THE Southborough and High Brooms District Overseas Friendship Association [SHDOFA] met their counterparts from twin town Lambersart at their AGM at Meadows School on March 11.
The association’s Chairman, Alain Lewis, welcomed Christiane Krieger, the new Mayor of the town in northern France, and Jean-Paul Krieger, Chair of its own twinning association, along with six other guests from Lambersart and 35 members of SHDOFA.
Honorary memberships were given to Ives and Sheila Branson, Colette and Bob Marsh, and Jackie and Bob Prance for their long service to SHDOFA and to Southborough as a whole.
Mr Lewis paid tribute to them, saying: “They have all been committee members and/or chairs of the association and have worked tirelessly to progress our friendship with Lambersart.”
Plans for the forthcoming year include a trip to Dover to meet up with French colleagues, and a pétanque tournament at the White Rock in Underriver against twinning associations from Sevenoaks and Otford.
There will also be regular pétanque sessions on the piste in Yew Tree Road, and a barbecue will be held in August.
Last year, the two towns celebrated the 25th anniversary of the twinning agreement between them. This included a gala dinner at Salomons and entertainment by a choir comprising singers from both communities.
Celebrations and commemorations were also held in France, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Lambersart after World War II.
If you would like to join the association or take part in the pétanque sessions, call Alain Lewis on 07736 529170 or email: amblewis@hotmail.com
