NEWSLETTER JULY 2010

14 people from Sherborne have just returned from the 35th General Meeting held in the picturesque town of Sušice in the Czech Republic. Whilst Britain was gripped by its own elections, the Douzelage was electing a new International Leadership Team. The 7 years of sterling work in guiding Douzelage through a time of expansion by Ed Weber the President from Luxembourg and Günther Pecher and Alphonse Henrard the two Vice Presidents from Germany and Bel- gium came to an end.

The new President is Cezary Salamonczyk from in Poland, a frequent visitor to Sherborne, who brings considerable experience and enthusiasm to the role. Mike Balfour from Sherborne and Mario Calleja from , the Mal- tese member town, took on their new roles as Vice Presidents and will make a good team balancing experience and vitality. Over 100 people from 22 countries attended the meeting, which also had the pleasure of welcoming a new member town in Romania, a town from a re- gion famous for its painted mediaeval churches.

Cezary

and

Mario

Sušice itself lies in the valley of the Otrava and is surrounded by wooded rolling countryside dotted with farms. It produces timber products and used to be known for the quality of its match production, but nowadays tourism is playing a greater part. PAGE 2 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

35TH GENERAL MEETING IN SUŠICE

Within 40 minutes drive of the bor- there are common problems that der with Bavaria the town is not only would benefit from central EU within easy reach of the Bavarian direction, there are many site member town of Bad Kötzting, but is specific matters that need to be also the gateway to the Šumava , a dealt with locally. land of high sometimes bleak hills, forests, peat bogs and grasslands Working together on the issues interspersed with streams and and being able to mix socially marshes. Very cold in winter this provided an excellent cooperative National Park formed a focus for the approach between young people field work of the Youth Workshop. of many nationalities, recognising their differences and helping to build on their shared and individ- Mike ual strengths. A lot of new friend- ships were made and the rush of Balfour activity on the social networking sites reflects the enthusiasm and value of these contacts.

The close proximity of Bad Kötz- ting meant that the very hospita- ble people of Sušice were able to highlight their well organised Conference on the last evening with wonderful music from the joint choirs and musicians from The Youth Workshop focused on the two towns. The exchange of the theme of: Impact of Human Ac- ideas usually in excellent English tivities on the Environment in Pro- that go on outside the main meet- tected Nature Areas. There were25 ings and the chance to renew or full time youth delegates from part- make new friendships are the ner towns in 12 EU Countries taking most valuable opportunities with part, plus other students and young such a gathering. The 35th Gen- people from Sušice. eral Meeting was indeed one with memories to cherish. The young people compared and con- For the Education meeting please trasted the challenges between their see page 15. various countries and developed a good understanding of the range of Michael Morrell issues. It was recognised that whilst Kevin Waterfall PAGE 3 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010 PLANNING A CONFERENCE Hopes and Anxieties by Anezka Nova

It was Sunday 2nd May 2010 and I About two years ago we announced could say: "It is over" with a bit of re- we would hold the general meeting laxation but a bit of regret, as well. in Sušice and immediately after The 35th Douzelage General Meeting arriving home from , where we finished; all the delegates were on introduced our town in a presenta- their way back home. We could have a tion, we began to prepare the pro- rest a little after those four busy days. gramme and other matters.

When did it actually start? In the At first we were waiting for a call of 1990s when Sušice became a twin EACEA for Town Twinning funding. town with Bad Kötzting. A few years We studied the application from Türi later Jeremy Barker met Pavel Kahle published on the Douzelage website and visited our town (I heard he liked and we hoped it would help. When it very much). Then delegations from the call was released we found out Sušice were invited to Douzelage Gen- that the new form is more compli- eral Meetings - in and Se- cated and we had to start to attack simbra, and at last in 2004 we became all Douzelage member towns to pro- vide various information. However, Sušice Museum we sent off the application to EACEA a few days before the dead- line. What was a surprise when we found out the next day the deadline was postponed for a month.

Fortunately our application was adopted. And our team of seven la- dies started working hard on prepa- rations – suitable rooms, accommo- dation, catering... It was not very easy. We asked ourselves: Will it be good enough? What can we improve? The more the date was approaching the more nervous we felt, because a member of this unique association. more and more details had to be We took part in regular meetings and solved. events organized by other towns, and we learnt how Douzelage works. Of course, we had to involve more people who could speak English to PAGE 4 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

PLANNING A CONFERENCE help us – they were former students, The following day the meeting who took part in some of Douzelage started with a lecture and then events, our friends and our family the conference was led by Presi- members. To enhance the awareness dent Ed Weber. We also appreci- of Douzelage and address some possi- ated that Kevin Waterfall from ble sponsors we had published a series Sherborne and Stuart Atkinson of newspaper articles in the local from were so kind press, we organized a contest about and agreed to lead the Youth Douzelage towns in the local schools. Workshop and the Education Meeting. Thanks a lot. Preparing a culture programme we I do not want to describe the tried to show the delegates the best of whole meeting and judge it. It is our culture life and beauties both of town and its surroundings.

