CHARLEVILLE CALLING: French connection in danger of collapsing
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Thursday March 11 2010
IT is decision time for the members of Charleville Town Twinning Association who have been invited to attend an open meeting on this Thursday night at the Charleville Park Hotel to decide if the association is to continue or be disbanded.
A letter has gone out to all members from the officers of the Association asking them to the meeting to discuss all aspects of the twinning arrangement between Charleville and the towns of Plouaret and Vieux Marche in Brittany.
'Charleville Town Twinning Association is now 12 years old and, unfortunately, is facing a critical decision,' states the letter, which is signed by Des Healy, president; Pat Meskell, chairman; Ina Mortell, treasurer and Ellen O'Callaghan, secretary.
It goes on: 'Last year, for the first time since the association was formed, we failed to assemble a large enough group to go to France.
'It is our intention to make another attempt to assemble a group to travel to Brittany at the then end of August or the beginning of September.
'We have decided to call this open meeting for Thursday night, March 11 to discuss all aspects of town twinning. We are inviting everyone to attend and, hopefully to contribute some ideas.
'If this meeting fails to generate some enthusiasm we may be left with no option other than to dissolve the association. This would generate bitter disappointment in Brittany where there is strong support of and a great desire to keep the twinning alive.'
Over the years a great many people have enjoyed visits to the two twin towns in Brittany where the hospitality shown the Irish group has been outstanding. Likewise, when the Bretons made the return visit to Charleville they were afforded a tremendous welcome and this led to an exchange of lasting friendships and insight into the culture and lifestyle of both countries.
Hopefully enough interest can be generated at this meeting to avoid the dissolution of the local association and keep the twinning concept alive.
- Mike McGrath michaelgerard@eircom.net
