Agenda and minutes

             Resolved – That Councillor Doreen Dart be Chair of the Town Twinning Network until November 2008.

(Councillor Dart took the Chair.)

            The appointment of the Vice-Chair to the Town Twinning Network was deferred until the next meeting.

Members are reminded that at the start of the meeting they should declare any known interests in any matter to be considered, and also during the meeting if it becomes apparent that they have an interest in the matters being discussed.

The Chair reminded Members of the need to declare any known interests in any matters to be considered at the meeting.  No declarations were made.

See explanatory note below.  Please phone the Committee Officer whose name and number appears at the top of this agenda if you need further guidance.

            No public questions were received during the meeting.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2007.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2007 be confirmed as a correct record.

Matters Arising

An updated list of schools that had twins or links with schools in other countries had been sent out to members of the Town Twinning Network with the agenda for this meeting.  Councillor Peter Mallinson asked if any links had been made with countries such as Goa or Turkey as there were already established communities from these countries living in Swindon.

Swindon Salzgitter Association

Councillor Mallinson reported that the group were currently organising a visit to Salzgitter in May 2008.  They would be flying over there and the cost of the flight had originally been £187 but, after searching on the internet, the cost had reduced to £42.  Councillor Mallinson advised that it was a good idea to search on the internet for special rates for travelling.  About 15 youths aged between 12 – 16 years of age, plus three adults from the Youth Service may also accompany them on this visit and they were currently trying to find some accommodation for them.

Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL)

Bruce Clarke reported that SOL had recently held their Christmas party at the Ambience café with the Mayor and Mayoress in attendance and added that the official link had started back in 1990.

Next year, they will be inviting runners over from Ocotal to take part in the Swindon half marathon and would also challenge Ocotal to set up their own half marathon.  Bruce suggested that the other links and twins also invite  people to come over and take part and that a small event could be organised for a get together.

Swindon Torun Friendship

Councillor Pajak reported that a Polish day had been held at the Polish Centre in October which had promoted Polish culture.  A long weekend would be organised in Torun next year and this would be advertised in the Members Bulletin.

Wroughton – St Germain les Corbeil

Information had been previously circulated to members of the Town Twinning Network regarding the recent weekend exchange between Wroughton and St Germain les Corbeil.  The Chair advised that she had been invited to meet members of the group and had been given a book on St Germain les Corbeil and a coin and asked for these to be put into the display cabinet in the Members Room.  She also advised that, should any member of the Network wish to view the book, to contact the clerk on 01793 463612.

Highworth-Pontorson Twinning Association

The Une Nouvelle newsletter had been distributed to members of the network with the agenda for this meeting.  This had included a report on the visit of Pontorsonnais to Highworth in September.  Events for 2008 included:

Ø      Quiz night on 1^st February at Warneford School

Ø      Safari lunch on 27 April

Ø      Possible visit to Wassenberg, 2 – 5 May

Ø      Possible visit to Pontorson, 23 – 26 May

Ø      Boules match May/June

Ø      Pontorsonnais visit for Highworth Festival Weekend, 19 – 22 September.

Chattanooga Friendship Agreement

Andy Lane was unable to attend this meeting of the Network as he was currently travelling to Chattanooga to meet with the Mayor.  The Chair had written to the Mayor to thank him for the sash that was sent to Swindon for the tree planting ceremony.  The group had not met recently because Andy had been unwell.

Lechlade Twinning Association

Dr Michael Colley advised that two events had recently taken place -  a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The next meeting of the Town Twinning Network will be held on Wednesday 19^th March 2008 at 6pm.

            The Chair advised that the next meeting of the Town Twinning Network would be held on Wednesday 19^th March 2008 at 6pm.