Now and then

Initiated in France by Barry Lynham, and officially agreed on 5th October 1954, we

believe that the 52 years ofcontinuous Twinning between Newmarket and Maisons Laffitte/ Le Mesnil Le Roi is the longest unbroken between the UK and France.

The first meetings of the twin towns were held in Newmarket in 1954 under the auspices of the Newmarket Urban Council. The Council greatly supported the twinning activities for 20 years until the Local Authority reorganisation of 1974, when the twinning responsibilities were generously taken up by Forest Heath District Council. Charters reinforced “the twinnings” between the Town Councils in France and Forest Heath on our fortieth anniversary in 1994 and more recently on our 50th anniversary celebrations in 2004. Since then the Newmarket Town Council (NTC) has assumed responsibility; it is anticipated that they will continue to be the main supporter going forward.

The continuous nature of the Twinning comes from the activities of the young people, for whom the student exchanges in April 2005 were the 51st since Easter 1955.

Declaration and Re-affirmation of Friendship and Twinning

This declaration of continuing friendship and Twinning between the people of Newmarket, Maisons-Laffitte and Le Mesnil-Le-Roi is made on their behalf, in the 50th year of continuous Twinning. This link has been maintained  by exchanges and visits between young people, organisations, clubs and groups of the Towns.

We now declare and resolve to renew and re-affirm the Twinning link and agree that the aims and objectives of fostering and developing mutual understanding, respect and furthering peace and goodwill in relationships between our two countries shall be strengthened and maintained.

Déclaration de Ré-affirmation de l’amitié et du Jumelage

Cette déclaration de l'amitié et du Jumelage entre les habitants de Newmarket, Maisons-Laffitte et Le Mesnil-Le-Roi a été faite en leurs noms pour le 50me an du Jumelage continu. Ce lien a été entretenu par des échanges et des rencontres entre les jeunes, les associations, les clubs et les groupes des Villes

Maintenant nous déclarons  renouveler et

ré-affirmer le lien de l’amitie du Jumelage,

nous nous accordons a reconnaitre que les objectifs sont  d’encourager et de développer

la compréhension mutuelle, le respect et de

faire progresser la paix et la bonne volonté

dans les rapports entre nos deux pays. Nous conserverons et renforcerons ces ideaux.

Simon Gibson, 2004 Chairman of the Association, signs the reaffirmation of             friendship.imon Gibson. Chairman of Newmarket Twinning Association, (2004) signs the re-affirmation of friendship.

An eyeful in Paris?