About the Association

Otley became officially twinned with Montereau in 1980. Prior to that, exchanges had taken place between the students of the local school, the Rotary Club and Otliensians Rugby Club with their counterparts in Montereau.

The french translation of "Twinning" is "Jumelage". [Montereau is also twinned with"Walldurn" (Germany), Parades (Portugal) & Aydin (Turkey) ] Both towns have a twinning committee. The one in Otley operates independantly of the local Council, whereas in Montereau there is a political link and a degree of financial support. Although it is Otley itself that is twinned with Montereau, anybody living in or close by, with an interest in the area (and the French!) is welcome to participate.

The Association organises fund raising events over a two year period by means of:

..... so that when the families from Monereau visit us, we are able to extend hospitality in the form of outings, a formal dinner etc.

Their President (Comite de Jumelage de Montereau ) is Mr Leo Aieillo. The Vice president with responsibility for twinning with Otley is Mme Marguerite Matin. Our involvement in twinning can only he on a family exchange basis as we do not have the funding to undertake civic education, and sporting activities, but can facilitate introductions to other organisations.

Exchanges normally take place each year but in different directions ( Montereau visited Otley in October 2004 & March 2005)

They arrived Friday 25th March at Leeds Bradford Airport where they were introduced to their hosts, and left for their respective homes.
A reception held at Leeds Civic Centre at 9.30 am with a tour of the Leeds Civic Centre. The rest of the morning was spent either shopping or with their hosts.
Sunday. many were taken to York while others went to the farmers market.
Monday was spent on a tour of the Dales, and on Monday evening an official dinner was held at Otley Golf Club
Finally, on tuesday morning at 11.15 am they left for Montereau.
It was a very hectic, very productive and very enjoyable weekend where we met old friends who had been to Otley before, and made new friends who had come to Otley for the first time.

(..... and we are due to visit them for the 25th aniversary celebrations in June 2005).

When people from the Otley area visit Montereau, they traditional method of travelling was by coach (about 13 hours), but now they use JET2 which flies direct to Charles de Gaulle airport, and then stay with families so there are no accomodation costs.
Food and drink, along with associated traditions, is probably the aspect which makes a big impact on the first visit.The hospitality can be overwhelming - the obligatory aperitif and hors-d'oeuvre, dunking yesterday's bread in your coffee bowl at breakfast time, excellent wine selections, champagne, using the same plate and cutlery throughout the meal.... etc, etc, etc
Bon ami takes on a whole new meaning. To quote from someone (who will remain anonimous) "I don't have to eat again today - do I ?"

You do not have to be proficient at speaking French. A pocket dictionary and some well planned games of charades can do wonders!

We are always happy to welcome new members
Anyone interested in twinning and who can reciprocate in having a family from Montereau stay with them should contact:-

              Ken Daphne (01943) 465137 (Chairman)

              Hilda Morgan (01943) 464826 (secretary)

(see Officers)