3773 quark 16/06/2005 5:18 pm Page 1 Douzelage: (pronounced as in “fuselage”) noun – a Does Douzelage have political aims? name created by combining the French words douze Its Constitution defines it as a ‘non-sectarian and non-party-political body’ whose aims for twelve – the number of EU states when formed – and are to ‘promote and foster the spirit of Europe’ and to establish links of various kinds jumelage for twinning between the towns ‘for the mutual benefit of the inhabitants thereof’. By its very Douzelage brings together one small town from each European nature, Douzelage supports the broad concept of a peaceful Europe, based upon Union member country to foster opportunity and friendship amongst friendship between people in their local communities and respect for diversity. Beyond all the people of the member towns. Cultural, educational and sporting this, Douzelage, both locally and internationally, has no political aims. exchanges lie at its heart, as well as potential for commercial and tourism initiatives. The Douzelage movement was conceived in 1989 by the Sherborne/Granville Twinning Association. Its Charter was signed in Granville in 1991 and the movement received Is this the same as town twinning? pan-European recognition with the award of a Twinning Gold Star by the European Douzelage is part of a new kind of European networking among ordinary citizens, with Commission in 1993. As the EU expands, so new member towns are invited to join many of the strengths of twinning but with a much wider spread of contacts. The Douzelage. guiding principles (e.g. wide community participation) are the same as those of the Sherborne Douzelage Sherborne Douzelage is a non-political organisation run by the people of Sherborne. Its twinning movement. Membership of Douzelage is based upon signature of the constitution gives free membership to everyone living in and around Sherborne. The Constitution, which commits member towns to ongoing participation in the network. Committee running its affairs welcomes ideas and support from you, its members, to Whereas twinning is normally focussed on one or two partners, Douzelage comes into foster friendship and opportunity across Europe. its own with each member having a partner in every other EU country eager to foster opportunity and friendship across Europe. Who pays for Douzelage activities? In principle, Douzelage activities are self-funding with some project support from local authorities and the EU. Visits abroad for management meetings are paid for personally by participants. A proportion of funds raised by voluntary efforts, together with a Where can I find more information? generous donation from the Digby Trust, have been set aside to form the Sherborne Visit the website, which has links to all the member towns’ own websites Douzelage Youth Travel Fund, to ensure that activities for young people are accessible and other useful sources, or contact one of the following Committee to all. members: Who benefits? Jeremy Barker (European President 1997-2003) Opportunity & Friendship The main emphasis has been on youth, with cultural visits and exchanges arranged Tel: 01935 816764 • Email: [email protected] through schools and clubs, covering a wide range of activities. Local cultural, sporting, Mike Balfour business and community organisations also foster exchanges. Sherborne benefits Across Europe through exposure of its history and amenities to its partner towns throughout Europe. Tel: 01935 817338 • E-mail: [email protected] It has played host to many official and private visitors from these towns. General Chris MacAdie meetings are held twice-yearly with themes that encourage the exchange of ideas and Tel: 01935 814067 • E-mail: [email protected] best practice in areas such as education, social issues, the environment and rural regeneration. How is it organised? Local Organisations that have taken part in recent Douzelage activities: Sherborne Douzelage is a non-profit-making body governed by a Constitution. An T he people of Sherborne executive Committee, with participants drawn from a wide cross-section of the Sherborne Schools community, oversees its activities. Two members of the Town Council are ex officio and surrounding villages, Sherborne Historical Society members of the Committee. There is an Education Sub-Committee (covering all as the members of Sherborne Douzelage, aspects of youth work and activity), and other sub-committees are formed as Sherborne Under 16s Football Club necessary. Committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting are open to all Sherborne Football, Golf, Rugby and Tennis Clubs are linked with citizens of partner towns members: the people of Sherborne and surrounding villages. Not only was Sherborne Adventure Scouts and Sherborne Youth Club across Europe in Culture, Education, Sport, one of the founders of Douzelage, it has always been a particularly active participant. Arts Link and Sherborne Town Band The Presidency of the Europe-wide Douzelage revolves amongst the member towns, Commerce