The first meeting of the two Twinning Associations of Ramsgate and Chimay was held at the Hotel de Ville and jointly chaired by the Burgemestre and President of the Jumelage de Chimay at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 1st September. Around 40 people attended, with representatives from our other twin town, Conflans-Ste-Honorine.
Everyone present, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Ramsgate, were asked to introduce themselves, giving a brief account of their connection with twinning. M Jean-Claude Toubeau, the President, put forward a number of ideas as to how the two Associations should move forward. These included car clubs, sports (in particular football), school links and the possibility of forming choirs. The general feeling of the meeting was that these ideas should be developed over a period of time but should be proceeded with caution in order to give them a chance to blossom.The Burgemestre welcomed everybody and wished the enterprise great success.
Following a break for refreshments the President invited everyone to a private view of an exhibition of pictures by Denys Le Fevre entitled "A Celebration of Friendship".
Later that evening members and friends of the four Associations present (Belgium, England, France and Germany) adjourned to Poteaupré for a formal dinner, at which a presentation of gifts donated by the local Trappist Brewery were made to the representatives from Conflans and Ramsgate
Thursday 2nd September was the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Chimay area by the Americans in 1944. The day's programme was a full one with Remembrance Ceremonies at three locations; the first near the Belgian/French border was held at Cendon which commenced with a mass at 11.00 am, followed by speeches and wreath-laying at the local war memorial with a colour party of United State troopers carrying the Belgian & US colours. Other colours of Belgian, French and US Veterans were also present.
This was followed by lunch in a huge marquee at 2.00 pm. Second World War vehicles which had also assembled at the site, together with all those present, moved on to Monceau where a second wreath-laying ceremony took place. From there everybody moved back to Chimay where the final ceremony of wreath-laying took place and where Councillor Steve Ward, Mayor of Ramsgate, together with the Mayoress, laid a wreath of poppies on the memorial at the same time as other dignitaries present.
At 5.30 pm the Hotel de Ville Council Chambers was packed with people who had come to witness the signing of the Twinning documents between Chimay and Ramsgate. This was followed by the official opening of the Art Exhibition which included pictures of Belgium, England and France.
By this time the schedule was running a little late and a return was made to Cendon for supper and a concert of World War 2 melodies performed by the Central Band of the Belgian Royal Air force. The evening drew to a close at 11.00 pm with a stunning display of fireworks.
Friday morning the Art Exhibition was transferred to the Syndicat d'Initiative (Tourist Office) which is situated within the last existing Tower of the original walls of Chimay Castle.
A visit by the Ramsgate delegation, accompanied by the President and some of our friends from the Jumelage, was made to the recently opened Aquascope, a tranquil nature reserve approximately three kilometres from Chimay. This included several hides from which one could observe the wild-life around the lake and an interesting tree-walk approximately 40 feet above ground. The party then moved on to 'Eau Blanche' for lunch, a local inn in a lovely setting by a stream.
After lunch the party returned to Chimay for a walk around the historic old town led by a very patient guide from the Tourist Office. At the conclusion of the walk the party gathered in the historic town square for a very welcome farewell drink for those about to leave for Ramsgate that evening.
At 11 am we moved to the Council Offices to be met by the Chief Alderman, Marc Puissant and two other Aldermen where gifts were exchanged and a preliminary meeting took place. At midday we were entertained by a performance on the 26 bell carillon which included a rendering of our National Anthem.
After lunch with the Alderman we returned to the Council Offices for a more formal meeting and were joined by members of the Comite de Jumelage. We showed them the two documents of Agreement, one in French and one in English. And there followed some discussion regarding some practical details of the official twinning, as follows: On the 29 April a full Council in Chimay will meet to discuss the proposals for this official twinning and it is anticipated that the Bergemestre and a Deputy will come to Ramsgate in the latter part of May to sign the English documents. A return visit is then planned for the Mayor and Mayoress of Ramsgate, together with two representatives of the Twinning Association, to travel to Chimay on 2 September to sign the French document. This date is very special for Chimay as it marks the liberation of the town in 1944 and a major festival is to take place. We have received an invitation for two war veterans to visit the town on that date to take part in the celebrations and the Royal British Legion is to be contacted in this respect.
It is hoped to arrange exchanges with schools, churches, car enthusiasts and Artwise etc.
In early August there is to be a very large bicycle rally and a meeting of car enthusiasts; the full programme and details will be forwarded in July. After the meeting we were taken on a tour of the town and main church, which we found very interesting, Chimay is associated with Conflans because the town is at the headwaters of the River Oise, which joins the Seine at Conflans. Chimay is also famous for its variety of beers and cheeses produced by the Trappist monks at the Abbey. Unfortunately time did not permit for your representatives to visit the Abbey, so we drove home sober!
A big vote of thanks is due to our Chairman, Russell, who took us there and back safely and to our Deputy Mayor for his navigating.
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