When the month of April came, sud- denly there was shocking news about the Iceland volcano eruption and the shutdown of airports all over Europe. Luckily this danger had passed away in time and we could welcome the delegations of twenty two Douzelage towns. We were sorry that we could not meet friends from , Kark- kila and Celje from Slovenia as a pos- sible new candidate.

Personally, the four days of the meet- Sušice and Bad Kötzting choirs ing were full of work and arranging things, but also full of pleasure and not my matter as one of the peo- friendly meetings both with people I ple responsible for organizing the had met before and the new delegates. meeting.

On Thursday night the delegates saw We all tried to do our best and if there were some misunderstand- a performance of the children choir ings or faults (of course, there and dance and folk music band. Wel- come speeches by Mayor Petr Mottl were), we hope they will be forgot- ten and you will remember only and Vera Svobodova were followed by the good things about Sušice. a rich international dinner in the rooms of Sušice grammar school. PAGE 5 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

CHARLOTTE’S VIEW The 35th Douzelage Conference took place in Sušice, Czech Re- public from 29th April until 2nd May. To help the delegates get to know each other there were some ice breaker activities which made some of us feel very uncomfortable initially, as we had to stare into strangers eyes.

However we soon became more relaxed and confident. The fo- cus of the conference was an International Youth workshop Watchtower in the Šumava looking at ‘Impact of Human Activities on the Environment ideas on the various issues and to see the in Protected Nature Areas’. communication and debate develop be- tween the delegates. I feel that this con- Mr Jan Vancura from the Ba- tributed to a more positive outlook on varian National Park opened international communication. The work- proceedings with a very infor- shop itself was excellent. We were ex- mative lecture, which was fol- tremely fortunate to have access to such lowed up by a guided tour of the wonderful facilities. Šumava National Park. Each country produced a presentation on I felt it was extremely beneficial a National Park in their country. Some of to bring together youth of differ- the presentations were outstanding. ent nations to discuss environ- Much time and effort had been taken in mental issues. Although the the production of those informative pres- specific issues such as the Bark entations and it was fascinating to hear Beetle affecting Šumava may the various issues affecting the National vary from area to area the gen- Parks in a range of countries. eral issues show that our nations have much in common. Issues such as tourism and pollution We were able to discuss the dif- were frequently discussed. It was also ferent management levels and found that there are some issues very were able to see the stunning specific to certain countries and it was parklands for ourselves. interesting to hear how they are attempt- ing to tackle these. It was brilliant to collaborate PAGE 6 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

CHARLOTTE’S VIEW

These international youth experi- ences are extremely valuable not only as an exciting individual ex- perience but more importantly uniting nations for the good of all. These opportunities would not be possible without the time and commitment of all those who have helped to organise this and other events. I would therefore like to express the gratitude of all the delegates to everyone, who made this opportunity available to us and in particular Kevin Waterfall and the Douzelage Committee.

Sherborne Youth in the Šumava Charlotte Dawe

THOUGHTS OF A NEW VICE PRESIDENT

I had visited Sušice once before. In October 2007 I attended the final meeting of a Comenius project involving schools from Sušice, Bad Kötzting (Germany), Chojna (Poland), Türi (Estonia) and Sherborne Prep. I recall the hospitality and generosity of the families who hosted our pupils; and on that first visit I was struck by the cultural activity of the town, particularly their musical production of “Mr Pickwick” in the Smetana Hall.

On this occasion, the programme for the General Meeting began in the Smetana Hall, and the young people of the town entertained and impressed us with their musical virtuosity. We were introduced to the team of ladies who had organised the weekend. They were full of smiles and did a wonderful job.

In parallel with the General Meeting, a Youth Workshop took place. Our young delegates, Charlotte Dawe, Lucy James, Sami Mack and Hannah Phil- lipson, all represented Sherborne superbly - Sherborne can be proud of them. It was a particular pleasure to see Hannah as one of the young duo who made the presentation about the conclusions of the Youth Workshop to PAGE 7 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

THOUGHTS OF A NEW VICE PRESIDENT the final assembly of all delegates. in all 27 EU countries.

