Lindlar are coming to Shaftesbury 11th June 2009 for 3 nights and I am sure that many of you have particular friends who you have to stay with you.
After the fantastic job with accommodation, that for many years Leo and Judy have done, it is now my responsibility to co-ordinate and so I am asking that members could let me know of any requests for guests, offers of accommodation and any 'usual arrangements' so I can begin to arrange the hosting list.
Please telephone 01747 855790 between 7.30 - 10pm or email cjhuxley@tiscali.co.uk
I am sure we are all looking forward to the visit and I look forward to hearing from hosts.
Clare Huxley
Barbecue
Our annual barbecue will take place on 27th June at 5 p.m. Once again Nigel Cook is inviting us to his garden at Parson’s Pool, Shaftesbury. He has also promised us better weather than last time.
Details about price will be on the web site. We expect it will be about the same as last year. Please let Terry know if you are coming, 01747-850994.
French
Anyone who would be interested in joining a French conversation group just for twinners wanting to brush up before our visit to Brionne in the autumn is asked to get in touch with Jenny Parker so that we have some idea of numbers and preferences for time and day. Jenny’s phone is 01747-855306.
SURVEY CARRIED OUT AT THE MEMBERS’ DINNER
14TH MARCH 2009
This is a brief summary of the comments made. Seventeen survey forms were completed and some very useful suggestions were made so thank you very much. The committee will discuss the results at the next few meetings and act accordingly!
What type of events would you like us to provide?
There were six positive comments about what is or has been provided in the past plus specific support for Quiz nights, skittles, beetle drives, talks by local celebrities such as Julian Richards, BBQs, dinners and the Casino.
Other ideas were more connected (in a broad way) to a French or German theme such as wine tasting, celebration on Bastille Day or celebrating 12th night as well as a general suggestion for more German & French style activities and this is certainly something to look into.
More trips were also suggested both within Britain (Tiverton Canal/Isle of Wight) and more trips to France.
Connection with U3A was suggested.
How can we attract younger people and families to join?
Involvement with schools was mentioned several times and this is something we are very keen to get going. Specifically targeting primary schools where they teach French and contacting school PTAs.
Advertising in schools, the Blackmore Vale magazine, pamphlets through doors
Linking families to specific French/German families and inviting families to join in planned trips as well as encouraging youth exchange/work experience
Have a semi-separate youth twinning group
Youth activities such as discos, young boules competition with trophy
Would you like to be included in the annual Boules competition?
6 “Yes”
2 “No” plus 3 ‘dashes’
6 variations of ‘possibly’
Do you think we should provide better entertainment when our twin towns visit?
7 felt the entertainment provided now was about right
One commented that some families like to do the entertaining of guests themselves
• Suggestion to ask what the visitors are interested in doing and then supplying it if possible
A specific suggestion was made for a dance
Would any of your friends and family like to join us?
Several did not have any local family and friends were already members
One was ‘working on our youngsters to join’ and one thought “perhaps if they knew what to expect”.
Would you like to be a committee member in the future?
11 “No” but including 4 who have already ‘served their time’ Thankyou! and one who added “(at the moment)”
