Stilton Village website: Twinning Association

St. Christol is a village deep in the south of France.
It has three primary schools and a hotel. It lies close to a major north-south route (though not as close as Stilton!) The former mining town of Alès is nearby. In the past there were bitter religious struggles all around. It is part of an important agricultural area and produces excellent wine, and it is on the edge of the dramatic hills and gorges of the Cévennes. So you can see that there are some interesting similarities and differences between our two villages.

St Christol centre

The 18th century "Pyramid" in the centre of St. Christol - just across the road from the bakers!

"Doing work experience in St. Christol was a fantastic experience, full of friendly and helpful people. I spent two weeks working at the St. Christol Primary School and creche, which improved my French and enabled me to meet up with old friends again."

The twinning was made official at a ceremony in the mairie of St Christol lez Alès in July 1997. One year later the impressive charter was signed in the courtyard of the Bell Inn at Stilton.


The twinning charter	Young people from each village read out the twinning oath

It was very moving listening to the Lord's Prayer when it was spoken simultaneously in English and French during the visit of the young people's church groups to Stilton.

Exchanging houses with a French family with five teenaged children that we had never met before might have been a disaster! However, we had a great time …. Our house and garden were spotless when we returned …. and since then the family have become good friends!
A great success!

To raise funds, the association organises regular village activities such as quiz nights and fashion shows. The money is used to subsidise young people's visits to St Christol and hospitality for visitors from France.

The first time we planned a Safari meal (small groups of people meet consecutively in three different houses to share a meal and then gather together again in one central point to have coffee ... and more wine!), quiet bets were going on that on such a large scale it would not, could not work. But it did, thanks to the impeccable planning of the organiser and the good humour of the participants. Everyone had a grand time enjoying delicious home made starters, main courses and desserts, with pleasant and varied company. Even the near manic rush between houses was fun!

Since the twinning began, youth groups have made exchange visits, young people have had opportunities to undertake work experience in another country, and families have enjoyed holidays in each other's homes. Many friendships have flowered and show every sign of lasting.

Youth Trip to St. Christol

….. a packed programme with a wide variety of sports and trips! The older youngsters quickly renewed friendships and the younger ones enjoyed their first exchange and are looking forward to the next one in October

To find out more about the activities of the twinning association, phone Chris Walford (241376) or Olive Main (241206), or e-mail us.