The General Meeting once again I have been in contact with Skofja displayed the astonishing variety of Loka in Slovenia. It is perfectly situ- projects carried out amongst all our ated, not far from Ljubljana but far partner towns. Warm tributes were enough away to be in the beautiful paid to the outgoing Vice-Presidents, foothills of the mountains of the Gunther Pecher and Alphonse Hen- north-west. It is regarded as the best rard, and Jeremy Barker gave an preserved mediaeval town in the eloquent and generous tribute to our country. I will also explore towns in retiring President, Ed Weber. Cyprus when I go there in July. I was delighted that Cezary Sala- Mario will look at towns in Bulgaria. monczyk was elected as the new President. He has been a long- My other focus as a V-P will be to standing friend of Sherborne and preserve the Douzelage tradition of a has become a personal friend of unique and successful partnership, many of us. which is run with an extraordinarily low-cost Presidency. In my new role as a Vice-President I look forward to working with him, Despite its growing size and complex- and also with Mario Calleja who was ity, we must not adopt an expensive the other delegate elected as a V-P. secretariat which might lead to mem- Mario is the Mayor of Marsaskala in bers coming under pressure from fac- , and therefore new to the tions in their towns about value-for- Douzelage, but he will be able to pro- money issues. I will be consulting vide a new pair of eyes in contrast to other towns about their views of the those of the old stagers: Cezary and current structure and whether, for myself. example, two V-P volunteers are enough. The three of us held a meeting over a beer in a cafe in the main square of The weekend programme in Sušice Susice. It is a grand square with the finished with a dinner on Saturday Town Hall situated in the middle night where dancers, choirs and mu- and some fantastic Renaissance sicians displayed the considerable houses around the sides. We agreed talents of the young and not-so- that one of our priorities is to iden- young. It is truly a remarkably cul- tify and invite towns from Slovenia, tured town. Cyprus and Bulgaria to bring the Mike Balfour Douzelage up to a full set of partners PAGE 8 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

First impressions from Douzelage freshmen

Douzelage – the place where It was amazing for us, freshmen friends meet of the Douzelage, to get the feel- ing of welcome and of friendship As new members, being at our first without many words or speeches, meeting we cannot lie and say that but by the attitude and gestures. we had no anxiety at all or that we This is when we realized that expect that everything will go so very this is what Douzelage is all smoothly. about, making friends and trans- forming these friendships in pro- There is a Romanian saying that the jects that help people to get to- first impression is the one that gether, to know each other and counts and we struggled that the first realize things together. We knew impression should be a positive one. all this from Ed Weber, when he But all the struggling and anxiety told us all about this organiza- disappeared from the first meeting tion and the confirmation we re- and the first evening. ceived in Sušice was overwhelm- ing. When the rooms where the interna- tional dinner took place and all the Being now part of Douzelage is flavors mixed together following the no longer a desire or an uncer- rules of a very eclectic European cui- tainty but a promise. We have sine, the people and the energy fol- met so many beautiful people in lowed by themselves. such a beautiful place and now we are not only happy but proud to be part of this European fam- ily. We are very aware that this

will not always be easy, that be- ing simply a member is not enough, but we will try to learn from the others and to bring to Douzelage some of the Siret and Bukovinean spirit.

Coming from a multicultural community and family, I am con- vinced that it will be only be a win-win situation for all of the projects that we will develop to- gether. In the same time we are Czech Heroines PAGE 9 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

First impressions from Douzelage freshmen

Our Romanian friends your real European mentality.

Now all that remains is to look at the future, so as to make it a more European friendly place. Coming from a recent totalitarian history we are very aware of the dangers of extremism. On the other hand we fully appreciate how out- standing results can develop from a democratic intercultural communi- cation.

We strongly believe that the Douzelage is more than about toler- very happy that our lack of experi- ance and accepting It is respecting ence and resources will be surpassed and learning from each other and by the experience and human re- thus sharing and enjoying living sources of our partners. together in a United Europe. Siret is and always has been situated at the very border of something. In Tiberiu Rotaru – member of Siret Moldavia, in the Austrian Empire, in Douzelage Community. Bukovina, Siret was the meeting point of cultures and civilizations.

Siret Painted Church On a small scale we can say that Siret is in the same time the place where the Catholic West meets the Orthodox East or the Balkanic South meets the European North.

