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In view of our current weather, it did not seem appropriate to entitle this a “Summer Newsletter”, but perhaps by the time the next one reaches you, we shall have had a taste of something like summer … we can but hope.

It now seems some time since the Barentin visit at the end of April. Those of you who were involved in it in one way or another will, we hope, agree with the committee that it was another successful weekend. It was generally considered - by the French as well as by us - that the extra day was a great improvement. It meant that the weekend was more relaxed and enjoyable for all concerned. We hope to continue this 3-day format when we go to Barentin next time. No dates for the 2008 visit have yet been discussed, but we will hope to arrange matters before the next Newsletter is due out. We were, of course, blessed with beautiful weather, which added to everybody’s enjoyment. The visits to Fishbourne Roman Palace and to the Mechanical Music Museum were a great success and the ‘traditional’ farewell dinner at The Half Moon rounded off the weekend perfectly.

In May the Association had an information stall at Churcher’s College’s second Community Fair and we were able to display our newly acquired banner. We can now very clearly announce who we are. Unfortunately, the evening was extremely wet and this probably deterred some from venturing out to see what the Fair had to offer. We must hope that this event gains in popularity as the years go on.

You should have another chance to view our new banner on Saturday, 28^th July when the next twinning activity takes place: the Bring and Buy Sale on Lloyds Bank forecourt, 10a.m.-12.30p.m. We have had several offers of help for the morning to man the stall, but would still appreciate another one or two volunteers to give up an hour or so to help out. Also, we need items to sell, whether they be cakes (always popular), books, plants or bric-a-brac. If you can donate some items, we shall be very grateful. Either bring them along on the morning just after 9.00 o’clock or, if you are not available then, ring us on 302862 to arrange delivery to one of the committee. Please cross your fingers for fine weather!

On 17^th August the group going to Warendorf sets off for a week’s visit. We have a good number travelling this year, including several who have yet to savour the delights that this attractive town has to offer. We are sure that we shall receive the same marvellous hospitality that we have had in the past. A report will appear in the next Newsletter.

A Skittles Evening has been booked for the evening of Friday, 21^st September at The Barley Mow, Walderton. We have held several skittles evenings at this venue already and they have always been popular. So, if you would like to come, do complete and return the appropriate slip at the end of this Newsletter as soon as possible. The cost, which includes a buffet supper, is £8 per head. We shall also hold a raffle on the night to help boost the funds. Numbers will be restricted to 30 because of the size of the skittles alley. So, if you want to come, please respond quickly!

We are considering a new activity in December: if it is possible we are plan- ning to take a stall at The Christmas Market in the Festival Hall. The idea is to make and sell the sort of Christmas cookies and other suitable items that one finds in both France and Germany at that time of year. We shall, therefore, be asking for volunteers to help make items (we have a number of German Christmas recipes we can pass on) as well as to man the stall on the day. The Market is usually an all day affair and we shall need a good rota so that the load of serving behind the stall can be spread. If any of you have copies of French Christmas items that we could make we should like to hear from you. Please get in touch. We shall probably hold a meeting of volunteers later in the year in order to co-ordinate matters.

Can we remind you of our Twinning website, which has information about us and our two Continental twins? Details can be found on
www.petersfieldtwinningassociation.org.uk

Finally, we have two items of sad news. Ann Donnelly’s husband, John, who was a good supporter of the Association, died in April after being in failing health for some two years. He was a quiet Scotsman, passionate about golf, and a regular attender at twinning events.
Then in June, unexpectedly, Jim Moore, who was also a very keen supporter of twinning and its aims, died. Many of you may remember Jim in the last few years with his white stick after he lost his sight. Undeterred, he took up playing the violin and continued to lead an active life, frequently walking into town on his own if his wife, Norma, could not be with him.
We shall miss both of them and send our condolences to Ann and Norma, who, we are pleased to report, are continuing to take part in twinning activities.

It just remains for me to say that I hope that everyone enjoys what is left of the summer. We look forward to seeing as many as possible on 28^th July.

Yours sincerely,

John Kent

Chairman

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Link to Current Newsletter

To see the Spring 2007 Newsletter click on this link

To see the New Year 2007 Newsletter click on this link

To see the September 2006 Newsletter click on this link

To see the May 2006 Newsletter click on this link