Romsey Twinning Association needs new blood, says chairman

During a conversation over Zoom, Roland Matthews said that 'ageing members and a lack of new blood' is the group's main concern. 

He said the association needs to improve general awareness in Romsey if it is to attract new members who can keep the group running. There are currently 67 members.

The core activities of RTA, which Mr Matthews admits can go under the radar, include sending and receiving delegates between the French, German, and Italian towns of Paimpol, Battenberg, and Treviglio.

He said: “In addition to the twinning exchanges we normally hold an annual dinner in a local restaurant, an AGM and an annual quiz night, with occasional other social and fundraising activities. Festivals and town-wide events give us a big opportunity to put our activities and what we are about in the spotlight."

READ MORE: Former ambulance worker opens sewing machine repair business

After suffering limited contact during Covid, Mr Matthews said the group is keen for twinning activities to be resumed, with aims to timetable more music events and sporting fixtures between local and twin teams, as has taken place in the past.

He said: “Twinning relationships rely not only on communication but a physical presence too.

"In-person contact is a crucial demonstration of commitment."

So far a theatre group from Treviglio has agreed to participate in Beggars Fair with stilt performers, as well as attend the Plaza for three days for the Romsey Festival in July.

In 2021, an ambitious event that hoped to unite representatives from all three twins in Romsey for the first time in 60 years of friendship with Paimpol, coinciding with the Romsey Festival, was cancelled - again due to Covid.

SEE ALSO: Mother left 'devastated' after son is refused place at village school

At present, there are no plans to re-organise.

Mr Matthews said: “We have to tread lightly about any events we plan just because of the logistics, and the fact all members are volunteers. People have to get involved if they want these things to happen."

Today the relevance of twinning is constantly being challenged, especially in an online and post-Brexit age.

Mr Matthews said: “It's a great thing to have.

“It shows Romsey is outward looking. And it safeguards educational values and the celebration of other cultures. Experiencing different sounds, smells, tastes.

"It looks impressive to outsiders as a lively and cultured place to be, which encourages tourism. It still has relevance to businesses and those who appreciate the tradition. Plus it is cost effective. We are not a financial drain on the public because we fund ourselves, but our activities do benefit the community."

To find out more about Romsey Twinning and how to get involved, contact their email: romseytwinning@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.