A meeting of the newly formed Charnwood Twinning Association took place on Monday, 26th October at the Community Centre in Syston.
Taking the Chair was the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Roy Brown. He welcomed representatives from many of Charnwood’s Twinning groups, stating that it was good to see a larger turn out than expected. He then went on to give a report on twinning visits in 2009; followed by the proposed Mayoral visits to and from twin towns in 2010.
David Dalby then gave a report about the local groups and most had submitted a report of their activities, which had been compiled as Twinning Update Around the Borough, copied to everyone, and also placed on the Council’s web site. Everyone attending agreed that this was most helpful and asked if it might be possible to have a year planner of all the organisations main visits, with a contact name and number.
He went on to report that Helen Trilling, schools co-ordinator based at County Hall, was available to help with school exchanges, and that teachers are to be invited to Quorn Hall with this in mind.
The Mayor spoke of the new links between the police forces and the invitation to their State Day of Road Traffic Safety in 2010.
There were lengthy discussions to consider whether events can be organised in the future that may attract EU funding. Also for local communities to make their presence felt at the European level through networking around a particular theme.
The question of having a major project between the groups to encourage twinning was discussed and various ideas were put forward. This would be well into 2010 or 2011. It was agreed that a separate meeting would need to be held to discuss this and members were asked to put forward ideas for the next meeting, so that this could be looked into. Charnwood Twinning Association couldn’t submit any funding application required, so it would have to be done through Charnwood Borough Council.
The question of Public liability insurance cover was raised, namely, were the twinning groups covered by Charnwood Borough Council’s insurance policy. This will be looked into, but most of the groups already had their own public liability insurance through the Leicestershire & Rutland Twinning Partnership.
Finding work experience for young people: This question frequently arises and it was agreed that the best approach would be through the Council. It is very difficult to find work experience at present and there is also the question of the length of time and accommodation needed.
It was agreed to hold future meetings quarterly and the next meeting will take place at Syston again on 22nd February 2010 at 7.30pm subject to confirmation.
