2009 saw the formation of the Swanland Twinning Association at an inaugural General Meeting in March. Memberships were invited from interested parties and we now have 28 family and individual members numbering 53 in total. We decided to hold two or three events per year not including our actual twinning visits with Lestrem.

On July 14th Bastille Day we had a boules evening and fish and chips supper at Hessle Tennis Club as they have a boules court in situ.

On February 5th 2010 we had a musical evening and two course meal at Swanland Nurseries. Music was supplied by ‘Three for the Road’, a Cottingham trio including two of our own membership. Guest artistes were Shirley and John Waters with friends Carol and Brian Crossland, and local teacher David Thomas singing and playing the Welsh Harp.

These very successful occasions has stimulated interest in our Association and we look forward to further good times ahead.

On Monday March 15th there will be the AGM of the Association which takes place in the Swanland Village Hall at 7.00 for 7.30pm.

Plans are well in advance for our visit to Lestrem during the period May 1-3rd 2010. The party has taken shape at the time of printing February 6th. However, if you would like to accompany us please get in touch as soon as possible and we will see if there is more availability. This years visit will be special as it is the 10th Anniversary. Part of our group will be the Junior Soccer team from Swanland Football Club who will be playing a tournament in Lestrem. Adults on the visit will be able to tour the local area and spend time with their hosts. We expect to have a concert to celebrate the anniversary on one evening. On the Monday of our return we may visit Fromelles, the scene of the WW1 burials and the Australian Museum or spend the morning exploring Bethune, which is the largest town near to Lestrem rich in history but now a thriving modern place.

Events for the rest of the year will include a second boules evening on Bastille Day and champions Marie Wood and Meg Brumpton will be looking to retain their title. The Association will be serving cream teas during the Open Gardens day at Swanland in Manor Road. Finally our popular Quiz Night when the subjects are everything French connected will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday October 9th 2010. Come and join us. Au revoir.

Brendan Riley (Chairman)