The setting up of the Overton Twinning Association
The idea for the twinning partnership arose out of a Village Appraisal carried out by Overton Community Council in 1989. In response to the views expressed in the Appraisal, it was agreed in principle that the community of Overton should be twinned with a community in France of comparable size and possessing a similar social and economic structure. And so in 1990, a start was made to try and find the right partner.
An illustrated presentation pack describing Overton was prepared and an application made to the International Local Government Bureau in London, who then passed it to their counterpart in Lyon, France. They then matched the application with similar villages in France who were looking for a twinning link with a village in the U.K.
However, it was a long drawn out process, and it was not until December 1992 that Overton received a similar presentation document from La Murette. In April 1993, the Chairman and Vice-chairman visited La Murette to meet the Mayor and the local council to decide whether it would be an appropriate partner. Likewise Overton received a visit from the Mayor of La Murette and his deputy in October 1993. From those meetings, it was agreed that the two communities should enter into a twinning partnership.
The wheels were then put in motion and a delegation from Overton travelled to La Murette for an official Twinning Ceremony on the 2nd July 1994 when a Charter was signed and a yew tree planted to symbolise everlasting peace and friendship. Then, on the 24th September 1994, over 40 French visitors came to Overton to take part in Overton’s official ceremony, which was attended by the European Member of Parliament, the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, and other civic dignitaries. A Twinning Stone was unveiled by the Mayor of La Murette, Monsieur Rene Blanchet and the Chairman of Overton Community Council, Alan Edwards.
Since that time, there have been exchange visits each year between the two villages, and a sincere and genuine friendship has developed between members of each community.
For further information contact Glynis Farley - 01978 710455.