Most residents of Danbury, and visitors, and the many passing motorists on the main A414 road from Chelmsford to Maldon, will have seen our roadside signs - "DANBURY twinned with Altenglan & Croissy-sur-Seine" - or otherwise will have heard something of our activities from newspaper reports or from friends or Members of our Association - but without really appreciating the full extent of our activities or thinking that there is anything in it for them!

To begin with, our Association was founded in 1981 as an independent organisation run and entirely financed by its own members. The membership number around 60 families living in Danbury, Little Baddow and other neighbouring villages, and we are now firmly established and recognised as one of the go ahead Twinning Associations in Essex.

Altenglan.  Our first twin town in 1982 was that of Altenglan in Germany, a similar village situation as ourselves, in beautiful countryside, and surrounded, as we are, by a number of smaller villages, most of which participate fully in the twinning.  Initially visits were made to, and received from Altenglan every year, but this has become every other year.  A coach is arranged, so far always over the last weekend in August, and this year cost each participant £100.  Individuals also arrange their own visits.

Croissy-sur-Seine.  Then in 1988 we twinned with Croissy-sur-Seine in France.  A very different situation from Altenglan, a busy town and residential area just 10 minutes from the centre of Paris, Croissy is placed along the river Seine, and is very picturesque.  There are many old buildings and a wealth of things to see and do.  And many famous places around Paris are within easy reach, Versailles, Fontainebleau, Chantilly, we have visited them all.  The British School of Paris is situated in Croissy, and thus many English people are already living there.  As with Altenglan our annual visits have now become every two years, and again, individuals make their own arrangements..

Triangular Twinning.  In 1990 Altenglan and Croissy also twinned to form a triangular partnership, and we all joined together in Altenglan to celebrate this union.

Monthly Meetings.  In order to meet together, to raise funds, and to have a social occasion, Danbury Twinning have been holding monthly meetings over the last 25 years.  A variety of speakers and items take place, not always on twinning related subjects.  We have an annual barbecue, mystery outing, quiz, musical evening, and bottle and dish meals.  All these take place on the first Thursday of every month in the Church Meeting Room (of the parish church of St. John the Baptist).  Most meetings are free, we do hold a raffle which covers expenses, and there is an annual membership fee of £7.50.  But do come along one month to see what we do, and there is every chance you will meet someone you know.

For more information contact us by e-mail at DanburyTwinning.

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