Town to twin in France

POYNTON is to forge a new twinning agreement with a town in France a century after helping it rebuild after the First World War.

The Twinning Association of Poynton, which is already connected to Erd in Hungary, is in the final discussions to team up with Haybes which is in the Ardennes region in the north of the country.

The twinning, which aims to build friendships between individuals, groups and the council, is the result of relationships forged 102 years ago when people in Poynton donated money to help rebuild Haybes after it was destroyed by fire and bombs in the First World War.

Earlier this month a group of seven members from Poynton’s twinning group visited Haybes, seeing the town’s schools and college, leisure centre, camping site on the banks of the Meuse, charcuterie factory and aluminium factory.

Glenys Parry-Jones, the association’s secretary, said: “Our welcome was very warm and generous. We were met at the airport by the Mayor, Benoît Sonnet, and he accompanied us on all the excursions and for all the meals.

“They were extremely hospitable, providing gastronomic delights and an interesting few days visiting the area.”

A pre-twinning agreement was signed and it is hoped it will be ratified soon by Poynton Town Council.

A Haybes delegation is planning to visit Poynton later this year.