Lowestoft celebrates its French Connection

Richard Pulham, Chairman of the Plaisir Twinning Association, was delighted with the whole visit. He said: "This cultural and twinning exchange has been a tremendous success and the welcome extended to the Plaisir visitors by Councillor Nick Webb, the Mayor of Lowestoft and members of the Lowestoft Charter Trustees was warmly received and highlighted the value of twinning visits in promoting understanding between our two nations".

Cllr Nick Webb, Mayor of Lowestoft said: "It has been an immense pleasure and privilege to have been able to host a Twinning Reception for our Plaisir guests.  There has long been an association between the people of Lowestoft and Plaisir and I hope that this link is maintained so we can celebrate our different cultures and ways of life, particularly for up and coming generations."

It was in January 1978 that the first meeting was held in Lowestoft Town Hall for those residents who were interested in the proposed twinning of Lowestoft with Plaisir.  A Civic visit from Plaisir to Lowestoft then followed which was reported in the Lowestoft Journal with the headline 'We're friends - official', along with a photograph of Monsieur Mouton (Mayor of Plaisir) signing a declaration of friendship.

In 1979 a ceremony took place in France in the Chateau de Plaisir grounds.  That first visit was over three days and is reported to have been very hectic; amongst other highlights there was a visit to the Palace of Versailles. 

Since then there have been visits to and from Plaisir, alternating each year, during which friendships are made and venues visited showing the culture, history and environment of the surrounding areas

The Lowestoft and Plaisir Twinning Association Constitution states as its Objects: 'To provide international friendship and understanding by all possible means twinning links between the towns of Lowestoft in England and Plaisir in France. To encourage mutual exchanges by individuals and groups and particularly by children and young people, and by so doing to broaden the mutual understanding of the social, cultural, religious, recreational, sporting, educational, commercial, industrial and local government activities of the twinned towns.'

Anybody wishing to join the Twinning Association or to find out more about twinning can contact Richard Pulham, Chairman of the Plaisir Twinning Association on (01502) 723648.