the Notre Dame des Missions School, rugby players of all ages, and the Conservatoire’s Choir from Charenton.

Mrs Summerson, who is currently planning a whole host of activities for the French visit in May, added that people do not need to know French to be involved and in more cases than not, learning the language is part of the fun.

“There is an image that twinning is a local jolly that is funded by the town council but we get little funds from them and so we have to raise other funds to provide entertainment for the guests when they come to visit Trowbridge.”

The celebratory activities run from May 5-8.

To get involved with the Trowbridge French Twinning Association, email Liz Summerson at summerson40@hotmail.co.uk.