and Tourism Sherborne Businesses and Sherborne takes its turn in hosting the general meetings. How can local people become actively involved? Do you have an interest in learning more about our diverse European neighbours? Are you a member of a local school, club or association? Would you like to take part in a Some key European Union facts: visit, exchange or event with a partner town? If so, Sherborne Douzelage can help put you in touch. The EU started in 1958 with six member countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands). Denmark, Ireland and the UK joined in 1973, followed by A variety of projects and activities are ongoing or being planned - read all about them on the websites, keep in touch via the regular newsletter, or attend one of the Greece 1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986. Austria, Finland and Sweden joined in 1995. quarterly social events publicised locally. Help is always welcome with hosting our The 2004 enlargement added the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, European guests, and providing work placements and accommodation for young people Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia to make a total of 25 member countries. keen to expand their horizons and improve their English language skills. Taking part in Bulgaria and Romania are expected to join in 2007. Sherborne House, Newland, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3JG local fundraising events and generally building support for the organisation in the spirit of friendship, cooperation and respect, helps to enrich the life of the local Freedom of movement is one of the key benefits for EU citizens and for the www.douzelage.org community. operation of Douzelage. www.sherbornetown.co.uk 3773 quark 16/06/2005 5:18 pm Page 2 Karkkila Finland # # # Sigulda Latvia A small iron-foundry town in an ice-age # # A town in the Vidzeme Region situated in # # landscape one hour west of Helsinki. A # # the most picturesque part of the primeval cultural centre for the region. # # # Gauja valley. Reddish sandstone forms DOUZELAGE steep rocks and caves on both banks of Türi Estonia the river causing Sigulda to be called the The spring capital of Estonia, this medieval Switzerland of Vidzeme. town is one of the greenest in the country, Douzelage Partner Towns situated on the shores of the river Pärnu, Lithuania with an artificial lake enabling water sports c European Community 2005 A Partner Town in Lithuania is expected in the summer and skiing in the winter. to join Douzelage in due course. Oxelösund Sweden A new town dominated by its steel Chojna Poland works and port, it enjoys excellent Situated just over the Oder from communications by road, air and sea (to Germany and much battered in the war, its nearby archipelago and beyond in the the town itself still retains its medieval Baltic), 100 km south of Stockholm. wall and its magnificent church is being steadily returned to its ancient glory. Bundoran Ireland A family holiday resort on Donegal Bay Meerssen Netherlands with clean, sandy beaches, good surfing, Close to the German and Belgian borders fishing, golf and horse riding as well as a and the Provincial capital, Maastricht, this Waterworld heated, indoor, water historic town is set in undulating green adventure centre. countryside. Holstebro Denmark Niederanven Luxembourg The culture and business centre of west A small town east of the capital near the and central Jutland, with high-tech laser Aarnescht nature reserve and the sculpture, music, theatre, fishing and golf. Grüenewald forest, it has a golf course, vineyards and, in July, hosts the Sherborne United Kingdom International Horse Show. A beautiful small market town set in the verdant rolling countryside of Dorset Susice Czech Republic close to the World Heritage status At some 500 metres above sea level, the Jurassic Coast. It has a Benedictine Abbey town lies on the main trade route and is founded in 705AD, two castles and the gateway to the central Sumava< prestigious schools. mountains. A thirteenth century Slav settlement on the banks of the gold- Sesimbra Portugal Kötzting Germany bearing Otava river. A photogenic fishing port and tourist A delightful town in the Bavarian National Park close to resort some 50 km south of Lisbon, with the Czech border. Hill walking in the summer, skiing in wonderful beaches on the Costa Azul and Slovakia the winter, locally brewed beer all year round. a mountainous backdrop of the Arrábida A Partner Town in Slovakia is expected National Park. to join Douzelage in due course. Granville France Bellagio Italy One of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como, with On the Bay of Mont St. Michel, an Köszeg Hungary breathtaking views, elegant hotels, villas and gardens. historic town built on a high rock jutting This charming medieval town, situated 2 Open-air concerts, walking, rock-climbing and into the sea. Long sandy beaches and a km from the Austrian border, and some appreciating nature and wild flowers complete the scene.