10:00am Sunday 26th February 2012
By James Tourgout
PLANS are being launched to formally cement the twinning of Lyme Regis with the Normandy town of Barfleur.
A public meeting is being held by Lyme Regis and Barfleur Twinning Association on March 1 to update residents on progress and take ideas for the link-up.
There are also proposals to visit the French town in May for Bastille Day on July 14.
Chairman of the Lyme Regis group John Dover said: “Apart from our members, we would be delighted to see anyone else interested in joining the association at the Guildhall meeting on March 1.
“The evening will provide an opportunity for current and prospective members to meet and socialise.
“Apart from individuals we are keen that organisations such as football clubs, schools, the lifeboat service and sailing clubs on both sides of the channel will also get involved.”
It is hoped that charters formally setting up links between the towns will be signed during 2012.
Barfleur is in the Manche department of Normandy in north west France and has a population of just under 1,000.
Historically, it has been a point of departure to cross the Channel from France to England. William the Conqueror is said to have departed from Barfleur in 1066 for the invasion of England.
Richard the Lionheart also passed through the port on his return home following the Crusades and his imprisonment by the Holy Roman Emperor.
The twinning meeting is being held at the Guildhall in Lyme Regis at 7.30pm.
There will be refreshments and a raffle.
Plans for a visit by a group from Barfleur will also be discussed. All are welcome to the meeting.
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