The French connection
Learning a new language and making friends with people from another country can be a really enriching experience and thanks to one group, everyone in the area has the chance to explore another culture.
At the weekend, Chichester celebrated 50 years of twinning with the French city of Chartres with a busy programme of events.
After five decades, the two cities have formed a very close relationship, with people of all ages and backgrounds meeting to share the similarities and celebrate the differences between the two cities.
The main reason for people joining is to get to know the real France.
Martyn Bell joined two years ago and during that time he, his wife and eight-year-old son have made firm friends with one family and keep in regular contact with them.
"The thing about twinning and the exchange is that it isn't like a holiday. If you go to France or elsewhere you stay in a hotel, you might get to know a couple of people but you don't get to know any real locals," Mr Bell said.
"We were matched up with a family who also had an eight-year-old boy and we got on really well with them and we are really looking forward to them coming over this year.
"With our family, the husband speaks quite good English, but I have been able to get some really good practise in with my French.
"Of course living with a family, you are eating home-cooked food, you are very much in the middle of life there, it's a really French experience."
The Friends of Chartres offers a chance for people to get to know the country from a real family's perspective and it has a very family-orientated approach.
As well as the exchanges, there are plenty of other twinning activities and visits throughout the year, including a popular language circle.
Friends chairman Margaret Brown said: "For many people, the links they form with people in Chartres are very strong – they become like a second family.
"Some people like to improve their language skills, while part of it is to learn about each other's culture, heritage, traditions and customs, but the main reason is to make friends.
"It's a very social environment and people really enjoy themselves.
"The Friends of Chartres has encompassed lots of different groups across the city, including sports and arts groups, to help that link grow even more."
Anne Briggs has been a member of the association for 12 years and feels it offers a chance to create more understanding among people: "I strongly believe in international links for people.
"I think twinning is a wonderful thing, it does help people understand people from other cultures.
"We stay with a family, Jean-Paul and Sylvie Fernandez.
"We have been to see them every year, and if we are passing through to somewhere else, then we'll stay there for the night.
"We were invited to their son's wedding, which was a fantastic occasion and they came to our daughter's wedding. We are very good friends and get on extremely well.
"What's really nice is that there are a couple of young families who are part of the Friends of Chartres. I think when these things start when you are young, you get a better understanding."
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Weather for Chichester
Monday 13 February 2012
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Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
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