Our culture and tradition are deeply influenced by these facts and we are used to share with other nationali- ties, and I hope that this can be one reason of our acceptance in Douze- lage. In the same time the kindness and the friendship of the people we met in Sušice are another proof of PAGE 10 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

MEMORIES OF 1991 BY André Gendre

As the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the Douzelage They have together outlined the approaches André Gendre from content of their future relationship. On Granville recalls the Press Saturday, European mayors presented Coverage of the time. their towns to an audience of leaders of associations, business leaders, econo- Ouest – on the 22nd of mic partners and personalities repre- May 1991 senting the French and European par- liament, the regional council, and other Three years ago (1988) a former interested parties. journalist from Paris, now retired in Granville, Andre Poirier was By achieving this major challenge ( it interested in approaching the is the first of its kind in France), Gran- opening of borders, bringing to- ville hopes to prove that Europe is not gether cities of similar size to ex- only at policy level in Strasbourg or change ideas and confront experi- Brussels???? ence in all areas : health, educa- tion, youth, arts, urban planning, sports, etc Ouest-france May 22 1991

Interested by the concept, Henry They had to do and they did. The event Haffray, vice-mayor, wanted to was created. give it shape. The project was am- bitious, vast opportunities and Not only did the mayors of eleven part- challenges. Henry Haffray decided ner towns meet in an atmosphere of to stand up and clear the obsta- mutual sympathy, but they signed the cles. Charter of small towns in Europe, con- firming their desire to continue their An association was created, spon- action for a Europe of citizens. sors were found, the town gave its support. The signing took place at Granville Town Hall, attended by the Prefect of After several months of enquiries, the Channel, Mr. Baer, a representa- work, the first meeting was held tive of France Jacques Delors, and last weekend in Granville. In fact, Colonel Lebe, representing the - the mayors of partner towns have pean Federation of United Cities. accepted the challenge.

PAGE 11 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

MEMORIES OF 1991 BY André Gendre

Sport, culture, economics are the three themes for the early exchanges. The organization of a tent city collecting five youngsters from each nationality for holidays and the estab- lishment of a cultural game between eleven partners, ideas advocated by Andre Poirier, were also discussed. To be added were artistic ex- changes, and other sports were to be added to pro- jects. A major exhibition on Europe is also planned for next year at Gran- ville. For all these pro- jects, it takes money. Grants from the EEC and the United Towns should help to achieve them.

Our dreams have be- come a reality that has exceeded all our hopes.

We hope to see you next year in Granville for the 20th anniver- sary of the Douzelage!

André Gendre PAGE 12 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

THE LITTLE PRINCE AT BELLAGIO

In the middle of the Easter holidays Villa Serbelloni three of us set of for Milan to take part in a theatre workshop organised by Douzelage. Our destination was Bella- gio. On the twisty, narrow roads around Lake Como the two hour drive was sometimes scary or at least to those who were awake.

In Bellagio we all stayed with separate families, which really gave us an insight into the culture of the area. Even their limited English and our Italian was in- deed limited, created a few laughs along and gelato. This also gave us time to the way. The first evening we dined get to know some of the other stu- with our families and some of us ex- dents. Among the 10 countries plored a little of the area. there we talked to people from Bel- gium and Slovakia. The next morning we went to the local school where we met the classmates of After lunch we started preparing our host family students. Then came the performance for the next eve- the theatre workshop and the rehears- ning. We then took a walk into Bel- als of the drama The Little Prince. We lagio’s centre and saw the lake. did many different things, from making That evening we all went to a buffet origami to film making, singing, drum- dinner at the local sporting club ming and drama. with our host families and teachers. We then had a yummy lunch of pasta On Saturday at the school we added the final touches to the per- Bellagio formance, followed by a picnic lunch Italian style of pizza and vanilla pudding.

That afternoon, although it was a blissful twenty five degrees, we had no time to sunbathe, but we went on a boat trip around Lake Como to see the breathtaking views. Cont.page 13 PAGE 13 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

EUROPE DAY CELEBRATION 9TH MAY

We also visited the botanical gardens of the Villa Melzi, which were amaz- ing, right on the lake side with a spe- cial museum dedicated to Napoleon. Then after a final dinner with our families we performed the Little Prince, which was the highlight of the trip.

It was amazing what we had put to- gether in two days with the help of local musicians and actors and all in Italian. The trip was a great experi- Pupils at Leweston School cele- ence, making friends along the way brated on Sunday the and we will remember it for a long 9th May 2010, by spending an time to come. We encourage anyone afternoon cooking a variety of who has the opportunity, to take it. European foods. The girls cooked You won’t regret it. We thank all of Danish pastries; Italian Pizza and the Sherborne Douzelage community, calazone; English scones with jam who made it possible for us to go. and clotted cream; Scottish oat cakes; Greek hummus and French Beth Richards, Jacinta Reynolds and tuile biscuits. This feast was en- Esmee Roach of Leweston School joyed by the girls, which included international and local boarding pupils, the school boarding staff, Villa Malzi Finn Bush the Art Teacher, Sue Larkin the Home Economics Teacher and Kevin Waterfall, who represented Sherborne Douzelage.

