St Just and District Twinning Association
On Saturday 19th December 2010 a committee from St Just in Penwith travelled to Huelgoat, Brittany to complete the first signing of the twinning agreement between the two towns.
A focus on the sharing of cultures, sports, food and arts between the two communities featured strongly in the document that the St Just Mayor, Monty Nicholls and the Huelgoat Mayor Corentin Garrec signed whilst witnessed by both committees.
The towns have much in common; both relied on mining in the past and now in the present tourism and the arts are their main sources of income. The young people were highlighted in the agreement for it is felt that a greater understanding of other cultures is best developed earlier on.
The reception put on by the French committee was second to none. The morning started with coffee and croissants on arrival and was followed by Champagne and canapés to celebrate the signing of the agreement. Breton bagpipes were played whilst the Cornish Flag of St Piran was raised outside the Mairie. The Cornish committee returned the gesture by singing all verses of “Trelawney”. A chance to tour the town and visit it’s many talented artists was next on the agenda. Then a luncheon at the local hotel, serenaded by a local jazz band was provided to finish off the celebrations.
For the twinning to be completed we are expecting the French committee in St Just in the Spring to sign the agreement on Cornish soil.
Twinning Sign in Place at Huelgoat
Members of the St Just and Huelgoat Twinning Committee travelled to France on Friday 29th April 2011, to stay with their twinning hosts in Huelgoat, Brittany for the weekend to complete a cultural exchange. The committee were thrilled to see the new sign, put in place by the commune of Huelgoat.
Throughout the weekend, workshops arranged by the French committee such as Breton cake making, Breton and Cornish songs and natural table decorations; kept people very busy. The results of the workshops were used in the evening “get together” on the Saturday. Some members learned to play Petanque, whilst others, who are already experts, challenged the French on their own soil!
“It was brilliant to see the new sign as we drove into Huelgoat. It made us feel really welcomed” said Monty Nicholls, chair of the committee. “In this visit current friendships have been strengthened and new ones initiated.”
“The hospitality was second to none, they were impeccable hosts” added Sue Beckwith, committee member on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.
“Plus travelling as a group was more affordable and much more entertaining.”
A Membership fee of £10 enables individuals to attend the regular twinning meetings in St Just. Organisations are welcome to join as well. Ring Sue Beckwith on 01736 788959 if you are interested. These twinning visits are ‘self-funded’ by the individuals who take part. The main advantage of joining the group is to develop friendships, both in Cornwall and Brittany.
What’s new for 2012-13?
The St Just and District Twinning Association has great plans for 2012-13.
For example in April 2012 we are hosting a cultural exchange with musicians and choirs coming over from Huelgoat to St Just. We are planning concerts in both St Just and Pendeen involving performances from both local choirs and musicians, togther with those from Huelgoat. If any organisations or individuals are interested please contact us (contact numbers below).
In June members of the St Just youth football team are going to Huelgoat to be hosted with French families.
July will see the Mayor of Huelgoat and members of their Twinning Committee coming over for Lafrowda weekend.
In August a school children’s exchange is planned with four or five 16 year olds coming over and hosted with families in St Just for a week of total immersion in the English language, with a similar group of St Just 16 year olds going over to Huelgoat to improve their French.
French lessons continue on Thursday evenings in term time in St Just. We have a mixed ability group with membership ranging from those still at school to pensioners.
We are still hoping for new town signs which will incorporate both Twinned with Huelgoat and the St Just in Bloom details.
With your help and encouragement we can become more pro-active in strengthening the ties between our two towns. So why not become involved with any of our fundraising activities or attend our monthly meetings? Look in “Down Your Way” in the Cornishman for details. If you would like to join we have a yearly membership fee of £10 per individual or organisation. Contact our Chairman Monty on 788 278 or Joyce on 786 067 or Sue on 788 959 if you would like any additional information.
Minutes of Meetings
Minutes of the 22 May 2014 meeting (opens as a PDF).
Penzance, St Just, Nevada and Bendigo Twinning Committee
Is part of the Penzance Twinning Committee which is run through Penzance Town Council. The Committee is chaired by David Smith. The Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr Fiona Cock represent the Council on the Nevada and Bendigo Twinning Committee. Further information on the work of the Committee can be obtained by accessing their new website: http://www.penzancetwinningassociation.co.uk.
The Town Council at its meeting on 27 January 2014 agreed to accept an invitation from the Greater Bendigo City Council to extend its formal Sister City relationship which is already established with Penzance Town Council to St Just-in-Penwith.
FORMALISATION OF TWINNING RELATIONSHIP WITH BURRA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Town Council at its meeting on 26 May 2015 agreed to establish a low-key twinning relationship with the Regional Council of Goyder, South Australia, and in particular the Burra and Goyder Tourism Promotions Committee. The relationship will concentrate on an exchange of information between the Town Council and the Committee.
There are many similarities between the two areas, mining being the most obvious, and since the decline in the industry both areas have looked at other ways of preserving and capitalising on its mining heritage. If you would like to find out more information please click on the links below:-