What is twinning?
Twinning is a concept which emerged after the World War with a view to encouraging greater understanding and friendship between European countries. The basic premise is that it is more difficult to have hostile relations with people we know and understand. By building bridges, the dream of avoiding future warfare might be realised. In an expanded Europe it is now appropriate to get to know our European neighbours since we are subject to much of the same legislation under the umbrella of the European Parliament.
Blessing of the Shamrock Ceremony
16th March 2005- Templemore Arms Hotel
(L to R John Walsh Templemore Traders, Mayor Sergio Paolucci (Potenza
Picena) Francis Lacotte Prémilhat, Mayor Mick Connell.
This all began for Templemore back in May 2002 when the Town Council got a letter from Prémilhat, expressing an interest in twinning with an Irish town to establish and develop cultural, linguistic, educational an economic links between the two communities. Later that summer, Mr. Matt Short (Town Manager) who was holidaying in France, drove quite a distance to see the place from which the letter had come. He found a village in a rural setting in central Franc, on the outskirts of Montlucon, which, interestingly, has a Police College. He was warmly welcomed by the community there during his brief visit. Later it was decided to invite some representatives from Prémilhat to visit Templemore, with an open mind on the suitability of a twinning project. So, in May 2003, Madame Josiane Claeys and Monsieur Michel Passat arrived in Templemore for a week-end. They saw the local amenities, the shops, businesses and factories, visited Our Lady’s secondary School, the Garda College, went to the Tipperary and Clare Munster Championship hurling match and left with very positive impressions of the people and locality with hopes of furthering the project. As they were very interested, they later invited a delegation of four people to visit Prémilhat for their Autumn Festival in September 2003.
In Prémilhat, the delegation found a small friendly community. The town has a fine lake, popular for fishing and lovely lakeside walks. Most of the local people work and shop in Montlucon, an attractive, historic town of approx. 40,000.
Trains from Paris provide a direct route here.
A public meeting was held in The Templemore Arms in November 2003. Over 650 invites were issued to every household and business premises in Templemore, while all clubs and organisations were invited to discuss the viability of twinning. For twinning to succeed it needs whole community involvement. What can it offer the people of Templemore? In this ever shrinking world it can foster good relations; we can broaden our horizons, explore our similarities and appreciate our differences. We can take pride in our own traditions, history and environment, and discover those of other communities.
PRÉMILHAT June 05
Having a twin town should facilitate students, second and third level, seeking exchanges or jobs placements. The French wish for 2006 is to host two groups, a student group and a group of adults. Chairpersons of all clubs and organisations are again invited to become involved with a view to visiting their parallel group in France, and sharing their enthusiasm for angling, music, sport etc... Contact the Town Hall at 0504 31496 for details of meetings and French counterparts.
The first sports venture arising out of twinning was the Golf Tournament in July, sponsored by Seat Fahy & Ryan. Visiting teams played locally in 3 venues where the Irish, French and Italian counterparts enjoyed a few great days golfing.
It would be wonderful if further sporting links were established. Such events promote the local economy and highlight the attractions of the Irish countryside.
If you venture to France, there is much to be discovered in the Auvergne. The capital of the region is Clermont-Ferrand , where there is an airport. This busy country town is well known for the manufacture of Michelin tyres. It also boasts an annual film Festival. The region produces excellent water become it is an extinct volcanic area. One of the well known bottled brands, Volvic comes from here. From the summit of the Puy de Dome you can see the rounded shapes of hundred volcanoes. Also due to the quality of the water, there are spa towns such as Vichy and Neris-les-Bains which attract visitors for baths and curative powers.
The rivers are popular for canoeing and Kayaking. You will find trout, pike, and perch in the waters of the Sioule, Loire, Allier and their tributaries. Castles are abundant and lovers of history and architecture will find much to interest them in the Bourbonnais region, known as the land of a thousand and one chateaux. The Chateau des Ducs de Bourbon overlooks Montlucon.
The region of lakes and volcanoes is a gourmet heaven. Famous not only for its waters but also for its wine, its Saint-Pourcain vineyard is one of the oldest in France. Sample a glass with Charolais beef!
Lovers of cheese will appreciate the famous Saint-Nectaire or the Blue d’Auvergne. Thanks to its stock breeding tradition Auvergne produces high quality meats.
In contrast to Templemore, the Auvergne lends itself, because of its altitude, to the delights of Skiing. Winter sports enthusiasts have a wide range of activities from which to choose. Another novelty for the Irish would be hot-air ballooning or a guided tour around the heart of a volcano.
So whether the Templemore visitor seeks a new and different landscape or a place like home she/he can be guaranteed a flavour of both. Likewise our visitors here have much to learn about us and our heritage. Let’s remember to preserve the best of that. When they exclaim at the beauty of our surroundings perhaps it should motivate us to keep it litter-free and in pristine condition.
The Twinning Agreement was signed in The Town Park on Saturday 20th. August and a very large turnout enjoyed the Twinning Ceremonies as well as the refreshments where our Prémilhatois visitors met their new twin family. Varied entertainment was provided over the weekend with singing and dancing in Fitzpatricks in Clonmore on Friday night, 19th. August and in Sullivans of Killea on Sunday the 21st. August with another night of Irish song dance and culture.
For more information on the region see just click here Prémilhat
