Update From the Editor
It's been a while since I last produced a Newsletter but as might be expected, things have been quiet over the Christmas period and I was anxious to hold back until there was news of progress towards formal twinning with our friends in Artannes. Things are now coming together and there is quite a lot to tell you and several events for you to put in your diary. As there are various dates and other requests, I will summarise these at the end of the Newsletter.

Twinning Ceremony At Bathford
In January, the local council in Artannes voted to support a proposal to sign a Formal Twinning Charter with Bathford. This reciprocates a similar decision taken by Bathford Parish Council last year, followed by a letter from Shirley Beazer to the Mayor of Artannes indicating the Bathford Parish Council's agreement and bringing greetings from the village in general.

The Mayor of Artannes, Dr. Sylvain Thimel, has indicated his intention to come here to take part in the proceedings and the Artannais have proposed that we have the Bathford part of the ceremony during the weekend of 28/29/30 October 2005. These dates we have accepted. Shirley Beazer will do the honours as Chair of the Parish Council here. There will be various events taking place that weekend in the village so, if you want to join in the celebrations put this event in your diary. The actual Charter Signing is expected to take place over lunch on Saturday 29 October. We hope that all those wishing to attend will be able to do so. Unfortunately numbers may be limited by the size of venues available in Bathford.

First offer of places will, of course, be given to persons on our data base i.e., all recipients of the non web-based version of this Newsletter. So watch out for news once the details are announced.

We will need considerable help with accommodation throughout this visit. I think we can expect quite a good turn-out from Artannes and there is likely to be a small representation from Roccastrada (say 2) - Artannes' Italian twinning partner.

If you can provide accommodation (B&B) at that weekend, I would be grateful to hear from you as early as possible. It would be helpful if you can indicate what you might be able to offer, bearing in mind that some Artannais may bring children or other young people. We may also expect single persons as well.

Other Visits
On 7 and 8 May this year, towns and villages near Artannes and in the Indre-Loire area, are meeting with their various twinning or intended twinning partners for an EU Sponsored Conference. We are invited to send about 5 official representatives. However, it has been decided to combine this trip with an exchange visit, so that people in Bathford have a chance to go to Artannes this year. It must be stressed that once in Artannes, the Bathford group will split into two sections, those going to the conference and the remainder following another programme of activities to be devised by the Artannais.

I would like to hear from anyone who wishes to go to Artannes in May as soon as possible and preferably by 31 March. It is anticipated that the party will leave on Friday 6 May and return on Monday 9 May but details will be passed on as soon as available. A meeting of all those travelling will be called in early April to discuss travel and other matters. For those who have never been, it is a good chance to make contact before events later in the year here.

Our French friends have also expressed a wish to make a normal exchange visit here from 8 - 11 July. It is not expected that the party will be large as I'm sure many people will chose to come for the October visit. However, we will need accommodation for guests in July too, so offers for this would be gratefully received.

Once again, there are likely to be one or more communal activities arranged, and details will be sent to you once planning is complete.

Individual Visits
If any of you are going to France in the holiday seasons, the people in Artannes are always happy to offer accommodation and hospitality to people from our association. Anne and I have stopped there on our way further south to see our daughter and the French branch of our family! I can honestly say that I have never felt more welcome anywhere else in France. If you do not have any established contacts in Artannes, don't let that put you off visiting. Just get in touch with me or one of the committee and we will act as a go-between.

Fundraising Events
Race Night:
Fancy a flutter? Then come along on Saturday 23 April to the Parish Hall for an evening of racing (on video) and try your luck. 50p Tote available. You can order a Fish & Chip Supper at the time of booking. Tickets £10 inc. first glass of wine. From 7.30 - first race 8.00pm. Call John Lees 859508, Colin Priston 743499 or me 859132 to book.

Safari Supper:
Colin Priston has offered to arrange another of his ever popular Safari Suppers. As this was very popular with the French on their last visit, we have decided to put this event on during the July visit. Once we have timetabled the programme, I will send you the details. In fact, it will not be devised as a fundraising event and charges will be on a cost recovery basis plus the costs of entertaining our guests.

Committee Changes
Following the November 2004 AGM, there were a few changes in membership. Our thanks to Jan Hooker and Liz Whitfield who retired. Both brought welcome talents to our deliberations. Full details are elsewhere on this website.

Absence of Secretary
I am expecting to go into hospital soon for an operation. During my absence and subsequent recuperation, Colin Priston will be standing in for me. He or I will let you know when I'm to be admitted, after which, please contact Colin on all matters on 743499 or email him at
cpriston@iname.com

Summary of Forthcoming Events for Your Diary
Saturday 23 April - Race Night:
Beginning 7.30 for 8.00pm in the Parish Rooms

Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon 6/7/8/9 May - Visit to Artannes:
Names to me or Colin Priston by 31 March please, indicating level of French - None/Basic/Better than basic.

Sat/Sun/Mon 9/10/11 July - French Visit:
Social Events open to all are likely on the Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October 2005 - Twinning Ceremony:
- And related events in the Parish Rooms.

Accomodation Needs
Please let us know as soon as possible - by email or phone - indicating number and type of rooms/beds offered, children acceptable etc. Please also indicate if yours is a smoking or no-smoking household and your level of French: None/Basic/Better than basic. If you can only host for one event, it would be helpful if you would give priority to the October visit.

9 - 11 July French Visit:
In practice this will probably be the 3 nights, with guests arriving early Saturday morning and leaving after breakfast Tuesday 12 July.

28 - 30 October Formal Twinning:
This is expected to be a 3 day visit which might be 28-30 or 29-31. If possible, could hosts keep the night of 31 October open.