Swanley & District Twinning Association - Friends Of Verrières-Le-Buisson

Established 1985 . . . more to follow . . .

If you are interested in:
* Exchange visits with French families
* Making new friends here and in our twin town
* Social events
Then read on . . .
Swanley Twinning Association aims to foster the twinning links between Swanley and Verrières-le-Buisson in France. Also, we wish to promote similar links with places in other countries. It is a purely voluntary organisation though it does receive some financial assistance from Swanley Town Council. This leaflet sets out to tell you more about twinning by answering some of the most frequently asked questions.

What does Twinning mean?
Two areas (villages, cities or even counties) in different countries agree to form a link to help citizens of both to become better acquainted. The aims are quite simply to let people learn how those in their twin area live, work and play - to help them understand each other's problems and also in fostering friendships, to bring about better international relations. We hope to ensure that everybody with an interest in twinning, the young in particular, has the opportunity to take part in it.
Swanley is officially twinned with Verrières-le-Buisson in France. The Twinning Charter was signed in November 1985; following initial contacts made some time earlier between individuals from the two towns. Since then it has developed to the point where up to 100 people from the two towns, families and individuals representing many different organisations, visit their hosts each year. Swanley can justly claim to be a prolific twinning town for its size. Verrières has been twinned with Hövelhof, a town 25 miles South of Bielefeld in Germany since 1971.
Sounds fine, but how does it work?
Visits are arranged between the two places and the visitors usually stay with their host families. As a rule these visits are made on an exchange basis. Arrangements may be made through schools, churches, sports clubs, youth organisations etc. or through an association of citizens who are not members of such other groups or societies.
In addition to these exchange visits there are opportunities for work experience exchanges and student exchanges. Towns may also make exchanges of library books etc. and initiate, for example, "British" or "French" weeks during which national drinks, food and other products are publicised.

Who may take part?
Anyone with a genuine interest, who lives in, works in or is otherwise connected with Swanley. Interested organisations may be put in touch with their counterparts in Verrières whether they are involved in business, cultural, educational or sporting activities. Limited opportunities exist for the disabled to take part and these are being actively explored and, it is hoped, expanded.
What can you tell us about Verrières-le-Buisson?
Verrières-le-Buisson is a picturesque and mainly residential town situated some 12 miles South-west of the heart of Paris in the Vallée de la Bièvre (Beaver), a tributary of the Seine. Despite its proximity to Paris, it is almost surrounded by forest (the Bois de Verrières) which offers a host of recreational activities. Verrières has a population of approximately 18, 000 compared with Swanley's 20, 000. The town has a small lake near the centre and the old village with its thirteenth century church and street lamps has a certain charm.
The RER, or inter-urban tube line, stops near Verrières. The Luxembourg Gardens and Châtelet les Halles tube stations in Paris can be reached in about 25 minutes. Versailles can also be reached by bus or train (SNCF). A number of chateaux and tourist sites are in the vicinity of Verrières and can be reached easily by car, tube or train.
Verrières has a long history. Mention is made of its existence during the reign of Charlemagne and later King Louis XIV used to hunt in the forests. Several small chateaux still exist to remind of this royal association. The livelihood of the area has been largely represented by horticulture that has varied over time from maize and grapes to strawberries and market garden produce. There are many productive fields on the outskirts of town.
Louis Levèque de Vilmorin, who invented the method of genealogical selection of plants, did research on sugar beet in Verrières. The famous Vilmorin Seed Company was once located in Verrières. Louise de Vilmorin, the novelist, was born and lived in the family chateau that still exists. Her friend, André Malraux, the writer and politician, lived the last years of his life here and is buried in the town cemetery. Two famous heroes of the resistance, David Régnier and Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves, as well as Paul Fort, the poet, all lived in Verrières.
How much does it cost?
Currently, membership fees are £4 per year for individuals, £8 for families and £16 for organisations. These are reviewed annually and have remained unchanged for the last twelve years.
Travel costs vary according to season and the mode of transport. They tend to average about £60 (in 2004) per head return based on a coach load. The coach journey (including ferry) takes about 8 hours. Once in Verrières, your hosts meet your basic costs (accommodation and food) so you will have to pay for incidentals and souvenirs only. In return, you may be expected to provide hospitality for guests from Verrières, usually the people who hosted you there. Families who have been doing this for years all agree that it is a wonderful way of ensuring a holiday each year at a very reasonable cost - normally at home one year and away the next. Many have developed such friendships that they meet their opposite numbers on an individual basis, often taking further holidays together.
Could Swanley be twinned with places other than Verrières-le-Buisson?
Yes. Swanley Town Council and the management committee of Swanley Twinning Association will consider any suggestions regarding further links.