COWES-DEAUVILLE TWINNING ASSOCIATION

This Association was formed in 1964 with a view to furthering social, cultural and sporting exchanges between the citizens of both towns.

A Twinning Charter was duly agreed and signed by the serving local officials:

Chairman of Cowes UDC:
Cllr E. J. Powell
and
Maire de Deauville:
Monsieur Michel d'Ordano

This Charter was later re-affirmed in June 2004, again by the local
officials:

Mayor of Cowes Town Council:
Cllr A. L. Wells
Maire de Deauville:
Monsieur Philippe Augier

The Association is primarily concerned with cultural exchanges rather than promoting trade but, nonetheless, the many French visitors invited through the Association's activities help to promote the name of Cowes to the French communities of Deauville and Normandy.
Over the ensuing years the Association has promoted visits to Deauville by both our members and various groups having a common interest, for example: Cowes members of the Isle of Wight Fire Brigade Royal British Legion Youth Band, (which has been invited to attend many Armistice Day services and Bastille Day celebrations at Deauville); sporting groups such as Judo; Rugby; Runners; Yachting; etc.

Visitors from Deauville have often attended Armistice Day services at the Cowes War Memorial, Northwood Park.
The Association has also been successful in finding local accommodation for French students wishing to study English.

The main event of our annual programme is the exchange visit which is hosted on alternate years by the Cowes and Deauville Twinning Associations.
These are always very relaxed occasions.

The Annual General Meeting is held during the month of May.

Throughout each year the Cowes Association also holds various social functions both to raise funds (we are entirely self-funded) and to offer members the opportunity to keep in touch as a group. These funds are used solely for the expenses arising from the entertainment of our French guests. The Cowes members are totally responsible for their own costs.

It is hoped that the Association can continue to lend its support towards a general sense of civic pride within the community of Cowes.
Membership typically varies between 45 to 50 from year to year.

All enquiries are most welcome!

Please contact John Isham (President)
Telephone +44(0)1983 295074

All our events are advertised in Northwood News and the Village Diary on this website.

The following officers were elected at the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 22nd May 2008 at St Mary's Church Hall, Cowes:

PRESIDENT: John Isham

CHAIRMAN: Mr Peter Hyde

VICE CHAIRMAN: Mrs June Powis

MINUTE SECRETARY: Mr Ralph Overall

TREASURER: Mrs Carol Devlin

MEMBERSHIP: Mrs Gill Overall

SOCIAL & FUND RAISING: Mr John Isham

HONORARY SECRETARY: Mr Barry Bates

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: All Serving Officers

No Other Nominations Received.

Executive Committee to co-opt Officers as required.

Our French hosts have invited us to visit Deauville over the weekend of Friday 19th September 2008.

Click on this link for a report on the June 2007 visit:

http://www.northwoodvillage.org.uk/village/villagenews/1983.aspx