A group from the Beverley- Nogent Twinning Association visited our twin town in France and, as always, was made very welcome. The group there had planned a varied weekend in association with the Council including an opportunity to meet members of the twinning association from Fucecchio, who remain very keen to develop links with us in Beverley. 

We visited a vineyard specialising in Champagne and went to the races at Chantilly, which is rather like going to Ascot. Many of the ladies had made hats including for our group so we could blend in [or not!]. 

We also attended a ceremony to mark the first speech of Charles de Gaulle after his arrival in London in 1940 broadcast to France to encourage resistance and steadfastness. 

June 1940 was a catastrophic month for the French with its armed forces in retreat and millions of people fleeing from the advancing German army. On the 14th June the Germans entered Paris. By the 16th June the French Government was seeking an armistice. France had been defeated and humiliated. General de Gaulle decided to continue the fight from Britain. He arrived in London June 1940. The next day the British Government agreed he could broadcast to the French people. The "appel" is so important because of its defiance as France collapsed. "France has lost a battle, but France has not lost the war... I call on all Frenchman, wherever they may be, to join me in action, in sacrifice, in hope......Whatever happens, the flame of the French Resistance must not and will not be extinguished.”  

Martin Cox, President of the Association, explained, “In the absence of any councillor from Beverley I was asked to present a wreath. It felt very moving to take part in the ceremony.” 

Lots of discussions took place about the shape of twinning in the future. It seems to revolve around 3 aspects: 

Invitations to key celebrations in our towns, for example the 10th Anniversary of the twinning of Fucecchio and Nogent next year and the 55th anniversary of their twinning with Gersthofen in Germany in 2025 to which members and councillors from here will be invited. 

Visiting each other’s towns as a cultural exchange or as tourists to develop a sense of shared interests, history and friendship.