Newtown and Les Herbiers

In May 1999, a Twinning Charter between Newtown and Les Herbiers was signed in Newtown and a reciprocal charter was signed in Les Herbiers in October 1999.

From a seed sown in 1996, the blossom of our twinning explorations will be produced. The French analogy is that of a courtship, engagement and marriage, when each party can get to know the other, and reach an arrangement agreeable to both sides.

Newtown and Les Herbiers enjoy many similarities; a local economy of light industry, farming and tourism, a similar population in number and both blessed with beautiful countryside. At the same time, there are differences. We liked their small independent shops, they liked our chain stores.

Even before the formal Charter was signed, groups interested in football, music, dance, art, drama, school groups and marching bands had started preparations to visit Les Herbiers.

The Mayors of Newtown (Bob Davey) and of Les Herbiers (Marcel Albert) signing the twinning charter

Twinning is about bringing communities together, to be aware of the similarities which unite us, and eager to share those aspects which make each unique, believing that this and future generations will benefit from contact with a wider international community; to foster exchanges in every area of life so as to develop a living sense of European kinship through better mutual understanding.

They say travel broadens the mind - twinning broadens the heart. This is what twinning is all about!