KEEPING THE AULD ALLIANCE ALIVE
For four decades Kilsyth Town Twinning Association has been upholding a link with the French town of Meulan near Paris.
Over the years, while staying in
Meulan, we have taken part with our hosts in many and varied activities –
sailing along the
A church service has been
conducted by Kilsythians in Meulan, we have fielded unforgettable football teams
there and Kilsyth Lennox Golf Club continue to
make annual exchange visits with the golfing fraternity of Meulan. On
occasion the Scottish and French town-twinners have proudly marched together
through the streets of Meulan led by Kilsyth Thistle Pipe Band.
The Kilsyth Chairman is
a talented singer and she entertains with
folk songs in both French and English (‘Je ne regrette rien’ has become an
annual ‘must sing’ and a sort of signature tune you might say)
We participated in a Meulan
poetry competition (and had a Scottish
finalist) and our Scottish Country Dance Team gave a demonstration of The
Lancers, in return for which some of our Gallic friends danced The Can-Can while
others gave a superb display of classical ballet.
When the Meulanais come to
Kilsyth, hospitality is returned in the Scottish manner, which as well as the de
rigeur whisky-tasting has included Burns suppers and Hallowe’en dooking ;
But no matter whether in
To minimize costs and allow
maximum participation, the association organises fund raising events throughout
the year such as ceilidhs, whist drives, barge cruises – all most enjoyable,
perhaps because of the wide age range of members which is always a good recipe
for harmony in any group of people.
North Lanarkshire Council are
always most helpful to the association, both in direct
financial terms and in the hosting of a Civic Reception for each visit
and this is much appreciated.
And what is done specifically in
the interests of young people?
In the early days, in the late
sixties, two language students sponsored jointly by
For several years the association
succeeded in establishing and maintaining after-school French language classes
for children of primary school age.
Taught by a native speaker
the language was imparted
to the children through singing and games
which hopefully were then
passed on to their wee brothers and sisters.
Of course, town-twinning gives all
the members a golden opportunity to take up French or brush up on it and at
least one young man very successfully based his career on the language -
inspired by a town-twinning visit while still at school - and he now organises
French classes for members and others.
Some years ago we arranged for a
French-speaking theatrical company ( following their appearance at the
In Kilsyth can be found many
symbolic reminders of the links between the towns. For example in 1989, to
celebrate United Nations year of Peace, Burngreen was designated a
In 1989, to commemorate the 21st
anniversary of the Kilsyth/MeulanPact, a special tree was planted in the wooded
area above the Curling Pond.
In Meulan one of the town squares
has been named Place Kilsyth.
In planning for the future, there
are great expectations for the introduction of many more citizens to their
counterparts in Meulan who may share similar interests. Wider involvement of the
community of each town with the other could perhaps even lead to workplace
exchanges, commercial links, tourism….
High-flown ideas these may be, but
they are ideals not impossible to attain, given that a very solid foundation of
friendship has already been laid and is constantly being strengthened.
Further
information on membership of
Meetings are held in the committee room of