Fordingbridge has been twinned with the French town of Vimoutiers for the last 40 years and a long weekend has already been planned across the Channel to celebrate this, and other twinning events.

The twinning celebrations will take place over the weekend of 1-3 July when the towns will be signing an updated Charter of Twinning and Friendship.

The weekend will also include visits to local schools that have been looking at reducing food waste; a guided nature walk, a visit to the Chateau de Falaise and a spectacular equestrian show at a local stud. It promises to be a big party because Vimoutiers will also be celebrating its 50th anniversary of being twinned with Sontra in Germany, and its 25th anniversary of being twinned with Chatelet in Belgium.

Fordingbridge Twinning Association members will be hosted by the town of Vimoutiers and all entertainment and meals over the weekend will be provided. Accommodation is offered by local families, camping or in gites. Transport to Vimoutiers can be arranged – it’s just an hour’s drive from the ferry port at Caen. Please let Fordingbridge Twining Association know soon if you would like to be there.

As well as this big celebration in France, Fordingbridge Twinning Association has generated its annual plan of events throughout the year. The first will be its ‘Murder Mystery evening’, which is a regular sell-out. ‘Pasta, Passion and Pistols’ will be held in St Mary’s Church Hall.

Membership of Fordingbridge Twinning Association 2022/2023 begins in May. The association’s AGM takes place on 5 May with cheese and wine. Membership remains at £10 per household and you can join on the night. For more details contact Keith Bennett on 01425 655331 or email hippotrain@btinternet.com for details.

Fordingbridge Twinning Association Calendar of events 2022

12 March: Murder Mystery Evening: ‘Pasta, Passion and Pistols’ – St Mary’s Church Hall 7.30pm. £15 to include a meal. Tickets from Caxton Décor and Jessica Fashion from 8 February.

5 May – AGM with cheese and wine – Avonway Community Centre, Fordingbridge. 7.30pm.

1-3 July – 40th Anniversary celebrations in Vimoutiers, France.

21 August – Members’ tea party – Victoria Rooms, Fordingbridge. 3pm.

29 October – Musical Soiree with ‘Blue Tides’ including supper – Fordingbridge Town Hall 7.30pm

For more information about these activities contact Derek or Alison Ayling on 01425 650770 or email hippotrain@btinternet.com