All the girls had a lot of fun and learnt something about Europe along the way. Gifts (kindly do- nated from the European social fund office) were given out to all the girls for their efforts at the end of the afternoon. Sue Larkin PAGE 14 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

OUR EURO TRAVEL CLUB

Sherborne Douzelage started a The highlights included the Semana series of evening events on Euro- Santa processions in Jan’s talk on pean Countries and Douzelage La Mancha, the Hungarian histori- Partner Towns, in September cal journey that Michael took us on, 2009 and running through to the Greek dancing and the Ouzo April 2010. from Mike as well as a host of enjoy- able and interesting aspects from This allowed people to experience Kevin, Michael Peart, Lin Ashby “Europe with ease”. and Sue with the girls from Leweston. The format was an illustrated talk and included flavours and Each evening had representative sounds of the various places. Each food of the , often too much evening was slightly different in for us to eat, and wine and soft content, depending on the coun- drinks were available. The series try, but included some video clips, produced relaxed social evenings for slide presentations, music, dance, anyone to come along. Those attend- food and drinks of the particular ing felt that they now knew more country or town. how the towns related to their region and in addition the funds We started in Sherborne House generated were very welcome. and then moved to the Parish Hall of the Catholic Church in We look forward to the resumption Westbury for 2010. The towns of the series this autumn when we presented were: start in The Catholic Church Hall,

Westbury on Thursday 16th Sep- Altea, Spain tember, followed by other 3rd Köszeg, Hungary Thursdays in the months over the winter period. Oxelösund, Sweden We hope to feature among other Preveza ,Greece partner towns Türi in Estonia , Bad Kötzting in Germany and Sušice in , Lithuania the Czech Republic and we look for-

ward to welcoming you there. Bellagio, Italy

Kevin Waterfall PAGE 15 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

35TH SUŠICE CONFERENCE—EDUCATION

At the Education Committee something’. meeting Stuart Atkinson of Nied- eranven, Luxembourg, took over the After school activities are also valu- leadership from Sherborne’s Paul able to parents as many families Carling, who has departed to teach have two parents who work or have in India. a single parent who needs support.

The theme of the meeting was after Opportunities also arose for young school activities, with most of the people to exchange with other part- partner towns giving presentations ner towns, Sherborne has two gap by teachers or youth leaders, about year students coming from Granville how the youth of each town are to work in the town during the sum- ‘entertained’ outside of school mer, as well as students from Cho- hours. jna, Poland .

Gymnasium Sušice In addition we have been approached by Bellagio in Italy as another two students would like to come to Sher- borne to improve their English. Zvo- len in Slovakia has offered a gap year place for a student on a youth exchange programme . Sue Larkin

TWINNING NEWS

A great weekend was spent in June with our new Belgian contact of La Hulpe. The Twinning Newsletter The discussion culminated with the will be out later in July with full consensus that after school activi- coverage of the many interesting ties should be fun, but in addition contacts made. they build confidence and independ- ence and widen social and commu- For further details on this and nity networks. But we should also other Twinning activities, contact not forget that children need the John Snell on 01935 - 813171. time to be alone or with friends, they don’t always have to be ‘doing PAGE 16 SHERBORNE DOUZELAGE JULY 2010

OUR COMMITTEE IN 2010

Acting Chairman: Kevin Waterfall Vice Chairman: Vacant Secretary: Mary Clothier Treasurer: Michael Morrell Education Chairman: Sue Larkin Newsletter Editor: Michael Morrell Publicity: Kevin Waterfall Twinning Representative: Scilla Copper

Other Members: Lin Ashby, Mike Balfour, Jeremy Barker, Lin Bygrave, Monica Havard, Michael Morton, Janet Parsons, Michael Peart, Moira Western, Sarah Whittick, Caroline Woodall

FUTURE EVENTS

Judenburg — 10th to 16th July Global Warming Youth camp

Sherborne - 1st to 29th August Work Experience in Hotel Manage- ment and Catering for students from Chojna

Sherborne — July and August Work Experience for students from Granville and Bellagio Au pair and Catering

Euro Travel Evenings - Türi, Bad Kötzting and Sušice for details see page 14

AGM 18th November Catholic Church Hall in Westbury. Come and meet some of those both young and old, who have visited other Douzelage towns this past year

Sherborne — Possible visits from our partner towns of Niederanven, and Marsaskala

20th Anniversary Conference in Granville 26th to 29th May 2011

For full details contact Mary Clothier on 01963 251255