Twinning is Winning

12th September 2024 by simon

Two decades have passed since our local twinning association was formed. We are delighted to share their update on our Blog …

Have you tried internet dating – the modern way to meet people?

Twenty years ago a group from Cupar and the Howe of Fife took the plunge! They went on line to search for a ‘Twinning Partner’ in France, and after reading several posts they found a promising match: Sainte-Ménehould (in the Argonne), an historic town in forested countryside near the ancient city of Reims.

The Argonne is not on the usual tourist route, but there are many outdoor activities to enjoy, and it is also an area steeped in European history.

In May 2004, four representatives from Saintte-Ménehould visited Cupar, and in September the same year four Cuparians went to France: John Vaughan, Michael Loughridge, and Pat and Ken Orr.

They reported back saying: “Foodies will discover many local delights including the Ste Ménehould speciality: ‘pieds de cochon’ (pig’s trotters), also other delicious pork products to try, and of course a great variety of cheeses and patisserie.”

The wine is excellent too. In fact Dom Pérignon was born here, and Sainte -Ménehould is only a short drive away from the Champagne region, where you can visit the vineyards and experience a ‘degustation’ before filling your car boot with bottles.

One memorable day was a trip to Verdun to visit their typical market, the half-timbered houses and stunning war memorial. Other things to do? Visit the new swimming pool, with its fitness suites and outdoor areas. Or take the walking trail around the town, and along the river and put your feet up in one of the shelters where you can borrow books to read. If you prefer woods, it is a short distance to Beaulieu en Argonne, an area abundant with wildlife.

Making it official …

The ‘official’ committees were formed in June 2005, a written exchange was drawn up in July with Mr. John Simpson, Fife Council, John Vaughan, Glenrothes Town Twinning Association and Frédéric Peletier, Sainte-Ménehould.

The first exchange may surprise you: football.

Such was the success of the Soccer 7s visit that there were several more exchanges between France and Scotland. The youngsters (9-10 year olds) gained useful French language skills for football – ‘allez les bleus!’

So what has happened since those first years?

Email exchanges between the schools
Visits from members of each committee to the other country to discuss opportunities and strengthen ties
Exchanges with the Seniors
The Léonardo project enabled 2 teachers and 4 students from the Lycée Professional d’Argonne to visit Elmwood College.
Farmers’ exchange
Students from Elmwood spending a week in a pâtisserie in France
Visit from the Pâtissier, who gave a masterclass at Elmwood
French students visiting Elmwood
Email correspondence between Primary School Children

Signing of Charters …

2010 was an important year in the history of the exchange: it saw its formalisation in Cupar in October when twenty-six visitors from Sainte-Ménehould, including their Mayor and elected councillors came to Fife.

The following year, a return visit saw the charter signed in Sainte-Ménehould …

Since then, there has been many more initiatives including a window display competition, with the lucky winners going over to Sainte-Ménehould, a Christmas Light competition and a cooking competition at Elmwood. And who can forget the wonderful weekend that Cupar Choral spent in France, in 2013? Hosted by members of the French choir, the concert was superb. The highlight was a joint performance of Fauré’s Requiem, however it was, perhaps, overshadowed by the piper who marched up and down the aisle to tremendous applause! What wonderful hospitality everyone received.

Further exchanges have taken place, including between Cupar Heritage Museum and the Musée de Sainte-Ménehould. In 2014, to mark the centenary of the first World War, memorabilia from the Musee de Sainte-Ménehould were leant to Cupar Heritage Centre.

Beating lockdowns …

Although COVID brought exchanges to a halt, the two committees continued to meet on zoom. The members have got to know each other even better and discussed different ideas.

Now we are delighted to say, after a visit from the French Twinning President in September last year to Cupar’s Big Weekend, new exchanges are planned, not least between Bell-Baxter students and a lycée in France. For these exchanges the Twinning Associoation is very grateful for the support of the Franco-Scottish society, which has some grant funds available for French studies.

Making connections …

Would you or your organisation like to be put in touch with equivalent organisations in our twin town? Would you like just to visit the area for a holiday? If so, do get in touch with the Cupar and Howe of Fife Twinning Association, we would be delighted to help. And we love talking about Sainte-Ménehould!